Genetic Engineering Summary and Analysis

In this essay, Sedaris revisits his childhood again with a humorous tale about his father, and how different a father and son can be. Sedaris explains that his father, Lou, is an engineer with an unfailing interest in explaining the inner workings of everyday objects. It is Lou's intelligence and genuine interest in how things work, and Sedaris's lack thereof, that amazes Sedaris.

Evidently all of the Sedaris children take after their mother. Unlike Lou, if Mrs. Sedaris or her children are asked how an air conditioner works, any one of them is likely give a funny and nonsensical explanation, like squirrels with ice cubes in their mouths.

To exemplify this family resemblance, Sedaris once again flashes back to a memorable day during his childhood. On this particular day, the Sedaris family is enjoying their annual summer vacation on...