David Sedaris
Originally from Johnson City, New York, David Sedaris is an author and humorist best known for his satirical and darkly humorous autobiographical essays and short stories. According to the Chicago Tribune, Sedaris “has become one of America’s pre-eminent humorists.” He’s written over ten best-selling books, including Barrel Fever, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.
Since Sedaris is a master of wit, his works are often structured as anecdotes, filled with elements of surprise, outrage, and humor. As a child, he was an avid reader, and although he attended college to become a writer, in order to make ends meet, he had to take odd jobs like working as an elf at Macy’s. Eventually he found success as a humorist after he started sending his essays to NPR. Today, Sedaris continues to travel for speaking engagements and book signings.
One of the most popular and yet complex works by Sedaris is Me Talk Pretty One Day. In this collection of autobiographical essays, Sedaris juxtaposes biting observations of current events, human behavior, and life as an immigrant of Greek heritage. He takes a critical, often biting look at relationships, language, culture, and society, poking fun at himself and those around him in humorous ways.
The title piece has become a beloved classic for its unforgettable scenes, often deemed too outrageous for the stage. In it, the protagonist goes to France to learn the language, only to find himself the constant subject of ridicule. Through the narrator’s experience, we gain insight into his relationships with other students, teachers, and the French culture in general.
In Barrel Fever, Sedaris offers readers a collection of stories and essays filled with his trademark wit and whimsy. From stories about a toddler who sparkles to a person who is infatuated with the smell of gasoline, Sedaris covers a vast range of topics. This work is perfect for those who need a dose of laughter and levity, as it is both hilarious and oddly touching.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is another of Sedaris’ beloved masterpieces, and InsideHook summarized it as a book “all about how the Sedaris clan relates to each other in the strangest, most relatable, wittiest ways.” Through stories of family and friends, Sedaris examines how, in spite of its many flaws, family remains one of our most beloved and important gifts.
Overall, David Sedaris is an iconic author whose works are beloved by readers from all backgrounds. His writing style is deceptively simple, often capable of completely turning a reader’s expectations on their head. His works have helped to define comedy in the early twenty-first century and illustrate just how inventive and unhinged his mind can be. So, if you’re looking for a unique and funny read, David Sedaris is sure to provide.
