David Sedaris: American Humorist, Essayist and Performer

Style and themes

Sedaris's voice is characterized by economical sentences, a dry delivery and a readiness to expose personal foibles. Recurring subjects include childhood memories, siblings and parents, the experience of being gay, and the absurdities of daily life. Critics note his skill at turning small incidents into essays that reveal larger social or emotional truths. To read samples and commentary, consult critical notes.

Major works

• Barrel Fever (1994) — a debut collection mixing short stories and essays; early readers saw it as an introduction to his voice. See details.
• Naked (1997) — a widely read collection of essays that expanded his audience; it received the Randy Shilts Award for Gay Non-Fiction in 1998. Background and reviews are available at sources.
• Me Talk Pretty One Day (1999) — another best-selling collection notable for its linguistic humor and pieces about living abroad; more information: read more.
• Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (2004) — a mix of family stories and personal essays; Sedaris recorded the audiobook himself.

Aside from print, Sedaris frequently performs readings of his work. His live presentations and recordings have reached audiences on radio and in theaters, and his audiobook narration for Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim earned a high-profile nomination: the recording was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. For audio and performance archives, see audio references.

Reception of Sedaris's work ranges from enthusiastic praise for his wit and candor to criticism that his persona can sometimes overshadow subtler literary aims. Nevertheless, his influence on contemporary humorous memoir and the modern essay is widely acknowledged. For an entry point into his essays, collections and public readings, consult the linked resources above.