David Sedaris is one of the most popular essayists currently working today. Discovered by Ira Glass reading excerpts from his diary, Sedaris' collections of autobiographical essays regularly top best seller lists and his work on NPR's ''This American Life'' has earned him widespread critical acclaim. He's related to actress Amy Sedaris and the two have worked on a series of plays. He's the darling of the brainy set, and his dry wit and worldliness set him squarely at the top of the pile. Most know him from his work on ''This American Life'' or from his legendary speaking tours. Half the fun of Sedaris' work is watching him read it live. He's a witty speaker and his theatrical skills come out when reading on his tours.
"If you aren't cute, you may as well be clever."
David Sedaris' essays are humorous autobiographical tales of his middle-class youth, his life in France with his partner, drugs, weird jobs, homosexuality, life, death, and other oddities. He writes in an engaging, conversational tone, and his stories are sometimes sad, sometimes embarrassing, but always hilarious.
David Sedaris' published works include:
* ''Barrel Fever'': Sedaris' first collection includes "SantaLand Diaries", the story of his time working as a department store Santa's elf, which would later be read on ''This American Life'' and solidify his career.
* ''Naked'': At once funny and dark, this collection touches on Sedaris discovering his sexuality and the death of his mother.
* ''Holidays on Ice'': A collection of essays on the holidays. I haven't read it yet, but I hear it's good.
* ''Me Talk Pretty One Day'': Stories from this collection were nearly filmed by director Wayne Wang before Sedaris backed out over concerns of how his family may be portrayed.
* ''Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim'': Probably my favorite collection of his work, this book deals with Sedaris' family and upbringing.
* ''Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules'': A fictional anthology edited by Sedaris for the 826 project. Contains work by several major writers.
* ''When You Are Engulfed in Flames'': This collection contains my favorite essay of his: the reflection on mortality tale "Memento Mori".
