Get To Know: David Sedaris

Born on December 26, 1956, in Johnson City, New York, Sedaris grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, as one of six siblings. His family life and experiences in North Carolina have been recurring themes in his work, particularly his relationships with his parents and siblings, including his sister, Amy Sedaris, who is also a well-known writer and comedian.

Sedaris gained national recognition in 1992 when he read his essay “SantaLand Diaries” on National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Morning Edition.” The essay, which humorously recounts his time working as a Christmas elf at Macy’s department store in New York, resonated with audiences and catapulted him into the public eye. This success led to a regular role as a contributor on NPR and eventually to the publication of his first book, *Barrel Fever* (1994), a collection of essays and short stories.

His follow-up books, including *Naked* (1997), *Me Talk Pretty One Day* (2000), and *Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim* (2004), solidified his reputation as one of America’s most beloved humorists. Sedaris’ work often explores themes of family, identity, and the absurdities of everyday life, delivered with a mix of dry humor, self-deprecation, and a sometimes biting honesty.

In addition to his books, Sedaris has been a frequent contributor to “The New Yorker” and other magazines. He is also known for his live readings, which have become hugely popular events, drawing large audiences around the world. His distinctive voice and delivery style have made him a favorite on the public reading circuit, and his audiobooks are highly regarded, often being nominated for and winning awards.