A Carnival of Snackery

Diaries (2003-2020)

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris, Tracey Ullman

Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice

There’s no right way to keep a diary, but if there’s an entertaining way, David Sedaris seems to have mas­tered it.

If it’s navel-gazing you’re after, you’ve come to the wrong place; ditto treacly self-examination. Rather, his observations turn outward: a fight between two men on a bus, a fight between two men on the street, pedestrians being whacked over the head or gathering to watch as a man considers leap­ing to his death. There’s a dirty joke shared at a book signing, then a dirtier one told at a dinner party - lots of jokes here. Plenty of laughs.

These diaries remind you that you once really hated George W. Bush, and that not too long ago, Donald Trump was just a harm­less laughingstock, at least on French TV. Time marches on, and Sedaris, at his desk or on planes, in hotel dining rooms and odd Japanese inns, records it. The entries here reflect an ever-changing background - new administrations, new restrictions on speech and conduct. What you can say at the start of the book, you can’t by the end. At its best, A Carnival of Snackery is a sort of sampler: the bitter and the sweet. Some entries are just what you wanted. Others you might want to spit discreetly into a napkin.

©2021 David Sedaris (P)2021 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“Sedaris is a singularly talented humorist who lands acerbic zingers with the calculating precision of a kamikaze pilot.... Throughout the colorful, caustic yarns that fill his best-selling essay and story collections, he’s maintained league-of-his-own status by staying light on his feet: Just when you’re expecting a wry jab, he clocks you with a poignant gut punch.” (Rachel Rosenblit, Washington Post)

“Deeply satisfying.... the diaries are as clear, direct and funny as his essays.... [Sedaris] has such a gift for illuminating small things.” (Liana Finck, New York Times Book Review)

“Uproarious… a must for Sedaris fans.” (Lesley Kennedy, CNN)

Dramatically hilarious and honest!

I’ve read and/or listened to as many books or essays that David Sedaris writes or speaks on. His voice is soothing and the joke timing is well placed and executed! 10/10 would recommend to everyone over the age of 18! Bravo!

David Sedaris never fails to make me laugh

I think it’s wonderful how David Sedaris reveals all sides of his personality: Coward, genius, comedian, Unhappy son, and so on. His take on common things and uncommon things is so wonderful. His writing is fresh and full of braggadocio, humility, and honesty. I love everything he does! I really hope to run into him in Japan one of these days!

I'm so sad it's finished!!

I've been watching the remaining hours and minutes decline with a sense of sadness, while simultaneously delighting in the book itself. I love David Sedaris, and while I don't think he could put out a book I didn't pre-order in audio and print forms, some ARE better than others. This one is really a joy, and together with Theft By Finding is a fabulous look into the mind of an author I would love to be like, love to meet. But in addition to that, this book and Theft By Finding give me the impression that we could be friends, perhaps should be. Obviously that's not a practical thought and downright creepy if intended literally, but the intimacy of journal excerpts generally tends to nurture tiny, harmless versions of those kinds of thoughts. As with every other Sedaris book, I'm certain I will listen to it a second and then a third time.

Evil giggling

I find myself giggling like the dark hearted tramp I really am deep in my soul. Thank you for saying what we are really all thinking and saying it in such an entertaining way!

Ullman added to the mix makes it a masterpiece

Every Sedaris book is great. And his diary entries are never dull - at least not the ones he lets us read. But Tracy Ullman’s performance in Snackery is absolutely incredible. At first it’s easy to take for granted how she’s reading the words on the page, but when I started to really listen to her I realized she’s putting on a fantastic rendition.

I am in love.

I’m not sure how it’s taken so long to meet this wonderfully dark and dry man, but I have discovered my new favorite author. I literally did a spit take during this book. I laughed out loud at traffic lights and welled up while working alone in my studio. 10/10. Thank you for existing, Mr. Sedaris.

Two voices Twice as nice

I was really hoping I didn’t make a mistake because I read the review from the reader who was so disappointed the book wasn’t read by the author, she had to return it. Maybe I was more prepared to hear TU, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear both read the whole thing. Sedaris’s voice always adds to the text, but so does Ulman’s. Even when she is reading his voice is loud and clear. I laughed out loud quite a few times. Sedaris’s stories never get old.

lmao

it very funny. he do talk pretty now. very good words. they do good. swag.

Hilarious

This listen is really funny and very entertaining. Great for listening while driving, cooking or other activity. It’s la chronological stream of consciousness walk with Sedatis.

Ignore the haters!

I've read and listened to multiple Sedaris books. After reading a review that recommended giving this book a chance, I decided to do so, figuring I could return it if it turned out to be disappointing.
It was a good decision. I have thoroughly enjoyed its material and both of its narrators.
It may be slightly different from what his fans are accustomed to, but the humor is all his, and just as abusing as ever.
Don't miss out because so many readers were opposed to the new presentation style.