Naked

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris, Amy Sedaris

Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Welcome to the hilarious, strange, elegiac, outrageous world of David Sedaris. In Naked, Sedaris turns the current mania for the memoir on its proverbial ear, mining the exceedingly rich terrain of his life, his family, and his unique worldview, a sensibility at once take-no-prisoners sharp and deeply charitable. A tart-tongued mother does dead-on imitations of her young son's nervous tics, to the great amusement of his teachers; a stint of Kerouackian wandering is undertaken (of course!) with a quadriplegic companion. Through it all is Sedaris's unmistakable voice, without a doubt one of the freshest in American writing.

©1997 David Sedaris (P)1998, 2001 Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

"Sidesplitting." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Genuinely funny, at times hilarious....Makes for a smashing use of audio as a unique entertainment medium....Highly likable and spirited throughout...makes a case for audio as its own special form." (Publishers Weekly)
"Sedaris is a gifted satirist with an uncanny knack for re-creating dialogue and revealing fantasies....Brutally honest and brilliantly eloquent, Sedaris is positively tonic." (Booklist)

Sedaris has a very distinct voice. I have always enjoyed his storytelling!!

I love the way Sedaris brings his family to life! He captures the humor as well as the sadness of individuals.The portrait of his mother is somehow terrifying and funny, yet also poignant. Only a gifted writer is capable of doing that!

Loved it.

I still wish we could get unabridged versions of Sedaris' books, because I really wanted this one to go on much longer! From obsessive compulsive behavior to the most awkward wedding party ever, Naked is a real treat for fans. I know David Sedaris isn't for everyone, but for those who like his work, this is no exception.

Something truly different

David Sedaris, like most entertainers, is usually at his best before a live and appreciative audience. He is a very funny guy, and the invariable audience response electrifies the experience.

“Naked” is a different kind of recording, but no less engaging and maybe even more so. It’s a studio production, with no audience. There are a few staccato jazz bridges, and multiple characters briefly and brilliantly voiced by his sister, the extraordinarily talented actress and writer Amy Sedaris. And David reads his writings as only he can.

The sometimes cringe-inducing title piece comes at the end, having to do with visiting a nudist community, but the entire performance is an intimate, candid self-portrait, in which David reveals as much about himself as he has always done to his siblings, to their frequent dismay. It’s very funny—I laughed out loud countless times while listening—but also deadly serious. As such, it’s a fascinating audio achievement to be enjoyed and admired.

Naked

I like to listen to audiobooks when I go to bed so I can relax. I did not relax with this book because I was too busy laughing. Some say I have no sense of humor but they are wrong. I have gone ahead and listened to two more of his books so far.

Sedaris brings his story to life.

Wonderful to hear the book as it was meant to be read-by David and Amy. A compelling, laugh out loud reading. Impossible to pause.

Highly Entertaining

I'm Hooked! This is story telling at its best! If you're someone who likes listening to fun and enjoyable story telling with excellent narrative this is for you!

Thank you David Sedaris

excellent

I love listening to David tell his stories and when his sister Amy works with him, it adds to the charm. we would listen to him on long roads trips with my mom and my several siblings so it brings up memories of laughing together over someone else growing up in a large family with not a lot of money.

So funny

I love David Sedaris He's so clever and original I'm never disappointed in his books

If you're a fan of Sedaris you'll like it.

I have liked most of Sedaris's previous work even more, but this is a very enjoyable and entertaining listen. Definitely recommend.

Wish it was unabridged.

David and Amy Sedaris did a great job. It was too short. I wish it was unabridged.