David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

If you are driving, pull over. If you are at work, close your door, unless you don't mind your colleagues seeing you doubled over, in tears, on your office floor. With this recording, taped before a delirious sold out audience at Carnegie Hall, you are there as David Sedaris performs new stories from his upcoming book. A parrot who mimics an ice maker, lovers quarreling over a rubber hand, and a Santa Claus who moonlights from his job as bishop of Turkey, the cast of characters in these stories is like no other. This new work will appeal to David's loyal fans as well as admirers of the classic comedy albums of George Carlin, Bill Cosby, and Steve Martin.

Recorded live on October 22, 2002, in New York City.

©2003 David Sedaris (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Humor, 2004

"Sedaris's material (Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day) is never funnier than when he's reading it himself." (AudioFile)
"David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall is a rollicking comedic masterpiece...this recording will deservedly take its rightful place among the best comedy albums of our time." (AudiobooksTODAY.com)
"As uproarious as Sedaris is on the page, he's even funnier reading his wickedly jaundiced reflections. With brilliant deadpan timing, Sedaris is a charm." (Publishers Weekly)

It's David Sedaris...

... what more do I need to say? It's intelligently witty, & hilarious.
Highly recommend you buy this recording.

Funny as expected, but left wanting

I just love David Sedaris. He's quirky and hysterical.

However, I should have paid more attention to the details of the audiobook before downloading it. I didn't realize it was so short and was left wanting more.

Don't drive while listening to this book

There were times we were laughing so hard that we couldn't breathe or see. Watch your driving.

Bring an Extra Pair of Pants

David Sedaris is a top notch comedian and a master of comic timing. This is actually my first exposure to his work even though I have heard much talk of how excellent it is. Midway through this audio book I realized I am addicted and began downloading "Me Talk Pretty One Day".

I woke my husband with my laughter.

If you could sum up David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall in three words, what would they be?

Hilariously woven stories

What was one of the most memorable moments of David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall?

Oh, the story about Sedaris' day of work being retold at the dinner party in Paris. I won't spoil it for others, but the essay had my husband and I discussing what constituted a "hand" for a few days.

What about David Sedaris’s performance did you like?

His tone and inflection, along with his comedic timing. When listening, I felt as if I were sitting with Sedaris myself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I actually woke my husband the first night I listened while trying to muffle my laughter. He instantly put the title on his "to read" list.

Any additional comments?

A wonderful re-listen- the second time is as funny as the first! And a good choice if you want an appetizer of Sedaris before setting down to devour one of his more lengthy books.

Great Intro to my favorite storyteller

The first time I heard 6-8 Black Men, I laugh and cried so hard I had to pull my car over. Still my favorite and a gateway drug to the wonderful world as told by David Sedaris. Of all his Christmas stories, still my favorite. The other bits are pretty nice as well.

Sedaris at his best!

I heard on NPR recently that David Sedaris has been having trouble during this past year of Covid, in getting much writing done. He said that without being able to go on the road, and read passages of his current work in front of audiences, he can't be as certain about what is working and what isn't.

All of us who read his work know his talent as a writer. But I found it interesting to learn that for him performing his work is essential to creating his work.

Well, this book epitomizes both skills. In it he performs some of his most iconic pieces in front of a huge audience at Carnegie Hall, years ago, and I'm here for it. Reading Sedaris is like ice cream. Listening to him read is like ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

All of the stories in this book have been repeated from previous books

All of the stories in this book are are well red, but arerepeats from previous books.

Funny!

I laughed so hard, I almost ran off the road.

A great Sedaris Primer

Probably the funniest writing/reading there is to have by Sedaris. Such a talented boy. And the stories/essays are not just funny but underpinned with such a kindness and...commonality, I guess, that you will be touched as well as laughing your head off. "You'll laugh, you'll cry!" (It's true!)