• David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,836 ratings)

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David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall  By  cover art

David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

By: David Sedaris
Narrated by: David Sedaris
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Editorial reviews

Why we think it's Essential: There is no funnier way to soak in David Sedaris' humor than through his own voice. This stand-up show encompasses the best tales from his many book collections, and, told in David's hilariously deadpan whine, this is the essential Sedaris, for old fans or newbies alike. — Chris Doheny

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)

What listeners say about David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Hysterical

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time...and just from listening to a guy read from his books! The author's deadpan delivery really makes his stories work. Very entertaining!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A relatively short recording. But worth it!

David Sedaris is maybe the most unique voice in American popular literature today. And hearing him read his own work is the best way to enjoy it. There is a bit on here regarding the Dutch version of the Santa story that makes me laugh out loud every time I listen (and I've listened a lot!). Buy this one.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Classic Sedaris

Friends don't let friends listen to Sedaris and drive... He is wickedly funny providing drive off the roads giggles. Highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Standup/Book reading

If you love David Sedaris and his narrative style, then this book is for you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hilarious and endearing

David Sedaris is my go to any time I just need to have a great laugh. His stories make me laugh until I can’t breathe and I love his live readings!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just Like Being There

The thing about a David Sedaris reading, even at Carnegie Hall, is that he stands behind a podium and reads. It's not a physical performance, per se, so listening to the recording is about as good as the experience of being there. And that is very good indeed. Sedaris delivers a largely deadpan reading of hilarious and insightful material, from true family stories to wild fantasies. Audiences are in stitches from start to finish, and you will be, too. Although it's difficult to choose, this is some of his very best work.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

laughed out loud!

Be careful if you're driving or have to function at all
this man is very funny! But wished it was longer.
For a first time David Sedaris book I suggest
Me Talk Pretty One Day first.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

He does it again!

I was driving cross country for Thanksgiving, so I decided to put on some David Sedaris. What a horrible idea. I was laughing so hard I began tearing up. I had to pull over to the side of the road before I caused an accident.
My point is David Sedaris is just amazing, but listening to his audio book and driving is the equivalent to having four shots of whiskey and then hopping in behind the wheel. So just don't do it! Listen him at home or in the gym. Just not while you are driving.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Should come with a safety warning

This audiobook is so funny it should come with a warning: Do not drive a car while listening. Actually, I listened to this whole book in the car, and I didn't quite run off the road, but I was laughing so hard my eyes were tearing up. Nobody is as funny as David Sedaris, and this book proves it once and for all. The only thing it lacks are MORE stories (there are only 5 or 6). Still, it's a great listen.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So funny

David. Yes you read well. And you write too. And you make me laugh! I can listen to this over and over.

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