Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002)

This book! These stories are so honest and the perfectly timed narration by David Sedaris. This collection is like watching the young voice develop and struggle into the person none of us can get enough of. This book is him at his very best and it just keeps getting better and better!

Having grown up with super snarky David Sedaris, this is a much gentler version of the guy we love so much. I guess because it's David as a person rather than David as a writer, everything seems to have a smoother edge. Yes, the funny is still there, but the tender and sadder part of him is just more so knowing that he lived through all of this and came out on the other side as a sophisticated artist born from a picked-upon kid. It's fascinating to see how he records the racism (they ASSUME he's a racist) homophobia (they KNOW he's one) and anti-semitism (they aren't sure IF he's one) that is overt and part of his day to day life.


Now, don't get me wrong, he still often doesn't take prisoners, but knowing that comes from some real poverty, drug fueled concerns, and a desperate need to finally grow up makes following this time of his life often uncomfortable but ultimately deeply satisfying. And, as always, listening to him deliver this is just perfect. Can hardly wait for 2003 to whenever.

I love David Sedaris so much that criticizing him is tantamount to sacrilege for me but I was not that entertained by this book. I did have a chuckle or two in the latter part of the book but for me it didn't get remotely interesting until about chapter 25. Hearing so many mundane diary entries about things like the price of chicken per pound on sale that day were mind-numbing. I'm still a die-hard Sedaris fan and will undoubtedly by every book he writes for the rest of his life but this one was just a bit off the mark in my opinion.

I am a big fan of all of his previous work, especially in audiobook form. I've gone to see him live twice in different cities. I highly recommend his performances.

However, great artists often lose their touch once they get their lives in order. I think this might be the case with Mr. Sedaris. My opinion is that he owed his publisher a book and he had nothing to say so he mined his old diaries for material. The entries are dull and mostly not interesting. Those that are interesting are repeating events discussed in his previous works.

If this book had been by an unknown author, it would not sell or even been published. I feel that this book is an example of a once great artist resting on his laurels. Mr. Sedaris has a good life now. I am most happy to hear that. But, if all he can produce now is drivel like this, I think he should just sit back and have a long and enjoyable retirement.

Not at all your regular Sedaris fare. When I first started to listen I really did not like this new book at all. I only stuck with it because I am a true and loyal fan. However I am so glad that I stuck with it.

I had to remind myself that David Sedaris writes with so much honesty. Truth is not always funny or pretty is it? However through life's trials and tribulations comes experience which gives us a better perspective and if we are wise that should make us more well rounded human beings capable of greater things.

You can experience this in Sedaris's Diaries. I really feel that through the pain and joy we see him grow through the years.For extra fun for us, the listener some days have identifiers. For example David will mention an event that happened that day such as "Lady Diana died tonight". Really takes you back.

The more you listen, the greater the joy. Subsequently that is why I gave him Five Stars all the way.

Superb work Mr. Sedaris. Thanks you for sharing this journey with us. Cant wait for the next diaries to be released.

Sedaris takes us on a journey filled of weird humans of the world. The French tales are amazingly close to my experiences as a Canadian working in Paris in the 90's.

I love Sedaris' take on life throughout the years - he touches on major events but finds the most interest in the doings of ridiculous human beings on a personal scale.

Sedaris' work is always best preformed by the author - I highly recommend this audiobook to all those who enjoy a good chuckle. If you think your life is not interesting a little Sedaris will help you see there is always something to laugh at.

It sort of felt like going behind the scenes of one of my favorite television shows. The only thing I don't like is that after having read all of his books and now his journal, I feel like he's a friend I could call to hang out with this weekend, but that's just not the case.

I love this guy. As much as I love reading his books there is nothing like a David Sedaris audiobook.
Cant wait till the next one!

I am a huge David Sedaris fan and looked forward to a new book coming out. As usual, his performance is delightful. It's relaxing just sitting and listening to his voice. But an entire book filled with daily diary entries about the price of chicken or a waitress kicking out a bum from IHOP ... it's terribly dry and not very entertaining. I'm struggling to finish this because I keep hoping it gets better. But for now, I've learned my lesson. All those times I've joked that I'd love listening to David Sedaris read the telephone book? No ... I wouldn't. (PS - He actually reads names from a telephone book at one point. Is he screwing with us?)

This book did not hold my interest at all. I am a huge fan and love his previous work. It is disjointed and boring at times.