• Theft by Finding

  • Diaries (1977-2002)
  • By: David Sedaris
  • Narrated by: David Sedaris
  • Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (6,782 ratings)

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Theft by Finding  By  cover art

Theft by Finding

By: David Sedaris
Narrated by: David Sedaris
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, May 2017

David Sedaris cut his teeth at NPR, and his popularity is due in large part to his excellent voice. I had forgotten how good his delivery is before listening to this one. Having read two of his books previously, I only knew that I could expect high quality and versatile writing. And boy does he deliver. In reciting the best of 25 years of his life, he draws together a keenly perceptive image of America in all its contradictory and ludicrous forms. He can tell you a story in one line and craft a sense of character in even less. His characterizations are, for that matter, nothing short of brilliant - bolstered by an amazing ability to impersonate accents and dialectical quirks. Just the fact that he remembers each person so precisely is awe-inspiring and lends real weight to the raw yet technically refined anecdotes from this expert memoirist. —Michael, Audible Editor

Publisher's summary

One of the most anticipated books of 2017: New York Times Book Review, New York's Vulture, Bustle, and BookRiot.

From best-selling author David Sedaris, for the first time in print: selections from the diaries that are the source of his remarkable autobiographical essays.

For nearly four decades, David Sedaris has faithfully kept a diary in which he records his thoughts and observations on the odd and funny events he witnesses. Anyone who has attended a live Sedaris event knows that his diary readings are often among the most joyful parts of the evening. But never before have they been available in print. Now, in Theft by Finding, Sedaris brings us his favorite entries. From deeply poignant to laugh-out-loud funny, these selections reveal with new intimacy a man longtime fans only think they know. Tender, hilarious, illuminating, and endlessly captivating, Theft by Finding offers a rare look into the mind of one of our generation's greatest comic geniuses.

©2017 David Sedaris (P)2017 Hachette Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

Critic reviews

"Only David Sedaris should narrate books by David Sedaris. He's simply wonderful.... With his inimitable sweetly sarcastic delivery, he precisely records encounters with anti-gay thugs and gay perverts and recounts examples of the ignorant sexist, racist, and vicious comments he experiences. Everyone who listens to these diary entries, beginning in 1977 and going through 2002, will be satisfied, but waiting eagerly for more, narrated by Sedaris, of course." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Theft by Finding

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Not very good

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am a big fan of David Seders, however this was quite disappointing. A series of disjointed journal entries with little of the wit and satire of his previous work. Not worth using a credit for in my opinion.

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4 people found this helpful

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Sedaris in progress

Such an interesting mind. Fascinating to watch Sedaris evolve as both a quirky writer and a quirky man.There is a saying that says people don't change they just get more so. I think these diaries are eloquent proof of that. If you loved David from the start of his Santa land broadcasts this new book of journal entries will just make you love him more so.

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Shameless and open...as always

Honest, apathetic and droll humor. I giggled. I gasped. I LOL'd. If the millions of us in "therapy" could express ourselves this shamelessly, our therapists would not be living in the beautiful homes, driving the luxury cars, or enjoying extravagant vacations that our neuroses have purchased (without the joy of shopping for them ourselves).

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He has done it again!

David may be the funniest human on earth. He making me lugh like Im 6 years old!

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Duh

Sedaris is brilliant and hilarious in every way !
How cool to hear his daily thoughts and see how he interprets day to day experiences.

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Life isn't just a barrel of laughs.

It's not all funny. It IS all wholly engrossing. If you don't like foul language or the sound of David's voice, why the hell are you buying this audiobook?

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Fantastic

Every time I finish one of his books I miss hearing him in my head, narrating my life. This book was beyond intriguing and often hilarious. Definitely recommend.

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Great collection of thoughts

If you're a fan of his this is really great as you can see some of his books unfold via his journals.

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LOVE Sedaris!

David Sedaris has incredible way of making the mundane absolutely gut-busting! Read by him makes it even funnier.

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Quietly Mesmerizing.

If you enjoyed his other books, this one is just as lovely. I will listen again.

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