The Best of Me

By: David Sedaris

Narrated by: David Sedaris

“Genius ... It is miraculous to read these pieces ... You must read The Best of Me.” —Andrew Sean Greer, New York Times Book Review

For more than twenty-five years, David Sedaris has been carving out a unique literary space. A Sedaris story may seem confessional, but is also highly attuned to the world outside. It opens our eyes to what is at absurd and moving about our daily existence. And it is almost impossible to read without laughing.

Now, for the first time collected in one volume, the author brings us his funniest and most memorable work. In these stories, Sedaris shops for rare taxidermy, hitchhikes with a lady quadriplegic, and spits a lozenge into a fellow traveler's lap. He drowns a mouse in a bucket, struggles to say “give it to me” in five languages, and hand-feeds a carnivorous bird.

But if all you expect to find in Sedaris's work is the deft and sharply observed comedy for which he became renowned, you may be surprised to discover that his words bring more warmth than mockery. Nowhere is this clearer than in his writing about his loved ones. Here, Sedaris explores falling in love and staying together, recognizing his own aging not in the mirror but in the faces of his siblings, losing one parent and coming to terms—at long last—with the other.

Full of joy, generosity, and the incisive humor that led Time Out New York to call David Sedaris “the funniest man alive”, The Best of Me spans a career spent watching and learning and laughing—quite often at himself—and invites readers deep into the world of one of the most brilliant and original writers of our time.

“If you’re looking for some comic relief, look no further than David Sedaris.” ―NPR

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice

A CNN and Christian Science Monitor Best Book of the Month​

Critic reviews

“The genius of The Best of Me is that it reveals the growth of a writer, a sense of how his outlook has changed and where he finds humor… The subject, in many of the pieces Sedaris has selected, is the judgment and pain we inflict on one another, and by ‘we’ Sedaris does not mean people in general. He means him. And he means you. And he means me… You must read The Best of Me. It will be a new experience, knowing that enough time has passed to find humor in the hardest parts of life. More than ever—we’re allowed to laugh.”—Andrew Sean Greer, New York Times Book Review

“An excellent introduction to Sedaris’ work if, somehow, you’re not among the millions who have made him a mainstay on bestseller lists and flocked to his ticketed readings. Even if you’ve read or listened to every word he’s ever written, it’s a terrific highlights reel and a chance to view the arc of Sedaris’ development as a writer over 25 years… In his more serious moments, Sedaris expresses surprise and gratitude for his good fortune. Even his father, “that perpetual human storm cloud,” has finally, in his late 90s, acknowledged his elder son’s fantastic accomplishments. The Best of Me is a well-earned victory lap.” —Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor

“A comprehensive retrospective… The essayist collects his best stories spanning his career, from previously published volumes and magazine features.”—Barbara Vandenburgh, USA Today

“Sedaris fans will gobble up this greatest hits compilation… When you’re craving a good old-fashioned belly laugh, turn to this new retrospective collection of Sedaris’ funniest and most heartwarming essays and fictional stories written over the last 25-plus years.”—Lesley Kennedy, CNN

“The collection magnifies many of the attributes that have made Sedaris such a beloved writer, not least of which is the sense of wit... Across 46 stories and 400 pages, Sedaris’ clarity as a writer comes through. The pieces can be painfully funny and painfully poignant for the same reason: He’s economical with words, thoughts, jokes and emotions.”—Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle

“If you’re looking for some comic relief, look no further than David Sedaris.” —Tonya Mosley, NPR

“Longtime fans and astute readers will understand that the title doesn’t refer entirely to the author; he has chosen and arranged works to highlight his funny, often dysfunctional and always loving parents, siblings and partner, Hugh—the people he believes are the best of him.”—Bethanne Patrick, Washington Post

Never disappoints

I’ve read everyone of his books and an audio version as well which I think is so much better hearing the author read it…

Why did I wait so long?

I first said to myself that I should read one of his books probably 10 years ago. I wish I had read one immediately and not waited 10 years. I love his writing. I cackled so many times to myself on the train. Probably looked insane. But I only cackle when something is very funny and also devious. His work is outstanding. The way he writes is perfect. He surprises me not just with humor but with real real emotions and feelings. What a waste of my last 10 years not reading his stuff. Actually, it may be more like 15… I’m glad I got to hear it read in his voice. Wonderful stuff.

Quirky and Hilarious

Just finished “The Best of Me” by David Sedaris. This is a collection of some of his favorite stories and essays from his previous work, including highlights like “Six to Eight Black Men”, “Jesus Shaves”, and “Now We Are Five”. I am a huge fan of his work. His weird little short stories, which are mostly from the POV of a sort of conservative gay man, are just too hilarious, cynical and just a little bit mean-spirited. But it makes me laugh out loud every time - even if I’ve read the story before! In fact, this book is like listening to an old friend tell that story he’s told again and again and mastered. It was also interesting to see how he, and his writing, mature over the years, which is how he has intentionally structured this book of essays. Great read – go for it!

Entertaining

This made me reminisce about my own childhood. David be the narrator made it very entertaining, very human.

Better than expected

David Sedaris books receive ravishing reviews. However, I wasn’t impressed with any of the 5 minute samples provided. I had an extra credit to burn so I took the plunge on this audiobook. Glad I did. This audiobook waxed and waned and wasn’t laugh out loud funny for me as others have claimed, but it did turn out better than expected. Narration is great. 4/5 for story and 5/5 for narration.