783 reviews for:

The Best of Me

David Sedaris

4.17 AVERAGE

funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

I did not realize it was a best of compilation - but I really should have given the huge clue in the title of the book. Even though I had heard most of the stories before, I still really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It's always fun to escape into Sedaris's strange little world for a few hours.

Incredible…especially when listened to as it is, notably, read by author. Impressed when I think back on how the different vignettes are seamlessly arranged and form the perfect story arc. More than just funny. Brilliantly written and brutally honest. The interview feature at end added further insight.

Love hearing him read his own work, and loved revisiting stories I have heard in the past. The fiction stuff is a little weird, but I respect his creative exploration. A great one to listen to.

David Sedaris isn't for everyone, but he is definitely a favorite of mine. I've learned that audio is the way to go to get the full effect of a Sedaris tale. Yes, these were previously published essays (all but one), but they are all gems and I enjoyed it completely.

34/150 for Mama in 2024

A solid compilation of Sedaris’ favorite stories, strung together nicely so someone new to Sedaris can follow who each of the characters are in his absurd life. It’s been a while since I’ve read his work, and I had forgotten that it’s not just humor - he touches on the themes of family, loss, and life in a meaningful way that makes you feel part of the family, or at least commiserate with Hugh in hearing about their antics. I could have done without the newspaper clippings and some of the older stories, many of which have not aged well.
emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Truly the best, by the best. Highly recommend the audio version, which includes a wonderful interview with David Sedaris at the end.

I love David Sedaris and when I saw this come out on Election Day I just had to treat myself. I was a bit disappointed that it was mainly a collection of works I was already familiar with, but there were some pieces from The New Yorker that were new to me. The stories I had heard before were some of my favorites, and I enjoyed listening to them again.