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Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2016)
Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2016) | David Sedaris
From bestselling 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 readers 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.
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

I‘m preparing to see Sedaris next month (squeee!) and I‘m listening to his books between my other reads. This is not the book to read as an introduction to Sedaris, but worthwhile for his fans. I am hoping to get around to Carnival of Snackery soon, the continuation of his diaries after this one. I love hearing Sedaris read his own works, but I know there‘s another narrator for the next one.

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Awk_Word_Smith
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Mehso-so

I love David Sedaris. That being said, this certainly was a diary. And as diaries typically go, it is uneven. The early writing was obviously Sedaris finding his voice. The later entries felt like the Sedaris we all love in print. Super fans — like myself — will find this collection interesting as a way to watch his writing style develop. But I wouldn‘t recommend it for casual Sedaris fans.

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Awk_Word_Smith
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You will learn some $#!+ about David‘s early years. #intense

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Awk_Word_Smith
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I needed something completely light and funny after that behemoth A Storm of Swords. I‘ve seen Sedaris — though he insists I call him David — twice, and he still has the honor of best Author Signing Ever when he signed a book for my wife with: “Your husband enchanted me.” 😂

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dariazeoli
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I‘m posting one book per day from my ever-increasing TBR. No description. No explanation. Just books to read. Join the fun if you want.

Day 74.

#fromthetbrstacks

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Cinfhen
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David Sedaris reading random diary entries from his journals written between 1977 - 2002. As always he‘s both hilarious and repelling. Most of his entries are on the darker side. Still a good distraction 🎧

Megabooks I can‘t believe you missed this one!! 4y
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Cinfhen
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Thanks to @britt_brooke for reminding me I had this “unread” audiobook in my Audible library ♥️🎧You can always count on David Sedaris for a laugh 🙌🏻 And now‘s a good time for a laugh 😉

Qpri Nice! I recently read Me Talk Pretty One Day... hope this one is just as fun 4y
BarbaraBB I am thinking of joining Audible. It says it costs 9£ a month. Are these all costs or do I pay to listen to a book as well? 4y
Centique @BarbaraBB over here the way it works is you pay the monthly subscription and you get one free audio book a month. Plus there are some other podcast/audio series content you can access for free after joining. 4y
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britt_brooke 🤗🤗 This is a bit darker than his essay collections, but the underlying humor is definitely still there. That‘s just his personality, which I love. Hope you like it! 4y
britt_brooke @BarbaraBB With Audible, you‘re also privy to some great sales once in a while, plus you can sign up for “daily deal” emails. And each month there are a handful of “Audible Originals” which are free. That is, assuming you all get the same things as the US. (edited) 4y
Cinfhen It is a little dark but I‘m still chuckling and chortling @britt_brooke @Qpri His deadpan delivery is hilarious 🤣 4y
Cinfhen I‘m so happy with my subscription @BarbaraBB I paid for the year upfront so I got 12 credits plus they added 3 free ones so I had 15 credits to “buy” books throughout the year. Like Britt said, they offer great sales and extra content and if you‘re ever unsatisfied with a book they issue you a new credit no questions asked! They have daily deals which u can either use a credit or currency but the books are 5.95 or less. 4y
BarbaraBB @Centique @britt_brooke @Cinfhen Thank you, your enthusiasm is tempting me even more! 4y
Cinfhen I think u can try a free month / @BarbaraBB Good luck with your decision 💚💚💚I would not choose to listen to this one as your first audiobook- it‘s missing something 🤷🏼‍♀️I got this as a deal so im going to keep listening but it‘s not my favorite of his 4y
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lkurgs
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“‘I‘m super busy right now,‘ I said. Then I came back to my apartment and took a bath.”

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lkurgs
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“Apartment life is good. I‘m using my ironing board as a kitchen table.” (May 17, 1979)

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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this in print in 2017, but I‘ve been working on the interior of our house, and well, Sedaris on audio is ALWAYS a great distraction. So, I‘ve been doing a bit of audio multitasking lately. I was fortunate enough to meet this delightful weirdo (twice) and get my book signed. Love him! This will likely appeal mostly to those who have read some of his other work. It‘s serious in the beginning, but his dry, dark humor still permeates.

Reviewsbylola I‘m listening to Sedaris right now! I haven‘t read this one yet. 5y
britt_brooke @Reviewsbylola Which one are you listening to? 5y
Reviewsbylola Calypso. I read a hard copy so now I‘m doing an audio rereading. 😄 5y
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britt_brooke @Reviewsbylola 💚 I loved Calypso. The essay about his, uh, gastrointestinal issues killed me. I think I listened to it 3 times in a row. 5y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola @britt_brooke The parts about his fit bit in calypso cracked me up!!! 5y
britt_brooke @Megabooks Yes!! 😆 5y
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Tex2Flo
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Makes me laugh out loud. Here‘s him taking about an assignment in a French language class where he just couldn‘t help poking at what the students and teacher in Paris really know about Americans.

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mldkennedy
Pickpick

(January - April 2019) I read this very gradually - a few entries at a time for a few months. It was the perfect way to read the small, digestible moments of David Sedaris's wisdom. Loved getting a peek into his mind.

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thebluestocking
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Pickpick

This was a case of the right book at the right time. I loved dipping in and out of Sedaris‘s personal journal entries. And it worked particularly well as a vacation read. He‘s an amazing writer and an astute observer. This book inspired me to start journaling again and to seek out other compilations of journals.

NoConcernsForCarol I love his books when you are engulfed in flames is my favorite of the three I‘ve read so far. Though it‘s hard to pick a favorite when he‘s so funny and quirky in each book 5y
thebluestocking @NoConcernsForCarol He is pretty funny. This had a bit of a different tone, but you could see where his ideas start. 5y
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jdiehr
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Pickpick

Finally finished listening to this! I like older David Sedaris much better than younger David Sedaris. Of course, people would probably say the same about me.

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jdiehr
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My dog doesn't get how selfies work.

Also, how long is this #audiobook? I've been listening for years it seems.

#audiowalk
#litsywalkers

britt_brooke Cute pup! 💚🐾 I read this in print when it first came out and it was slow-going, but I love sedaris. 5y
kspenmoll Beautiful dog!!! 5y
wordzie 💝🐕 5y
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jdiehr
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So, I've decided to stick with the tagged book for a little while longer. Enjoyed the content in today's #audiowalk.

Also - check out the mushroom I spotted! I'm told it's Turkey Tail Mushroom. Whatever it is, it sure is pretty.

#litsywalkers

DivineDiana Yes, it is! 🙂 5y
Kaye Good job🌟 5y
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jdiehr
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Walked to an area I didn't know existed this morning. Enjoying exploring our new surroundings.
#litsywalkers
#audiowalk
On a different note - I might bail on the tagged book. Listening to him talk about his drug use and sexual exploits is doing nothing for me.

Trashcanman So how'd the move go? How are you liking it? Hope you are well. 5y
jdiehr @Trashcanman It's actually been a rough transition. We are staying with my dad and his wife while we house hunt and it's pretty tense. Need to find our own place ASAP. Thanks for checking in. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods 😊 5y
Trashcanman @jdiehr OH I'm sorry to hear that, truly. I hope you find something you like soon. That can be tense. I hope the walks help. 💖😊🤗 5y
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jdiehr
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Took my first #audiowalk in our new environment. My city dog doesn't quite know what to think!

Started listening to the tagged book and am either laughing out loud or cringing as is typical with Sedaris for me. The good usually outweighs the bad though.

#litsywalkers

ReadingVampire Is your doggie an Aussie??? 5y
DivineDiana Love this photo! ❤️ 5y
Tanisha_A Just a very beautiful photograph! 5y
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jdiehr @Puredragonstar Yes! She never gets tired... 5y
ReadingVampire Ooo I have an Aussie too! Aussies are the best!!! 😍😍😍 Mine never gets tired too, he‘s a city boy as well and will play fetch until our arms fall off 😧! 5y
JoScho Love this! 5y
tracey38 This is a great picture! 5y
wordzie 😁😂 5y
35 likes8 comments
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EleniKara
Bailedbailed

In other news, I really tried to give this a shot, because so many good things said about this book and Sedaris. I got through over 5 hours of audio but I really couldn‘t get into it. Maybe not the best pick for my first Sedaris, I am going to have to put it down for now and maybe return when I can appreciate it more.

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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This book gets better as you read, much like the progression of his books. I always enjoy Sedaris. He‘s funny and an easy read/listen. It was interesting to watch his writing evolve. I‘m looking forward to 2003-on. 4.5⭐️

While I was was reading, the wash and dry fairy came for Henry, so he‘s looking extra-cute in my opinion! #dogsoflitsy

#nonfiction2019 #somethingthatmadeyoulaugh

mreads 🐕❤❤ 5y
AlaMich Hi Henry! 🐶❤️ 5y
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Wife Henry!🥰 5y
Megabooks @mreads Thanks! 💕 5y
Megabooks @AlaMich Well hello right back!! 😊 5y
Megabooks @Wife Thanks! ❤️❤️ 5y
Reviewsbylola I need to read this! 5y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola It‘s not my favorite of his, but it‘s good! 5y
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Megabooks
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He nailed it. Twenty-five years later I still enjoy looking back at this. And he‘s also right about Tonya‘s blush!

BibliOphelia It feels like we all knew a Tonya growing up. 5y
Megabooks @BibliOphelia That is definitely true! 5y
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Megabooks
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So my mom made me read Amy Vanderbilt as a kid, roughly contemporaneous with this entry, but I don‘t remember this advice! Idk what to say.

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UnabridgedPod
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Pickpick

Two recent reads by David Sedaris—I‘d recommend the audio edition of Theft by Finding (which Sedaris reads) and the memoir sections of Holidays on Ice.
******
Who are your favorite funny authors?

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Moony
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Pickpick

It is very funny and interessting. Sedaris life isn't gorgeous and you pursue how David get an great author.

Now I want to write a diary, too 😂

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Moony
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Kims spinach soup. #recipe

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Moony
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Outdoor reading. Last summer day. Do you see the cat 😆😎😉

Linsy Barely! 5y
15 likes1 comment
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Moony
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Good morning litsy! I love my #currentread. I don't why, but it is fascinating. And it is funny when he wrote about old radios and his telephone. ☎️📺

Are you writing a journal?

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Moony
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"Um sein Leben aufzuzeichnen, muss man es erst einmal leben." (Seite 16)

To record you life, you have to live it first.

That's true word. I love diarys.

Do you write diary?

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Moony
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A book for breaks. I choose it because I can't make a choice for my next novel. #diary

Buechersuechtling Ich hab das Buch gerade mal nachgeschlagen und möchte es jetzt auch unbedingt lesen ?, dabei sagt mir der Autor gar nichts. – er ist wohl jemand, der tatsächlich eher in den USA bekannt ist. Schade, dass meine Leihbücherei das Buch nicht im Bestand hat. 5y
Moony @Buechersuechtling das ist schade, vielleicht bestellen sie es auf Wunsch? (Oder als Fernleihe? Sind dann nur 2,50) Ist aus diesem oder letzem Jahr also noch sehr neu. Sedaris Schwester ist etwas bekannter. Ich fand den Titel halt klasse und lese sowieso gerne Tagebücher. Es ist sehr witzig, aber hat halt auch seine 600 Seiten. 5y
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trueisa4letterword
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Pickpick

Finished another for my #LitsyAtoZ! I enjoyed the earlier years more than the later ones (warning: 2000-2002 make up almost 100 pages of the book) but I enjoyed it overall. Very funny and fascinating.

#T #nonfiction #humor

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trueisa4letterword
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Only half of my bag this time #moodreaderproblems #bothnonfictionthough

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CaroPi
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Today I was in baking mood so I made healthy eggs muffins with spinash and tomatoes. They tasted good but spinash was not dry enough. Not bad for a first attempt. #muffins

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trueisa4letterword
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#9 is by far my favorite reason.

#nonfiction #lists #diaries

Moony I love diaries and lists 😍 6y
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MizReeze
Pickpick

Another great audio book find. Love listening to David Sedaris weave his tales. I can only imagine he would be a phenomenal bestie to sit on the deck & gossip with late into the night.

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Bibliogeekery
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Rainy morning audiobook read! ☔

tpixie Lovely space! 6y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa That‘s beautiful! 6y
Cathythoughts Earthy & beautiful 6y
RealLifeReading It looks rather magical! 6y
59 likes4 comments
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Bibliogeekery
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Luv2readbookz
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Pickpick

I read the book and listened to the audio at the same time. It‘s more fun that way. Love all the little snippets as well as the longer stories.

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Rissa1
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Pickpick

This did exactly what I wanted it to do. It was a "palette cleanser" for me. It was getting me ready for what will be my next read.

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JacqMac
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I had a fantastic Evening with David Sedaris! (And my hubby.) I just love how his brain works. Life is short. Find the funny. In everything. And if you ever get a chance to see him live, don‘t miss it!

EvieBee Aww! I ♥️ him. 6y
Louise He gave a great interview with Michael Ian Black on How To Be Amazing. If you can find the podcast, it's worth a listen. 🌟 6y
LeahBergen I was there tonight, too! ❤️ 6y
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JacqMac @EvieBee Me too! 6y
JacqMac @Louise I will look for it. Thanks! 6y
JacqMac @LeahBergen No way! Wasn‘t he great? 6y
KateFulfordAuthor Such a terrific wit 6y
50 likes7 comments
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Lauren_reading
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Pickpick

I almost bailed on the first hour because it was annoying, but then something happened...I became engrossed in the random stories, crazy characters and complaining. I ended up loving it. #audiobook #nonfiction

KikiLovesBooks Have you read his other book? I love him, and I felt privileged and excited to be reading the “ source” material. I cried a few times. I just adore him! 6y
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Ncostell
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Pickpick

I wasn‘t sure how I felt about reading an entire book full of diary entries but had to give it a try as I love David Sedaris. I ended up really enjoying it as many entries were like little short stories unto themselves. It was cool to see his progression in life pieced together like this. I dug out my old diaries in which I wrote about Mork & Mindy, reading Little House books, and the shooting of President Reagan. A time capsule of my youth.

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JTRobertson
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Pickpick

This may be my favorite David Sedaris book. These are literally diary entries ranging from a few words to a few pages. I think that's what makes them so fascinating to me. They don't tie up with a moral or have a theme. They're just little vignettes and oddities, like viewing his life in slides. The latter entries after he's no longer struggling for money/purpose/success are less interesting. Still a mesmerizing read.

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aschermetz
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A very sweet friend who does the PR for the venue hooked me up with tickets to see David Sedaris tonight! He sounds EXACTLY the same in person as he does on his audiobooks, and is 10 times funnier. It was a huge audience for a book signing/reading but it was so fun! A great date night with the hubs.

Tadams4 That is so perfect! So happy you got to experience that! So love his books! Have a wonderful weekend! 6y
JenReadsAlot He is so great! 6y
63 likes2 comments
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CherryPie
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Pickpick

April 17, 2018:
I finished reading this collection of diary entries after I found out my dog has congestive heart failure (one year and two days after my other dog was diagnosed with the same fatal condition).
Sedaris explains in the intro that these currated entries could be cherry picked to head into any direction. David the artist wannabe, addict, menial laborer and cat owner make up the majority of the content.
(cont.)

CherryPie His writing style changes from basic observations, almost like writing prompts, to full blown storytelling by the end. I enjoyed the sparse earlier entries the most. I liked following the life of Neil the cat. I wanted to learn more about Dennis, also a cat. The spiders concerned me. Intervention? 6y
18 likes1 comment
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Chris
Pickpick

This is just for the version that goes up to 2003. I don‘t think the second one is out yet(?) but this is what I could find! I sort of picked through this for what feels like an absurd amount of time but it worked that way since there‘s not really any narrative. Every few weeks I could go back and see what wacky hijinks and/or ennui David Sedaris was up to in 1997.

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CherryPie
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1. Libby screwing up my David Sedaris renewal. I'm at 76%! Sheesh.
2. Protein bar.
3. Brendan Behan.
4. Romance.
5. 💋

#friyayintro @jesshowbooks

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DavidDiamond
Pickpick

Love Sedaris and it was interesting to see his life and career as it changes over a 25 years period.
Plenty of lol moments along with some heartbreaking ones as well.

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CherryPie
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"I worry about money until my gums bleed." Journal keeping ala David Sedaris. #randombookquote

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CherryPie
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