Sedaris

         I had a very different experience reading The Best of Me by David Sedaris than I did reading Wow,

 No Thank You by Samantha Irby. For whatever reason, I did not find Sedaris particularly funny. I found

 Irby's raw, uncensored critique of life to be much more enjoyable. Although they were not included in the

 essays to read for class, I did read the first couple of essays in the book. They were unhinged, and I had no

 idea what to expect from Sedaris. I feel like his essays in which he discusses his family are a complete

 180 degree turn from essays like "Glenn's Homophobia Newsletter." I believe his fiction essays are essays

 with comedic intent as the bottom line, whereas his personal essays just seem like observations he has

 learned throughout his life with comedy taking a backseat. 

        Part of my issue finding Sedaris' writing enjoyable may be my separation from him as an author. He

 is a gay white man that grew up in the 60s and 70s, and is one of a bunch of siblings. I just cannot relate

 to that as a reader. Irby's writing was so enjoyable because it was relatable, and although she is 20-some

 years older than me, I still feel like she understands the current moment. I do not feel as though the

 current moment is represented in Sedaris' writing. Sedaris is a lovely writer and has some great things to

 say about family and life, but this one just did not click with me. I think I may have enjoyed his fiction

 more because there was a different speaker. My favorite stories were "Christmas Means Giving" and

 "Front Row Center With Thaddeus Bristol." 

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