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Best-selling memoirist/essayist and frequent This American Life contributor David Sedaris has a new book, When You Are Engulfed In Flames (out today), and is visiting Chicago next week for a pair of appearances. First is an appearance at Border's in Evanston on Wednesday, June 11 where he'll be reading from and signing the new book. The store will begin passing out free wristbands for the signing portion of the event at 2 p.m. the day of the appearance. Then, on Thursday June 12, Sedaris will be doing a lecture and signing at Barbara's Bookstore's UIC location. Tickets are required for the lecture portion of the event but are free with the purchase of Engulfed. There's a limit of two tickets per person and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis as seating is limited. The signing portion of the event, however, will be open to anyone who purchases any Sedaris release from Barbara's (with proof of receipt).
While there has been a backlash against memoirs over the years as the market has become over-saturated with every Sally, Dick, and Tom wanting to share their feelings with the world, Sedaris remains one of the few who, at least for us, is still essential reading. His essays feature a unique perspective and humor when discussing his (and others') foibles, keeping us in stitches, and are always worth reading. We've also found his speaking engagements and interviews highly entertaining as well, so we can't recommend enough that you get yourself to one of them.
After the jump, watch one of our favorite Sedaris television appearances from the Late Show with David Letterman.
David Sedaris book reading and signing, Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Border's Books, 1700 Maple Ave, Evanston, Wristband required for signing portion
David Sedaris lecture and signing, Thursday, June 12, lecture at 7:30 p.m. and signing at 8:00 p.m., Barbara's Bookstore at UIC, 1218 South Halsted Street, Tickets required for lecture portion, Click here for more details
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great piece in the new yorker by him about how he doesn't smoke anymore.
Mmm, I can't wait to pick this bad boy up...
I love Sedaris, but I really think he ought to adapt his live readings based on how long he's been giving them. His cadence still sounds like he's uncomfortable in front of a crowd and while for a while it might have been true, it's definitely not now. He's old hat at public speaking and readings.
Jess - I tend to agree. One thing I've noticed when I've seen him live (and the last time was at least 4 or 5 years ago, around the time Dress Your Family... came out) was that he actually somehow seemed more at ease with the Q&A portion than the actual reading. May have been anomalies, but he's always seemed candid in those sessions.
rhoswhen - For what it's worth, just picked up the book on my lunch break. Included several essays that have appeared previously in the New Yorker. But the one about smoking is epic, like 80 pages long, much longer than the (still excellent) piece you mentioned