Theft by Finding Book Summary

In 'Theft by Finding', David Sedaris invites readers into his whimsical and often darkly humorous world, chronicling his life through a series of poignant diary entries. From the absurdities of everyday life to his encounters with eccentric characters, Sedaris's keen observations shine a light on the quirks of humanity. Each entry reveals the intricacies of personal growth and the complexities of family dynamics, all delivered with Sedaris's trademark wit. As he navigates the challenges of adulthood and his unique path as a writer, readers are left questioning their own experiences and the art of storytelling. This collection is not just a reflection of Sedaris’s life but a mirror held up to our own, urging us to find meaning in the mundane.

By David Sedaris

Published: 2018

"Lying is a skill I learned as a child. It’s a tool I’ve always had, concealed in my back pocket, ready for use when I need it."

Book Review of Theft by Finding

One of the most anticipated books of 2017: Boston Globe, New York Times Book Review, New York's "Vulture", The Week, Bustle, BookRiot An NPR Best Book of 2017An AV Club Favorite Book of 2017A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2017A Goodreads Choice Awards nominee David Sedaris tells all in a book that is, literally, a lifetime in the making. For forty years, David Sedaris has kept a diary in which he records everything that captures his attention-overheard comments, salacious gossip, soap opera plot twists, secrets confided by total strangers. These observations are the source code for his finest work, and through them he has honed his cunning, surprising sentences. Now, Sedaris shares his private writings with the world. Theft by Finding, the first of two volumes, is the story of how a drug-abusing dropout with a weakness for the International House of Pancakes and a chronic inability to hold down a real job became one of the funniest people on the planet. Written with a sharp eye and ear for the bizarre, the beautiful, and the uncomfortable, and with a generosity of spirit that even a misanthropic sense of humor can't fully disguise, Theft By Finding proves that Sedaris is one of our great modern observers. It's a potent reminder that when you're as perceptive and curious as Sedaris, there's no such thing as a boring day.

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Lying is a skill I learned as a child. It’s a tool I’ve always had, concealed in my back pocket, ready for use when I need it.

Theft by Finding

By David Sedaris