Book Review: Naked by David Sedaris

Reviewer: Alan Chin

Publisher: Back Bay Books

Pages: 291

In Naked, gay author David Sedaris presents seventeen autobiographical essays that are hilarious, elegiac, and often outrageous.  The author has apparently had an exceedingly rich life with family and friends and unique adventures, and he writes about them with take-no-prisoners sensibilities. From dealing with a sharp-tongued mother, to his Kerouackian wanderings with a quadriplegic companion, to family gatherings in the face of imminent death, the author presents his distinctive view of the world with razor sharp wit.

Although this book has sat on my shelf untouched for several years, once I started to read, I was hooked. It is one of the most entertaining reads I’ve had in years. There was never a dull moment, never a dry spot where one skims through looking for another interesting part. This is a fast paced read with unforgettable characters popping out of the woodwork on every page. He brings people’s flaws and foibles into a deliciously funny light that I found brilliant.

Naked is a fresh, comic look at the world, with much wisdom at its core. I can highly recommend this book to all readers.