You Laugh, You Learn

Last night my boyfriend took me to see An Evening With David Sedaris. He first heard about it because NPR was having some sort of listener presale, and he knows how much of a fan I am.

I should point out that although this is an awesome gesture, it wasn't done for fully selfless reasons. Every time I read a David Sedaris book, I go on and on about how much he would like it, and he's not much of a reader. So his getting the tickets was his way of getting out of having to actually *gasp* read a book.

I wasn't sure what to expect, because I'd never been to an event like this before. Sure, I've seen authors speak, but not at such a large scale. It was held at the symphony hall, which seats quite a few people.

The first thing that happened was David was sitting right by the door signing books, so he was the first person I saw. I didn't get a book signed because the line wrapped around the lobby twice, and I was more intrigued by the line at the bar (and the booth that sold cake). But, I was less than ten feet away from one of my favorite authors, so that's cool.

The show was really funny. As I said, I wasn't sure what to expect, but basically he just told stories. It was like seeing a really, really intelligent comedian. If you're familiar with his work, you know how funny he is, but it's even funnier hearing his delivery. It wasn't stuff from the books either, it was new material.

At the end he opened it up for questions, and he was just as humorous and charming in his spontaneous answers as he was in his rehearsed stories.

If you get a chance to see him talk, I highly recommend it. And if you haven't read any of his works, you should really check him out. He's by far my favorite memoirist (you know, from the giant pool of successful memoirists I have to choose from).

Also, how great is it that a giant place like the Powell Symphony Hall sells out for an author? I'm glad people are willing to miss American Idol and Lost for one night (or tivo them) to go experience a great event like this.

8 comments:

Robin said...

I will check out his books but only because I know you have really good taste, which of course, is the same taste as mine.

Amanda said...

Robin- Oh, you'll love him. He's like a funny Augusten Burroughs.

whall said...

Sorry I haven't been over commenting in a while - I was immersed in a speed reading course for a couple of weeks.

Anyway, I love Amy Sedaris! I saw her guest star role on The Closer last season!

Avitable said...

I'm not familiar with his work, but it sounds like a good time.

Seals said...

Oh, I wanted to go so bad. He's my favorite author.

Glad you had fun.

Amanda said...

Whall- It's a talented family, clearly

Avitable- I think you'd like him, he's smart, neurotic, liberal, and very humorous

Seals- I'm sorry you missed it

Anonymous said...

How the hell does Adam not know David Sedaris? Boggles the mind.

Anyway, yay you! That sounds like so much fun...I love him!

Faiqa said...

I love David Sedaris! He's the perfect combination of funny and poignant.