If you’ve never read anything by the American author David Sedaris, you’re missing out on a vital piece of modern humour and satire. Ever since his first essay was broadcast on NPR in 1992, Sedaris has risen to staggering fame in a literary genre all his own. He has become as well known for his unique writing style as he has for his one-of-a-kind voice when he carries out readings both in public and on the radio.
The below passage from his book Me Talk Pretty One Day may seem a little crass, but in honour of the Year of the Rooster, I present the following quote on perseverance and self-preservation:
Certain motherfuckers think they can fuck with my shit, but you can’t kill the Rooster. You might can fuck him up some times, but, bitch, nobody kills the motherfucking Rooster. You know what I’m saying?
Although most of his stories have at least a kernel of genius, for me his funniest story has to be “6 to 8 Black Men,” which you can watch David Sedaris read here on YouTube.