David Sedaris Is A Literary Rockstar And A Fire Hazard

by KATHERINE BYRNES · June 6, 2008

    David SedarisWednesday night, at the Union Square Barnes and Noble, David Sedaris read from his newest collection of essays entitled, When You Are Engulfed In Flames. Upon seeing the crowd, one could have sworn the Rolling Stones were there to perform while Sedaris read. The third floor, where Sedaris was reading, was filled to capacity and I, along with most, was unable to get to see him read in person. Luckily, there were TV screens on the lower floors that broadcasted his reading throughout the store.

    As I stood there watching, I noticed swarms of grown adults sitting around the TV screens captivated by this clever author. It was story-time for adults! Eventually, myself and other listeners were shooed away by security personnel because we were blocking a fire exit. At the end of the reading I was able to get an autographed copy and left satisfied. I can’t wait for the weekend to start reading!