Me Talk Pretty One Day

• Genre: Nonfiction; autobiography; humor
• Originally Published: 2000
• Reading Level/Interest: College/adult
• Structure/Length: Divided into 27 chapters; approximately 272 pages; approximately 5 hours, 51 minutes on audiobook
• Central Concern: In this collection of essays, David Sedaris offers humorous and poignant reflections on his life, moving from his quirky childhood in North Carolina to his adventurous adulthood in France. Through witty anecdotes, he recounts his efforts to learn the French language and navigate cultural differences while managing the eccentricities of his own family. With his signature wit and sharp observational humor, Sedaris touches on themes of identity, language barriers, and the quirks of everyday life.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Some mature and potentially controversial content related to family dynamics, sexuality, and personal relationships; irreverent and/or dark humor  

David Sedaris, Author

• Bio: Born 1956; American humorist, comedian, and author; known for his distinctive voice and ability to turn ordinary experiences into laugh-out-loud stories; frequently contributes to public radio’s This American Life; has earned three Grammy nominations for audio versions of his works as well as an honorary doctorate from Binghamton University
• Other Works: Naked (1997); Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (2004); Calypso (2018)
• Awards: Thurber Prize for American Humor (2001); Time’s Humorist of the Year (2001)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide: