Interesting, I like malls and dislike David Sedaris. I dont think Ive ever felt so connected to an author before. Different strokes, I suppose.

Glad I'm not alone! Thanks for reading. Like I've commented elsewhere in this thread, I by no means hate David Sedaris. I think he of all people would appreciate a nobody taking potshots at a famous writer, and hopefully value my criticism. That criticism is genuine but ultimately lighthearted and an avenue to discuss other feelings.

Hi, author here. Thanks for reading! Glad to see the article getting interest here. I do in fact like and respect Sedaris and have read several of his books. Another commenter put it well when they wrote that Sedaris is a metonym. What Sedaris said at the talk gave me a certain feeling, and I wanted to explore that. I think it's also a testament to his skill as a speaker that he was interacting with the audience so much, and his interaction left an impression on me.

Yes - I think I got that impression the second time I had a look at the article - the first run through I really only referenced the Sedaris reaction. Thanks for sharing, it's well written.

I don't know, he writes well, he's funny, but somehow always manages to convince me he's a horrible person I don't want to meet.

What's to like? He's Garrison Keillor by way of a podcast.

Keillor fine by me also.