April Meeting, "Let it Snow" by David Sedaris

 

Note: As we all know, at the next meeting in April we will talk about "Small Things Like These" and this month's essay "Let it Snow".

The Essay

Illustration by Seymour Chwast . The New Yorker

Click "here"  to access the text of the essay

In the wintry landscape of Binghamton, New York, snow was a rarity. David Sedaris, as a young boy, remembered the great heaps of snow from his past, using them as evidence that North Carolina, where he lived, was a subpar place. But when a rare snowfall hit, school was canceled, and the world transformed. For the first time in years, the snow accumulated and froze, creating a winter wonderland.

However, Sedaris’ idyllic snow day took a dark turn. His mother, overwhelmed by their presence during the vacation, evicted him and his sisters from the house. Locked out, they faced the cold, wondering if they might freeze to death. Sedaris even contemplated a drastic solution: one of them getting hit by a car to teach their parents a lesson.

“Let It Snow” captures the blend of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the unexpected twists that snow days can bring. Sedaris’ storytelling skill paints a vivid picture of that memorable winter day, leaving readers with a mix of amusement and reflection

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

David Raymond Sedaris is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. Born on December 26, 1956, in Johnson City, New York, he gained public recognition in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay “Santaland Diaries.” Sedaris has a distinctive style characterized by self-deprecating humor and keen observations of everyday life.

His debut collection of essays and short stories, “Barrel Fever” (1994), marked the beginning of his literary success. Subsequent works, including “Naked” (1997) and “Me Talk Pretty One Day” (2000), became New York Times Bestsellers. The latter even won the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor.

Sedaris often draws from his family life, middle-class upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, and obsessive behaviors. His writing also reflects his experiences living in France, London, New York, and the South Downs in England. His sister, Amy Sedaris, is an actress and his occasional writing collaborator.

As for the impact of “Let It Snow,” this seemingly innocent story about a week of snow days takes a darker turn. It reveals the complexities of Sedaris’s dysfunctional family, touching on alcoholism, identity issues, and regret. Through humor, he sheds light on the difficulties of parenting while dealing with personal struggles.

In summary, David Sedaris’s unique blend of wit, satire, and vulnerability has solidified his place as an influential humorist. His work continues to resonate with readers, and “Let It Snow” exemplifies his ability to explore both the mundane and profound aspects of life