We use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. If you continue to use our site, you agree to the use of such cookies. For more info, see our privacy policy.
Skip to main content

Hi. We love you. Be our Life Partner.

Support the show to get ad-free listening, bonus content, and our new Greatest Hits Archive.

Learn more
This American Life Partners logo
00:00
00:00
  • Transcript
  • Share
This American Life
  • Life Partners
  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Follow Us
  • Life Partners
Full episode
137: The Book That Changed Your Life
Act Two

The Family That Reads Together

  • Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Transcript
The story of a book that changed a family's life, but only temporarily and not for the better. David Sedaris describes what happens when he finds a dirty book in the woods and shares it with his sisters. This story is published in Sedaris' book Naked. (9 minutes)

By

David Sedaris

More in Literature

View all
851: Try a Little Tenderness
Jan. 10, 2025

Act Four: The Feels on the Bus

Writer Etgar Keret reads his story about a bus driver who refuses to open the doors for late passengers. (9 minutes)This story is from Etgar's book, The Bus Driver Who Wanted To Be God & Other Stories.
851: Try a Little Tenderness
Jan. 10, 2025

Act One: The Big Nap

A hardened PI works the toughest case of his very young life. (18 minutes)ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE is written by Simon Rich and stars John Mulaney, Richard Kind, Fred Armisen, and Chloe Fineman.
840: How Are You Not Seeing This?
Sept. 13, 2024

Act Four: I’m Great, Thanks For NOT Asking

Marie Phillips reads a short story involving an aloof friend, a goose, and some extreme gardening. (7 minutes)

More by David Sedaris

View all
714: Day at the Beach
Aug. 14, 2020

Act Four: Now We Are Five

David Sedaris comes from a big family, who for many years growing up, took annual vacations to the same beach house.
639: In Dog We Trust
Feb. 23, 2018

Act One: The Youth In Asia

When a pet dies, to what degree can it be replaced by another? And to what degree can pets replace people in our lives? David Sedaris tells this story of cats and dogs and other animals.
517: Day at the Beach (2014)
Jan. 31, 2014

Act Four: Now We Are Five

David Sedaris comes from a big family, who for many years growing up, took annual vacations to the same beach house.
This American Life

This American Life is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago and delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange.

  • How to Listen
  • Episodes
  • Recommended
  • About
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • Announcements
    • Fellowships
    • Jobs
    • Music
    • Make Radio
    • On The Road
    • FAQ
    • Submissions
    • Merch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Other Shows
  • Merch
  • Contact
  • Life Partners
  • Serial
  • S-Town
© 1995 - 2025 This American Life Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Subscribe

  • on Spotify
  • in Apple Podcasts

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email