I unfortunately haven’t read for pleasure in years. I’m about to go on my first vacation since getting sober, and my idea is to occupy my time with reading and try to reignite that spark. My favorite authors include David Sedaris, Cormac McCarthy, Anthony Bourdain, Brett Easton Ellis, Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and Chuck Palahniac. To my knowledge, I’ve read through all of their catalogues, so I’m looking for something new. I definitely gravitate towards comedy, dark humor, absurdism and gonzo-style travel books. I’m glad I stumbled upon this subreddit, and sincere thanks for any and all recommendations.
by memphitsui
3 Comments
Kurt Vonnegut
Maybe Chuck Klosterman
Denis Johnson, DFW stated he was a favorite and I liked all his work and most of the stuff on your list, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis_Johnson
Jenny Lawson and Samantha Irby to me are the inheritors of David Sedaris’ mantle. They tend to be even shorter and pithier than his stuff so you can be low focus and get through them quickly or take breaks. I’d read in publication order as the are more introductory at first and build from there.
If you want it to be more Gay, try the essays by Gary Janetti, very Sardonic like DS, but also maybe more playful? More old school, but Nora Ephron wrote some great essays that were funny, biting and reflective.
Enjoy your trip and sobriety!