Western New York Stateappears in non-fiction

Sedaris was born in rural New York and lived there during his early childhood. His family later relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Raleigh, North Carolinaappears in non-fiction

Sedaris spends the majority of his childhood and adolescence in Raleigh, and this is where most of his childhood stories are set. Mr. and Mrs. Sedaris remain in Raleigh after their children leave the house, making Raleigh the setting for several home-for-the-holidays stories.

Chicago, Illinoisappears in non-fiction

Sedaris moves to Chicago to finish his art degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Following graduation, Sedaris takes a job as a writing workshop teacher in Chicago.

New York Cityappears in non-fiction

After a few years in Chicago, Sedaris moves to New York City. He is initially without work and is scraping to get by when he meets Valencia, an independently wealthy art snob...