The Path From Struggle to Success

The central theme of the book revolves around the path Sedaris takes from struggling artist to successful author. In many ways, this theme echoes the American tale of rags to riches, but it is clear from the author’s depiction that it is not as easy as the sentiment may suggest.

As a young adult, Sedaris lacks the drive to achieve success and is mildly content working laboring positions and odd jobs without feeling compelled to seek out a traditional career. A large part of this is due to lack of passion, as he has not yet identified what inspires him, and instead takes jobs that he knows he can do. These early years are filled with drug and alcohol abuse as Sedaris spends this time haphazardly traveling through life. After a few years of mediocre living, however, Sedaris begins to seek out...