City of Angels Summary and Analysis

In this essay, Sedaris is looking forward to an annual December visit from his friend Alisha. Alisha is the quiet laid back type of guest that feels comfortable lounging on the couch reading magazines and being ignored if her host is busy. She is always flexible with her plans and willing to do anything. As such, Sedaris always looks forward to her visits.

A few days before her annual visit, Alisha calls to tell Sedaris that she will be bringing a friend. Bonnie, a native of Greensborough, North Carolina, has never been anywhere outside a fifty mile radius of Greensborough. Alisha, consistently a poor judge of character, describes Bonnie as sweet. Immediately Sedaris is aware that the additional guest may be a problem.

When Alisha and Bonnie arrive at Sedaris's apartment, Alisha already has a "why me...