David Sedaris

David Sedaris is the author/narrator/protagonist in each of the essays presented in When You Are Engulfed in Flames. In no particular chronological order, Sedaris writes about the various episodes in his life, both small and large, that shape him as a human being and drive him to be a writer. As he writes and reveals the deeper truths about his life to the reader, Sedaris also re-examines the choices he's made (and sometimes not made) which have had consequences beyond his reckoning.

Sedaris grows up in North Carolina with five siblings and two parents, the latter of whom are working class but comfortable. It is a largely dull upbringing free of drama, which only stimulates David's imagination and curiosity to see what lies beyond his quiet existence as he matures. He remains closeted about his sexuality until after he graduates from high school for fear...