What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Best of Me
David Sedaris · Book · 2021
If you loved The Best of Me, start with The Best of Me (Michael Hoffman, 2014) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 films, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Best of Me across media.
If you loved The Best of Me, you clearly appreciate how sharp wit and raw vulnerability reveal the absurdities of modern life.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Best of Me
Michael Hoffman · Film · 2014
Films on the same thread
Bo Burnham: Inside
Film · 2021
Explores: Mental Health, Isolation, Internet Culture.
Much like the observational humor in The Best of Me, this special captures the isolating, existential absurdity of modern existence through a deeply personal and darkly comedic lens.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Sharon Maguire · Film · 2001
Explores: Self-Improvement, Finding Love, Female Protagonist.
Fans of the self-deprecating honesty found in The Best of Me will enjoy this diary format, which mirrors the book's focus on navigating life's awkward, relatable social expectations.
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
Noah Baumbach · Film · 2017
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: dysfunctional family.
This film echoes the dysfunctional family dynamics explored in The Best of Me, offering a sharp, humorous, and bittersweet look at the complex relationships between parents and their children.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
Film · 2019
Explores: Self-discovery, Social class, Resilience.
Readers drawn to the storytelling style of The Best of Me will appreciate this adaptation, which balances a chaotic, personal narrative with a keen eye for social observation.
Series on the same thread
At Home with Amy Sedaris
Amy Sedaris · Series · 2017
Explores: Homemaking, Absurdity, Satire.
Those who enjoy the specific comedic voice in The Best of Me will find a kindred spirit here, as this show leans into the same surreal, satirical humor.
Patrick Melrose
David Nicholls · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: Dysfunctional family.
While tonally darker, this series shares the focus on family trauma and the resilience of the human spirit that informs the most poignant vignettes in The Best of Me.
Podcasts on the same thread
This American Life
This American Life · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with The Best of Me: Social observation.
If the narrative journalism of The Best of Me resonated with you, this podcast provides that same blend of personal storytelling and insightful observation on the human condition.
Tuesdays with Stories!
Tuesdays with Stories! · Podcast
Explores: anecdotes, stand-up comedy, observational humor.
The conversational anecdotes in this podcast capture the same spirit of observational comedy and shared vulnerability that makes the essays in The Best of Me so engaging.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Best of Me by David Sedaris a collection of new stories?
The Best of Me is a 2021 collection that compiles pieces written by David Sedaris over the course of more than twenty-five years. It serves as a retrospective of his unique literary work rather than a single narrative story.
Is the 2014 movie The Best of Me based on the book by David Sedaris?
No, the 2014 movie titled The Best of Me is not based on the 2021 book by David Sedaris. They share a title but are entirely separate works with different source materials and creative origins.
Should I read The Best of Me if I enjoy confessional style writing?
Yes, The Best of Me is recommended for readers who enjoy confessional storytelling. The pieces within the collection are described as highly attuned to the human experience, reflecting the unique literary space David Sedaris has carved out over his career.
How is The Best of Me perceived by literary critics?
The Best of Me has received critical praise, including being named a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. It was also selected as a best book of the month by both CNN and the Christian Science Monitor, with Andrew Sean Greer calling the collection miraculous.