Dark at the Roots

A Memoir

“Like fellow humorists Merrill Markoe and David Sedaris, she makes the most of her misfit existence . . . both harrowing and hilarious.” —Booklist (starred review)

Known widely for her role in Strangers with Candy and her public radio appearances, Sarah Thyre delves here into her past as a middle child raised middle class and stuck out in the middle of Louisiana. Even from a young age, Sarah found ways of shirking her own hated identity, whether by stealing someone else’s or lying about her own. She changed her name, claimed to be a great outdoorsman, and solicited donations for her favorite charity which turned out to be, in fact, her. In addition, Sarah lived through her parents’ violent struggles and often troubled finances—and the stories with which she emerged populate this dark yet delightfully funny memoir.

“Brilliantly observed and remarkably humane . . . a charmer.” —People

“Part Mary Karr, part Jean Kerr . . . with plenty of snap and no self-pity.” —Entertainment Weekly