In "Calypso" by David Sedaris, the author reflects on his literary preferences, indicating a fondness for writers from the past. He prefers works that are lengthy and written in a more elaborate style, often hinting at a nostalgic admiration for classic literature. This admiration is humorously contrasted with modern expectations of brevity in writing.

He also associates certain physical traits with the books he enjoys, noting that if a novel sitting on the sofa is notably thick and features an old-fashioned author photo, it likely belongs to him or his partner, Hugh. This observation underscores his literary tastes while simultaneously revealing a playful dynamic in their shared reading habits.