Cash and Carry, by David Sedaris

The New Yorker

by David Sedaris

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

David Sedaris’ essay *Cash and Carry* captures a whimsical yet poignant moment in New York City, where the author encounters a woman struggling to carry a large cabinet she found on the curb. The story serves as a catalyst for reflections on the city’s evolving culture, the kindness—or lack thereof—of its inhabitants, and the growing divide between the rich and everyone else. Sedaris humorously recounts his own history of acquiring furniture through similar means, including a kitchen table he once bartered for in London, and contrasts it with the woman’s experience. Her plight highlights the city’s increasingly impersonal nature, as she laments the decline of community spirit and the rise of wealth-driven priorities. The woman, identified only by her silver hair and cheerful demeanor, shares snippets of her life during their struggle to move the unwieldy cabinet. She reveals herself to be a retired pickleball player born in Puerto Rico, now living in a city she describes as “nothing like it used to be.” Her observations about New York’s transformation—from a place where neighbors cared for one another to one dominated by the interests of the wealthy—resonate with Sedaris’ own perspective. The author muses on the contrast between his rushed schedule and her leisurely pace, noting how their paths might have crossed differently in the past. Sedaris’ narrative is both a commentary on urban life and a meditation on human connection—or its absence. The woman’s critique of modern New York reflects broader societal shifts, while Sedaris’ observations about his own behavior—his hurry to get home for a show versus her polite refusal to let him carry the cabinet alone—highlight the tension between self-interest and community. The essay ultimately underscores the loss of shared responsibility in urban environments, offering readers a thought-provoking glimpse into the cultural shifts reshaping cities like New York. This piece is particularly relevant for readers interested in cultural commentary and the human condition. Sedaris’ trademark wit and observational humor make complex social issues accessible, while his anecdotes about furniture-hunting and pickleball-playing add depth to

Verticals

culturenews

Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/23/2026