This essay is not about Tiffany. If people disagree with his depiction of her, that is beside the point. This is an essay about his appreciation and gratitude for the family he actually had relationships with over the years. David makes it clear that he never understood her, nor did he care to. Tiffany did not care for the family the way he did and that's the point. It's a beautiful piece of writing and I think anyone who has had a sibling that they couldn't relate to or understand would empathize with the premise of the essay.
David Sedaris is an excellent writer. I recall reading the bit you read, putting it down, and saying “wow”.
This essay is not about Tiffany. If people disagree with his depiction of her, that is beside the point. This is an essay about his appreciation and gratitude for the family he actually had relationships with over the years. David makes it clear that he never understood her, nor did he care to. Tiffany did not care for the family the way he did and that's the point. It's a beautiful piece of writing and I think anyone who has had a sibling that they couldn't relate to or understand would empathize with the premise of the essay.