David Sedaris at IU Auditorium today

David Belbutoski has sold David Sedaris’ books at the IU Bookstore for three years.
Belbutoski said he’s been a fan of the author since the 1990s.

“All it took was hearing ‘The Santaland Diaries’ on NPR,” Belbutoski said. “I look forward to hearing it every Christmas morning.” 

Now, instead of reading his books and listening to his radio pieces, Belbutoski will have a chance to see Sedaris work in-person.

Famous comedic author Sedaris will read excerpts from his books at the IU Auditorium Thursday.

The event is titled “An Evening With Sedaris” and is a celebration of his most recent book, “Lets Explore Diabetes with Owls,” which was released in April.

Dubbed the king of satire, Sedaris has many national bestsellers, including “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Naked.” Sedaris has also been nominated for three Grammys.

IU freshman and English major Noah Donica said he is excited at the opportunity to see one of his favorite authors live.

“I think that it’s a great opportunity for students to hear and see someone who’s been successful as a writer,” Donica said.

As a self-proclaimed “lit-nerd,” Donica said the comedic style of writing is often forgotten in place of more intense, classic literature.

“Comedic works are just something you don’t get much of these days, and I think people would be more open to literature in general if it were more well known that reading a book can provide a great laugh,” Donica said. “Not all literature is super serious.”

Belbutoski also said in his opinion, Sedaris is somewhat of a genius in today’s literary world.

“I admire both the voice of his prose as well as his singular physical voice when he reads his material,” Belbutoski said.

Donica said what he enjoys most about Sedaris’ work is how he intermingles social issues with distinct humor, keeping a light point of view.

“Sedaris can describe any painful moment with precise accuracy and emotion, and the next moment he will sarcastically mock institutions that cause it,” Donica said. “It’s a nice way to address issues while maintaining a light point of view.”

Follow reporter Sarah Zinn on Twitter @sarah_zinn.