The only thing better than reading David Sedaris is hearing David Sedaris read his own work. Listening to his audio books is good; hearing him live is better. And Las Vegans have the chance to make it happen when The New Yorker’s resident humorist drops by the Smith Center to read from his newest book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary. It’s a collection of animal fables, which, on its face, sounds stupid and childish. In actuality, the book is hilarious and profound and tragic and moving.

If history is any indication, Sedaris will also read something unpublished, dish on his family (his sister, Amy, played Jerri Blank on Strangers With Candy) and take questions from the audience. That sounds boring and banal, but it’s not. David Sedaris is to Q&A as the Soweto Gospel Choir is to vocal warm-ups: He turns the utilitarian into an art form.

If you only attend one book reading this year (a good plan; most book readings suck) make it this one.