As author David Sedaris took the Bijou Theatre’s stage Thursday night, he appeared to be wearing a skirt. However, he hastily clarified to the sold out audience he was actually wearing culottes before beginning his readings.

Known for his dry wit and sarcastic humor, Sedaris is a writer who has published several books and essay collections. He chronicles his middle-class, family-life growing up, as well as his drug use and obsessive behaviors in a self-deprecating manner.

Riddled with profanity and dripping with sarcasm, Sedaris offered up excerpts from his essays and diary entries.

For longtime fans and new readers alike, he did not disappoint.

The topics of his readings included conversations he had with strangers while traveling to places like Australia and Paris, his life growing up with six siblings, memories of his beach house named the “Sea-Section” or analyzing the suicide of his sister Tiffany.

Sedaris also shared little bits of advice with audience members like “no straight men would share a dessert, especially one with cream.”

Closing with pieces from his diary, Sedaris included one anecdote about how he would like to buried.

“When I die, I want my body taken to an ice cream emporium,” Sedaris said. “And then it should proceed with a traditional ‘Sunday’ service.”

Always making a point to endorse the work of another author while on tour, Sedaris recommended “This is the Story of A Happy Marriage” to the audience, a collection of essays by Nashville native Ann Patchett.

“It’s the best essay collection I’ve read in a while,” Sedaris said.

Sedaris concluded with one more gem of wisdom, reminding the audience to vote in the upcoming November midterm election.

“I blame everything on what’s wrong with the world on people who don’t vote,” Sedaris said. “There is one reason to vote, if not just to feel superior to others.”

In a post-reading question-and-answer session, Jackie Palmer, a Knoxville resident and UT alumae, asked Sedaris’ views on the Ebola epidemic to which he answered, “I’ve noticed a lot of people wearing masks in the airport, and it’s just not going to do them any good.”

After the night was over, Palmer said she was excited to see one of her favorite authors speak.

“He is so funny,” Palmer gushed. “I’ve been wanting to come for a long time and I’m thrilled to be here.”