The Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom of the Ohio Union was full of fans Thursday to see author and comedian David Sedaris read some of his critically acclaimed short stories, essays and personal anecdotes.

The event was organized by the Ohio Union Activities Board.

Before the show, the line snaked outside the building and ran parallel to High Street. Although the crowd included some people not well-versed in his work, many students such as Ryanne Fields, a second-year in English and women’s studies, came to the event very familiar with Sedaris’ work.

“I’ve read three of his books,” Fields said. “I think he’s very funny and I think he’s very well-spoken.”

As the crowd trickled into the packed ballroom, Sedaris began. After having some fun with the sign language translator on stage, he started the show with a short story from his new book, “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary,” scheduled to come out in October. It will be illustrated by Ian Falconer, author of the “Olivia” children’s book series.

“For a while, I was calling it a collection of fables, but fables have morals,” Sedaris told the laughing crowd before jumping into his story which he called, “The Sick Rat and The Healthy Rat.”

“I at least personally often feel that authors kind of change a little bit who they are or at least show who they really are when they write,” said Zak Bittinger, a first-year in biochemistry. “But it seemed like at least in person, on stage, he was exactly who he writes down.”

After his first story, Sedaris went on to read another selection, “The Faithful Setter,” a vulgar story dealing with canine infidelity. Also included was an untitled essay by Sedaris about the large amount of time he spends in airports across the country.

“I liked it a lot,” said Meredith Whipple, a fourth-year in communication and political science. “I’ve seen him before and I wondered if he would mix it up at all for the college crowd. But he did a lot of the same stuff, and I thought it was well-received.”

Also included in the show were personal entries from Sedaris’ own diary.

“I really wasn’t expecting him to read entries from his diary, I thought that was really personal,” said Nicholas Pochedly, a first-year in international studies. “I definitely got more than I expected when I came here.”

Sedaris ended the show with a question-and-answer session that included free giveaways to members of the crowd. He also stayed afterward outside the ballroom to sign copies of his work.

Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, Sedaris currently lives in France. His first book release was “Barrel Fever” in 1994. It was a compilation of his short stories and essays. Since that release, he has put out five books that have all been on the New York Times Best Seller List. He serves as a frequent contributor to National Public Radio’s program, “This American Life,” as well as the show, “Meet David Sedaris,” a new four-part radio series on BBC.

The stop in Columbus is only one city in a 36-city tour.