In a world with few constants, it’s nice to find an author who is consistently entertaining. David Sedaris’s new collection, When You are Engulfed in Flames, confirms his status as a not-quite Stuart MacLean, Garrison Keillor on acid, full on fun-fest. Each story consistently delivers his unique brand of humour and human interest and manages to be touching without leaving you with the hollow feeling you get when you’ve played a favorite song one too many times. Indeed, far from saccharine, the comfort Sedaris provides arises from honest, critical (and hilarious) descriptions. Sedaris will make you want to read aloud to your friends. (Recommended by Kirsta).