Therapists take note: David Sedaris is on to something. In his humorous essay collections, notably Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, the author hits home hard with a guilefully delicate touch. He reflects on growing up in Raleigh, N.C., with a family that seemed ordinary on the surface but, upon closer examination, turns out to be downright dysfunctional. But isn't that typical when we analyze our families? We start out thinking they're fairly “normal.” Then we grow up. By then, coping strategies — alcoholism, drug addiction, extreme ironing, snow globe collecting — have germinated like crabgrass. We spend huge sums on therapies, only to discover that our families are thoroughly wacked-out. Cheaper and more fun: Put a positive spin on your DSM diagnosis at An Evening With David Sedaris. He's been through hell and back, yet tells his life story in a comically poignant way. His story is ours, but he handles it better. He makes magic. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena; Fri., Nov. 15, 8 p.m.; $45-$75. (626) 449-7360, thepasadenacivic.com. Also at Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.; $25-$65. (818) 677-8800, valleyperformingartscenter.org.

Fri., Nov. 15, 8 p.m., 2013

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