New Yorker staff writer and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell will appear at Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., on Monday, January 27 at 7 p.m. to read excerpts from his new book, "David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants"; answer questions; and sign copies of the book.

In the spirit of Gladwell's new book, he let six "little guys," or independent bookstores, from across the country compete by voting to host a stop on Gladwell's promotional tour. Ann Arbor's Nicola's Books won, receiving nearly twice as many votes as their nearest competitor.

In "David and Goliath," Gladwell applies psychology and sociology to conventional wisdom. According to a press release, the book "challenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages and offers a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks."

Tickets for Gladwell's event go on sale on Friday, December 13 at 10 a.m. and will be available at Nicola's, at 2513 Jackson Ave. in Ann Arbor, as well as Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington in Ann Arbor, and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $35 (main floor) and $15 (balcony). Limited VIP tickets, which include a copy of the book, prime main floor seating, "first in line" book-signing access, and a special meet-and-greet with Gladwell, are $150. Limited Gold Circle tickets, which include a copy of the book, main floor seating, and "second in line" book-signing access, are $85. With each ticket purchase, you may also purchase a copy of the book for an additional $20 ($9 off the list price).

Jenn McKee is an entertainment reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Reach her at jennmckee@mlive.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.