The New York Times bestselling author, evolutionary scientist and Buddhist practioner Robert Wright will read and sign his new book, “Why Buddhism Is True,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Puget Sound Zen Center in the Havurat.

Koshin Christopher Cain, the Zen Center’s abbot, has been a longtime follower of Wright’s blog, “Bloggingheads.tv,” so when center member Elizabeth Fitterer suggested they invite him to the island, Cain quickly agreed.

“It is a timely and timeless book,” Cain said. “He comes at Buddhism as a scientist and practioner.”

Wright is an expert on evolutionary psychology and author of four both erudite and bestselling books on science, history and religion. In this new book, he aims to show that “Buddhism’s diagnosis of the human predicament is fundamentally correct, and that its prescription is deeply valid and urgently important.”

“Buddhist practice offers not just the truth but a way,” Cain said. “And Wright feels that is important for the future of our species.”

Cain thinks Wright’s book could be helpful for working with the current trend toward “tribalism.”

“There are a lot of things going in the right direction — the cooperative spirit in humans globally — but it could be derailed by tribalism,” Cain said. “Buddhism is a way to address that.”

Vashon Bookshop will have copies of Wright’s book for sale at the free event.