Did you know that celebrated author Michael Cunningham (The Hours) aspired to the sleuthing skills of Nancy Drew as a kid? Or that playwright Eve Ensler secretly wanted to be Grace Slick growing up?

Neither did we, but we sure heard all sorts of fabulous childhood stories when Borders, HarperCollins Publishers and First Book hosted a standing-room-only author event last Wednesday at the Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle, New York City!

The panel of amazing authors, moderated by author and Academy Award-winning playwright James Lescene, included Cunningham, Ensler and author Peter Cameron. The special event was in celebration of HarperCollins’ publication of Lescene’s new young adult novel, Absolute Brightness, and included a reading and signing of the book. All proceeds from the sale of Lescene’s book went to First Book. (Thank you, James!)

I promptly devoured the book on the train ride back, and let me tell you, dear readers… be prepared. It’s a funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting book about the good and evil that lurks in us all. It’s a must-read for sure (just keep your hankie handy!).

First Book would like to send out a special thank you to Borders Columbus Circle, Laura Geringer, and the wonderful authors who participated in the event for making it such a memorable evening!