post-shower + very clean Bri with Bright Lines!

I’ve just returned from attending my first ever author event at Greenlight Bookstore, my local independent bookstore that I absolutely love and adore. I know everyone in New York raves about The Strand, but if you would like a less claustrophobic and a more personal bookstore experience, visit Greenlight.

If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll already know that I LOVED Bright Lines by Tanwi Nandini Islam. If you’d like to read my review of the book, click here. It’s a beautiful book that follows three amazing characters who are each on different, but related paths of self-discovery. Most of the book takes place in Brooklyn, very near to where Greenlight Bookstore is located which gave the event an extra magical vibe tonight.

The event began with an invitation to eat some of the delicious food provided by the author and her sister. I abstained because I had just finished eating my weight in grilled corn ten minutes prior to the event, but the food smelled amazing. After guests indulged in the food, author Mira Jacob led a conversation with Tanwi Nandini Islam about her book, life, and writing process. Islam also read a few excerpts from her book — all early portions from Anwar’s point of view.

Tanwi Nandini Islam clapping in excitement

The event was wonderful and Islam was so kind + gracious + humble for the positive attention her book has received so far. The store was packed to capacity with people excited to hear Islam talk about her debut novel. Many of the audience members were close friends and family members of Islam and it was honestly so amazing to be surrounded by their joy of her success — I almost felt like I was intruding on a family’s holiday celebration, but I still felt welcome and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Tanwi Nandini Islam signing Bright Lines

Even though I had already read the novel, I decided to buy a copy to give away to a reader of my blog as part of a cool new project I’m planning on starting soon. I’ll give more details on it soon as I finish working on bringing the project to fruition.

The note says, “Let’s light up the work with our love + art.” Isn’t it great?