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Author Event with Cindy Pham/The Secret World of Briar Rose
Past event
Featured Book
he Secret World of Briar Rose
A lush and immersive queer “Sleeping Beauty” retelling about escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world, as imagined by YouTube star Cindy Pham.
The deluxe first edition features:
• A classic fairytale inspired embossed jacket
• Custom designed colored edges
• Gorgeous illustrated endpapers
• A gold foil stamped case
PRAISE FOR THE SECRET WORLD OF BRIAR ROSE
"The emotional depth of the characters adds many layers to the search for identity, overcoming grief, and finding belonging; the book shows how hope, love, and redemption can exist in this darkness." -- School Library Journal, starred review
"Intersectionally diverse, emotionally complex characters navigate a hope-fueled, twist-riddled plot in this empathetic exploration of identity, grief, forgiveness, and mental health." -- Publishers Weekly
"Somberly beautiful." -- Kirkus Reviews
One hundred years have passed since the last heir of Gyldan fell into eternal slumber and doomed the once-mighty kingdom to poverty and invasion. At least, that’s what the fairy tales claim.
Corin is a jaded thief who doesn’t believe in fables, even when she searches Gyldan’s underground tunnels to find her younger sister, Elly, who ran away to find the sleeping princess in hopes of a better life. Corin's conviction is challenged when she discovers the ruins of the ancient castle, maintained by beings from the kingdom's golden age, who protect a hidden portal into Princess Amelia's subconscious. Following Elly’s voice, Corin jumps in the portal and seals the entry behind her.
Inside the lush world of Amelia's dreams, the sisters reunite for a new adventure as they meet Briar Rose, Amelia’s whimsical alter ego, and Malicine, a sharp-tongued demon with a gift for magic. But as they explore ice castles, sunflower mazes, and star-filled oceans, Corin suspects Briar Rose is hiding darker secrets behind her "perfect" paradise – and that there are some things her subconscious can’t bury forever.
This book will be available for purchase at the event.
About This Event
Join Cindy Pham in conversation with Rachel Strolle to celebrate the publication of The Secret World of Briar Rose at Anderson’s Bookshop Naperville on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00 pm. Each person in attendance at the event will receive a special pin and art print.
Event Format
We will begin checking you in approximately 30 minutes before the start time. After a presentation and Q&A with the author, the line will form in numbered order with the following guidelines:
Posed photo with your camera taken by our staff
There is a limit of 2 books from home to be signed (unless otherwise stated)
There is a limit of 1 personalization (unless otherwise stated)
All events have open seating. The “Order Line Number” on your pdf ticket is your reserved place in the signing line. You will line up to meet the author based on that number.
If you cannot attend, you must pick up your book (if included with ticket) at the hosting store within 30 days of the event. We can ship that book to you for an additional charge of $9.99; please call the store to arrange that.
Pre-registration is required for this event because sp
Featured Author
Cindy Pham
Cindy Pham is a queer Vietnamese-American author of fantasy books. Based in New York City, she works as a full-time designer while moonlighting as a fiction writer and content creator. Her YouTube channel, Read With Cindy, has amassed over half a million subscribers and focuses on books, movie reactions, and candid commentary. The Secret World of Briar Rose is her debut novel.
In Conversation With
rachel strolle
Rachel Strolle is the Teen Services Coordinator at a public library in the western suburbs of Chicago, where she runs teen programming, coordinates middle school outreach, and maintains the teen book collection. She is the Communications director for YALLFest book festival in Charleston, SC and the Programming Producer for YALLWEST book festival in Santa Monica, CA. In addition to her column Read Rec Rachel on Teen Librarian Toolbox/SLJ, she has covered books in publications such as Buzzfeed, Reader’s Digest, Paste Magazine, the Barnes & Noble Teen blog, and Bitch Media, and been an advisor for a few other book festivals. Previously, she was an indie bookseller, where she ran a highly successful Blind Date with a Book program and co-created and ran bookish summer camps for teens. She is still not over the cancellation of Pushing Daisies.
About the Venue
Anderson's Bookshop - Naperville
Anderson’s Bookshops are located just outside Chicago, IL in Naperville and Downers Grove. As independent booksellers since 1875, we pride ourselves on our expertise for every customer and our relationships within our communities. We are the oldest single-family-run bookstore in the country and hope to share our passion and knowledge of books and build community through great reads, good company, and engaging conversations for all ages.
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