First Novel Friday: Liar’s Dice, Abundance, and Odessa

On the first Friday of the month, join The Center for Fiction as they celebrate and launch a selection of the best debut novels published today. Be among the first to discover boundary-pushing and world-expanding work from exciting new voices in fiction.

Kick off the weekend with a happy hour at the cash bar for ticket holders in our Members Lounge starting at 6pm. Then, at 7pm, the party will move to the auditorium for readings from the featured debut novelists, followed by a short moderated conversation. (If auditorium seating reaches capacity, guests will be invited to watch the livestream of the readings and conversation on a large screen in our Members Lounge.) The party continues with book signings and signature cocktails to round out the night. Go home with something new—a book, a friend, a favorite Friday night tradition.

This month, The Center for Fiction welcomes debut novelists Juliet Faithfull (Liar’s Dice), Hafeez Lakhani (Abundance), and Gabrielle Sher (Odessa). All three featured books portray families torn apart by forces beyond their control, as well as the interplay between grief and illness across decades and continents. Naeem Murr, award-winning author of Every Exit Brings You Home, will join as the evening’s moderator.

Two in-person ticket options are offered: the $5 Community Ticket and the $40+ Supporter Ticket. Both provide the same access, but if you’re able, we kindly suggest registering for the Supporter Ticket to help sustain the programs for emerging writers. You can also attend online by purchasing the access to livestream at $5.