Gary Shteyngart is a NY Times bestselling author known for his blistering humor and satirical takedown of contemporary society, as well as his compassionate examination of modern love and loss. He is author of six novels, a memoir, and essays for The New Yorker and The Atlantic. Newest book is “Vera, or Faith.” Born in Russia, Shteyngart explores life as an immigrant and an American.

Abby Jimenez is a popular romance novelist and winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.  Her books have landed her on the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Jimenez’s book, ”The Friend Zone,” is on Oprah Magazine’s list of most addicting romance novels. “The Night We Met” is her newest romance novel.

Kevin Young is poetry editor of the New Yorker and award-winning author of 16 books of poetry and prose. His book, “Stones” was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize and his newest work, “Night Watch: Poems” is a NY Times Editor’s Choice. He was director of the Smithsonian’s Nat’l. Museum of African American History and Culture and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.