This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 program, which honors debut fiction writers whose work promises to leave a lasting impression on the literary landscape. To celebrate, Lincoln Center co-hosts a discussion featuring past honorees Angela Flournoy (The Turner House, 2015 5 Under 35 Honoree), Raven Leilani (Luster, 2020 5 Under 35 Honoree), and Kirstin Valdez Quade (Night at the Fiestas, 2014 5 Under 35 Honoree) as they reveal the authors and books that most inspired them, and what it means to build a literary career and community in New York.

Moderated by Natalie Green, Director of Programs & Partnerships at the National Book Foundation.

This event is general admission, first-come, first-served. Throughout Summer for the City, stop by The Garden at Damrosch Park for our Books to Inspire bookshelf, a book exchange available from June 11–August 9 curated by Angela Flournoy, Raven Leilani, and Kirstin Valdez Quade.

Presented in collaboration with Lincoln Center.