As many of you I’m sure have heard, Colum McCann’s celebrated novel Let the Great World Spin has won the National Book Award for fiction for 2009. This is certainly an amazing accolade to receive, particularly for a young writer. I had the pleasure of meeting Colum for the first time at the Kennedy Gala last month, and felt compelled to offer my congratulations to him. Coincidentally, he is doing a reading this evening at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as a participant in their regular reading series. It just so happens I am very good friends with Mira Jacob and Alison Hart, the purveyors of this long-running and very popular Thursday night series. I highly encourage IAW&A members to attend their events, as they are wildly entertaining and often a great way to see high-caliber literary talent. The readings generally begin promptly at 7:30pm and are absolutely free. Pete’s Candy Store is located at 709 Lorimer Street in Williamburg between Richardson and Frost streets. Space is limited so if possible, get there early. For a complete schedule or contact information visit http://www.petescandystore.com/reading/index.html