‘Olga Dies Dreaming’ author to speak at Broward fundraiser

The Broward Public Library Foundation’s annual Night of Literary Feasts has become one of South Florida’s premier events bringing authors and readers together to raise money to support literacy programs.

But first comes LitLUNCH!, featuring New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez discussing her critically acclaimed debut “Olga Dies Dreaming.”

The event is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, 2800 Yacht Club Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

The Olga of “Olga

Dies Dreaming” is Olga Acevedo, a successful wedding planner whose clients are among the wealthy and powerful and who is a frequent guest on TV morning shows.

Of Puerto Rican heritage, Olga has found a home in Brooklyn as has her brother, Prieto, a U.S. congressman who represents their Sunset Park neighborhood.

Family drama imbues the plot. Prieto, who is gay, is being blackmailed by real estate moguls and the siblings’ mother is involved with a covert paramilitary group in Puerto Rico. Then, Hurricane Maria hits Puerto

Rico. The plot involves Puerto Rican history and the meaning of home.

“Olga Dies Dreaming” was named a best of 2022 by TIME, The New York Times, Boston Globe, Vogue, Bustle, among other publications. Gonzalez is executive producing the TV adaptation of her novel starring Aubrey Plaza and Jesse Williams.

LitLUNCH! tickets start at $120. Visit bplfoundation.org/litlunch to register.

The Night of Literary Feasts is April 1; visit bplfoundation.org/anight-of-literary-feasts for details.

Gonzalez