Eckleburg founding editor Rae Cline marked the New York City launch of her debut novel, Precious Ugly, on Thursday, August 20, at The William in Manhattan. The evening brought together readers, fellow writers, and advocates for an evening centered on “Silences, Gender-Based Violence and the Importance of Voice.”
“May be the year’s most powerful debut.” — Largehearted Boy
Rae Cline was joined in conversation by Cindy Kanusher, Esq., Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, and Melissa Jeltsen, journalist and host of the podcast What Happened To. Together, the three discussed storytelling, breaking silence, and the role voice plays in survival, themes at the heart of Precious Ugly, Rae Cline’s searing Reagan-era novel set in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
The New York City celebration also brought out NYC influencer, Caitlin Bea, Michael Asen of SM4, John Madera, Editor in Chief of Big Other, and Miracle Jones, Editor in Chief of Ristretto Books, the books arm of Epiphany Magazine, part of the wider literary and publicity community supporting Rae Cline’s launch.
The evening included a short reading from Rae Cline, a panel discussion, and a book signing. In keeping with the evening’s themes, proceeds from the launch party were donated to two organizations doing that work every day: Sanctuary for Families and the Pace Women’s Justice Center.
Precious Ugly has been called “phenomenal, a masterpiece” by author Kim Chinquee, and Largehearted Boy said it “may be the year’s most powerful debut.” Rae Cline lives in New York City. You can follow her events at raecline.com.
