The Lit Salon is an intimate literary salon set to candlelight inside Maison Brooklyn.

Upcoming Events

Shanghailanders Book Launch Party with Juli Min and Vanessa Chan

May 14

6:30 - 9 PM
Maison Brooklyn

On May 14, The Lit Salon will feature authors Juli Min at the launch of her new book Shanghailanders and bestselling author Vanessa Chan of The Storm We Made. Shanghailanders is a dazzling and ambitious debut novel that follows a cosmopolitan Shanghai household backward in time—beginning in 2040 and moving through our present and the recent past—exploring their secrets, their losses, and the ways a family makes and remakes itself across the years. The Storm We Made is a Good Morning America pick, which called it a "total page turner" is a 
spellbinding novel is set in Malaysia during World War II. The Junglebird cocktail, which was first created in Malaysia, will be served and a performance by The Brownstone Trio will open the event, followed by an hour of conversation and audience Q&A hosted by author and journalist Michelle Young. A book signing and mingling with complimentary drinks will conclude the event. You can order the book with your tickets for pickup at the event or pre-order the book separately.

The Year of Living Constitutionally Book Launch Party

May 21

6:30 - 9 PM
Maison Brooklyn

On May 21, The Lit Salon will feature New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs at the launch of his new book The Year of Living Constitutionally.. The book chronicles his hilarious adventures in attempting to follow the original meaning of the Constitution, as he searches for answers to one of the most pressing issues of our time: How should we interpret America’s foundational document?

A.J. Jacobs learned the hard way that donning a tricorne hat and marching around Manhattan with a 1700s musket will earn you a lot of strange looks. In The Year of Living Constitutionally. He asserts his right to free speech by writing his opinions on parchment with a quill and handing them out to strangers in Times Square. He consents to quartering a soldier, as is his Third Amendment right.

Martha Washington’s rum punch will be served and a performance by The Brownstone Trio will open the event, followed by an hour of conversation and audience Q&A hosted by author and journalist Michelle Young. A book signing and mingling with complimentary drinks will conclude the event. Guests are encouraged to come in 18th century attire.

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue Book Launch Party

June 19

6:30 - 9 PM
Maison Brooklyn

On June 19, The Lit Salon will feature Julie Satow on the launch of her new book When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion (Doubleday). Satow, an award-winning journalist and author of the widely acclaimed 2019 book, The Plaza, draws on her expert knowledge of New York City history and culture to whisk readers back to a bygone era of innovation and glitz. Satow chronicles the rise of the department store through dazzling portraits of three female powerhouses who broke barriers and created new and evolving possibilities for working women.

A welcome cocktail will be served and a performance by The Brownstone Trio will open the event, followed by an hour of conversation and audience Q&A hosted by author and journalist Michelle Young. A book signing and mingling with complimentary drinks will conclude the event.

Praise for The Lit Salon!

“I’m coming to every single one ever.”

- Sarah Maslin Nir, author, journalist & two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize

“This is why we live in New York.”

Michael Cannell, author & journalist

“You’re ruined now! You’ll never see another book talk as fabulous as this one!”

- Debby Applegate, Pulitzer Prize winning biographer

The Lit Salon is hosted by author and journalist Michelle Young, featuring candlelit conversations with award-winning authors at the release of their latest books.

Guests will be welcomed with a specialty cocktail inspired by the book and a musical performance by The Brownstone Trio will open each event, followed by an author conversation, book signing, and mingling with complimentary drinks. The Lit Salon can also be joined virtually.

Maison Brooklyn

The Lit Salon takes place in the parlor of Maison Brooklyn, an 1890s townhouse that was lovingly restored and modernized by Michelle Young and Augustin Pasquet with re-ad architecture.

The home was a finalist for the 2023 NYCxDESIGN award’s House Renovation category. Together, Michelle and Augustin run Maison Brooklyn, a real estate rental and property management company specializing in historic homes.

Our Partners

Aerangis

Aerangis (Air-ANG-giss) began with a simple mission: to use the power of fragrance to unlock forgotten memories and to immortalize moments worth remembering. Aerangis candles are cruelty-free, plant-based, and eco-conscious. Each candle is carefully hand-poured in small batches in the USA inside artisanal clay jars from the historic Shuili Snake Kiln in Taiwan. The Lit Salon features the Aerangis signature scent, Seven Miles. Get 10% off your purchase using our discount link.

Untapped New York

Untapped New York is an online magazine and experience company that reveals New York City’s secrets and hidden places. Experience NYC’s hidden gems in person with expert local guides, or access the city’s most off limits places by joining a community of passionate Untapped New York Insider members. Get your first month off Insiders with code JOINUS which offers free tickets to The Lit Salon livestream and other exciting events in New York City.

Ode à la Rose Flower Shop

Ode à la Rose is one-of-a-kind florist that provides flower delivery with a French touch. Their artisanal flower bouquets are made with only the freshest flowers and packaged beautifully. Bouquets designed the French way & delivered same day in NYC, Chicago, Philly, LA, Austin, D.C., & Miami, and next day nationwide. Use code LITSALON for 20% off!

Fort Hamilton Distillery

Based in Brooklyn and surrounded by landmarks of the Revolutionary War, Fort Hamilton Distillery started barreling whisky in 2016. On a mission to recapture America’s finest spirits, Fort Hamilton celebrates America’s original whiskey style, New York Rye. This style was the most popular libation in America pre-prohibition and serves as the base for the most discerning classic American cocktails.

Past Salons

  • Double Click with Carol Kino

    March 19, 204

  • Beverly Hills Spy with Ron Drabkin

    February 21, 2024

  • The Bishop & the Butterfly with Michael Wolraich

    February 6, 2024

  • Mildred's Mindset with Gayle & Mildred Kirchenbaum

    March 6, 2024

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@maison.brooklyn