BookPeople Presents: An Evening with Cindy Pham

Step into a storybook evening as BookPeople hosts Cindy Pham and Ali Hazelwood for a magical celebration of Pham’s debut fantasy novel, The Secret World of Briar Rose. This in-person event on June 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm transforms the bookstore into a portal of fairy-tale retellings, queer romance, and dreamlike adventure.

Pham, best known for her sharp, funny, and unapologetically honest YouTube channel Read With Cindy, brings that same voice to an inventive twist on “Sleeping Beauty.” Instead of a damsel on a pedestal, we get a jaded thief, a runaway sister, a cursed kingdom, and a princess whose subconscious hides as many monsters as miracles.

During the conversation, you can expect lively banter between Cindy Pham and moderator Ali Hazelwood, the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind beloved contemporary romances like The Love Hypothesis. Hazelwood’s science-brain-meets-soft-heart sensibility is a perfect counterpoint to Pham’s genre-bending fantasy, making this a dream pairing for fans of character-driven stories and sharp humor.

The evening will kick off with a talk and Q&A where you’ll hear about:

• How Pham turned a classic “Sleeping Beauty” tale into an epic queer fantasy about grief, escapism, and rebirth.
• Crafting the crumbling kingdom of Gyldan, its underground tunnels, and the dreamscape ruled by Briar Rose.
• The dynamic between sisters Corin and Elly, and what happens when family, folklore, and reality collide.
• Designing lush dream realms like ice castles, sunflower mazes, and star-drenched oceans—then hiding darker secrets inside them.
• Balancing a full-time design job, content creation, and novel writing without sacrificing voice or vision.

After the talk, the evening continues with a signing line where Cindy Pham will sign and personalize copies of The Secret World of Briar Rose. Ticket options that include a book also come with exclusive swag—an art print and a pin—perfect for readers who love collecting special editions and tour goodies.

The novel itself is tailor-made for fans of fairy-tale retellings with a twist. Instead of a simple curse-breaker story, the plot dives into a portal leading into Princess Amelia’s subconscious. There, Corin and Elly meet Briar Rose, Amelia’s whimsical alter ego, and Malicine, a demon with a sharp tongue and serious magic. The dreamy landscapes may look like paradise, but Corin quickly realizes that even the prettiest fantasies can cover up buried grief and dangerous truths.

This event is ideal if you:

• Love queer fantasy, darkly lush worlds, and prickly, lovable characters.
• Follow Read With Cindy and want to see her step from book critic to published author.
• Are an Ali Hazelwood fan curious about her conversations with fellow authors.
• Collect signed books, exclusive pins, and art prints from debut releases.
• Enjoy intimate, bookish evenings surrounded by fellow readers and local bookstore charm.

Because this is a ticketed event, you’ll want to secure your spot in advance—especially if your heart is set on that signing line and the special edition goodies. Expect a cozy, high-energy night full of behind-the-scenes stories, writing talk, fandom vibes, and plenty of fairy-tale feelings with a modern, queer, and emotionally rich twist.

If you’re ready for an evening of portals, princesses, demons, and deeply human emotions—all without leaving your favorite bookstore—this is the night to mark on your calendar.