Bring Your Own Bestie for a Night of Books, Mocktails, and Fun at the Johnson County Museum

Book-selling besties Jean Meltzer and Sara Goodman Confino are teaming up for a special Acclaimed Author Series event, “Bring Your Own Bestie,” at the Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. The Acclaimed Author Series is presented by Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J.

Whether guests bring a best friend or come on their own, B.Y.O. Bestie is a chance to make new connections and enjoy the spirit of community.

“This type of event is exciting for a lot of different reasons,” said Molly Hess, director of Jewish Experiences at The J. “Not only do you get to dress up, but we get to come together as a community to celebrate connection, creativity and shared stories. There’s something special about seeing people laugh, bond and make memories over books that bring us  joy.”

This lively girls’ night out invites guests to sip mocktails and cocktails, enjoy light bites, win prizes and meet two of today’s popular authors. Attendees are encouraged to wear that outfit they never get to debut, whether it’s sequin pants, a velvet jumpsuit or a hot pink ball gown. Anything works at this celebratory night of friendship, fashion and fiction.

Meltzer, known as the “Queen of Jewish Romance,” will present her fifth novel, “The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah.” Meltzer studied dramatic writing at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and earned a Daytime Emmy for her work in television before turning to fiction writing.

Joining her is real-life bestie Confino, best-selling author of “Good Grief” and four previous novels. After years as a high school English and journalism teacher, Confino now writes full time from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, two sons and two miniature schnauzers.

Registration is $20 and includes one book, or $36 for both. Individual book purchases: “The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah,” $19; “Good Grief,” $17. A free attendance option is also available for those who wish to join without purchasing a book.

Tickets are available now, with three options: one for each book or a bundled ticket for both. Register online at thejkc.org/aas.