Meet the Author: Michelle Brafman

Draw Near to Me: A Novel

Enjoy a facilitated Q&A with this beloved local author.

Michelle Brafman's latest novel, Draw Near to Me, was released in July 2026. In this highly-anticipated stand-alone companion to Swimming with Ghosts, the discovery of a desperately-hidden secret brings a family to the brink of collapse—the exact place where they may ultimately find true healing and forgiveness.

The program will be held in the Second Floor Meeting Room, across from the elevator. Librarian Sarah Fradkin will facilitate an interview with Ms. Brafman, and the program will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions and buy a copy of the author's book. Questions about this program? Contact the Library at 240-777-0140. 

About the Author

Michelle Brafman is the author of Washing the Dead, Bertrand Court, and Swimming with Ghosts, the companion novel to Draw Near to Me. Her work has appeared in Oprah Daily, O Quarterly, Slate, LitHub, Tablet, The Forward, and elsewhere. She’s taught fiction writing in the Johns Hopkins University MA in Writing Program and spoken about her work and the creative process at more than 200 venues. Learn more at www.michellebrafman.com

"When the innumerable threads that tie a family together begin to unravel, is repair possible? How broken is too broken to fix? Michelle Brafman’s propulsive novel Draw Near to Me is a humane and hopeful story about the durability of love amid generational secrets, guilt, betrayal, and doubt; a warm-hearted, engrossing portrait of a troubled family struggling to navigate the mess that is life.” 

—Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist and You May See a Stranger

Find Draw Near to Me in the MCPL catalog.

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Library Program Attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

If you plan to attend with a group of ten or more, please contact the branch at least one week before the program to discuss how your group might be accommodated.

Accommodation Requests

To request an accommodation, contact the library branch where you want the accommodation. If they are unable to help, or if you need an accommodation for an online resource or event, complete our Accommodation Request Form online or call Library Administration at 240-777-0002.

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