At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Thurber House Evenings with Authors presents Rita Mae Brown, author of Rubyfruit Jungle, the bestseller about growing up lesbian in America. No stranger to the bestseller list, Brown is also a New York Times bestselling author of numerous mystery novels, including the Sister Jane Foxhunting series and the Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries, featuring a feline super sleuth.

Brown will appear at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., to talk about her novels, as well as her two memoirs. The first, Rita Will, incorporates the story of her 1960’s activism in the Gay Liberation Movement and her participation in the Stonewall Riots.

For her Evenings with Authors appearance, she will read from her latest work and second memoir, Animal Magnetism: My Life with Creatures Great and Small. It begins with Brown’s earliest memory, the soothing purr of Mickey, the family’s tiger cat who had curled up with her, claiming a spot in the crib.

Growing up in an animal-loving family, she was surrounded by many furry and feathery friends. Brown’s affection for the animal world includes horses — riding and owning them. A former polo player, she now lives in Afton, Va., where she is the proud owner of hunters and hounds.

Following the reading, Brown will take questions, chat with the audience about her writing and sign books that will be available for purchase. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door, with discounts for students and seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 614-464-1032 or visit www.thurberhouse.org.