Photo by Christopher Parks

Get Lost Bookshop’s Cold Reading Series will shine the spotlight on Columbia author Bridget Bufford — her writing will probably make a cameo, too — this Thursday. Bufford, who was recently featured in Vox, will read excerpts from her latest novel, which was published earlier this month.

The book, Cemetery Bird, tells the story of a Missouri woman who returns home from Arizona after an injury ends her firefighting career. Once back in her hometown, the protagonist becomes the caretaker of her nephew, who has autism.

Although the novel delves into such seemingly divergent issues as mental illness, addiction and disability, there is a common thread throughout. “This is a book about redemption,” Bufford says.

In its short shelf life, Cemetery Bird has already drawn acclaim in the form of a nomination for the Pushcart Prize, which honors the best “poetry, short fiction, essays or literary whatnot” published by small presses each year.

See for yourself what all the fuss is about by joining Bufford at 7 p.m. this Thursday at Get Lost, 8 S. Ninth St. The evening will also feature poetry readings by Chelsea Reynolds, live music from local musicians and wine. Attendance is free — no excuses — and copies of the book can be purchased for $15.