Imagine getting to celebrate your 70th birthday and the 40th anniversary of your blockbuster debut novel in one night.

Sandra Cisneros did just that on Dec. 20th at Camino Silvestre and Nectar, Calle Correo #43.

And there was cake! Well, cupcakes. Delicious cupcakes. And paper party hats and singing, too.

The book is “The House on Mango Street,” the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Mexican-American girl coming of age in Chicago. Everyman’s Library has just come out with a 40th anniversary edition – which was another reason to celebrate.