The First Bad Man is the critically acclaimed debut novel by the filmmaker, artist and best selling author of No One Belongs Here More Than You (winner of the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award), Miranda July.

The book itself is a collection of short stories that deal with the struggles of love. What’s particularly interesting about the book is that 40 objects mentioned in the story will be up for auction, with the proceeds all going to the National Partnership for Women and Families, a charity promoting fairness in the workplace, reproductive health and rights, access to quality, affordable health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.

Items up for auction include a purple bra, a pomegranate currant candle, a Tibetan cloth, a chalkboard, pink boxers, a hanky, very high heels and many other quirky offerings.

It’s good to see an artist with a level of cult status exercising her popularity for a good cause.Earlier this year we featured July’s messenger app Somebody. When users send a message through Somebody, it goes – not to your friend – but to the Somebody user nearest your friend. This person (more than likely a stranger) delivers the message verbally, acting as your stand-in.