Thursday, March 12, 2026

Muskegon Community College and Muskegon Area District Library will host an appearance by acclaimed author Curtis Chin as part of the statewide Great Michigan Read.

The event will take place Monday, April 13, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Corner, located at 280 W Muskegon Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The program is free and open to the public, though registration is required beginning April 3 Chin will discuss his memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, the 2025–26 Great Michigan Read selection. The book chronicles his experiences growing up Chinese American in Detroit and the nearby suburb of Troy, offering a deeply personal look at family, identity, and community.

The memoir traces Chin’s journey from childhood in urban Detroit to his time attending the University of Michigan. The book also recounts his experience coming out as queer in the early 1980s—at a time when doing so was widely considered taboo in many Asian and Chinese American communities.

Chin also reflects on the daily life inside his family’s restaurant, Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine, a beloved gathering place that served people from all walks of life in 1980s Detroit.

Beyond his Michigan roots, Chin went on to cofound the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City and has built a career as a writer and documentary filmmaker with numerous television and film credits.

“This is the first time Muskegon will host an in-person Great Michigan Read author event,” said Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga, Programs Manager for Muskegon Area District Library. “It’s a big deal for our community, and we’re honored to welcome Curtis Chin to share his story with readers here.”

Following the program, Chin will sign copies of his book. Books will be available for purchase at the event through The Book Nook.

Event Details:

• What: Great Michigan Read Author Event with Curtis Chin
• When: Monday, April 13, 2026, | 6:30–8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
• Where: The Corner, 280 W Muskegon Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
• Cost: Free and open to the public.
• Registration required at https://muskegonadl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/696568a791e4576f847c2ba6.