An Evening with Jeanine Cummins and "Speak to Me of Home" (In-Person)

Please Note: This event is at Kirkbride Hall - The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, not the City Opera House.

The National Writers Series is pleased to present Jeanine Cummins, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of American Dirt, in conversation about her powerful new novel, Speak to Me of Home.

Cummins’ latest work is a deeply moving multigenerational story that spans decades and continents, following three women—Rafaela, her daughter Ruth, and her granddaughter Daisy—as they navigate identity, family, and the meaning of home. From Puerto Rico to the American Midwest and back again, their journeys unfold against the backdrop of shifting cultural landscapes, personal sacrifices, and long-buried family secrets.

At the heart of Speak to Me of Home lies an exploration of belonging: How can three women, bound by blood and history, hold such different ideas of where they come from? And when life’s storms—both literal and figurative—push them apart, can they find their way back to each other? With lyrical prose and emotional depth, Cummins crafts a novel that is both intimate and sweeping, resonating with readers who cherish stories of resilience, love, and homecoming.

Book Publication Date: May 13, 2025 –Traverse City locals who’d like to read the book in advance of the event can pick up their copy at Horizon Books, beginning May 13th. Call Horizon Books at 231-946-7290 to check on availability or if you have questions about receiving your featured book.

Students and Teachers Ticket: $10
No age restriction with a valid school ID, student and teacher tickets admit one person to the live or virtual event. Books are not included.

About Our Book Sales

If purchasing a book isn’t an option for any reason, use the code BookChampion at checkout to receive a complimentary copy, no questions asked. You will only pay the price of admission, thanks to a generous donor who will pay for your book.

One of the most exciting parts of attending our events is getting a signed copy of the author's latest book along with the chance to meet the writer and have them personalize it after the show. Please note: signed books are only available at the live event.

Each sale benefits our local partner Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The bundled price of National Writers Series books is always 20 percent below retail, so you also get a great deal.

If you already own the featured book, the one you receive with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or you can donate it back to us at the National Writers Series, and we'll distribute it to libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan.

We think a new book is one of the greatest joys of life, and we thank you for helping us make Traverse City one of the premiere destinations for authors through our book sales.

TICKET INFORMATION
This is a modified book bundled event, meaning each ticket comes with a signed hardcover copy of Speak to Me of Home (or opt for a two-ticket package with ONE book), available for pick-up at Horizon Books after it publishes on May 13 or at the event. Tickets do not include fees.

IN-PERSON TICKETS FOR KIRKBRIDE HALL- THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS  (ticket fees not included):
General Admission tickets are $17 plus book:
One Ticket plus one book: $32.50
Two tickets with ONE book: $49.50

STUDENT TICKETS: (Books are not included)
Student Tickets: $10