Min Jin Lee Opens Rochester Speaker Series

The acclaimed novelist kicked off the 2026-27 Speaking of Stories season as the first guest in the city.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing vintage spectacles and an open, weathered journal, symbolizing the intellectual atmosphere of a literary speaker series. — Author Min Jin Lee inaugurated the 2026-27 Speaking of Stories series in Rochester on October 27, highlighting the city’s growing literary footprint. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Author and National Book Award finalist Min Jin Lee launched the 2026-27 Rochester Speaker Series, titled Speaking of Stories, on October 27. She chose Rochester as the opening stop for her national book tour due to the city's historic character and local literary engagement.

Why it matters

The event highlights Rochester as a key destination for high-profile literary figures. By starting her tour here, Lee brings national attention to the local speaker series and strengthens the city's standing in current literary discourse.

Min Jin Lee, a National Book Award finalist, has authored prominent works including Pachinko, Free Food for Millionaires, and American Hagwon. The Speaking of Stories series will feature subsequent appearances by Percival Everett and Lulu Miller.

The players

Min Jin Lee

She is an acclaimed novelist and National Book Award finalist known for works such as Pachinko.

Adam Chodak

He is a local journalist who served as the moderator for the opening event of the speaker series.

Percival Everett

He is an author slated to continue the Speaking of Stories season in the spring.

Lulu Miller

She is an author and speaker scheduled to participate in the final spring installment of the series.

The details

During the launch event, Lee participated in a public conversation with Adam Chodak. The session focused on her career and body of work, marking the first installment of the new city-wide series.

October 27, 2026: Min Jin Lee launched the Rochester Speaker Series season.
April 6, 2027: Percival Everett is scheduled to appear in the series.
May 11, 2027: Lulu Miller is scheduled to appear in the series.

Industry Dynamics

This event serves as the inaugural anchor for the Speaking of Stories series. It reflects a broader trend of mid-sized cities investing in high-profile literary programming to drive cultural engagement and local tourism.

Residents can continue to engage with the series by attending the upcoming scheduled appearances in the spring of 2027. Tickets and programming information remain available for those looking to participate in the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Attending local speaker series provides direct access to nationally recognized authors and contemporary literature. Readers should check event calendars early to secure attendance for upcoming seasonal highlights.