Picture this: an entire city coming together to explore the depths of a single book, not just as passive readers, but as active creators of meaning through their own life stories. It's a phenomenon that's redefining how we connect with literature—and it's about to get even more exciting with the author herself stepping into the spotlight. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if the way we read isn't just about absorbing words, but about weaving in our personal histories? Let's dive deeper into this captivating event and discover the magic behind it.
Lisa See, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author whose latest historical novel, "Lady Tan's Circle of Women," is captivating readers across Hamilton through the One City One Book initiative, is set to engage in a live conversation at an upcoming event. For those unfamiliar, One City One Book is a wonderful community program that unites people around a shared reading experience, alternating between fiction and non-fiction to broaden perspectives and foster discussion. Last year, Hamilton delved into Sonia Purnell's "A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II," and in 2023, they explored Bonnie Garmus's "Lessons in Chemistry." This year, See's story takes center stage, inviting everyone to reflect on themes of heritage, resilience, and the strength of women's bonds.
In her own words, See emphasizes that reading is far from a passive pastime—it's a dynamic, creative act. 'We often picture sitting quietly with a book as a simple, one-way process,' she explains, 'but really, it's an active engagement where every word filters through our unique backgrounds and experiences.' To put this in simpler terms for beginners, think of it like cooking: the recipe (the book) is the base, but you add your own spices (personal history) to make it uniquely yours. When a whole community participates in this way and then gathers to share insights, it creates something truly special. See is eagerly anticipating these communal exchanges, which promise to reveal fascinating connections between individual interpretations and the story's deeper layers.
And this is the part most people miss: See feels right at home in conversational settings, where spontaneity reigns supreme. 'I'm comfortable with the impromptu nature because it's so unpredictable,' she shares. 'You never know what questions will pop up—some I've answered countless times, others catch me off guard and spark fresh thoughts. There's always something new to uncover in these dialogues.' This highlights how such events aren't just lectures; they're living conversations that evolve in real-time, much like a jazz improvisation where each interaction builds on the last.
The event is brought to life by Lane Libraries as the presenting sponsor, with Carrie Mancuso, a library spokesperson, expressing enthusiasm. 'We're thrilled for the community to join this discussion, led by Miami University associate professor Kelli Johnson, as they explore the book's themes and the inspirations behind Ms. See's writing,' she says. It's a perfect example of how libraries act as hubs for cultural and intellectual exploration, bridging authors and readers in meaningful ways.
But here's where it gets controversial—could the inspiration for a book truly be a matter of fate, or is it just a series of lucky coincidences? See recounts how the idea for "Lady Tan's Circle of Women" emerged almost serendipitously. Drawing on her Chinese heritage from her father's side, she's always celebrated Los Angeles and Chinatown through her writing and cultural initiatives. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with plans for a different project stalled by closed libraries and international borders, she found herself restless. 'After weeks of feeling stuck at home, I was in my office when the spine of a gray-jacketed book practically jumped out at me,' she recalls. That book, "Reproducing Women: Pregnancy and Childbirth in the Ming Dynasty," had sat unread on her shelf for nearly ten years. Intrigued, she dove in and stumbled upon the tale of a female doctor from 500 years ago who, at age 50 in 1511, published her own medical case studies—a story still available in print today.
See ordered a copy, and from there, the character Yunxian, the protagonist of "Lady Tan's Circle of Women," began to take shape. 'It felt like destiny,' she says, 'as if luck, fate, or something greater was guiding me.' This notion of serendipity versus intentionality can spark debate: Is creativity really that mystical, or do we just frame random events as meaningful after the fact? It challenges us to think about how external forces—like a global pandemic—can unexpectedly fuel artistic breakthroughs.
Mark your calendars for this enriching evening: An Evening with Author Lisa See, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Parrish Auditorium on the Miami University Hamilton campus, located at 1601 University Boulevard in Hamilton. Miami University associate professor Kelli Johnson will facilitate the conversation with See from 7 to 8 p.m., delving into the novel's themes and her writing journey. Afterward, from 8 to 9 p.m., enjoy book sales and signings—a chance to get your copy personalized and perhaps even discuss your own reading experiences with the author.
What do you think—does reading truly transform us through our personal lenses, or is it more of a solitary escape? And is there such a thing as destined stories, or are they just happy accidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or your own tales of serendipitous inspiration!
