Courtesy photo The cover of Curtis Chin's memoir.

ALPENA — The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library has two book club kits available for checkout of this season’s title Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A Memoir by Curtis Chin, according to a press release on Wednesday. Each kit contains 10 copies of the book, conversation starters, and a discussion guide.

According to the release, the library is an official lending partner for the Michigan Humanities 2025-2026 Great Michigan Read. This season’s title tells the author’s life story of growing up in 1980s-Detroit, infusing his focus on diversity and community, and how they affected his upbringing.

The library stated that Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant is both a memoir and an “invitation to step inside one boy’s childhood oasis, scoot into a vinyl booth, and grow up with him–and perhaps even share something off the secret menu.”

Since 2007, the Great Michigan Read, the signature program of Michigan Humanities, has united communities across the state through Michigan-centered fiction and non-fiction books, according to the release. These selections inspire conversations from diverse perspectives, foster a deeper appreciation for the humanities, and connect thousands of readers with authors and engaging educational programs.

The library explained that each book is chosen by seven regional selection committees. All aspects of the program are free and open to the public. Great Michigan Read partners include libraries, schools, book clubs, and other nonprofits. This year’s Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including the Meijer Foundation, the Library of Michigan, and MSU Federal Credit Union.