As part of the Great Michigan Read tour, author Curtis Chin is traveling across the state to share his memoir, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” While Chin was born and raised in Detroit's 313 area code, his journey has recently taken him from the Ohio border to the Upper Peninsula, offering him a newfound connection to the entire state. For Chin, returning to public libraries carries a special weight; growing up in Detroit’s Cass Corridor, the main library on Woodward Avenue served as a vital, safe sanctuary that opened up the world to him and his siblings.
Chin’s story resonates far beyond Michigan, with the author having held over 350 events across ten countries. He attributes this broad appeal to the unique perspective of the American Midwest - a region he feels represents "middle America" in a way coastal cities cannot. Growing up in a family-run restaurant that served everyone from city officials to Wayne State students and local street workers, Chin had a front-row seat to the diverse values and lives of his community. He views the Chinese restaurant as a rare space where people of different races, classes, and orientations naturally intersect.
In an era of deep social division, Chin believes these communal dining spaces are essential. He often jokes that audiences should "come for the egg rolls, but stay for the talk on racism." By starting with simple interactions (like asking a neighbor what they ordered), he believes people can build the necessary rapport to tackle more difficult subjects. His book, which transitioned from a lighthearted family comedy to a more serious reflection on identity after the social shifts of 2020, addresses the complexities of being a minority in the Midwest.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Chin via phone:
As he prepares for his event in the Community Room at the Peter White Public Library, Chin’s goal remains simple: to foster a shared experience. Whether the connection is built through a funny story or a shared plate of almond boneless chicken, he views these gatherings as a necessary step in learning how to inhabit the same spaces again. He encourages everyone, regardless of political ideology or background, to engage in the conversation, believing that the act of showing up is the first step toward understanding.
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