The National Writers Series is thrilled to welcome Katie Yee, a bold new voice in literary fiction, to discuss her darkly funny and deeply moving debut novel, Maggie; Or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar.
In this sharp, wry exploration of grief, heartbreak, and healing, a Chinese American woman’s world falls apart in a single night—first learning her husband is having an affair with a woman named Maggie, then receiving a breast cancer diagnosis shortly after. In a defiant twist, she names her tumor Maggie, too.
Told in inventive fragments, Maggie follows its narrator as she navigates motherhood, identity, and survival, crafting bedtime stories rooted in Chinese folklore, writing a guide to her ex-husband for the other woman, and speaking to the tumor as if it’s a roommate she never asked for. With echoes of Crying in H Mart and the acerbic wit of Nora Ephron, this unforgettable novel transforms personal tragedy into artful comedy—and tender reflection.
Critics have called Maggie “surprisingly optimistic and touching” (The Today Show) and “a gem of a novel…that will make you think, make you feel, and make you laugh” (The Wedding People author Alison Espach). Elin Hilderbrand praised it as “an absolutely delightful debut,” while Sharkheart author Emily Habeck called it “wise, tender,” and “sparkling with humor and hope.”
Katie Yee is a writer from Brooklyn whose work has appeared in The Believer, Los Angeles Review of Books, Literary Hub, and more. She’s a past fellow of the Center for Fiction, Kundiman, and the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and currently works at the Brooklyn Museum. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her very judgmental rescue dog, Ollie.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, insight, and literary brilliance as Katie Yee takes the stage to share how heartbreak, illness, and mythology intersect in her wildly original debut.
The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q&A and author signing. Each ticket includes a hardcover copy of Maggie; Or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar (or opt for a two-ticket package with one book). Please note: signed books are only available at the live event.
Event Details
Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music, and the conversation begins at 7 p.m. This event includes a Q&A session and an author signing immediately following in the lobby.
Book Release Date: July 22, 2025 – Traverse City locals who’d like to read the book in advance of the event may have the option to pick up their copy at Horizon Books. Instructions will be emailed after your ticket purchase.
Please note: This event takes place at Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center, not the City Opera House. No additional venue transaction fees apply.
Individual Tickets
$23 + $17 = $40
Admits one person to the live event and includes one signed hardcover edition of Maggie; Or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (retail value $26.99). Signed books are only available at the live event.
Two-Ticket Package
$23 + $34 = $57
Admits two people to the live event and includes one signed hardcover edition of Maggie (retail value $26.99). Perfect for couples or friends who want to attend together and share the book. Signed books are only available at the live event.
Virtual Tickets
Can’t make it to Milliken Auditorium? Enjoy the event live or on-demand from home!
Each Virtual Ticket includes access to a private YouTube link beginning at 6:50 p.m. Virtual attendees may participate in the Q&A via moderated chat.
You may also purchase the featured book for an additional fee. Horizon Books will ship anywhere in the continental U.S., with shipping costs applied at checkout. Signed books are not available for virtual ticket holders.
Student Tickets: $10
With a valid school ID. Admits one person to the live event. Book not included.
Pay What You Can
We believe great books and inspiring conversations should be available to everyone. Thanks to our generous donors, you can use the code BookChampion (one word) at checkout for a complimentary book, based on the honor system.
Group Tickets
For discounted rates on groups of 20 or more, please contact: [email protected]
About Our Book Sales
Each ticket includes a copy of the author’s latest book—often ahead of its official release date. Your purchase supports our local bookseller, Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City.
National Writers Series book prices are always 20% below retail, so you’re getting a great value. Already own the book? Give it as a gift or donate it back to NWS to support libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan.
Unless otherwise noted, NWS events are designed for adult audiences and may not be suitable for children.
National Writers Series
3301 Veterans Drive, Suite 214
Traverse City, MI 49684
EIN: 27-2470925
(231) 486-6868
[email protected]
2025
National Writers Series. All Rights Reserved.
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