Imagine diving into a world where bestselling novels aren't just stories—they're catalysts for community conversations that could reshape how we view history, culture, and even ourselves! That's the magic unfolding in Hamilton as the author of this year's One City One Book selection prepares for a live event that's got everyone buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: Is reading truly an active, creative act that shapes us, or just a passive pastime? Stick around to explore this with New York Times bestseller Lisa See, and you might just rethink your next page-turner.
Lisa See, the brilliant mind behind Lady Tan's Circle of Women, passionately believes that reading stems from personal experiences. 'We often picture reading as a passive hobby—you're just sitting there, letting words wash over you without much effort,' she explains with a warm smile in interviews. 'But I see it as this dynamic, imaginative process where every word filters through your life's tapestry.' For newcomers to this idea, think of it like baking a cake: the recipe (the book) is fixed, but your unique ingredients—like your background and emotions—transform the final result. See emphasizes that when an entire community engages like this, sharing interpretations, it's not just interesting; it's a powerful communal creativity. And this is the part most people miss: that shared reading can forge deeper connections, turning solitary page-flipping into a collective adventure.
The One City One Book initiative in Hamilton cleverly alternates between fiction and non-fiction to keep things fresh and thought-provoking. Last year, the community delved into Sonia Purnell's fascinating A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, a gripping tale of espionage and resilience. Then, in 2023, they explored Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry, a witty look at science, feminism, and societal norms through the eyes of a brilliant chemist. Now, with See's historical novel at the helm, expect discussions on women's roles in ancient China, medical breakthroughs, and cultural heritage.
See, who turned 70 this year, feels right at home in conversational settings because they bring spontaneity. 'The format keeps things lively,' she shares. 'I never know what questions will come my way—some I've fielded countless times, others are brand-new angles I've never considered.' This unpredictability often leads to fresh insights, she adds, making each talk a journey of discovery. For beginners wondering about such events, it's like a friendly chat over coffee, where the author opens up about inspirations and themes, rather than a stiff lecture.
Lane Libraries proudly sponsors Tuesday's gathering, and spokesperson Carrie Mancuso is thrilled. 'Our community will love the dialogue, led by Miami University associate professor Kelli Johnson, as it plunges into the book's core ideas and Lisa See's motivations for crafting such compelling narratives,' she says. It's a testament to how libraries foster these enriching exchanges.
The inspiration for Lady Tan's Circle of Women arrived unexpectedly, like a plot twist in one of See's own stories. Embracing her Chinese roots from her father's lineage, See has long championed Los Angeles and Chinatown through her writing and cultural initiatives. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she planned a different project, but with libraries, research centers, and even China shut down, she found herself at loose ends. After weeks of wandering her home in a bit of a funk, in October 2020, she spotted a gray-jacketed book spine protruding from her shelf—one she'd owned for nearly ten years without ever cracking it open. That book? Reproducing Women: Pregnancy and Childbirth in the Ming Dynasty. 'Here I was, amid a global crisis with an uncertain future,' she recalls. 'I figured, why not dive in?'
That reading sparked everything. She uncovered the tale of a 16th-century female physician, Tan Yunxian, who at age 50 in 1511 published her medical cases—a groundbreaking feat for women of that era. Intrigued, See tracked down a still-available copy and began weaving Yunxian's story into Lady Tan's Circle of Women. Was this sheer luck, kismet, or perhaps destiny? See believes it was meant to be, a serendipitous nudge toward a narrative that highlights female strength and wisdom.
But wait—controversy alert! Some might argue that calling reading 'active' romanticizes it, especially if you don't have the cultural lens See brings from her heritage. Is it fair to say a story 'fell into her lap' due to pandemic boredom, or does that downplay the hard work of writing? And in an age of digital distractions, does community reading like this still hold sway? What do you think—could such programs unite us, or are they just nostalgic relics? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own 'aha' moments from books that changed your perspective!
HOW TO ATTEND
An Evening with Author Lisa See
When: 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Where: Parrish Auditorium at Miami University Hamilton, located at 1601 University Boulevard in Hamilton.
More Details: Join Miami University associate professor Kelli Johnson for an engaging 7 to 8 p.m. chat with New York Times bestselling author Lisa See about her hit historical novel Lady Tan's Circle of Women. From 8 to 9 p.m., enjoy book sales and signings—perfect for picking up a copy and getting it personalized!
