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The Big Read 2025 is back, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate stories that bring our communities together across West Michigan. This year’s program, spanning Ottawa, Allegan, and Muskegon Counties, features a dynamic lineup of events designed to spark conversation, creativity, and connection. From author visits and book discussions to film screenings and community meals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we dive into Leif Enger’s I Cheerfully Refuse and explore the power of literature to inspire and unite.
Featured at Hope College
Big Read Kick Off Event | Nov. 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Graves Hall, Hope College
Join us in Graves Hall for this exciting event! You will hear from experts from the Hope community as they share their insights on the books for this year’s programming.
Phelps Dining Hall Dinner Event | Nov. 6, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Phelps Dining Hall, Hope College
“Embark on a culinary journey inspired by Leif Enger’s Novel, I Cheerfully Refuse, at Hope College’s Phelps Dining Hall on Thursday, November 6. Join us for an evening that pays tribute to Rainy’s odyssey along the hauntingly beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Enjoy a menu as expansive as the Big Lake itself, featuring regional favorites like Smoked Whitefish, Poutine, Cudighi, Persian donuts, Nanaimo Bars, and much more. Come hungry for flavor, story, and a taste of the North.”
Leif Enger Author Event | Nov. 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Graves Hall, Hope College
Join the Big Read team and author Leif Enger as we explore his novel I Cheerfully Refuse. Come prepared to hear all about his novel and his writing process. Bring open minds and lots of questions for Leif!
Big Read Biology Lecture | Nov. 14, 2025 | 3:00 PM | Schaap Science Center 1019, Hope College
In partnership with the Biology Speaker Series at Hope College, NEA Big Read Lakeshore presents Dr. Timothy VanDeelen (University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Film Screening: Motherland | Nov. 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Bultman Student Center Schaap Auditorium, Hope College
Join the Big Read and Markets & Morality for a screening of the new film Motherland. MPI’s forthcoming dystopian film is Motherland. It is directed by Evan Matthews, a veteran of MPI’s programs, and it marks his debut as a narrative feature filmmaker. He will be joining us on campus to speak about the movie. The film explores themes such as parental rights, the power of family bonds, the influence of political agendas in schools, the perils of a surveillance state, the risks associated with social credit systems, and the extreme measures governments may take to defend broken institutions.
Featured in Holland
Big Read Book Club: I Cheerfully Refuse | Nov. 3, 2025 | 6:30-7:30 PM | HDL Main Classroom
Join us at Herrick Library for a discussion centered around Leif Enger’s inspiring novel I Cheerfully Refuse. Come with burning questions, excitement, and open minds!
Big Read Book Club: I Cheerfully Refuse | Nov. 8, 2025 | 10:00-11:00 AM | HDL North Community Room
Join us at Herrick’s North Library for a discussion centered around Leif Enger’s inspiring novel I Cheerfully Refuse. Come with burning questions, excitement, and open minds!
Michigan-IO: Songs of the Lakes and Forests | Nov. 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM | Pillar Church
There is a rich history of original folk songs from Michigan and the Great Lakes region, and Holland-based folk ensemble Michigan-IO has been carefully re-imagining many of these songs over the last several years. These songs tell a story of the earliest days of Michigan and the people who settled and lived here. These local songs point to the broad and rich folk tradition that runs throughout our country and its geography. And as we approach the 250th celebrations in 2026, the band will be offering a few more tunes from the earliest days and moments of these United States. All ages are welcome for this evening of music, story, and history.
Lakeshore Big Read Holland Rotary Book Discussion | Nov. 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Grace Episcopal Church
Discussion led by Hope College Student(s)! Join the Holland Rotary Club and the Big Read for a book discussion centered around our primary novel, I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger. Join us at Grace Episcopal Church for a wonderful book discussion and delicious desserts.
Featured in Muskegon
Leif Enger Author Event | Nov. 13, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Overbrook Theatre, Muskegon Community College
Join the Big Read team and author Leif Enger as we explore his novel I Cheerfully Refuse. There will be an opening musical act and artwork by MCC students.
The 2025 Big Read promises to be a season of connection, creativity, and community across West Michigan. Whether you’re diving into I Cheerfully Refuse for the first time, sharing a meal inspired by its pages, or listening to local voices celebrate the stories that shape us, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you at these events as we come together to celebrate the power of literature to inspire, question, and unite.
Check out our website for more detailed information on these events and many more!
The post Big Read 2025 Featured Events appeared first on Big Read Lakeshore.
