Speaking of Stories
Our flagship series features writers whose work is central to today’s cultural and literary conversation. Guest authors will provide insight to their creative processes, the inspirations behind their work, among other topics.
We are thrilled to welcome bestselling authors David Grann and
Brit Bennett to Rochester for our inaugural season!
Event Tickets
20% early bird discount for those who purchase
a basic or premium subscription by July 31
Meet Our
SPEAKERS
DAVID GRANN
OCTOBER 7, 2025
Bestselling Author
The Wager, Killers of the Flower Moon
David Grann is an award-winning New Yorker writer and the bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager. Revered for nonfiction that jumps off the page, Grann doesn’t just write about incredible people—he walks in their shoes. Whether crossing the ocean or trekking through the Amazon, Grann digs deep to give his stories a pace and intensity unlike any other. In his talks, Grann explores his creative process—from what initially inspires him to investigate a story to his painstaking research and then links the (often) forgotten histories to their relevance to today.
BRIT BENNETT
APRIL 21, 2026
Bestselling Author
The Mothers, The Vanishing Half
Brit Bennett is the author of the dazzling coming of age novel The Mothers and the National Book Award nominated novel, The Vanishing Half. Already a much buzzed about social commentator, well-known for her powerful personal essays, Bennett is one of today's most exciting new voices in literary fiction. Her lectures are as unflinching and memorable as her writing and give audiences a window into her craft while exploring broader themes of race and systemic injustice. For more information on Brit Bennett, please visit www.prhspeakers.com