OU to welcome bestselling author, National Book Award finalist Jess Walter Sept. 29

New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Jess Walter will visit Oakland University to share his work at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 29, in the Oakland Center Founders Ballroom A. Renowned for his narrative versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres and tones, Walter will read from his work, discuss the art of storytelling and answer audience questions.

"We're genuinely thrilled to have Jess Walter coming to Oakland this fall," said Jeff Chapman, associate professor and director of OU's creative writing program. "It's not just that he's a bestselling author-though that's certainly exciting-he's one of those rare writers who can do just about everything. His books are funny, moving, sharp and smart all at once."

Walter was named a National Book Award finalist for his 2006 novel "The Zero," a political satire taking place after a devastating terrorist attack. His most recent bestseller, "Cold Millions," is a Steinbeckian narrative centering on a pivotal moment during the American labor movement. The latter was named a Best Book of the Year by The Boston Globe, Kirkus, the New York Public Library, O Magazine, and Publishers Weekly among others.

Walter is perhaps best known for his #1 New York Times bestseller "Beautiful Ruins," which was on the list for 69 weeks, five of those at #1. Taking place over 50 years, from the Italian coast to Hollywood, the novel was longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and also appeared on several best-of-the-year lists, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire's and NPR Fresh Air.

Walter's novel "The Financial Lives of the Poets" was Time's #2 Book of the Year, a national bestseller and named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. His most recently published novel, "So Far Gone" follows a reclusive journalist forced back into the world to rescue his kidnapped grandchildren. It earned a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly and was named one of The Washington Post's Books to Watch for in 2025.

In addition to his novels, Walter has written celebrated collections of short stories. "We Live in Water," which President Obama named one of his favorite books of 2019, and his latest, "The Angel of Rome: And Other Stories," distill the complexities of life into poignant vignettes, blending wit, irony and sharp comedic timing.

"The great thing about this kind of reading series is that our students get to hear directly from him about how stories get built, and why they matter," said Professor Chapman. "It's one thing to study a great writer's work in class - it's another to sit in a room with them and listen to how they think about writing. Those moments can change how a young writer sees their own possibilities."

With a dynamic career spanning various creative disciplines, Walter began his writing journey in 1987 as a reporter for his hometown newspaper, The Spokesman-Review. His reporting for the paper on the standoff at Ruby Ridge was a finalist for Pulitzer Prize and became the subject of Walter's first and only book of non-fiction, "Every Knee Shall Bow." He has also worked as a screenwriter and has taught graduate creative writing at the University of Iowa, Pacific University, Eastern Washington and Pacific Lutheran. Find Walter on Instagram, Facebook, X or at JessWalter.com.

Presented by OU's Department of English, Creative Writing and Film, the event is free and open to the public. There are no tickets, but RSVPs are requested. For more information, contact Jeff Chapman at [email protected] or (248) 370-2249.