June 25, 2026
Ann Patchett, one of the most acclaimed and influential authors writing today, returns this summer with Whistler, a moving, luminous novel that reminds us of the sweetness and impermanence of life and the power of connection to defy time.
At the heart of Whistler is a pivotal moment from Daphne’s childhood: a harrowing car accident on a snowy Massachusetts night. The aftermath of this accident ripples through the novel, as vivid flashbacks gradually reveal facets of the past, deepening our understanding of Daphne’s present.
Whistler is a novel about the choices we make—and the choices made for us. It’s about bravery and memory; the small, consequential moments that come to define us; and the steady accumulation of loss that life brings. Beautiful in its simplicity, it ultimately asks how love endures, and how being truly known by even one person—even briefly—can change everything.
Ann Patchett is the author of many novels, most recently the #1 New York Times bestselling Tom Lake, works of nonfiction, and children's books. Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. President Biden awarded her the National Humanities Medal in recognition of her contributions to American culture.
Event Details
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with live music, and the conversation begins at 7:00 p.m. This event includes a Q&A session. Every ticket comes with a signed hardcover book. Ann Patchett is not personalizing books after the show. If affordability is an issue, type in the code BookChampion when ordering tickets and you won't be charged for the book. If you wish to donate your signed book, please email [email protected] and let her know.
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Ticket Information
Additional City Opera House transaction fees are applied at checkout. A $3 facility fee is charged per ticket to support the City Opera House. Additional service fees are charged for tickets purchased online. To avoid service fees, buy your ticket by phone or at the Box Office, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.
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Tier One: $52.50
Tier One indicates premium seating options with the best views, available on the main floor closest to the stage along with premium sections of the balcony. Each ticket comes with one signed copy of Ann Patchett's Whistler (retail value $30). Please note: signed books are only available at the in-person event.
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Tier Two: $42.50
Tier Two indicates standard seating options, available on the main floor and most of the balcony. Each ticket comes with one signed copy of Ann Patchett's Whistler (retail value $30). Please note: signed books are only available at the in-person event.
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Student and Teacher Tickets: $12
No age restriction with a valid school ID, student and teacher tickets admit one person to the live event. Books are not included.
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Virtual Tickets
Can’t make it to the City Opera House? Enjoy the event live or on-demand from home! You can purchase virtual tickets at nationalwritersseries.org
Each Virtual Ticket includes access to a private YouTube link beginning at 6:50 p.m ET. Virtual attendees may participate in the Q&A via moderated chat. You must be logged into YouTube via a Google account to chat, or email questions to [email protected].
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About Our Book Sales
One of the most exciting parts of attending our events is getting a signed copy of the author's latest book along with the chance to meet the writer and have them personalize it after the show.
Each sale benefits our local partner Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The in-person ticket bundle price of National Writers Series books is always 20 percent below retail, so you also get a great deal.
If you already own the featured book, the one you receive with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or you can donate it back to us at the National Writers Series, and we'll distribute it to libraries and young writers in Northern Michigan. Please email [email protected] if you'd like to donate your book.
We think a new book is one of the greatest joys of life, and we thank you for helping us make Traverse City one of the premiere destinations for authors through our book sales.
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Content Rating
Unless otherwise noted, NWS events are designed for adult audiences and may not be suitable for children.
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Group Tickets
For discounted rates on groups of 20 or more, please contact: [email protected]