Book Talk & Signing with Author Ann Berman

Join The Detroit Writing Room for a book talk and signing with award-winning author Ann Berman!

Come celebrate the Wayne State University Press release of Ann Berman's new biography about Louis Graveraet Kaufman — the fabulous Michigan Gatsby who conquered Wall Street, took over General Motors, and built the Empire State Building.

The event on Sept. 24 will take place at the historic Guardian Building, one of Detroit's most iconic buildings. Join us on the 32nd floor for wine and beer, appetizers and breathtaking views of Detroit's skyline.

During the event, you'll learn about the extraordinary rise of the glamorous, competitive and clever American banking titan born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Gatsbyesque figure was known for throwing lavish Prohibition-era parties in Marquette, Michigan, where he built the world's largest log lodge.

The conversation will be moderated by Detroit Writing Room coach Laura Berman, an award-winning columnist and journalist.

Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A. They’ll also be entered in a raffle for a copy of the new book, Perspectives Magazine and other prizes!

Schedule:

6 - 6:20 p.m. - Meet-and-Greet, Drinks & Appetizers

6:20 - 6:50 p.m. - Book Talk

6:50 - 7:10 p.m. - Q&A

7:10 - 8:30 p.m. - Book Signing

Buy the Book:

"Louis Graveraet Kaufman" will be released this June from the Wayne State Universeity Press. Event guests can buy the book onsite from Source Booksellers.

Tickets:

Tickets are $35. Includes appetizers from Besa Detroit, wine and beer.

Tickets are nonrefundable. Registration is open until 1 p.m. on Sept. 24. Tickets must be bought online in advance.

About the Cause:

Ticket proceeds benefit The Detroit Writing Room’s 2025 Journalism Camp and Coaching Detroit Forward scholarships for Detroit high school students to attend the camp for free. During two weeks, students will report and write a story focused on environmental, health and social justice topics. Their articles will be published by Planet Detroit and printed in Perspectives Magazine.

Location:

Guardian Building

32nd Floor

500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

Paid parking is available at the Griswold Larned Garage, directly across the street from the Guardian Building.

• Michigan Arts and Culture Council
• Wayne State University Press

This fascinating biography recounts the life and legacy of a titan of American banking, Louis Graveraet Kaufman (1870–1942). Also known as LG, he was a Gatsbyesque figure born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula who married into great wealth and then amassed far more of his own.

Under LG, New York's Chatham Phenix National Bank and Trust Company became one of the nation's largest banks and the first in New York to boast a network of branches. When he was denied entry into the exclusive, Protestant, old-money Huron Mountain Club, LG responded by building his own retreat: the world's largest log lodge, a 26,000-square-foot behemoth near Marquette, Michigan. Christened Granot Loma, it became the site of lavish Prohibition-era parties, attracting many celebrities who came in private rail cars to enjoy jazz and liquor chez Kaufman.

A darling of the press, LG became a household name, making news by coordinating the famous takeover of General Motors in 1916, narrowly escaping death in the Wall Street Bombing of 1920, and financing the Empire State Building during the Great Depression. Author Ann Berman highlights Kaufman's remarkable journey from "barefoot boy" to trailblazing branch banking giant, proving LG was not just a man of his time but one worth reading about over a century later.

Ann Berman is a writer and cultural journalist who has contributed to the Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, Forbes, Martha Stewart Living and many other publications. She has also contributed to many books.

The Detroit Writing Room offers an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a resume, the Writing Room has nearly 50 professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs. We also host book talks, writing workshops, and literary events. Visit detroitwritingroom.com to sign up for coaching, memberships, events and more. Check out newyorkwritingroom.com to see our New York-based coaching team.

Coaching Detroit Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coaches Detroit high school students in writing, photography, graphic design and other creative fields. Award-winning local journalists, authors, communications professionals, photographers and designers teach students and share their expertise through summer camps and workshops . Through Coaching Detroit Forward, students gain mentors who guide them through internships, jobs and careers. Visit coachingdetroitforward.org to learn more.

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