Michael Zadoorian

Fiction Writer

Ferndale, MI
Michigan US

Author's Bio

​Michael Zadoorian is the author of four novels, THE NARCISSISM OF SMALL DIFFERENCES (Akashic Books) BEAUTIFUL MUSIC (Akashic Books), THE LEISURE SEEKER (William Morrow) and SECOND HAND (W.W. Norton), and a story collection, THE LOST TIKI PALACES OF DETROIT (Wayne State University Press). A motion picture of THE LEISURE SEEKER starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland was released by Sony Pictures Classics.  
 
His work has appeared in The Literary Review, Beloit Fiction Journal, American Short Fiction, Wisconsin Review, Witness, Great Lakes Review, North American Review, Huffington Post, Rust Belt, Literary Hub, The Millions and the anthologies Bob Seger’s House, Looping Detroit, On The Clock, and Detroit Noir. His work has been translated into over twenty-five languages worldwide. He also hosts a weekly free-form radio show called RETRO GROOVE on FerndaleRadio.com from 5-7pm ET Fridays & Sundays.  

Literary agent: 
Jud Laghi Literary

Publications & Prizes

Books:
Beautiful Music (Akashic Books, 2018)
,
The Leisure Seeker (William Morrow, 2009)
,
The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit (Wayne State University Press, 2009)
,
Second Hand (W. W. Norton & Company, 2000)
Prizes won: 

Zadoorian is a recipient of the Michigan Author Award from the Library of Michigan, a Kresge Artist Fellowship in the Literary Arts, the Columbia University Anahid Literary Award, the Great Lakes Colleges Association New Writers Award, the GLIBA Great Lakes Great Reads Award, and two Michigan Notable Book Awards. 

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
Armenian American
Prefers to work with: 
Adults
Fluent in: 
English
Born in: 
Detroit, MI
Michigan
Raised in: 
Detroit, MI
Michigan
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Last update: Nov 10, 2025