Dig into live book events, the latest appearances by authors, and more with our roundup of book and literary events taking place in Houston in October 2023.
Readers and book lovers, celebrate the love of literature this month with a host of events for children and adults.
October also brings us Banned Books Week (October 1-7), so check out the special events happening around town that proudly declare the freedom to read.
Here’s the scoop on what’s happening across the Bayou City this month:
Top Book & Author Events in Houston: October 2023
- Inprint Cool Brains presents Jon Klassen at Meyerland Performing & Visual Arts Middle School | Sunday, October 1 | FREE – The Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author shares his new middle-grade novel The Skull. A skull lives in a big, abandoned house, afraid of something that comes every night. A girl named Otilla has run away from something dangerous, and ends up at the skull’s house. Can her bravery save them both? Books will be available for purchase at a discount. 3pm.
- Ashley Winstead in Conversation with Abby Endler at Murder By the Book | Tuesday, October 3 | FREE – The author discusses her latest novel, Midnight is the Darkest Hour with Crime by the Book’s Abby Endler. The Southern Gothic thriller is about a killer haunting a small Louisiana town. Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the store for $27.99. 6:30pm.
- Brendan Wenzel at Blue Willow Bookshop | Wednesday, October 4 | FREE – The Caldecott Honor author and illustrator signs his latest children’s book, Every Dreaming Creature, an exploration of interconnectedness through dreams and the animal world. The story takes readers on a journey from the depths of the ocean to the skies. Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the store for $18.99. 5pm.
- Anita Jaisinghani in Conversation with Brittany Britto Garley at Brazos Bookstore | Thursday, October 5 | FREE – The chef and owner of Pondicheri talks to award-winning journalist Brittany Britto Garley about the recently published Eater: 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes, and her approach to Indian cuisine. 6:30pm.
- The Banned Wagon at Kindred Stories | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – Celebrating Banned Books Week, this book wagon offers free copies of banned and challenged books in support of the freedom to read. Guests may select one free book (while supplies last) and then browse the Third Ward store’s wide selection. 1pm to 4pm.
- Lee Jamison: Ode to East Texas Discussion & Signing at Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – The Huntsville artist spent more than a year wandering through East Texas, sketching, drawing and journaling. His wanderings led to Ode to East Texas, which he’ll talk about and sign at the Spring museum. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the museum shop. 2pm.
- Apollo Chamber Players presents Banned Books at Octavia Fields Branch Library | Saturday, October 7 | FREE – This library concert in honor of Banned Books Week brings the chamber ensemble to Humble, where they present a musical commentary on the “reasoning” behind book censorship and control, with nods to notable books that have been banned historically. 3pm.
- Toy Historian & Author Rob Goldberg at Houston Toy Museum | Saturday, October 7 – Houston Toy Museum welcomes toy historian Rob Goldberg, featured on the History Channel’s The Toys That Made Us and author of Radical Play: Revolutionizing Children’s Toys in 1960s and 1970s America, in conversation with Houstonia Magazine‘s writer Meredith Nudo. The two will discuss Goldberg’s new book, which covers such topics as the movement against war toys during the Vietnam War, the history of Black dolls, and how feminism transformed toy culture. $40; includes a copy of the book. 6pm.
- 15th Annual Rice University Jewish Studies Lecture Series at Evelyn R. Rubenstein Jewish Community Center | October 11, 16 & 30 | FREE – The three-night lecture series takes a deep dive into Israel’s representation in literary works. Sessions includes the country’s children’s literature, authors writing in Israel’s diaspora, and the country’s comics. Times vary.
- The Progressive Forum presents A Talkback on Andy Borowitz at Heights Library | Saturday, October 14 | FREE – Join the Forum’s founder Randall Morton for a discussion about Andy Borowitz’s book, Profiles in Ignorance: How America’s Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber. The talk is free to attend, but registration is required. 10:30am to noon.
- Texas Family Literacy Festival at Discovery Green | Saturday, October 14 | FREE – Story Square hosts this first-ever fest in Downtown, inviting new and experienced readers to visit with family and discover the wonder of literacy. Meet authors, enjoy stories, food, prizes and games, and take home a free book. 10:30am to 6:30pm.
- Inprint Houston presents Jhumpa Lahiri at Congregation Emanu El | Sunday, October 15 – The best-selling author will read from her latest book, Roman Stories. Following the reading, she will take part in a discussion with Italian novelist Andrea Bajani. Admission includes a signed hardcover copy of Lahiri’s book. $30. 7:30pm.
- Kindred Stories presents Jada Pinkett Smith at We Serv Theatre | Saturday, October 21 – The actress, business leader and global superstar comes to Houston to discuss her memoir Worthy. The book chronicles her rise to fame and offers lessons for everyone on what it means to be enough. Admission includes a copy of the book. $40. 3pm.
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
