Top Book & Author Events in Houston: November 2023

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 November 2023.

This month’s literary events showcase the serious and the whimsical in the world of reading and letters.

Acclaimed authors are in the city to sign their latest, and Houston’s literary and arts organizations come together for some original programming around books.

Here’s the scoop on what’s happening across the Bayou City this month:

Top Book & Author Events in Houston: November 2023

• When the Art Speaks at Menil Collection | Thursday, November 2 | FREE – A former Houston Poet Laureate, Outspoken Bean and the talented Brave New Voices 2023 poetry slam champions Adriana, Myaan, and Samiyah share selections from their work in this spoken word experience at the art museum. 7pm to 8:30pm.
• Performing Arts Houston presents An Evening With David Sedaris at Jones Hall | Friday, November 3 – The author and satirist, known for Me Talk PrettyOne Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Calypso and other works, comes to town to discuss his observations about life and his work. $29 and up. 7:30pm.
• 2023 Jewish Book & Arts Festival at Evelyn R. Rubenstein JCC | Saturday November 4 to Saturday, November 18 – This series of author talks, book discussions, writing workshops and more showcases a depth of literary creativity. Select events include Uri Kaufman’s Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War & How It Created the Modern Middle East and Oren Kessler’s Palestine of 1936: The Great Revolt & the Roots of the Middle East Conflict on November 5; a book banning education panel on November 13; a talk about Chanie Apfelbaum’s Totally Kosher: Tradition With A Twist! 150 Recipes for the Holidays & Every Day: A Cookbook on November 15; and Michael Schulman talks about Oscar Wars on the festival’s closing night. Admission prices and times vary.
• Finding Your Voice: An Interactive Session with Kevin Chen at Inprint House | Sunday, November 5 – The acclaimed writer shares insights on how to infuse your own writing with authenticity and courage. No prior writing experience is required. This is an excellent opportunity for seasoned writers looking to push themselves further, and for beginners looking to be inspired. $5. 2pm.
• Andy Griffiths at Blue Willow Bookshop | Wednesday, November 8 | FREE – The New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho! stops in Houston to chat with fans and sign his new novel, The 156-Story Treehouse: Holiday Havoc! about Andy and Terry, who live in a 156-story tree house with a wishing well and a bouldering alley. It’s the night before Christmas and they’re obsessing over all they haven’t done; they haven’t sung carols or written to Santa. How will they make Christmas happen? The event is free to attend, but those wishing to have books signed by the author must purchase them from the bookstore. 5pm.
• Progressive Forum presents Michael Pollan at Wortham Center | Thursday, November 9 – The best-selling author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma will discuss his latest book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Books will be available for sale at the event, and he’ll greet fans and sign books following the presentation. $45 and up. 7:30pm.
• Walter Isaacson in Conversation with Douglas Brinkley Ballroom at Bayou Place | Sunday, November 12 – The best-selling writer discusses his new work, a biography of Elon Musk, with the esteemed historian and professor. The ticket price includes a hardcover copy of Elon Musk. Isaacson will discuss his unfettered access to Musk during his research for the project, his takeaways on the innovator and more. $35. 5pm.
• Author Zadie Smith at Congregation Emanu El | Monday, November 13 – The novelist and literary star arrives in Houston to read from latest novel, The Fraud, followed by a conversation with Rice professor Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan. $5. 7:30pm.
• Comparative Poetry Workshop with Tazeen Zahida at Lone Star College-CyFair | Tuesday, November 14 | FREE – Playwright Tazeen Zahida explores the work of two iconic poets, Keats and Majaz. Learn more about the social context for each work, and delve into the poetry itself, in this fascinating discussion and analysis. Noon.
• Writespace presents Interviewing Family for Memoir at Sabine Street Studios | Sunday, November 19 – This workshop teaches you techniques for interviewing family and close friends. The strategies you’ll learn will help you better craft memoirs and memory-based essays. Participants will practice with each other and, as time allows, work on stories in development. $60 and up. 3pm to 6pm.
• Katherine Howe at Murder by the Book | Tuesday, November 28 | FREE – The New York Times best-selling author, historian and Kinkaid School alumna will discuss her latest novel, A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself. It’s about an indentured servant in Boston who disguises herself as a cabin boy and heads to the Caribbean in search of treasure. Guests may attend the event for free, but those who wish to have their books signed must purchase copies from the bookstore. 6:30pm.

Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!