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 December 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: December 2023
- Books on the Bayou/Libros sobre el Bayou at Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area | Saturday, December 2 | FREE – Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts another edition of this bilingual series, inviting children ages 6 months to 4 years old for silly stories, rhymes and songs, and other family fun. The event will be held near the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park. 9am to 9:45am.
- Books Rock! A Holiday Literacy Event at Sabine Street Studios | Saturday, December 2 – Bring a kid’s book to donate and spend the evening enjoying live music, comedy, food, drinks, and more. The event benefits Books Between Kids and their mission to serve Houston’s at-risk children by providing them with books to build their own home libraries. $10. 6pm to 9pm.
- Alka Joshi in Discussion with Aparna Shewakramani at Asia Society Texas | Sunday, December 3 – Best-selling author Alka Joshi talks about her work and latest novel, The Perfumist of Paris. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions following the discussion and have books signed by the author. $15. 2pm to 3:30pm.
- Nita Prose in Conversation with Kristen Bird at Murder by the Book | Thursday, December 7 | FREE – Nita Prose, the author of the best-selling novel The Maid, arrives in Houston to talk with English teacher Kristen Bird about her latest book, The Mystery Guest. Free to attend, but books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
- Friends of Maud Marks Library Book Sale at Maud Smith Marks Branch Library in Katy | Saturday, December 9 | No Cover – Find unique works of fiction and non-fiction for children and adults alike at this sale to benefit the Harris County library branch in Katy. You can add to your own collection and even find items for those on your holiday list. Books are $1 and up. 10am to 4pm.
- Inprint Houston presents Andrey Kurkov at Menil Collection | Saturday, December 9 | FREE – The renowned Ukrainian author of Grey Bees, winner of the 2022 Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize from the National Book Critics Circle, discusses his life and work with Rice professor of Italian and novelist Andrea Bajani. A book sale and signing will follow. 7pm.
- Cook the Book: Korean American at Central Market | Wednesday, December 13 – Make Korean favorites like pancakes with chopped kimchi and garlicky creamed spinach Namul in this hands-on cooking class. You’ll get a copy of Chef Eric Kim’s Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home to take with you. $85. 6:30pm.
- Dr. Temple Grandin at the Brookwood Community Center | Thursday, December 14 – The internationally renowned scholar, author and advocate for animal welfare will discuss her latest book, Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures. Guests may select an option with breakfast or lunch, followed by the discussion and book signing. This event will be held in Brookshire. $75. 9am to 12:15pm, or 11am to 2pm.
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