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 May 2024.
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 10 Book & Author Events in Houston: May 2024
- 3rd Annual BIPOC Book Fest at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, May 4 – This third annual, day-long event is a celebration of underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works featuring Black, Indigenous, people of color and other creatives of marginalized communities. It combines the nostalgia of the book fairs with unique programming, panels, readings, vendors, book-related memorabilia, poetry performances and more. $10. 10am to 6pm.
- Havy Kahraman: The Foreign in Us Book Release & Gallery Tour at Moody Center for the Arts | Saturday, May 11 | FREE – On the final day of this spring exhibition at the Rice gallery, early copies of the art catalog will be available for purchase from Basket Books. Plus, contributing author Miriam Ticktin and curator Frauke V. Josenhans wil lead a special tour of the exhibition, followed by a Q&A. 2pm to 5pm.
- The Progressive Forum presents Fareed Zakaria at Congregation Emanu El | Monday, May 13 – The CNN host and writer discusses his latest New York Times bestselling book, Age of Revolutions: Progress & Backlash from 1600 to the Present. Attendees will receive a free copy of the book, and the author will sign books at the evening’s conclusion. $40 and up. 7:30pm.
- Galveston’s Tremont House Hotel: A History Book Signing with Kathleen Maca at Galveston Bookshop | Saturday, May 18 | FREE – History buffs will want to head out to the Island to meet Kathleen Maca when she signs copies of her latest book, Galveston’s Tremont House Hotel: A History. The author of several books about Galveston history, her latest offers a glimpse into one of the Island’s most-loved historic hotels. Reservations requested. 1pm to 3pm.
- Harlan Coben at Murder by the Book | Saturday, May 18 | FREE – The New York Times bestselling author arrives for a book signing of his latest, Think Twice. Books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore, available for $30. 3pm.
- Babette Hale at Sam Houston Park | Tuesday, May 21 – Talking about her recently published book This Familiar Heart: An Improbable Love Story, Babette Hale discusses her journey as partner to longtime Houston columnist and author Leon Hale, who passed during the pandemic. $10. 6pm.
- Ruth Ware at Murder by the Book | Tuesday, May 21 | FREE – The bestselling writer talks about her latest novel, One Perfect Couple. She’s also the author of The It Girl and The Woman in Cabin 10, and has won wide acclaim for her psychological thrillers. Books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
- Dave Dalton Thomas at Brazos Bookstore | Thursday, May 23 | FREE – Get ready for an evening of Texas heritage and music history as the author discusses Picnic: Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Tradition. The book stems from his attendance at nearly every one of the storied parties since 1995. Books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
- Blue Willow Bookshop presents Steven Rowley & Byron Lane at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church | Tuesday, May 28 – The authors discuss their careers and their writing, as well as sign copies of their latest novels, Rowley’s The Guncle Abroad and Lane’s Big Gay Wedding. Ticketed entry packages include copies of one or both novels. $24 and up. 7pm.
- Tim Madigan at Holocaust Museum Houston | Wednesday, May 29 | FREE – The museum observes the 103rd anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre with a free lecture from Madigan, the historian and author of The Burning: Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. A book signing by the author will follow the program. RSVP requested. 6:30pm.
- KB Brookins at Kindred Stories | Wednesday, May 29 | FREE – The author discusses his memoir, Pretty, which examines queerness, masculinity, and race. The work is informed by Brookins’s personal experiences growing up in Texas, as well as those of other Black transgender masculine people, Black queer studies and cultural criticism. RSVP requested. Books available for $28. 7pm.
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