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 July 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 12 Book & Author Events in Houston: July 2023
- Books on the Bayou/Libros sobre el Bayou near the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou | Saturday, July 1 | FREE – Houston Public Library’s Mobile Express hangs out at the Water Works for a fun, bilingual, bird-themed storytime great for ages 6 months to 4 years old. After the reading, kids can take part in a bird-themed craft. This event takes place at the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area near the Water Works. 9am to 9:45am.
- Houston Public Library’s Get Graphic Comic Creation Contest for Teens | Saturday, July 1 | FREE – The submission window opens for teens to submit an original graphic novel or comic for competition, either working alone or in a group of up to four people. Participants are divided into two groups; grades 6 to 8, and 9 through 12. Submissions are accepted through Saturday, September 30, 2023.
- Alejandra Olivia in Conversation with J.D. Pluecker at Brazos Bookstore | Thursday, July 6 | FREE – The author, translator and immigrant justice activist discusses her memoir, Rivermouth, which looks at her years serving as an interpreter along the U.S.-Mexico border and her family’s generations-long relationship with lands on either side of the Rio Grande. Free to attend; but books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
- Summer Literary Fest at University of St. Thomas | Thursday, July 6 to Tuesday, July 18 | FREE – Authors and scholars discuss their work across a wide variety of subject matter—from the importance of children’s literature to works of mercy—with each evening offering an opportunity to hear from a different writer. Registration is requested. 7:15pm to 8:45pm.
- MFAH presents History Book Club: The Lunar Men | Wednesday, July 12 | FREE | Virtual – The final installment of MFAH’s virtual book club explores Lunar Men: Five Friends Whose Curiosity Changed the World by Jenny Uglow, about a group of men in the 18th and 19th centuries that combined science, art and commerce to kick start the Industrial Revolution. Readers can connect with fellow history buffs during these book club sessions, and get a peek at the upcoming titles for the 2023-24 season. 1:30pm and 7pm.
- Dr. Vanessa Patrick: The Power of Saying No at West University Branch Library | Wednesday, July 12 | FREE – The University of Houston professor and author comes to West University to discuss her new book which lays out how empowered refusal can help us set boundaries and establish priorities in our lives. Following the talk, guests will have a chance to chat with the author and have copies signed. 4pm.
- Polly Stewart at Murder by the Book | Wednesday, July 12 | FREE – The author discusses her debut novel, The Good Ones—a Southern Gothic-esque mystery that explores hidden secrets, how past mistakes haunt us and how to co-exist with loss. Stewart will talk about her novel with fellow author and native Texan Katie Gutierrez (More Than You’ll Ever Know). Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
- Summer Reading with Benjamin Alire Sáenz at Carnegie Neighborhood Library | Thursday, July 13 | FREE – The award-winning author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe visits the Northside library to talk about his work, which spans genres in adult, teen and children’s books, as well as poetry. Registration required. 10:30am to 12:30pm.
- Orbit the Astros Mascot & the Delights of Reading at Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library | Monday, July 17 | FREE – Wear your ‘Stros gear for this all-ages event in Tomball that promotes literacy, libraries and more. Expect books alongside Orbit’s silliness and jokes. Free tickets are required for entry, to be handed out a half hour prior to the event. 3pm to 4pm.
- Dr. Joy Harden Bradford: Sisterhood Heals at Eldorado Ballroom | Wednesday, July 19 – The historic Third Ward ballroom hosts author and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to discuss her book, Sisterhood Heals, which explores the roles sister circles play in the lives of Black women, and what strategies can help grow and sustain healthy friendships. $35; includes a copy of the book. 7pm.
- Dan Solomon in Conversation with Mimi Swartz at Blue Willow Bookshop | Thursday, July 20 | FREE – The author and Texas Monthly senior writer will talk about his YA novel The Fight for Midnight, in which a teen boy finds himself at the Texas Capitol during Wendy Davis’ historic filibuster of abortion bill HB2. Free to attend; but books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 7pm.
- Jillian Lauren: Behold the Monster at Murder by the Book | Saturday, July 22 | FREE – The New York Times best-selling author discusses her book, Behold the Monster: Confronting America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer, in which the author discusses her interactions with serial killer Samuel Little and how he may be responsible for far more murders than he was convicted. Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 3pm.
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