Top 11 Book & Author Events in Houston: May 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 May 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 11 Book & Author Events in Houston: May 2023

• In Conversation: Art Spiegelman on Si Lewen & Graphic Novels at the Menil Collection | Thursday, May 4 | FREE – The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the 1992 Holocaust narrative, Maus, Ari Spiegelman comes to the Menil to discuss the art of Si Lewen and the history of graphic novels. 6pm to 8pm.
• May Book Sale at Friends of HPL Warehouse | Saturday, May 6 | No Cover – Support the Houston Public Library by attending this warehouse sale, where you’ll find a selection of fiction and nonfiction, children’s books and more. $2 for paperbacks, $3 for hardcovers, $1 for children’s titles. 10am to 2pm.
• Juneteenth Storytime with Van Garrett at Kindred Stories | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – The Houston-based author reads from his new picture book, Juneteenth, which celebrates the holiday’s history and heritage through the eyes of a little girl experiencing a Juneteenth parade for the first time. Free, but books are $19.99. Noon.
• Inprint Houston presents Abraham Verghese at Alley Theatre | Monday, May 8 – The best-selling author will read from and discuss his latest work, The Covenant of Water, as part of the organization’s Margaret Root Brown Reading Series. Following the program, books will be available for purchase and the author will sign them. $5. 7:30pm.
• National Security Thrillers at Murder by the Book | Tuesday, May 9 | FREE – This panel features authors Don Bentley, David McCloskey, Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson, and Taylor Moore discussing how their backgrounds and interest have shaped the military and intelligence topics in their bestselling books. Free to attend, but books for signings must be purchased from the bookstore for $9.99 and up. 6:30pm.
• Educator Night featuring Claribel Ortega at Blue Willow Bookshop | Thursday, May 11 | FREE – The bestselling author of Ghost Squad and the Witchling series signs and discusses her new book, The Golden Frog Games. While the event celebrates educators and the upcoming end of the school year, readers of all ages are welcome. Free to attend, but books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore for $17.99. 6pm.
• Mother’s Day Books & Brunch Experience at Book Readers Venue | Saturday, May 13 – Head to Humble for this celebration of books and moms. Featuring spoken word artist Zen Ase, who will talk about life after divorce, a “book tasting,” book giveaways, mimosas and more, it’s a great way to honor mom and a love of reading. $75. 10am to noon.
• 9th Spring Author Fair at Copperfield’s Books | Saturday, May 13 | FREE – Local and indie authors will be on hand to celebrate the bookstore’s anniversary, along with giveaways, raffles and food. 11am to 4pm.
• BIPOC Book Fest at Asia Society Texas | Saturday, May 13 – This celebration of underrepresented writers includes a keynote address by Houston poet laureate emeritus Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, as well as moderated panels that feature Houston Chronicle restaurant columnist Bao Ong, Pondicheri chef-owner Anita Jaisinghani, artists Reginald Adams and Matt Manalo, and author Matthew Ramirez, among others. In addition, visitors can participate in writing workshops, hear from authors about big topics, and more. $5. 10am to 6pm.
• Dario Robleto in Conversation with Mimi Swartz at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | Thursday, May 18 | FREE – Artist Dario Robleto joins Texas Monthly Executive Editor Mimi Swartz for a conversation about the ways artists use books as tools for education and inspiration, and a driving force for the art world today. This event takes place in the Hirsch Library reading room in the Beck Building. 6pm to 7pm.
• Ayokunle Falomo: African American’t at Brazos Bookstore | Thursday, May 25 | FREE – The author reads from his collection of poetry, which explores the topics of assimilation, forgetting and allegiance to any one country, drawing on his experiences in his native Nigeria and America. He’s joined by Maha Ahmed, Jeremy Eugene, Analicia Sotelo, and Ebony Stewart. Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore for $16. 6:30pm.