Dig into virtual and live book events, the latest appearances by authors, and more with our roundup of book and literary events taking place in Houston in November 2022.
November brings the final events of the 50th Jewish Book & Arts Festival, while aspiring writers have opportunities to gather with fellow scribes for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), plus several other events that spotlight Houston’s literary soul.
Here’s the scoop on what’s happening across the Bayou City this month:
Top 12 Book & Author Events in Houston: November 2022
- 50th Jewish Book & Arts Festival at Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center | Through Saturday, November 5 – Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this annual event offers something for everyone. Highlights include authors Liza Wiemer and Samantha A. Vinokor-Meinrath at a Wednesday evening teen session to talk their books that explore classroom dynamics around the Holocaust and American Jewish Gen Z’s coming of age, respectively. Plus, there are also family days and more author appearances, including actor Jennifer Grey, who discusses her life and work in her new memoir Out of the Corner, which should prove a must for Dirty Dancing fans. Prices vary by individual event; a pick-three pass is $38, and full festival passes are $110. Times vary.
- NaNoWriMo at the Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library | Tuesday, November 1 | FREE – Calling all writers to kick off National Novel Writing Month by stopping by to work on your masterpiece alongside like-minded writers. Free with registration. 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
- Author Margaret Wilkerson Sexton with Kiese Laymon at Kindred Stories | Thursday, November 3 | No Cover – Author Margaret Wilkerson Sexton joins Kindred Stories in Third Ward to discuss her novel, On the Rooftop, a story of a mother who dreams of musical stardom for her three daughters, which collides with the daughters’ dreams for themselves. Free; books are available for purchase at the event. 7pm.
- Inprint Cool Brains! presents Tae Keller at Meyerland PVA Middle School | Sunday, November 6 | No Cover – The popular 2021 Newberry Award–winning middle-grade writer discusses her latest novel, Mihi Ever After, the story of three friends who fall into a fairytale world. There will be a Q&A, as well as a book signing following the discussion. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. 3pm.
- Picture Book Boogie at the Woodlands Children’s Museum | Tuesday, November 8 – The museum celebrates Children’s Book Week with a series of activities and songs based on popular children’s books. Waldo, of Where’s Waldo fame, will also make an appearance. This event is recommended for ages seven and under. $7.50 for ages 1 and up. 11am.
- Author Lauren Nossett at Murder by the Book | Tuesday, November 8 | No Cover – The author discusses and signs her debut novel, The Resemblance, an atmospheric thriller that opens with the death of a University of Georgia fraternity member, struck down by someone who looks just like him. Detective Marlitt Kaplan gets the case, which exposes secrets and lies, and forces her to confront her own past. Books to be signed by the author must be purchased from the store. 6:30pm.
- Douglas Brinkley at Congregation Emanu El | Thursday, November 10 – The renowned historian and Rice professor discusses his latest work, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening. The book is an exploration of environmentalism during the 1960s and ‘70s, and how its roots reverberate today. Audiences can take part in a Q&A with the author, who will sign books following the discussion. $45 and up. 7:30pm.
- Houston Public Library presents Carla A. Harris at the Julia Ideson Building | Saturday, November 12 | FREE – The best-selling author discusses her latest book, Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment. Blue Willow Bookshop will be on site, selling copies of the book. The event is free, but registration is strongly recommended. 11am to 1pm.
- Writespace presents NaNoWriMo Planning Session at Melange Creperie | Sunday, November 13 | No Cover – Join fellow scribes for an afternoon of work at the Heights creperie. This meet-up offers the perfect place for you to write, alongside others working on their craft. Coffee, sweets and savories are available for purchase to fuel your creativity. 3pm to 7pm.
- Inprint presents Joy Harjo at Rice University’s Brockman Hall for Opera | Monday, November 14 – The U.S. Poet Laureate will discuss her work and read from her collection, Weaving Sundown in Scarlet Light: 50 Poems for 50 Years. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. $5. 7:30pm.
- Sergio Troncoso at Brazos Bookstore | Tuesday, November 15 | No Cover – The author signs and discusses Nobody’s Pilgrims, winner of the gold medal for best novel in adventure or drama at the International Latino Book Awards. Described as No Country for Old Men meets Contagion, it’s the story of a group of teens on the run, trying to escape their circumstances, only to be pursued by greater evils. The event is free to attend, but those wishing to have the author sign a copy of the book must purchase it from the bookstore. Note: Masks are required to attend the event. 6:30pm.
- An Evening with Nigella Lawson at Wortham Center | Sunday, November 27 – The internationally renowned chef and food writer comes to Downtown to talk her latest book, Cook, Eat, Repeat: Ingredients, Recipes and Stories. Brazos Bookstore will also be on-site for book purchases. $29 and up. 6:30pm.
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