Top 10 Book & Author Events in Houston: September 2022

Kendra Scott swings through CityCentre for a book signing and meet-and-greet | Courtesy of Kendra Scott

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 September 2022.

September brings a new series to 365 Houston, dedicated to books and authors that we’re talking about in H-Town. From crime and history to novels and more, we’ll share our picks that are perfect for curious minds.

Here’s the scoop on what’s happening across the Bayou City this month:

Top 10 Book & Author Events in Houston: September 2022

  • Cook the Book: The Wok at Central Market | Wednesday, September 7 – Home cooks and those looking to up their kitchen game will love this hands-on class. Participants will create dishes from Kenji Lopez-Alt’s The Wok, and receive a copy of the book at the end of the class. On the menu: stir-fried rice, vegetables and more, plus the completed dinner is paired with a glass of wine. Please note that Chef Lopez-Alt is not appearing at this event. $85. 6:30pm.
  • James R. Benn Book Signing at Murder by the Book | Thursday, September 8 | FREE – The Florida Gulf Coast–based writer is the author of 16 World War II–era mysteries featuring Billy Boyle. His 17th, From the Shadows, is out on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, and he’ll be signing copies of that and other Billy Boyle novels. Guests must purchase a copy of From the Shadows from the store to have it signed. 6:30pm.
  • The Progressive Forum presents Nikole Hannah-Jones | Thursday, September 8 | FREE | Virtual – The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The 1619 Project will discuss her work and reporting with Oni Blair, executive director of ACLU Texas and Progressive Forum founder Randall Morton. This pre-recorded livestream promises an insightful conversation about writing, research and contemporary issues. 7:30pm.
  • 5th Annual Jaipur Literature Festival Houston at Asia Society Texas | Friday, September 9 & Saturday, September 10 – Internationally acclaimed authors and local writers spotlight this two-day event, called “the greatest literary show on earth.” The weekend includes panels and discussions, a dinner and more, all celebrating the hope and community books can offer. $20; $5 for students. $50 for a weekend pass. Friday 7pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm.
  • Kindred Stories presents Josie Pickens at the Concepts Studio | Saturday, September 10 – Near Downtown, author Josie Pickens will read from her essay, “Party of One,” which is included in the anthology, Sex and the Single Woman. Following the reading is a discussion and book signing, and wine and light bites will be available. Free to attend; $16.99 for a copy of Sex and the Single Woman for the signing. 7pm.
  • Inprint Houston presents Erika L. Sánchez at the Ballroom at Bayou Place | Monday, September 12 – A National Book Award finalist for her best-selling I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, author Erika L. Sánchez will read from her latest work, Crying in the Bathroom, followed by an on-stage discussion and book signing. Books for the signing can be purchased at the event from Brazos Bookstore at a 10% discount. Books are $27; tickets to attend are $5. 7:30pm.
  • Amy Sarig King at Blue Willow Bookshop | Tuesday, September 13 – The popular middle-grade author celebrates the publication of her book, Attack of the Black Rectangles. Free to attend; $18.99 for a copy of Attack of the Black Rectangles, which must be purchased from Blue Willow Bookshop in order to enter the signing line. 5pm.
  • Kendra Scott Book Signing at CityCentre | Thursday, September 15 – The legendary jewelry designer and entrepreneur is in town to celebrate the release of her memoir, Born to Shine. This event takes place at the Kendra Scott Store in CityCentre. Tickets include a copy of the book, entry to the signing, and a meet-and-greet photo with Kendra Scott. $35. 4pm to 6pm.
  • Banned Books With Nick Bruel at Houston Public Library in Downtown | Tuesday, September 20 | FREE | Virtual Option – To mark Banned Books Week, the author and illustrator of the Bad Kitty series, Nick Bruel, will talk about his experience with banned books and share what he’s working on next. Space is limited for the in-person event, which includes a post-discussion activity. 10:30am.
  • Mary Beth Rogers in Conversation with Joe Holley at Brazos Bookstore | Tuesday, September 20 | FREE – Columnist Joe Holley of Houston Chronicle is joined by Mary Beth Rogers, who managed Ann Richards’ successful campaign for governor of Texas, and is in town to discuss her latest book, Hope and Hard Truth: A Life in Texas Politics. Seating is limited, and first-come, first-served. 6:30pm.

Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long

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Holly Beretto
Holly Beretto writes about food and wine, the arts and interesting people for a variety of local and regional publications. In addition to 365 Things to Do in Houston, her work has appeared in the Arizona State University Alumni Magazine, Arts + Culture Texas, Bayou City Magazine, Downtown, Galveston Monthly and Houston Woman. She is also a regular contributor to Eater.com's Houston site. She earned her B.A. in mass communication with a minor in professional writing from Franklin Pierce College (now Franklin Pierce University) and her M.A. in communication studies with an emphasis in journalism from St. Louis University. She has worked in television news production, public relations and marketing in Rhode Island, Maine, New York and Texas. A native Rhode Islander, she has lived in Texas since 1997. She is the author of Christ as the Cornerstone: Fifty Years of Worship at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, published by Bright Sky Press.