Top Book and Author Events in Houston: March 2023

Dig into live book events, the latest author appearances, and more with our roundup of book and literary events happening in Houston in March 2023.

The month’s literary events showcase the serious and the whimsical in the world of reading and letters.

Acclaimed authors are in town to sign their latest, and Houston’s literary and arts organizations gather for original programming around books.

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

Top 10 Book and Author Events in Houston: March 2023

• Small BIPOC book party at Discovery Green | Saturday 11 March | FREE – This downtown afternoon celebration features a unique Storybook Opera performance, readings from local authors, arts and crafts, and free books featuring Black, Indigenous and People of Color experiences. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Joseph Earl Thomas in conversation with Kiese Laymon on Kindred Stories | Wednesday 15 March – The author discusses his memoirs, Sink, which tells about his upbringing in a dangerous situation and how he found salvation in geek culture. Free to RSVP; book purchase is encouraged for $28. 19.00.
• Cara Black at Murder by the Book | Saturday 18 March | FREE – The bestselling author of the Aimée Leduc series signs the second part of her World War II collection, Night flight to Paris. It is free to attend the event, but all books to be signed by the author must be purchased in the bookshop. 15:00.
• Italo Calvino: A Centenary Celebration at the Italian Cultural and Community Center | Mondays 20 March and 27 March – This multi-week exploration of Italo Calvino’s works allows participants to take a deep dive into the literary style and much-loved stories of one of Italy’s most celebrated authors. Courses are held every Monday until 10 April. $125. 18:30.
• History in print: The Architecture of Bridsall P. Briscoe at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church | Tuesday, March 21 – Architectural historian Stephen Fox discusses his book, which examines Briscoe’s country houses and provides context around his methods. $5. 18:30.
• Elizabeth Cobbs: Fearless women at Brazos Bookstore | Wednesday 22 March | FREE – The one New York Times The best-selling author discusses her new book, which explores how the quest for women’s rights is deeply embedded in the founding of the United States. The event is free to attend, but books that guests want signed by the author must be purchased in the shop. 18:30.
• Blue Willow Bookshop presents TeenBookCon 2023 at Aldine Davis High School | Saturday 25 March | FREE with RSVP – Darcie Little Badger and Daniel Nayeri appear in conversation as the keynote for this exciting literary event featuring more than a dozen Young Adult authors, including Brittney Morris (Jumped), Emiko Jean (Tokyo dreams), Jumata Emil (The Black Queen) and more. Guests can expect panel discussions, book signings and other opportunities to interact with authors. Registration required. 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Inprint presents Jasminne Mendez at Meyerland Performing & Visual Arts Middle School | Sunday 26 March | FREE with RSVP – Part of the organization’s Cool brains! series for middle grade readers, the Houston-based and award-winning author discusses her latest novel Aniana del Mar jumps in, which tells the story of a 12-year-old Dominican American swimmer diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. Free copies of the book are available to the first 100 families, and attendees can also enjoy free personalized poems by the Inprint Poetry Buskers and a performance by youth slam poets, Meta-Four Houston. 15.00 to 16.30.
• Cook the book: Wake up at Central Market | Thursday 30 March – In this hands-on class, guests will learn tips and tricks for cooking dishes such as Thai beef with basil and fish sauce, velvet scallops with snap peas and a lemon-ginger sauce, and more. All participants will receive a copy of Chef Kenji Lopez-Alt’s book, Wake up. $85. 18:30.
• Writespace presents Reading & Open Mic at Antidote Coffee | Friday 31 March – Featured readers Sarah Gajkowski-Hill and Lakshmi Sunder will share their work, plus guests can register to read on a first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly recommended to arrive early to ensure seating. $5. 19.00 to 21.30.