Sunday

05-04-2025 Vol 1950

Exciting Literary Events Await Houston in May 2025

Houston’s literary scene is bustling this May, featuring a diverse lineup of book events and author appearances that promise to captivate readers and writers alike.

The month kicks off with the Writers Remix: Toshiko Takaezu, scheduled for May 2 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). Local writers will perform original works inspired by Toshiko Takaezu’s thought-provoking artistry within the museum’s galleries.

On May 3, the BIPOC Book Fest: A Lit Vibe at Eldorado Ballroom offers a full day of celebration focused on BIPOC authors and voices. Attendees can expect readings, book sales, and opportunities to meet their favorite writers.

The following Monday, May 5, brings an engaging Author/Artist Talk featuring Yossi Vassa at the Evelyn R. Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. Vassa, an award-winning Israeli actor and creator of the Emmy-winning series Nevsu, will share the story behind his collaboration with artist Yarden Vasa on their graphic novel that blends comedy and storytelling.

Architectural enthusiasts can attend the Foundation Conversations: Barnstone & Johnson talk on May 6 at 1859 Ashton Villa, where the careers of notable architects Philip Johnson and Howard Barnstone will be examined. This event is free to the public and will start at 11:30 AM.

Also on May 6, best-selling author Amor Towles will visit Jones Hall for a Performing Arts Houston event where he’ll discuss his acclaimed works including A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway. Tickets for this conversation start at $39.

For aspiring poets, a Poetry Workshop titled Eating in Your Poems will take place at Inprint House on May 8, focusing on how to write about food and the memories associated with it. This informative session runs from 9 AM to noon for a fee of $60.

Literary enthusiasts can enjoy a free Bookfair for Adults at Social Beer Garden on May 10, where they can indulge in craft cocktails while mingling with local indie bookstores and authors. This event is designed for adults and will showcase bookish vendors alongside food truck offerings, from 6 PM to 10 PM.

On May 10, Writespace will host a workshop called Writing from the Power of the Senses: Scents. Participants can engage with writing prompts centered around fragrance, sound, and imagery, opening new avenues for their creative projects. This workshop is priced at $45 and will run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The Bayou Bend History Book Club will hold a discussion on Simon Winchester’s book Knowing What We Know on May 14, providing a platform for readers to explore the evolution of knowledge from oral traditions to social media. This event is free to attend and begins at 1:30 PM.

On May 15, Houston will welcome New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi at Asia Society Texas Center. Joshi will discuss her latest novel, Six Days in Bombay, inspired by the life of Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil. Fans can look forward to a discussion moderated by fellow bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The ticket price includes a copy of the novel, costing $35 and beginning at 7 PM.

Inprint’s 2025 Prize Winners Reading on May 17 offers an opportunity to celebrate local talent. This event at The Menil Collection will feature readings from students awarded prizes for their creative writing efforts, showcasing the future of literary talent. The event, which is free, will begin at 3:45 PM.

Notable author Michael Connelly will appear at Murder by the Book on May 22 to discuss his latest novel, Nightshade, along with his expansive body of work that includes the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series. Attendees interested in getting their books signed must purchase them from the store. This free event is set for 6:30 PM.

Later that evening, Vicky Nguyen, anchor for NBC News Daily, will share her story during an Author Talk at Asia Society Texas Center. Her memoir, Boat Baby, delves into her experiences of escaping Vietnam in 1979 and forging a new life in America. The ticket price for this event, which includes a copy of her memoir, is $45 and it will begin at 6 PM.

A free LGBTQ Story Hour for Adults will be hosted at Montrose Freed Library on May 22, where attendees can hear readings from LGBTQ+ authors and engage in discussions about important themes surrounding the LGBTQ+ experience.

Finally, on May 29, Blue Willow Bookshop is set to present an evening with local rom-com author Katherine Center at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Center’s new novel, The Love Haters, will be the topic of discussion as she reveals the story of Katie Vaughn who pretends to be a capable swimmer while profiling a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Tickets start at $5 and the event starts at 7 PM.

With events catering to a variety of literary tastes, from poetry to memoirs and discussions featuring iconic authors, May 2025 promises to be an exciting month for Houston’s book lovers. Whether attending workshops to hone their skills or simply enjoying a good read, there’s an event for everyone in this vibrant literary landscape.

image source from:https://365thingsinhouston.com/book-author-signing-events-discussion-in-houston-may-2025/

Charlotte Hayes