Whether you’re looking for your next summer read, or to get a book signed by your favorite author, here are some local literary happenings you’ll want to add to your calendar:
Jason Reynolds and Adedayo “Dayo” Kosoko
DC native and bestselling author Jason Reynolds talks through storytelling and visual art with photographer and videographer Adedayo “Dayo” Kosoko. The conversation is part of Planet Word’s “Between the Lines” series highlighting local Black writers and artists (free).
Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead
Novelist Colson Whitehead takes readers back in time to a 1980s Manhattan in the trilogy to his Harlem series, Cool Machine ($27+ for in-person tickets, $12+ for virtual).
The Midnight Special by Colin Asher
Sit in on a discussion about America’s criminal justice system and its influence on jazz and country music with writer Colin Asher at Solid State Books (free, $36 for book and a drink).
Black Books Matter Fest
Meet more than 50 authors at the third annual Black Books Matter Fest. Mahogany Books’ National Harbor location will host several local writers for book signings, panel discussions, and crafts for children (free).
Murder Bites by Mimi Montgomery
Former Washingtonian staffer Mimi Montgomery unpacks her debut novel Murder Bites—a quirky and clever mystery about the murder of a small town dog walker—at Capitol Hill’s East City Bookshop (free, $23 for book).
National Book Festival
Cynthia Erivo, Ann Patchett, Martin Scorsese, Annette Gordon-Reed, and 80 more authors are participating in this year’s National Book Festival. The Library of Congress’ reading jamboree features panel discussions with award-winning writers, author meet-and-greets, crafts, and live storytelling performances for children by local troupe Story District (free, registration required).
The Women by Kristin Hannah
To commemorate the paperback release of the popular historical fiction novel The Women, acclaimed author Kristin Hannah discusses her coming-of-age tale at Sixth & I. Also, book lovers can nerd out over the details of her upcoming film adaptation of The Nightingale (tickets sold out in-person, $12+ for virtual).
Main, Middle & Gay by chef Patrick O’Connell
The Michelin-renowned chef behind Virginia’s dining oasis The Inn at Little Washington recently wrote a memoir. To mark the occasion, chef Patrick O’Connell is throwing what’s being dubbed as a “literary coming out party,” with special guests José Andrés and Tom Sietsema to help dive into the new book ($55).
Hollywood, Ending by John Green
If you loved the book and film The Fault in Our Stars, the mastermind behind that touching tale, John Green, is set to release a new book this summer. Hollywood, Ending—his first novel in nearly a decade. It’s a Hollywood love story that reveals the tension between a public and private life ($60).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
