47 upcoming literature events
M Lin with Gish Jen
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Two acclaimed authors, M Lin and Gish Jen, discuss their latest works in an intimate talk at Brookline Booksmith. Expect thoughtful insights into craft, character, and contemporary storytelling, set in a cozy independent bookstore near Boston.
Madeline Vosch, Author of Undead
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books in Cambridge hosts Madeline Vosch for the release of Undead: A Memoir of My Suicide. The author will read from her memoir and sign copies in a relaxed bookstore setting, offering a thoughtful exploration of grief and resilience.
Elizabeth Strout: The Things We Never Say
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 2:00 PM
Brattle Theatre
Elizabeth Strout discusses her novel The Things We Never Say at the Brattle Theatre, in a reading presented by Harvard Book Store. The evening blends a live reading with insights into Strout's latest work, followed by a Q&A that invites audiences to dive into contemporary literary fiction in a Cambridge setting.
Wyatt Outlaw book launch with Sylvester Allen Jr. & Belle Boggs
Wed, 6 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Two acclaimed authors, Sylvester Allen Jr. and Belle Boggs, celebrate the release of The Legend of Wyatt Outlaw at Porter Square Books in Cambridge. The event features a short reading, discussion, and book signing in a warm, independent-bookstore setting.
Found Magazine 25th Anniversary Tour: Reading with Davy & Peter Rothbart
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
WBUR CitySpace
Found Magazine marks its 25th anniversary with a live reading by Davy Rothbart and Peter Rothbart at WBUR CitySpace in Boston. Expect intimate stories, found-object anecdotes, and a candid conversation about the magazine's legacy and impact on literary culture.
Soman Chainani: Young World
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Author Soman Chainani presents Young World at Brookline Booksmith. The evening includes a brief reading and audience Q&A in the cozy bookstore, offering fans insight into his latest world-building and storytelling.
Hafeez Lakhani in Conversation with Julia Glass: Abundance
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books welcomes Hafeez Lakhani for the release of his novel Abundance, in conversation with Julia Glass. This author-talk at the Cambridge store blends insights into the new work with a lively Q&A, offering an intimate literary evening in a beloved neighborhood bookstore.
Poetry reading: Niloufar Talebi and Elizabeth T. Gray Jr.
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Two acclaimed poets, Niloufar Talebi and Elizabeth T. Gray Jr., read from their work and discuss literary craft at Brookline Booksmith. An intimate evening of poetry and conversation in a cozy bookstore setting, with opportunities to meet the authors.
Your Own Private Bookstore Night
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 4:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Experience a private bookstore night at Porter Square Books in Boston. Browse with a friend in a quiet, bookshop setting, with a few booksellers on hand to help you discover favorites. A unique literary outing that makes shopping for books feel like a personal party.
This I Believe Sunday
Sat, 9 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
Boston University
This I Believe Sunday at Boston University offers a literature reading of personal essays and reflections on core beliefs through live readings and audience discussion. A welcoming campus gathering for BU students and the public on Sunday morning.
Harvard Book Store Presents Douglas Stuart
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 2:00 PM
Brattle Theatre
Harvard Book Store hosts author Douglas Stuart at the Brattle Theatre in Boston, presenting his novel John of John. This literary evening pairs a reading with a moderated discussion, offering insights into Stuart's writing and the book's themes in an intimate, city-center venue.
Kyle McCarthy in Conversation with Suzanne Berne
Tue, 12 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Author Kyle McCarthy discusses Immersions: A Novel with Suzanne Berne at Porter Square Books. The lively conversation explores themes, craft, and the world of the book in a cozy bookstore setting, with a Q&A to follow for readers.
Helen Benedict with Margot Livesey
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Two acclaimed authors, Helen Benedict and Margot Livesey, share an evening of readings and conversation at Brookline Booksmith. Expect intimate passages from their latest works, plus a Q&A and insights into the craft of contemporary fiction in a cozy bookstore setting.
Meg Stone in Conversation with Candace Burton
Wed, 13 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Meg Stone discusses her latest book Don't Fight Back in a moderated conversation with Candace Burton at Porter Square Books, Boston. The event celebrates the book's release and offers insights into Stone's writing and themes, followed by a Q&A.
Dimitry Elias Léger in Conversation with Amy Bracken
Fri, 15 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books in Boston hosts an intimate conversation with Dimitry Elias Léger, author of Death of the Soccer God, joined by Amy Bracken. Join fellow readers for an engaging literary talk in a bookstore setting, exploring Léger's novel and the craft of storytelling.
Monika Ostrowska, author of Squirming
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books in Cambridge hosts poet Monika Ostrowska for the release of her poetry collection Squirming. The event features a brief reading and a signing, giving attendees a chance to hear new poems and purchase signed copies in a cozy bookstore setting.
Caitlin Shetterly: Gulf of Lions Conversation
Tue, 19 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Caitlin Shetterly discusses her new book The Gulf of Lions with Allegra Goodman at Porter Square Books in Cambridge. The author chat explores travel, storytelling, and the book's themes, offering readers behind-the-scenes insights and a lively Q&A in a cozy bookstore setting.
Jayne Anne Phillips & Tom Perrotta in Conversation
Sat, 23 May 2026
Newtonville Books
Two acclaimed novelists Jayne Anne Phillips and Tom Perrotta discuss their latest works in a lively conversation at Newtonville Books. Expect insights on craft, storytelling, and the state of fiction, with audience Q&A in a welcoming bookstore setting.
Boston Cookbook Club
Sat, 16 May 2026 at 11:00 AM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books hosts the Boston Cookbook Club, a casual book-club gathering for foodies and aspiring chefs of all levels. On 2026-05-16, attendees share dishes inspired by Everyday Chef and discuss recipes, flavors, and techniques in a welcoming bookstore setting.
Third Thursdays Poetry: May
Thu, 21 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
An intimate May edition of the Third Thursdays Poetry series at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, MA. Local poets read new work in a welcoming bookstore setting, offering a chance to hear contemporary verse and mingle with fellow poetry lovers.
K.L. Walther: The Summer of Second Chances
Wed, 20 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
K.L. Walther presents The Summer of Second Chances at Brookline Booksmith with a live reading and Q&A, exploring themes of renewal and connection. Fans can hear passages shared aloud and meet the author in a warm, bookshop setting.
Catherine Tudish in Conversation: A Thousand Souls
Thu, 21 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books hosts Catherine Tudish for the release of A Thousand Souls: A Novel in Stories, in conversation with Fin Leary. The author-talk features insight into Tudish’s linked stories, a moderated dialogue, and a Q&A at the Cambridge-area bookstore on May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
Calvin & Nile Hennick
Fri, 22 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Newtonville Books
Two authors, Calvin and Nile Hennick, host an intimate reading evening at Newtonville Books in Boston, sharing excerpts from their latest works. Expect thoughtful literary conversation, a Q&A, and signed copies in a cozy indie-bookstore setting.
Jennifer Brown in Conversation with Jean Stehle
Tue, 19 May 2026
Newtonville Books
Join Jennifer Brown in conversation with Jean Stehle at Newtonville Books for an intimate author discussion in Boston. Hear insights into their latest works, storytelling craft, and literary perspectives in the cozy, book-lined setting of a neighborhood bookstore.
Evening Begins the Day: Jessica Brillant Keener in Conversation
Wed, 20 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books hosts author Jessica Brillant Keener for the release of Evening Begins the Day, in conversation with Margot Livesey. The intimate talk at the Boston bookstore delves into craft, character, and Keener's new novel, offering readers insights into contemporary fiction.
Matt Haig: The Midnight Train Book Launch
Sun, 31 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books hosts a ticketed book-launch for Matt Haig's The Midnight Train, held offsite at First Parish in Cambridge. The evening features a short author talk and Q&A as Haig discusses his latest novel and signs copies.
Eric Jay Dolin: The Wreck of the Mentor book release
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Eric Jay Dolin discusses his new maritime history book The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail at Porter Square Books. This Cambridge book-launch features an author talk and signing.
Ann Patchett in Conversation with Robin Young
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books hosts Ann Patchett in conversation with Robin Young at First Parish in Cambridge to celebrate the release of Whistler. This ticketed literary evening pairs a best-selling author with a renowned moderator for an intimate discussion of Patchett's new novel and her storytelling craft.
Lindsey Danis in Conversation with Milo Todd
Tue, 26 May 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Lindsey Danis launches (Out) on the Road: The Radical Joy of Queer Travel at Porter Square Books, in conversation with Milo Todd. An intimate author-talk and Q&A celebrating the book’s release at a Cambridge indie bookstore.
Book Club: The Joy of Living
Sun, 7 Jun 2026 at 6:15 PM
JP Centre Yoga
Join a free monthly book club at JP Centre Yoga in Boston to discuss The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. This relaxed, compassionate gathering explores yoga, Buddhism, psychology, and self-help ideas through friendly group discussion.
Your Own Private Bookstore
Fri, 29 May 2026 at 4:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Rent Porter Square Books for a private, book-filled evening. Enjoy exclusive access to shelves, staff-curated picks, and a relaxed browsing party with friends in a cozy, intimate bookstore setting—perfect for a literary night out.
Your Own Private Bookstore
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 at 4:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Spend an intimate after-hours evening at Porter Square Books for you and a friend. Browse the quiet stacks, receive personalized staff recommendations, and host a private bookstore party in a cozy Boston setting.
Martha Cooley & Antonio Romani
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 at 3:00 PM
Newtonville Books
Two acclaimed authors, Martha Cooley and Antonio Romani, share readings from their recent works at Newtonville Books in Boston. An intimate author event with a short reading, conversation, and a Q&A, ideal for book lovers and signings afterward.
Davide De Pierro: Reading from The Letters I Never Sent
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 at 3:30 PM
City Winery Boston — Main Stage
An intimate literary evening at City Winery Boston's Main Stage as Davide De Pierro reads excerpts from his new novel The Letters I Never Sent and hosts an audience Q&A. The program promises a thoughtful, accessible look at relationships and modern life, with a limited post-show meet-and-greet opportunity.
Third Thursdays Poetry: June
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
An intimate evening of contemporary verse at Brookline Booksmith as part of the Third Thursdays Poetry series. Poets read short pieces and mingle with readers in a cozy bookstore setting, celebrating local voices and the art of spoken word.
Shelf Care: Silent Reading Club
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 at 12:00 PM
Boston Public Library
Join Shelf Care: Silent Reading Club at Boston Public Library for a relaxed Wednesday with quiet reading time. After a quick check-in, enjoy about an hour of solo reading aided by staff-recommended books and complimentary hot chocolate, tea, and treats.
Cambridge Edition Book Club
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 at 3:00 PM
Porter Square Books
Join the Cambridge Edition Book Club at Porter Square Books, led by Wendy, meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at 7pm. Share current reads, swap recommendations, and enjoy a welcoming, bookish atmosphere in Cambridge's literary scene.
Third Thursdays Poetry: July
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
An intimate poetry reading at Brookline Booksmith as part of the Third Thursdays Poetry: July series. Local poets share new work in a cozy bookstore setting in Brookline, offering an engaging evening for poetry lovers.
West Roxbury Book Discussion
Fri, 17 Jul 2026 at 7:00 AM
Boston Public Library
Join the West Roxbury Book Discussion Group at the Boston Public Library's community room for a lively discussion of literary fiction and nonfiction. The Friday session opens at 10:30 AM for socializing; light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the West Roxbury Library. Registration is available at the circulation desk or by calling 617-325-3147.
Yoga & True Self Book Club with Stephen Cope
Sun, 30 Aug 2026 at 6:15 PM
JP Centre Yoga
Join a free, monthly Book Club at JP Centre Yoga in Boston to discuss Stephen Cope's Yoga and the Quest for True Self. This inclusive, relaxed session blends yoga, Buddhism, psychology, and self-help literature, inviting readers of all levels to explore self-discovery together.
Third Thursdays Poetry: August
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Join poets for Third Thursdays Poetry at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, MA, on August 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm. An intimate evening of contemporary poetry readings inside a cozy bookstore, highlighting local voices and a chance to connect with fellow literature fans.
Third Thursdays Poetry: September
Thu, 17 Sept 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Join Third Thursdays Poetry at Brookline Booksmith for an intimate evening of contemporary poems read aloud by local poets. Set in a cozy bookstore near Boston, this monthly reading spot offers fresh voices, thoughtful verse, and a chance to meet poets and fellow literature fans.
Shelf Care: Silent Reading Club
Wed, 30 Sept 2026 at 12:00 PM
Boston Public Library
Join Shelf Care: Silent Reading Club at the Boston Public Library for a cozy, weekly hour of quiet reading. After a short check-in, participants enjoy a tranquil reading session with staff-recommended books and complimentary hot chocolate, tea, and treats in a welcoming library setting.
Third Thursdays Poetry: November
Thu, 19 Nov 2026 at 2:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Brookline Booksmith in Boston hosts the Third Thursdays Poetry reading for November, an intimate evening where local poets share new work in a cozy bookstore setting. Ideal for poetry lovers who enjoy thoughtful, live verse in a friendly, literary atmosphere.
Third Thursdays Poetry: October
Thu, 15 Oct 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brookline Booksmith
Join the Third Thursdays Poetry series for October at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, featuring local poets sharing new work in a warm, intimate bookstore setting. Expect vivid imagery, reflective lines, and open-mic opportunities in a relaxed, literary evening.
West Roxbury Book Discussion
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 at 7:00 AM
Boston Public Library
Join the West Roxbury Book Discussion Group at the Boston Public Library's community room for a lively session on literary fiction and nonfiction. Attendees can register at the front desk or by phone; the Friday socializing begins at 10:30 AM and light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the West Roxbury Library.
Shelf Care: Silent Reading Club
Wed, 30 Dec 2026 at 11:00 AM
Boston Public Library
Weekly on Wednesdays at 4 PM, Shelf Care invites you to Boston Public Library for a quiet hour of reading with staff-recommended books and warm drinks. Start with a quick check-in, then enjoy uninterrupted reading time in an accessible, welcoming space.