Events 2023
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
MORRISTOWN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Morristown, NJ
TBA
Come meet Jean and hear about THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. More information coming soon.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
OPUS & OLIVES FUNDRAISING GALA
St Paul, MN
5:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception | 6:15 p.m. Dinner and Author Presentations
Saint Paul RiverCentre | 175 Kellogg Boulevard West, Saint Paul
*Tickets required*
Opus & Olives is not your average gala. This celebration includes national bestselling authors and hundreds of fellow readers, all in support of your Saint Paul Public Library. When you join us for Opus & Olives, you support early literacy, workforce development, and other lifelong learning opportunities for all of us. Jean will speak alongside bestselling authors Don Winslow, Scott W Berg and Sadeqa Johnson.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP IN CONVERSATION WITH ANGIE KIM
Doylestown, PA
Doylestown Bookshop
6 PM
Jean speaks about her new book in conversation with Edgar winner Angie Kim. Reading with Q&A and signing to follow.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
PUB DAY OF THE LEFTOVER WOMAN
BOOKTOWNE LITERARY LUNCHEON
Manasquan, NJ
Woman’s Club of Manasquan NJ
12 PM
*Tickets required*
BookTowne and the Woman's Club of Manasquan invite you to our literary luncheon series featuring Jean Kwok author of The Leftover Woman. This will be a book talk, lunch and signing all in one. **Ticket includes catered lunch, a hardcover copy of THE LEFTOVER WOMAN, book talk, signing and meet & greet with author**
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
PUB DAY OF THE LEFTOVER WOMAN
THE STRAND IN CONVERSATION WITH NICOLE DENNIS-BENN
New York, NY
The Strand
7 PM
*Tickets required*
Come celebrate the publication of THE LEFTOVER WOMAN with Jean! She speaks about her new book in conversation with fellow Today Show Read with Jenna author Nicole Dennis-Benn. Reading with Q&A and signing to follow.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
READING WITH ROBIN @ THE GAMM THEATRE
Warwick, RI
The Gamm Theatre
7 PM
*Tickets required*
Jean speaks about her new book in conversation with Robin Kall of Reading with Robin. Reading with Q&A and signing to follow.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
READING WITH ROBIN @ THE LENOX HOTEL
Boston, MA
The Lenox Hotel
6:30 PM
*Tickets required*
The Lenox and Reading with Robin present Jean Kwok in conversation with Reading With Robin's Robin Kall, to discuss Jean's latest novel, "The Leftover Woman" - an evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL
Boston, MA
TBA
Come meet Jean and hear about THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. More information coming soon.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
BRATTLEBORO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Brattleboro, VT
TBA
Come meet Jean and hear about THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. More information coming soon.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
LITERATURE LOVERS’ NIGHT OUT (VALLEY BOOKSELLER)
Stillwell, MN
*Tickets required*
Lowell Inn
7 PM
Literature Lovers' Night Out™ is an event hosted by Pamela Klinger-Horn, featuring national and local authors and prize drawings. Seating is limited to 100 guests. Doors open 30 minutes before the event starts so come early to mingle and meet the authors! They will also happily sign your books and answer questions after the program. A cash bar is available. Meet Jean together with fellow authors Shelley Read, Nigar Alam, and Stephen Kiernan.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17
LITERATURE LOVERS’ NIGHT OUT (CREAM & AMBER)
Hopkins, MN
*Tickets required*
Hopkins Activity Center
7 PM
Join us in downtown Hopkins for Literature Lovers’ Night Out, featuring Jean Kwok, Shelley Read, Nigar Alam, and Stephen Kiernan. The author conversation will run from 7pm-8:30pm, with time before & after for book purchases and signing. Doors open at 6pm at the Hopkins Activity Center. Beer & wine will be available for purchase.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
MAMAHUHU BOOK CLUB
San Francisco, CA
7 PM
*Tickets required*
Come meet Jean and hear about THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. More information coming soon.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
ADVENTURES BY THE BOOK: CHINESE DINNER
La Jolla, CA
Mandarin House Chinese Restaurant
6 PM
*Tickets required*
Join us at Mandarin House Chinese Restaurant for dinner and a lively book discussion. Experience the delicious joys of authentic, Chinese cuisine from a classic, San Diego establishment and chat with Jean about the inspirations behind her new book, which tells the story of two unforgettable women on a shocking collision course. They’re in a divided city—separated by severe economic and cultural differences yet bound by a deep emotional connection to a child.
Your Adventure includes a delicious, authentic Chinese dinner, hot tea, tax, gratuity, a hardcover copy of The Leftover Woman to be signed at the event, and an opportunity to meet the author up close and personal in an intimate setting.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad City Library
2:30 PM
We invite you to celebrate the release of New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok’s new book, The Leftover Woman, which explores the complexities of identity, motherhood and family through the harsh reality of China’s controversial One Child Policy at a free Carlsbad City Library Adventure. Join us for an afternoon of lively book discussion.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
COFFEE HUB AND CAFE
San Diego, CA
Coffee Hub and Cafe
6 PM
*Tickets required*
When two New York Times Bestselling authors are in conversation in San Diego, you must reserve your ticket and books today! Join La Playa Books as we host an exceptional evening with Jean Kwok (Girl in Translation, Searching for Sylvie Lee) and Nancy Jooyoun Kim (The Last Story of Mina Lee) in Point Loma. Seating is limited and tickets will sell out fast.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
READING BETWEEN THE VINES
Sonoma, CA
Hook & Ladder Winery
*Tickets required*
2 PM
With the assistance of Melier, indulge in an afternoon filled with a sumptuous wine tasting and book pairing experience, presented under California’s brilliant trademark sunshine. While you sample some of the delectable wines that Hook & Ladder Winery is known for, meet New York Times and international bestselling author Jean Kwok and learn about her new novel, The Leftover Woman.
Your Adventure includes a glass of Hook & Ladder wine specifically selected to pair with Jean’s book, a signed hardcover copy of The Leftover Woman, author presentation, Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to meet the author in a relaxed and intimate setting at the beautiful Hook & Ladder Winery property.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Ontario, Canada
North York Central Library
*Tickets required (free)*
7 PM
New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok discusses her twisting, suspenseful, and poignant new novel at the North York Central Library Concourse, TPL's new premiere event space for cultural and heritage programming.
Jean Kwok speaks with journalist and author Angela Misri about The Leftover Woman, an evocative family drama and a riveting mystery about the ferocious pull of motherhood for two very different women.
Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.
MONDAY, NOV 6 - THURSDAY, NOV 9
KAUAI WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
Narrative Design Masterclass
Kauai, Hawaii
9 AM - 12 PM
Jean teaches a masterclass in narrative design and keeping the reader hooked in this rare opportunity. We’ve all been there. You have a pile of carefully polished pages, yet they don’t seem to cohere. Or you have a sprawling monster of a novel that resists any attempt to tame it. Or maybe it’s always been your dream to write a novel but you have no idea how to get started. We all love to move commas around but often, our work needs larger structural changes to make it as compelling and powerful as possible.
This is a class that looks at different ways to plot and structure a novel, including treatment of character development, themes, setting, voice, and point of view. You don’t need to have a draft of a novel to attend. Rather, the course is a combination of lectures and generative writing time. We will be creating new work in class that will then be discussed together. Our ultimate goal is to help you find a stronger structure for your novel that could lead to publication. Register here.
WEDNESDAY, NOV 15 - SATURDAY, NOV 18
ICELAND NOIR
Reykjavik, Iceland
TBA
Jean is a featured author at Iceland Noir with headliners Dan Brown, Neil Gaiman, Louis Penny and Richard Armitage. More details to come. Register here.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
GLITERARY LUNCH WITH JEAN KWOK AND LOUISE DOUGHTY
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Ghillie-Dhu
*Tickets required*
12 PM
Join internationally bestselling authors Jean Kwok and Louise Doughty for this delicious and fun Gliterary Lunch at the glamorous Ghillie-Dhu. Gliterary Lunches grew out of a love of 3 things; good food, good books and good company. Throw in a sparkling drinks reception and you have the perfect combination for a glittering occasion.
Gliterary Lunches hosts a series of events which offer a delightful combination of entertainment and enlightenment. Our in-venue events include a sparkling reception, a gourmet three-course lunch and the opportunity to hear two award-winning authors talk about their books and inspirations.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
NEWCASTLE NOIR
Newcastle, United Kingdom
Newcastle City Library, The Bewick Room
*Tickets required*
7 PM
Designing Women with Jean Kwok, Louise Swanson & Helen Erichsen (Moderator: Judith O’Reilly)
Devoted mothers, a dystopian hero and a reworked femme fatale, Our authors here have fashioned intriguing, engaging and mesmerising female characters who win our or hearts or who chill us to the core. What do these characters mean to the women who created them?
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY: A CORE TEXTUAL APPROACH
TILBURG UNIVERSITY
Tilburg, The Netherlands
1 PM
Jean is the keynote speaker for Tilburg University with a talk about her life and work: “Life Lessons from Literature: Girl in Translation.”
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
SAN MIGUEL WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
Authors in Conversation
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
11:30 AM
Jean appears on a panel with Janelle Brown, Benjamin Lorr, Angie Kim, James Han Mattson, Brenda Lozano and Tim Weed, moderator. They discuss their writing processes and tips for publication.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
SAN MIGUEL WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
1 PM
Jean is the keynote speaker for the San Miguel Writers’ Conference with a talk detailing her journey “From Working-Class Immigrant to International Bestselling Author.”
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23
NHL STENDEN
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands (online)
12 PM
Jean speaks to NHL Stenden’s American Studies classes about the American Dream, covering themes of language, culture and identity in her novels plus a Q&A session.
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS & WRITING PROGRAMS CONFERENCE (AWP)
I Wish I’d Known: Advice for Navigating the Publishing World
Seattle, WA
Rooms 427-429, Summit Building, Seattle Convention Center, Level 4
9 AM
Jean moderates this panel on publishing advice with renowned authors Rebecca Makkai, Mitchell S. Jackson, Angie Kim and Danielle Trussoni. From getting an agent to working with an editor to doing publicity, the life of a writer is filled with potential pitfalls. What are things you should do before you ever sign with an agent? What are definite no-nos while trying to get an agent? How many of your editor’s changes do you accept? What are tips for a great reading? How can you best do publicity? These seasoned writers talk about their own experiences with different agencies and publishing houses and share their hard-earned advice.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
THE WEDNESDAY CLUB OF SAINT LOUIS
St Louis, MO (online)
1:15 PM
Jean speaks to 100+ members of The Wednesday Club of Saint Louis about her immigration journey and novels, with a Q&A session.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tallahassee, FL
Club Downunder
7 PM
Jean speaks to 200+ students, staff and members of the general population at Florida State University about her life and books with a Q&A. Book signing after her speech.
THURSDAY, MAY 4
LIBRARY JOURNAL DAY OF DIALOG
Mothers in Fiction
10:30 AM ET (online)
For more than two decades, Library Journal’s Day of Dialog has been the most anticipated librarian-only gathering of the year. Now it’s gone digital and is free to attend! The next all-day event is scheduled for May 4 and will feature a close-up look at the biggest forthcoming books for summer/fall 2023. Once again, you’ll hear from top authors in genre fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction. Typically, thousands of librarians register for Day of Dialog in its digital incarnation, so you may find the environment or live sessions becoming full during the day. But fear not! All sessions will be available for viewing on-demand within 24 hrs of their initial broadcast, and the entire event will be available on-demand until August 4, 2023.
Join Jean on this panel about motherhood in fiction as she talks about her new novel The Leftover Woman with renowned authors Ann Patchett, Rea Frey, Adele Griffin, Terah Shelton Harris, who will all be discussing their new books with moderator Kate Merlene. Register here.
SUNDAY, MAY 22
THE BATH FESTIVAL
Tea with Miss Marple
Bath, United Kingdom
The Francis Hotel
15.30-17.00
This event has sold out. To join the waiting list, please contact the Bath Box Office on 01225 463362 or info@bathboxoffice.org.uk. A very special treat for mystery fans! Don’t miss this invitation to a delicious afternoon tea with two of the modern crime writers who have tackled Agatha Christie’s famous heroine for a brand-new anthology of Miss Marple Stories. Bestselling authors Elly Griffiths and Jean Kwok reflect with Viv Groskop on the unique challenge of treading in Christie’s footsteps and creating new adventures for her beloved amateur sleuth through their own unique perspectives - taking her on a crime-solving spree from her quiet village of St Mary Mead via a cruise ship bound for Hong Kong, to the sun-soaked Italian riviera and beyond. Book signing after the event. Ticket includes tea or coffee with homemade scones, preserves and clotted cream.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
THRILLERFEST
Style, Substance or Nuance? Your Writing Voice and Personal Brand
Empire East
4:10 PM
Jean appears on this ThrillerFest panel with S.A. Cosby, Gracie Doyle, Meg Gardiner, Wanda Morris and panel master Nathaniel Marunas, with a book signing directly after the event.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE (ALA)
Public Library Association President’s Program
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place Convention Center
8:30 AM
Jean gives a speech followed by a Q&A and signing, expected attendance 200+. Signing at 11am at HC booth #3511. Register here.
MONDAY, JUNE 26
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE (ALA)
Your Morning is Booked: ALMA/LibraryReads Adult Author Panel
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place Convention Center
8:30 AM
Jean is one of five authors giving a talk with a signing to follow. The other authors are Bonnie Jo Campbell, Thrity Umrigar, Anise Vance and C Pam Zhang. Register here.