Events 2020

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
PAPERBACK RELEASE OF SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE
6PM ET via CROWDCAST

Join Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author and Today Show’s Read with Jenna Book Club alum in celebrating the paperback release of Searching for Sylvie Lee. Jean will be joined in conversation with Rumaan Alam, author of the New York Times bestselling and Today Show’s Read with Jenna Book Club selection Leave the World Behind. Jean will appear live from her home in Amsterdam. Each ticket includes a signed Searching for Sylvie Lee paperback and the chance to win a Rituals calming routine gift set.

Tickets can be purchased through Indie bookseller partners Left Bank Books, An Unlikely Story and Women & Children First.

Searching for Sylvie Lee will be available in paperback, including extra’s like book club recipes inspired by the novel, discussion questions and more.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY BEYOND WORDS 2020
7PM ET
Jean joins acclaimed writers Wally Lamb, Julia Alvarez, Amity Gaige and Christina Baker Kline for this benefit, speaking about what libraries and librarians have meant to her. Watch the video here, Jean’s part begins at 28 minutes.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
1:15PM CT
Jean speaks to students at Northern Illinois University about her novel Girl in Translation with a Q&A.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
1:10PM ET
Jean speaks to students at Indiana University about her novel Girl in Translation with a reading, Powerpoint and Q&A.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
PACE UNIVERSITY
3:25PM ET
Jean speaks to students from several departments at Pace University about themes of immigration and identity in her novel Girl in Translation. Powerpoint followed by Q&A.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
CUNY LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
9AM ET
Jean speaks again to another class of students in the CUNY Language Immersion Program about themes of immigration and identity in her novel Girl in Translation.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
CUNY LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
10AM ET
Jean speaks to students in the CUNY Language Immersion Program about themes of immigration and identity in her novel Girl in Translation.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Lake Forest, Illinois
LAKE FOREST READS: SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE
SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE is the Lake Forest Reads: Ragdale Common Read pick for 2020. Since 2012, Lake Forest Library has been presenting the Lake Forest Reads: Ragdale program. In partnership with the Ragdale Foundation, Lake Forest College and the Friends of Lake Forest Library, this program encourages the Lake Forest community to read one book by a writer affiliated with Ragdale, with the purpose of fostering literacy, a culture of reading, and a sense of community. We encourage members of the community to read the book, host book discussions, and attend events in the community sponsored by the program. Jean chats with Dean Davis Schneiderman of Lake Forest College and appears at a Ragdale Tea & Talk, as well as an event for Lake Forest Bookstore.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
STORY STUDIO WRITERS FESTIVAL 2020
19AM CT
Jean teaches a class called, "Past the Pitch: What Happens after the Agent Is Interested" for the Story Studio Writers Festival 2020 with her top tips for developing a flourishing career as an author. Artistic Director Rebecca Makkai.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
ALONE TOGETHER ANTHOLOGY
1PM ET
Jean appears with fellow contributors Meg Waite Clayton, Sally Koslow and Ann Garvin to support the launch of the anthology ALONE TOGETHER, edited by Jennifer Haupt, essays to survive the pandemic, all proceeds to benefit Indie bookstores and booksellers via the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. Hosted by Bloom with Tall Poppy Writers.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE
7PM ET
Jean is in conversation with Christina Baker Kline in conjunction with Christina’s new novel THE EXILES, hosted by Robin Kall of Reading with Robin.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
ALONE TOGETHER ANTHOLOGY
3PM PT
Jean appears with fellow contributors Garth Stein, Major Jackson, Jamie Ford, Faith Adele, and many more to support the anthology ALONE TOGETHER, edited by Jennifer Haupt, essays to survive the pandemic, all proceeds to benefit Indie bookstores and booksellers via the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
A MIGHTY BLAZE AND LEFT BANK BOOKS
4PM ET
Jean joins A Mighty Blaze’s “Authors Love Bookstores” series and chats with Kris Kleindienst of Left Bank Books for a live converstaion about reading, writing, activism, and bookselling in support of Indie bookstores during the pandemic. Moderated by Joseph Moldover.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
ALONE TOGETHER ANTHOLOGY
1PM ET
FACEBOOK LIVE
Jean appears with fellow contributors Jamie Ford, Faith Adele and Meg Waite Clayton to support the anthology ALONE TOGETHER, edited by Jennifer Haupt, essays to survive the pandemic, all proceeds to benefit Indie bookstores and booksellers via the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.

THURSDAY, JULY 2
MURDER MYSTERY WHODUNNIT VIRTUAL ADVENTURE
4 PM - 5:30 PM PDT
We are pleased to invite you to our Murder Mystery Whodunnit Virtual Adventure with New York Times bestselling authors Megan Miranda, Jean Kwok, and Wendy Walker, together with upcoming author Michelle Cox and Pulitzer-Prize winning artist Steve Breen. Join us on Zoom* to “meet” these creative artists and experience the murder, intrigue, and suspense this Adventure is sure to invoke.

As you relax in the comfort of your own home, allow our four authors to set the stage for their four suspenseful murder mystery novels, after which Steve Breen, with the help of an unnamed source, will offer a sketch artist demonstration, and we will see who our own “murderer” turns out to be.

This Virtual Adventure was designed not only to support five creative artists whose book tours and events were cancelled due to COVID-19, but also to provide readers with our signature Adventures by the Book® multi-sensorial experience that brings literature to life in exciting and unique ways. Event admission is included with your purchase of any of the authors’ books, or purchase all four, and receive a special bundled discount.

Your Adventure includes your choice of any of the authors’ books, shipping within the US, signed bookplate(s), a virtual book discussion with four bestselling authors, and a fun sketch artist demonstration.

More information here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
FACEBOOK LIVE
1 PM ET
Jean is interviewed by librarian Carol Ann Tack of Merrick Library about Jean’s novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee, her experiences in the Netherlands, and more. Watch the video here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19
FACEBOOK LIVE
1 PM ET
In this special Facebook Live sponsored by the Hunter College High School Alumni Association, Jean chats with Robin Kall Homonoff of Reading with Robin about Jean’s upbringing as a working class immigrant, her experiences attending elementary school, Hunter College High School and Harvard, her novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee, and more. Watch the video here.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
FACEBOOK LIVE
3 PM ET
Jean chats with Robin Kall Homonoff of Reading with Robin about Jean’s novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee, her new book club kit with recipes, and more. Watch the video here.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 – MONDAY, MARCH 16 (CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19)
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Tucson, AZ
Jean Kwok is teaching at the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards and Masters Writing Workshops. Jean is teaching a masters writing course called, “Narrative Design: How to Keep Readers Riveted.” It is a discussion of different methods to plot and structure a novel, including treatment of character development, themes, setting, voice, point of view, etc. She will be also giving a talk about navigating the publishing world. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 (CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19)
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Tucson, AZ
Searching for Home
10 AM-11 AM
Integrated Learning Center Room 150
Jean Kwok, Angie Cruz and Jeanine Cummins discuss the various paths their characters take in searching for their homes, both old and new. Moderator: Pamela Treadwell-Rubin. Sales & Signing Area – Integrated Learning Center (following presentation) 

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 (CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19)
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Tucson, AZ

Who Am I, Anyway?
1 PM-2 PM
Modern Languages Room 350
Jean Kwok, Meng Jin and Therese Anne Fowler all come to Tucson with books featuring women leading lives far different than the ones they were probably born for. Each must wrestle with questions of who they are and who they should be. Moderator: Cheryl House. Sales & Signing Area - Central Mall (following presentation)

It’s Complicated.
4 PM-5 PM
UA BookStore
National Book Award-finalist Julia Phillips, Jean Kwok and Liz Moore all come to the festival with books that might be called whodunnits. But they are more than that. These tales are told with such depth, such empathy and such care they have all the earmarks of great modern fiction. Moderator: Eileen Brady. Sales & Signing Area – UA BookStore (following presentation)

THURSDAY, MARCH 12
West Palm Beach, Florida
KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR LOVE OF LITERACY
11:30 AM ET
Jean Kwok is the keynote speaker at the 29th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon, presented by Bank of America, on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Audience 600+.

Individual luncheon tickets are $150. Patron tickets are $300 and include a photo with Kwok at a private reception. A table of 10 is $1,500. Other sponsorship opportunities are detailed here.

The luncheon, co-chaired by Bernadette O’Grady and Debra Ghostine, funds programs provided by the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. These programs provide literacy skills to children, adults and families to help them succeed in school and in life. The Coalition’s goal is to ensure every adult and child in Palm Beach County can read.

For more information, visit www.LiteracyPBC.org, or call 561-279-9103.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Armonk, NY
LEADERSHIP TALK FOR IPTIQ, SWISS RE
1O:30 AM ET
Jean gives a leadership talk for iptiQ, a division of Swiss Re. Jean talks about courage, success and failure, and how her personal life narrative weaves into themes of risk-taking and leadership. The talk is broadcast live to several other branches across the country.  

TUESDAY, MARCH 10
New York, NY
POP-UP BOOK GROUP: JEAN KWOK
7:30 PM
Join us for a Pop-Up Book Group with bestselling novelist Jean Kwok to discuss her novel, SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE. Run by Jean Hanff Korelitz $35 per person. SOLD OUT. Join the waitlist here

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 (CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19)
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS AND WRITING PROGRAMS CONFERENCE (AWP)
San Antonio, Texas
3:20 PM – 4:45 PM
A READING AND CONVERSATION WITH JEAN KWOK, DANI SHAPIRO AND JACQUELINE WOODSON, SPONSORED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE SPEAKERS BUREAU
HemisFair Ballroom C1, Henry B. González Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Jean Kwok is a FEATURED PRESENTER in the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau event with Dani Shapiro and Jacqueline Woodson.

From First Book Deal to Career as Author: How to Navigate the Publishing World
12:10 PM-1:25 PM
Room 301, Henry B. González Convention Center, Ballroom Level
Jean moderates this panel on publishing advice with authors Mitchell S. Jackson, Rebecca Makkai,  Courtney Maum and editor Barbara Jones. There’s a large gap in between being published to developing a career as an author. After you get a book deal, what are do’s and don’ts while working with an editor? What’s the role of your agent then? Do you need a website? Should you hire an independent publicist? What can you do to help your book succeed? How do you give a great reading? What’s the difference between publicity and marketing? How do you develop a career as an author? Four seasoned authors and one executive editor offer advice.

MONDAY, MARCH 2
THE TODAY SHOW 
10 AM ET
Jean appears on The Today Show again as a part of the one year celebration of Jenna Bush Hager’s Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club, regarding SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE, the Today Show Book Club Pick. Watch the clip here.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
NOOIT MEER SLAPEN
Midnight CET
Jean is interviewed on the late night cultural program of the VPRO on NPO Radio 1 about DE PERFECTE ZUS (Dutch translation of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE) by Pieter van der Wielen. Entire program is in Dutch.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
TIJD VOOR MAX
5 PM CET
Jean appears on Dutch national TV show Tijd voor Max with more than 750,000 viewers, talking about DE PERFECTE ZUS (Dutch translation of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE). Other guests are Jean Kwok, Ruud Bos, Lenny Kuhr, Matteo van der Gijn, Vincent Croiset en Janny van der Heijden. Hosts: Martine van Os and Sybrand Niessen.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
NHL STENDEN
1:30 PM-2:30 PM CET
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Jean Skypes with American Studies class about the American Dream, covering themes of language, culture and identity in her novel Girl in Translation and gives a talk plus a Q&A session.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
STUDIO HAAGSE BLUF
6 PM CET
Jean is interviewed by Tjeerd Spoor on the radio show Studio Haagse Bluf on Radio Omroep West about DE PERFECTE ZUS (Dutch translation of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE).

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
OMROEP WEST TV
6 PM CET
Jean appears on TV West on Omroep West TV talking about DE PERFECTE ZUS (Dutch translation of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE). Interviewed by Rob Vlastuin.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22  – SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
WRITERS WINTER BREAK 2020
Catapult and William Morris Endeavor  invite you to spend five days (Jan. 22 - Jan. 26) at IMG Academy in beautiful Bradenton, Florida, just south of Tampa and on the Manatee River, for one of the most unique writing conferences in the world.

Join Chloe Benjamin, Jennine Capó Crucet, Jean Kwok, Héctor Tobar, Meg Wolitzer, and many other award-winning and bestselling novelists, journalists, poets, essayists, and memoirists for a revitalizing blend of carefully curated social, educational, and creative events all tailored around the writing life.  

Focus on your manuscript, connect with your peers, find no you can count on that, too! With a book in hand, of course.

If you have questions about Writer's Winter Break, please be in touch: classes@catapult.co.

NOVEL WRITING WORKSHOP BY JEAN KWOK
For writers accustomed to working with shorter fiction, the prospect of starting on a novel can be daunting, if not overwhelming. With the help of a bestselling, award-winning novelist, Jean Kwok, this course will offer a comp

ew mentors, receive detailed feedback from leading literary writers, learn how to launch and navigate a writing career, and forge transformative connections with agents and other key players in the industry.

It wouldn't be January in Florida without some time at the pool, srehensive guide on how to shape your novel into its best form, whether you are in the early pages of a draft or if you already have a full manuscript.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
Lake Forest, IL
SALON FOR JEAN KWOK, RAGDALE FOUNDATION
6:30 PM – 9 PM CT
Enjoy a presentation on Jean’s New York Times bestseller, SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE, along with cocktails and delicious fare. The evening will also include an optional dance lesson led by Jean, a former professional ballroom dancer, to celebrate the creation of the new Sybil Shearer Studio for dance at Ragdale.
$50 per person. SOLD OUT

EVENTS 2019

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9
Notre Dame, Indiana
SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE LITERARY FESTIVAL
Jean Kwok joins Adriana Trigiani and other authors such as Jean Hanff Korelitz, Julie Klam, Douglas Brinkley, Leila Meacham, Val Emmich, Anna Monardo, Laurie Eustis and Anna Scotti for this star-studded literary festival. Audience of more than 600 people.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Galveston, Texas
TACRAO CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jean Kwok is the keynote speaker at the annual Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers conference. Audience of more than 650 people.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
READING CORNER
Jean has been chosen as the Author of the Month for October on this Facebook reading group and will be popping in and out the entire month, but especially on October 27th to answer questions. She will also be chatting about her new novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee and there will be a free GIVEAWAY of the book as well. Please join the group to be able to participate.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
London, UK
JOHN MURRAY PRESS FICTION 2020 PREVIEW
Jean Kwok meets members of the media in anticipation of the international English and UK edition of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE in February 2020.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Morristown, NJ
MORRISTOWN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
10 AM
Church of the Redeemer, 65 South Street
Panel with Jean Kwok, Joanne Ramos and Lauren Wilkinson, moderated by Robin Kall. Book signings will follow at BOOK SALES/SIGNING TENT on Vail Mansion Lawn

BOOK CLUB GIRL AUTHOR LUNCHEON
12:15 PM
Starlight Room
SOLD OUT
Jean Kwok, Beatriz Williams, S.A. Chakraborty, Jennifer Robson
Meet and mingle with some of your favorite book club authors at an exclusive sit-down lunch at the festival. Authors will visit with each table, sharing stories, answering questions and signing books — and you’ll take home an amazing swag bag filled with books plus an exclusive advance copy of a Winter 2020 title from William Morrow. This event is SOLD OUT.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Boston, MA
AUTHOR TALK SERIES: WIEBKE VON CAROLSFELD AND JEAN KWOK AT BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
6 PM – 7:30 PM
700 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
Jean Kwok is in conversation with Wiebke von Carolsfeld, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Free and open to the public.
Panel with Jean Kwok

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
BIBLIOTHEEK VOORSCHOTEN
20.00
Voorschoten, The Netherlands
Jean gives a reading about immigration at the Voorschoten Public Library, joining other authors from the area. Free and open to the public.

TUESDAY, SEPT 3 & TUESDAY, SEPT 24
READERS COFFEEHOUSE
Jean has been chosen as the Author of the Month for September on this Facebook reading group and will be popping in and out on these two dates to answer questions. She will also be chatting with author Cathy Lamb about Jean’s new novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee and there will be free giveaways of the book as well. Please join the group a few days beforehand to be able to participate.

MONDAY, JULY 8
A NOVEL BEE
FACEBOOK CHAT
2 PM ET – 3 PM ET
Jean chats live on Facebook with Tonni Callan  about Jean’s new novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee. Please join the group beforehand to be able to participate.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27 
TODAY SHOW INSTAGRAM LIVE WITH JENNA BUSH HAGER
9 AM ET
Jean is interviewed by Jenna Bush Hager on the Today Show's Instagram page about SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE, the Read with Jenna Book Club Pick for the Today Show.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27 
THE TODAY SHOW 
10 AM ET
Jenna Bush Hager and Maria Shriver chat with Jean about SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE, the Today Show Book Club Pick. Watch the interview here.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 – NEW YORK, NY
AN EVENING WITH JEAN KWOK AND LISA KO
6:30 PM ET
New York, NY | Asian American Writers’ Workshop
112 W 27th Street, Ste 600, New York, NY 10001
Joint event with National Book Award finalist Lisa Ko and moderator Marie Myung-Ok Lee
Free and open to the public

MONDAY, JUNE 10
#LITCHAT
TWITTER CHAT
4PM ET – 5PM ET
Jean chats live on Twitter with writer Caroline Burns Bass using the hashtag #LitChat about Jean’s new novel Searching for Sylvie Lee. Just type “#litchat” into the Twitter search box and keep refreshing to keep up with the conversation. Feel free to ask questions/add comments as well – just make sure to type “#litchat” in your comment.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 – CLEVELAND, OH
MEET AUTHOR JEAN KWOK
2 PM
Cleveland, OH | Cuyahoga Library – South Euclid Branch and Writers Center
1876 South Green Road, South Euclid, OH 44121
Free and open to the public

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 – WINSTON-SALEM, NC
NPR'S WSNC RADIO
4:30-5pm ET
Welcoming New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok
Streaming live on NPR's WSNC Radio's "Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy,"

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 – WINSTON-SALEM, NC
JEAN KWOK IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH MCCOY
7 PM
Winston-Salem, NC | BookMarks
634 W 4th Street, #110, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
In conversation with Sarah McCoy
Free and open to the public

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 – ATLANTA, GA
READING AND Q&A
7:15 PM  (NOT 6:15 PM as previously posted here) 
Atlanta, GA | Georgia Center for the Book
DeKalb County Public Library: 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Free and open to the public

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
JEAN KWOK: FOUNDATION VISITING AUTHOR SERIES
6:30 PM
Indianapolis, IN | Carmel Clay Library
55 4th Avenue Southeast, Carmel, IN 46032
Free and open to the public

TUESDAY, JUNE 4 – ST LOUIS, MO
AN EVENING WITH JEAN KWOK AND REBECCA MAKKAI
7 PM
St. Louis, MO | St. Louis County Library
1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131
Joint event with Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Makkai
Bookseller: Left Bank Books
Free and open to the public

SUNDAY, JUNE 2
BLOOM WITH TALL POPPIES
FACEBOOK CHAT
1 PM ET – 2 PM ET
Jean chats live on Facebook with author Janie Chang about Jean’s new novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee. There will be free giveaways of the book as well. Please join the group beforehand to be able to participate.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 – NEW YORK, NY
BOOK EXPO AMERICA/ BOOKCON
AUTOGRAPHING SESSION
1:15 PM – 2 PM ET
Javits Center – BookCon Autographing Area, NYC
655 W 34th Street, New York City
All signings that take place in the BookCon Autographing Area will be digitally Ticketed before the Show. From Saturday May 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM EDT until BookCon (June 1 & 2, 2019), fans can reserve their spot at up to two signings per day in the BookCon Autographing Area. Tickets will be distributed to fans on a first come, first serve basis. A valid ticket to BookCon for the day of the signing is required for participation. For more information on the process please visit our FAQ.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 - NEW YORK, NY
BOOK EXPO AMERICA/ BOOKCON
THE NEW AMERICAN EXPERIENCE PANEL
2:15 PM – 2:50 PM
Javits Center - Choice Stage, NYC
655 W 34th Street, New York City
Another favorite–and important–panel each year at BookCon, join Jean Kwok, Shilpi Somaya, Alisha Rai, and Raakhee Mirchandani with moderator Mackenzie Dawson as they discuss how their own experiences and their families’ experiences in the U.S. helped shaped both themselves and their books. These writers all have non-traditional definitions of what it means to be “American” and those unique perspectives are captured in their writing.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 – NEW YORK, NY
BOOK EXPO AMERICA/ BOOKCON
BOOK CLUB GIRL: AUTHOR MEET & GREET
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Javits Center – River Pavilion, NYC 655 W 34th Street, New York City
Join us for a late afternoon pick-me-up and mingle with fellow book lovers and bestselling authors – including Jean Kwok, Christina Baker Kline, Meg Cabot, Joshilyn Jackson, and more – over delicious treats and libations. Each attendee will receive a special gift bag filled with a variety of books and exclusive Advance Reader’s Editions of great book club reads, Book Club Girl swag, and more. Reserve your ticket for the Author Meet & Greet now and follow Book Club Girl on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn about more future Book Club Girl events! Advanced registration is required and you must have a valid BookCon badge for this day. Register for this Book Club Girl event here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
WTNH GOOD MORNING CT AT 9AM
9 AM
Jean is interviewed on this morning television show about SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE.

THURSDAY, MAY 30
FACEBOOK LIVE
2 PM ET
Come join Jean with her editor Jessica Williams as they chat LIVE on this Facebook Live video on the Book Club Girl Facebook page. They’ll be discussing Jean’s new novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee, her new book club kit with recipes, and more. Post comments or questions in the comments section of the video.

FRIDAY, MAY 31 - NEW YORK, NY
BOOK EXPO AMERICA
AUTOGRAPHING SESSION
9:30 AM-10 AM
Javits Center, Autographing Area
655 W 34th Street, New York City
Jean signs books and meets readers.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27
RECEPTION AND DINNERS, RAGDALE FOUNDATION
4 PM CT RECEPTION AT SHOREACRES 
6:45 PM CT DINNERS
The Saturday, April 27, cocktail reception will be held at Shoreacres, the historic golf club offering stunning views of Lake Michigan from its elegant David Adler-designed clubhouse. All celebrated writers will attend and their books will be available for signing. The reception will be followed by intimate dinners in distinctive North Shore homes, each dinner featuring a pair of writers.

The reception at Shoreacres begins at 4PM, followed by dinners at 6:45PM. Shoreacres is located at 1601 Shoreacres Road, Lake Bluff IL 60044 and ticketed guests will be advised of dinner locations in North Shore homes.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://ragdale.org or by phone at 847.234.1063. $500/person for dinner and reception; $150/person for Reception only; $125/person for teachers and book clubs (5 minimum) – Reception only.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 - SATURDAY APRIL 27
NOVEL AFFAIR, RAGDALE FOUNDATION 
Jean is one of twelve featured authors in Ragdale's fundraiser Novel Affair, alongside Rumaan Alam, Melanie Benjamin, Jamel Brinkley, Benjamin Dreyer, Carmen Gimenez Smith, Julie Klam, Laura Lippman, Rebecca Makkai, Faisal Mohyuddin, Kathleen Rooney and Mona Simpson. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 26
NOVEL AFFAIR SCHOOL DAY, RAGDALE FOUNDATION 
2 PM-4 PM CT
Featured authors will visit schools from Chicago to Zion to foster healthy self-expression and creative career opportunities. When you become a Novel Affair School Day Sponsor, local teachers will be invited to attend Novel Affair’s Saturday afternoon reception.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 – FRIDAY, APRIL 12
FOCUS ON THE ARTS 2019, HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Highland Park, IL
Jean speaks at Highland Park High School as a part of their Focus on the Arts festival.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29
12 PM – 1:15 PM (PST)
Unpublished Writer to Author: Get from Agent to Book Deal to Career as Author
Oregon Ballroom 203, Oregon Convention Center, Level 2

Jean moderates this panel on publishing advice with authors Julia Fierro, Juan Martinez, Courtney Maum and editor Barbara Jones. The road from unpublished writer to author is long and filled with potential pitfalls. What should you do before approaching an agent? How do you get one interested in you? What are do’s and donn independent publicist? How do you give a good reading? These seasoned authors who have successfully navigated this rocky terrain talk about their experiences with different agencies and publishing houses, and share their top tips and hard-earned advice.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS & WRITING PROGRAMS CONFERENCE (AWP)
Portland, Oregon
12 PM – 1:15 PM (PST)
Let’s Talk about Race, Baby; Let’s Talk about You & Me
C123, Oregon Convention Center, Level 1

Jean moderates this panel on race with authors Mira Jacob, Mitchell S. Jackson, Devi Laskar and Irina Reyn. This panel is for anyone, regardless of color, who wishes to improve the way they write about, teach or publish racially- or ethnically-charged issues in this complex time. How do we handle race and ethnicity with sensitivity, in real life and on the page? How can we overcome discrimination in workshops and the publishing world? May we write negatively about a character of a particular race? This panel of successful writers provides honesty and humor and suggests strategies for connection.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
NHL STENDEN
1:30 PM-2:30 PM CET
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Jean Skypes with American Studies class about the American Dream, covering themes of language, culture and identity in her novel Girl in Translationand gives a talk plus a Q&A session.Past Events 2018

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
VROUWENNETWERK VOORSCHOTEN
15:00-16:00
Voorschoten, The Netherlands
Jean gives a reading on Immigratie: Droom en Werkelijkheid [Immigration: Dream and Reality] to members of the Vrouwennetwerk Voorschoten. Limited to members.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
1:00PM-2:15PM
Bloomington, IN
Jean Skypes with Asian American Literature class about themes of body, culture and identity in her novel Mambo in Chinatown and does a short reading plus a Q&A session.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY:
ONE WORLD INITIATIVE
Sacramento, CA
Jean visits Sacramento State University as the keynote speaker for the One World Initiativeand as the author of the Sacramento State common read, GIRL IN TRANSLATION

12 PM - 1 PM (PST)
Lunch with Students
Lunch in Dining Commons. Hosted by Housing and Residence Life. 

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM (PST)
Campus Lecture/Reading
Ballroom
Short lecture or reading, followed by Q&A with audience members. Open to entire campus community. Free event. Audience approx. 250-500.

2:50 PM - 3:30 PM (PST)
Book signing

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (PST)
University Reception with campus and community partners.
Epicure Restaurant. Hosted by Full Circle Program.

7 PM - 8 PM (PST)
One World Initiative Keynote Speaker
Ballroom
Presented by the One Book Program.
Lecture with reading (45 minutes), then followed by Q&A with audience members. Open to public. Free event. Audience approx. 250-500.

8:10 PM - 9:30 PM (PST)
Book signing. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 8
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS & WRITING PROGRAMS CONFERENCE
Tampa, Florida
9 AM – 10:15 AM (EST)
Defeating Writer's Block: Techniques for Breaking Through
Florida Salon 5, Marriott Waterside, 2nd fl
Jean moderates this panel on overcoming writer's block with authors Mira Jacob, Juan Martinez, Elizabeth L. Silver and Sari Wilson. Every writer has felt that panic when facing the page. The desire to write burns within and yet nothing comes out. How do we keep ourselves from getting blocked? How do we develop a healthy, happy relationship with our writing? What does a day in the life of a working writer look like? How do we carve out the time and mental space to be creative? This panel of diverse writers who have successfully overcome writer’s block share their techniques and offer advice, support, and caution. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 9
3 PM – 4:15 PM (EST)
If Only I'd Known: Advice for Navigating the Publishing World
Florida Salon 4, Marriott Waterside, 2nd fl
Jean moderates this panel on publishing advice with authors Mitchell S. Jackson, Rebecca Makkai, Julia Fierro and Courtney Maum. 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 do publicity best? These seasoned writers talk about their own experiences with different agencies and publishing houses and share their hard-earned advice.

MONDAY, JANUARY 29
ATHENEUM COLLEGE HAGEVELD
13.30-15.20
Heemstede, The Netherlands
Jean speaks to students and staff about her life and work, followed by a Q&A session.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
EUROPEAN LEAGUE FOR MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION (ELMLE) ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
ELMLE Talks
8:40 AM – 9:40 AM
Secrets Students Keep
Salon A B C
Jean gives the opening TED-style address on Secrets Students Keep. She offers a personal view from having been that student herself, from her own years as a teacher and from her talks with similar children across the world. She provides possible explanations, dispels common assumptions and talks about potential solutions for a meaningful connection. Audience approx. 250-300.

10 AM – 11 AM
Bridging the Gap: Workshop on Race, Culture and Language
Salon A B C
How can we manage different races, cultures and native languages in the classroom in a competent, caring way? How can we best help students who come from vastly different backgrounds than our own? It is so easy to misunderstand and mishandle sensitive situations. Jean will first speak about her own background, then conduct a workshop on recognizing your own cultural lens, better understanding the cultural backgrounds of students, building a broader knowledge base and possible cultural management strategies.

EVENTS 2017

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
12 PM-1:30 PM (PST)
Sacramento, CA
Jean does an online Zoom session with Sacramento State about themes in GIRL IN TRANSLATION, their FYE read, and does a short reading plus a Q&A session.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF AMSTERDAM
8 AM-1.30 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jean speaks to students and staff about her work and life followed by a Q&A, plus a smaller meet and greet.  Article about Jean's visit here. 

FRIDAY, MAY 12
INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL UTRECHT
20.15 - 21.00
Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Jean is interviewed together with Sun Li. Jean will talk about her books and her life. Book signing after the interview.
This is a ticketed event, please click here for more information.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
ASSOCIATION OF WRITERS & WRITING PROGRAMS CONFERENCE
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Success, Failure and the Green-Eyed Monster: Thriving in a Competitive Environment
Washington Convention Center, Room 206
Washington D.C.
Jean moderates this panel on the mental preparation for success with award-winning authors Jami Attenberg, Mitchell S. Jackson, Mira Jacoband Rebecca Makkai.

EVENTS 2016

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
LAKE FOREST COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
9:00AM-10:30AM
Lake Forest, IL
Jean speaks to students and staff as a part of the Ragdale in Schools project.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
2:30PM-3:45PM
Bloomington, IN
Jean skypes with Asian American Literature class about themes in her books and does a short reading plus a Q&A session.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
LYCEUM OUDEHOVEN
10.30AM-12.00PM
Gorinchem, The Netherlands
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Understanding
Jean speaks to students and staff about cultural diversity, difference and communication followed by a Q&A.  

MONDAY, APRIL 18
GYMNASIUM CAMPHUSIANUM GORINCHEM
13.15-15.15
Gorinchem, The Netherlands 
Jean speaks to students from the fourth and fifth year and staff about her work. Q&A afterward.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15
ATHENEUM COLLEGE HAGEVELD
14.20-16.20
Heemstede, The Netherlands
Jean speaks to students and staff about her life and work, followed by a Q&A session.

EVENTS 2015

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
NPR WEEKEND EDITION, RADIO INTERVIEW 9:40 AM EST 
Jean chats with host Rachel Martin in WEEKEND READS, a series in which bestselling novelists recommend books. Jean chooses Lisa See’s CHINA DOLLS.

MONDAY, MARCH 2
BIBLIOTHEEK KATWIJK, 20.00
Schelpendam 1
Katwijk
The Netherlands
This is a ticketed event, please click here for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
1 PM – 2 PM
Bridging the Divide: Writing Across Cultures
Student Union South Ballroom
Signing to follow at Sales & Signing Area #1 – UA BookStore Tent
Panel with Jean Kwok, Amy Tan and Lisa Seemoderated by News 4 television anchor Tom McNamara. Three outstanding authors discuss how straddling different cultures brings challenges and rewards to their writing.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
1 PM – 2 PM
Fiction: For the Love of Book Clubs
Chemistry Room 111
Signing to follow at Sales & Signing Area #6 – Koffler Patio
Panel with Jean Kwok, Sarah Bird and Carol Cassella moderated by Helene Woodhams. A common question for book clubs – What should we read next? The festival invites you to explore the works of three authors who write novels we think are great for book clubs.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17
NOORDHOFF LIJSTER PROMOTION TOUR
Vechtdal College Ommen, 11 uur
Jean praat met studenten en docenten uit de winnende school van de Noordhoff Lijster Promotion Tour.
More details to come.

THURSDAY, MAY 28
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 9PM - 10:30PM
BOOK SIGNING AND CREATIVE WORKS
Science Center
Limited to members of the Harvard community

FRIDAY, MAY 29
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 4PM - 6PM
MINI-TED-STYLE TALKS
Jean talks about the choice to live an artistic life. 
Science Center B
Limited to members of the Harvard community

FRIDAY, MAY 29
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 9:45PM - 11:30PM
CABARET
Jean shares the stage with Ethan Herschenfeld, Elke Zoe Baker, Derek Newman, Maya Forbes, Sara Melson, Pier Carlo Talenti, Mischa Glouberman, Roland Davis and more. 
Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall
Limited to members of the Harvard community

SUNDAY, JULY 26
NPR WEEKEND EDITION SUNDAY, RADIO INTERVIEW 
9:40 AM EST 
Jean chats again with host Rachel Martin in WEEKEND READS, a series in which bestselling novelists recommend books. This time, Jean chooses Patricia Park's RE JANE.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
RAGDALE TEA & TALK, LAKE FOREST, IL 
10 AM
Ragdale
1260 North Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Jean has been named the 2015 Hannah Judy Gretz Fellow at Ragdale and is in residence there, working on her new book. Join her for tea and a presentation about her work and life. Book signing to follow.
Open to the public with free admission but space is limited so reservations are required. Please click here for more information. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
WOODLANDS ACADEMY BROWN BAG LUNCH PRESENTATION, LAKE FOREST, IL
Woodlands Academy
760 E. Westleigh Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Jean is the featured speaker in Woodlands Academy's Brown Bag Lunch series. She talks to students and staff about her life and books.
Limited to members of Woodlands Academy.