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BookPeople Presents: An Evening with Mary H.K. Choi

4.8

Details

BookPeople is hosting a lively evening with Mary H.K. Choi and Shea Serrano to celebrate Pool House, and this one has all the ingredients of a great bookstore event: sharp conversation, big feelings, and a crowd of readers ready to geek out over a buzzy new novel.

Mary H.K. Choi’s first adult book dives into the complicated terrain of mothers, daughters, grief, fame, class, and the awkward chaos of becoming an adult while still feeling deeply unfinished. The story follows Stevie and Moon, two women who are forced back into each other’s lives and into a glass-walled pool house when money runs short and family secrets start pressing in. Add in Hollywood tension, a former TV son, and a long-simmering crush, and you’ve got the kind of messy, emotional setup that makes for a fascinating live discussion.

Known for writing with wit, empathy, and a real ear for the way people actually talk, Choi has built a huge following with books like Emergency Contact, Permanent Record, and Yolk. Her new novel carries that same mix of humor and vulnerability, but turns it toward adult life, where the stakes can feel both glamorous and painfully ordinary at the same time.

Whether you’re already a fan or just curious about the book everyone’s going to be talking about, this free and open-to-the-public event is a great excuse to spend an evening in the company of stories, insights, and a little literary sparkle.

Free and open to the public
Author talk and celebration for Pool House
Featuring Mary H.K. Choi and Shea Serrano
Perfect for readers who love smart, emotional fiction

Venue Details

BookPeople is the kind of bookstore that reminds you why printed pages still feel a little bit like magic. Nestled along North Lamar, this beloved Austin landmark has been championing stories, ideas, and community conversations since 1970.

A literary playground for every reader
Inside, you’ll find towering shelves packed with everything from buzzy new releases and indie darlings to poetry, graphic novels, and staff-favorite hidden gems. Carefully curated sections make it easy to wander from genre to genre, discovering something unexpected each time.
Texas’ largest independent bookstore
As the largest indie bookstore in the state, BookPeople feels both expansive and cozy. There are quiet corners to linger in, long tables of staff picks covered in handwritten notes, and displays that celebrate local authors, banned books awareness, and thought-provoking nonfiction.
Author events that feel like hangouts
BookPeople is famous for its author events, drawing big-name writers, rising voices, and genre stars. Readings, signings, and lively Q&A sessions turn the store into an energetic gathering space where you can meet your literary heroes or discover a new favorite author up close.
A community hub with character
More than a shop, BookPeople functions as a cultural heartbeat for local book lovers. It hosts book clubs, kids’ storytimes, and themed events that bring together readers of all ages. The staff’s enthusiasm for matching people with the perfect book is contagious, and their recommendations often become lifelong favorites.
Gifts, goodies, and more than just books
Beyond the stacks, you’ll find clever gifts, stationery, puzzles, and bookish merch that make it easy to walk in for “just one book” and leave with an armful of treasures. Everything feels curated with a sense of humor and a love for storytelling.
A cozy spot to linger with a drink
A visit often includes grabbing a drink or snack and settling in with a new find. The store is designed for lingering, browsing, and people-watching, making it just as much a place to spend an afternoon as it is a place to shop.
Rooted in free expression
Inspired in part by the spirit of Ray Bradbury’s work, BookPeople stands firmly for intellectual freedom and equal access to books. Its displays and programming often highlight the importance of uncensored reading and diverse voices, reinforcing its role as a defender of stories and ideas.

Whether you are hunting for your next obsession, attending a reading, or simply wandering the aisles to clear your head, BookPeople offers that classic, time-stopping bookstore experience. It is a place where conversations start in line, where staff hand you a book “you just have to read,” and where the joy of reading is always front and center.