I’m honored to be giving the the 2024 Yoonmee Chang Memorial Lecture. Q&A and book signing to follow. More details to come!

Free and open to the public. More info and register here (for head count purposes).

The Yoonmee Chang Memorial Lecture is co-organized annually by ASAM through the generous support of Mrs. Woonsuk Debbie Chang. This memorial lecture hosts a distinguished speaker in honor of Dr. Yoonmee Chang’s memory and scholarship. Dr. Chang (November 2, 1970 – January 18, 2018) was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in New York. She received her PhD in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 with a specialization in Asian American diasporic literature and culture. As a doctoral candidate, Dr. Chang was a key student leader in the founding of ASAM. Author of the critically acclaimed book, Writing the Ghetto: Class, Authorship, and the Asian American Ethnic Enclave, she taught at Indiana University in Bloomington before becoming an Associate Professor at George Mason University from 2005 until her untimely passing in 2018.

I’m thrilled that the Watertown Free Public Library has selected Our Missing Hearts as its One Book, One Watertown community read. The library has a full slate of events lined up throughout March (see site for more info), culminating in a conversation with me March 21.

Light refreshments, onstage interview, Q&A, and book signing to follow. Free and open to the public, but registration is required (opens March 1).

ASL and CART services will be provided at the event, courtesy of the Watertown Commission on Disability.  

Harvard Book Store welcomes CELESTE NG—author of New York Times bestsellers Our Missing Hearts and Little Fires Everywhere—for a discussion of her new collaborative novel Fourteen Days. She will be joined in conversation by CHRIS CASTELLANI—author of Leading Men.

Free and open to the public. Masks are requested but not required.

About Fourteen Days

Set in a Lower East Side tenement in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Fourteen Days is an irresistibly propulsive collaborative novel from the Authors Guild, with an unusual twist: each character in this diverse, eccentric cast of New York neighbors has been secretly written by a different, major literary voice—from Margaret Atwood and Celeste Ng to Tommy Orange and John Grisham.

One week into the COVID-19 shutdown, tenants of a Lower East Side apartment building in Manhattan have begun to gather on the rooftop and tell stories. With each passing night, more and more neighbors gather, bringing chairs and milk crates and overturned pails. Gradually the tenants—some of whom have barely spoken to each other—become real neighbors. In this Decameron-like serial novel, general editors Margaret Atwood and Douglas Preston and a star-studded list of contributors create a beautiful ode to the people who couldn’t escape when the pandemic hit. A dazzling, heartwarming, and ultimately surprising narrative, Fourteen Days reveals how beneath the horrible loss and suffering, some communities managed to become stronger.

Includes writing from: Charlie Jane Anders, Margaret Atwood, Joseph Cassara, Jennine Capó Crucet, Angie Cruz, Pat Cummings, Sylvia Day, Emma Donoghue, Dave Eggers, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham, Maria Hinojosa, Mira Jacob, Erica Jong, CJ Lyons, Celeste Ng, Tommy Orange, Mary Pope Osborne, Douglas Preston, Alice Randall, Ishmael Reed, Roxana Robinson, Nelly Rosario, James Shapiro, Hampton Sides, R.L. Stine, Nafissa Thompson-Spires, Monique Truong, Scott Turow, Luis Alberto Urrea, Rachel Vail, Weike Wang, Caroline Randall Williams, De’Shawn Charles Winslow, and Meg Wolitzer!

Writers Unlimited Festival 2024

Writers tell us about their favourite book: the book that inspires or touches them, that set their artistic, moral or intellectual compass. In short, the book they would recommend to everyone. Interview: Hassnae Bouazza.

Celeste Ng chose as her favorite Transformations (1971) by Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Anne Sexton: this collection of poem-stories is a strange, wondrous retelling of Grimms' fairy tales including Snow White, Rumpelstilskin and Rapunzel.

Tickets required; see here for details.

Writers Unlimited Festival - Saturday Night Unlimited

“The Voice” panel

We give extra attention to the human voice during this festival edition with the theme "Human Voices". We asked Connie Palmen to write a new essay for The Voice - in search of the character's soul and to open Saturday Night Unlimited with it.

In her keynote speech, Palmen speaks about how an author gives voice to characters. The voice is the meeting point between body and soul, where interior and exterior meet. A novel begins to come alive through the voice of the character.

This theme is the subject of the following discussion between Palmen, Celeste Ng and Sacha Bronwasser, who published the novel Luister (Listen) this year. Writer and journalist Sarah Sluimer moderates.

Tickets required; see here for details.

Writers Unlimited 2024 – Friday Night Unlimited

“Body Language” Panel

One of the things that distinguishes humans from machines is that humans have a body. A body that can experience pleasant sensations as well as pain. The body is our initial calling card to the outside world, an outer shell that is seen by others, judged and pigeonholed. Writers Aminatta Forna, Anne Boyer and Celeste Ng discuss this matter and read from their work. Writer and journalist Sarah Sluimer moderates.

Tickets required; see here for details.

Freedom to speak or write is super important but impossible for many. The festival opens with "human voices" (the theme of this edition) from The Netherlands and beyond: a unique lineup of famous writers speaking out. This is one of those evenings of inspiration, creative thoughts and apt words that make a deep impression. Meet the authors who make their voices heard for four delightful days of this Hague festival!

Opening Night 2024 is focused on freedom of speech and the power of literature, with appearances and readings by US author Celeste Ng, internationally one of the most-read authors with Asian roots; the British writer Aminatta Forna (The Hired Man); Adriaan van Dis, whose moving new novel has just been published; Burhan Sönmez, author of Istanbul, Istanbul and chair of the writers organization PEN International.

Young spoken-word artist and writer Daniëlle Zawadi from The Hague and, accompanied by percussionist Hashem Kabreet, writer and novelist Sholeh Rezazadeh will give spoken word performances.

After that, host Jörgen Tjon A Fong discusses with the US novelist Celeste Ng (Our Missing Hearts) and French writer and photojournalist Emilienne Malfatto (Le Colonel ne dort pas; The Colonel Doesn't Sleep) what "human voices" means to them in relation to freedom of speech. Finally, Hague mayor Jan van Zanen kicks things off by officially opening the festival!

Our favourite Hague bookstore De Vries Van Stockum has well-stocked tables of books for sale in the foyer of the Theater aan het Spui throughout the festival (English and Dutch language) by the authors appearing at the festival. Browse to your heart's content, and maybe the author is even present to personally sign your freshly bought book.

Tickets required; see here for more info.

Onstage interview, with book signing to follow.

Note: Masks encouraged. Please see the library foundation’s website for more details!

In conversation with Jael Richardson on the Granville Island Stage.

Note: Tickets required (Event 45). Masks encouraged, for the safety of speakers, audience, and staff. ASL provided.

May I have the definition, please? 

A friendly IN-PERSON competition among local writers*,  hosted by Celeste Ng, in recognition of Banned Books Week and the freedom to read.

May I have the origin, please?

This event comes from the literary social media start-up A Mighty Blaze and the Blaze Writers Project. 

Can you please use the word in a sentence? 

On Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, from 6PM - 9PM, local writers and word nerds will gather at Trinktisch in Belmont, MA to meet new friends, catch up with old ones, eat and drink delicious things, and spell increasingly difficult words in teams of six, while their Spell-o-Rama ticket fees are donated to the Florida Freedom to Read Project in honor of Banned Book Week.

Are there any alternate pronunciations? 

No. Just come and have fun! 

Note: Tickets required; all proceeds benefit the Florida Freedom to Read Project. See https://www.blazewritersproject.com/spellorama for more details! Belmont Books will be selling books on site.

2023 Festival Morning Keynote with Celeste Ng & Jason Mott

We are kicking off our festival day with a conversation about the power of books and the fight against censorship. The first two-hundred guests will receive a complimentary copy of Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. Presented with support from Marguerite Casey Foundation.

Please Note: There is no booksigning at this event and masks are requested for this keynote. Free and open to the public; no registration required.

An ASL interpreter will be at the event. To ask questions about accessibility or request accommodations, please contact Bookmarks at info@bookmarksnc.org or (336) 747-1471 x1001. At least two weeks' notice will allow us to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests.

I’m thrilled that Our Missing Hearts has won the Ohioana Book Award in Fiction! I’ll be at the Ohioana Book Award Ceremony, along with many of the other winners and honorees, to celebrate books, reading, and Ohio. Info about the awards is here.

Note: This event is ticketed.

I’ll be speaking with Debbie Millman and Roxane Gay at Arts at the Armory, for a live taping of the Design Matters podcast. We’ll talk about books, writing, and much more.

Tickets and more info available here: https://www.onairfest.com/presents

Our Missing Hearts is the latest Boston.com Book Club read! As part of the Boston Globe Summit, I’ll be in conversation with Jennifer De Leon, author of Borderless (the book club’s YA latest read) to talk about books, writing, and young people grappling with pressing global issues.

This event is virtual only, and you can join us here. For more info on the Boston.com book club and both books, you can learn more here.

Hosted by White Whale Bookstore at the First Unitarian Church. In conversation with Robert Yune. Q&A and book signing to follow.

Note: Tickets required and include a copy of the book; discount student tickets (with no book) available. Masks are required at event and signing for speaker, audience, and staff safety. We really appreciate it!

In conversation with Anthony Marra (Mercury Pictures Presents). Q&A and signing to follow.

Note: Tickets required; can be applied towards purchase of the book. Masks are required at event and signing for speaker, audience, and staff safety. We appreciate it!

Hosted by Brookline Booksmith at the Coolidge Corner Theater. In conversation with Emily Habeck (Shark Heart). Q&A and in-store book signing to follow.

Note: Tickets required. Masks are required during event and signing, for speaker, audience, and staff safety. We really appreciate it!

Event hosted by PRINT: A Bookstore at Mechanics’ Hall. In conversation with Lily King (Five Tuesdays in Winter). Q&A and book signing to follow.

Note: Tickets required. Masks are required during event and signing, for speaker, audience, and staff safety. We really appreciate it!

Novelist Celeste Ng joins book club readers on Dec. 8 for a virtual conversation about her latest bestseller, “Our Missing Hearts." Ng's compelling new novel is about a mother’s unbreakable love in a world consumed by fear, repression and injustice. She will be in conversation with Times columnist Patt Morrison.

When: Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. PT

Where: This free virtual event will live stream on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Sign up in advance and watch links will be provided the week of the event.

Get the book: Do your holiday shopping early! A limited number of copies of “Our Missing Hearts” with bookplates autographed by Celeste Ng will be available from Pages, our bookstore partner for this event.

Q&A: What would you like to ask the author? Share your questions when you RSVP, or send an email to bookclub@latimes.com.

USA Today’s November Book Club Pick is Our Missing Hearts! Join us for a Twitter Spaces conversation on November 30th at 7 pm on Twitter Spaces as we discuss "Our Missing Hearts" with our panel and special guest, author Celeste Ng.

Click here to set a reminder on Twitter Spaces or click here for more info.

In conversation in German and English. Note: masks are required at this event.

For tickets and more info, please see: https://www.kulturkaufhaus.de/de/veranstaltungen/detail/Liebe-in-einer-von-Angst-zerfressenen-Welt-artcEvent

In conversation in English and German with Birgit Hasselbusch, with readings in German by Tim Grobe. Note: masks are required at this event.

Tickets for the event are available here.

In conversation with Angela Spizig, with readings in German by Milena Karas from the translation by Brigitte Jakobeit. Note: Masks are required at this event.

Tickets are available here for in-person event and livestream.

In conversation (English) with Etrit Hasler, with readings in German by Pilu Lydlow. Note: Masks are required at this event.

Tickets required; please see https://literaturhaus.ch/programm/ for more information and ticket options.

In conversation with Prof. Dr. Sascha Pöhlmann (Institute for American Studies, University of Innsbruck). Interview in English and German, with readings in German by Alexandra Schenke. Note: Masks are required at this event.

Free and open to the public.

In conversation with Zibby Owens. This is a virtual interview and will be streamed online, as part of the Women on the Move Series and hosted by the Temple Emanu-el Streicker Center.

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

In conversation with Maggie Smith (Good Bones; Goldenrod). Onstage interview, Q&A, and (masked) book signing to follow. This event is at the Columbus College of Art and Design’s Canzani Auditorium, presented by local indie bookstore Gramercy Books.

NOTE: This event is ticketed; tickets include a copy of Our Missing Hearts. *Masks are required to attend this event for everyone’s safety; please see the venue’s event page for other safety requirements.*

Join us on Friday, October 28th for our virtual book club event, a discussion of Our Missing Hearts. Together, we’ll be diving into the story with authors Celeste Ng and Nancy Jooyoun Kim, so bring your sharpest opinions and brightest highlighters.

Here’s what to expect:

• Event takes place on Friday, October 28th at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET

• 60-minute conversation, including a Q&A with authors Celeste Ng and Nancy Jooyoun Kim

• 5-minutes before the event, the link will be active on the event page for you to join please don’t share this link! We’ve reserved a limited number of seats to make sure everyone can log in and access the discussion

• BYO books, opinions, and snacks...sharing optional

See you at book club!

To register and for more info, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-book-club-for-our-missing-hearts-tickets-432179419277?aff=RBCAUTHOR

In conversation with Kate Merlene. Onstage interview, Q&A, and (masked) book signing to follow. This event is at the Parma-Snow Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

NOTE: This event is ticketed; tickets include a copy of Our Missing Hearts. *Masks are required to attend this event for everyone’s safety; please see the venue’s event page for other safety requirements.*

In conversation with Minnesota Public Radio’s Kerri Miller. Onstage interview, Q&A, and book signing to follow. This event is at the Fitzgerald Theater, presented by Talking Volumes.

NOTE: This event is ticketed; several ticket options are available. *Masks are required to attend this event for everyone’s safety; please see the venue’s event page for other safety requirements.*