A highlights reel featuring some of the best Penguin Random House events this year.
Ask any book publicist what the best part of 2023 was, and their response will likely be some variation of this answer: 'Events are back!'
Authors eased back into events in 2022 after years of travel restrictions, and in 2023, the buzz had well and truly returned.
From international book tours to sold-out author talks, book lovers once again had ample opportunities to learn even more about their favourite works and writers.
To see some of the highlights from this year’s events, keep scrolling.
Book events in 2023
International authors on tour
Much to the delight of Australian readers, author Richard Osman visited a few cities in Australia this year to promote the new Thursday Murder Club book, The Last Devil to Die.
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Gabrielle Zevin also visited Australia this year to promote Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. While in Australia, she attended several writers' festivals including Sydney Writers' Festival (pictured below). Fun fact: Gabrielle even visted our office, where she had her first-ever taste of Vegemite!
Fans of British author Ben Macintyre got the chance to meet the author this year during his Australia tour. In addition to talking about his 2023 book, Colditz, Ben also signed copies of his previous books, SAS, The Spy and the Traitor and Agent Sonya.
Penguin Random House events
This year was the advent of Penguin Random House events, which were organised by theme and hosted by a panel of authors. At the events, readers had the opportunity to hear some of their favourite authors talk about their books and the writing process while enjoying some themed snacks and fun games.
Due to the success of the two events, there will likely be more in the future! Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about upcoming events and follow us on Eventbrite to be notified when the next event is listed.
Australian authors on tour
Benjamin Stevenson was busy this year with the release of Everyone On this Train Is a Suspect. And though the author’s schedule was jam-packed, he says, ‘This has been the most amazing book release I have ever done. From enormous windows to signings and talks from Sydney to Ballarat to Melbourne to Geelong . . . it’s been a dream.’
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Fans of Fiona McIntosh will know that she’s always working on the next book, but she nevertheless made time for what she called a ‘short but very sweet’ tour to a few states in Australia this year. Promoting her book, The Sugar Palace, Fiona entranced sold-out audiences with her talk of lollies, love and the unputdownable new novel.
Children’s author Jacqueline Harvey likes doing things a little differently, so in 2023 she replaced the traditional book tour with kid-friendly high teas across Australia. At these lovely events, readers heard stories about their favourite characters while enjoying high tea. A truly delightful way to spend a day!
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Richard Flanagan seemed to be everywhere in 2023 while promoting his new book, Question 7.
From speaking at Sydney Writers' Festival, to having his face splashed across street posters.
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Anna Funder travelled across Australia and overseas to promote her new book Wifedom. And if you feel like you’ve seen her bright red book’s cover everywhere, it’s because you probably have.
From appearing on ABC TV's The Drum to taking speaking at events across the UK, Anna and Wifedom were well and truly out and about this year.
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Judy Nunn enamoured audiences at events across Australia to promote her new book Black Sheep.
Sean Turnell was also very busy this year with plenty of media and author events to promote his new book, An Unlikely Prisoner.
With his inspiring true story, Sean wowed audiences across the country both in person and on broadcast interviews.
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Events coming in 2024
We’re starting 2024 on a high note, with visits from popular international authors.
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Adam Grant will be visiting Australia to promote his new book, Hidden Potential. Tour dates:
- 20 Feb 2024, Melbourne, VIC
- 22 Feb 2024, Sydney, NSW
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Bonnie Garmus will be visiting Australia to promote her bestseller, Lessons in Chemistry. Tour dates:
- 21 May 2024, Melbourne, VIC
- 23 May 2024, Bowen Hills, QLD
- 24 May 2024, Bowen Hills, QLD
- 25 May 2024, Sydney, NSW
To stay up-to-date as new events are announced, subscribe to our Read More newsletter for regular updates straight to your inbox.
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