Dr. Ian Smith is a physician, TV personality and best‑selling author — He's joined Houston Life to talk about his Ashe Cayne detective series and his newest thriller, Beyond Midnight. We discuss how his medical background shapes realistic scenes, his writing routine while balancing clinical and TV work, and what readers can expect from this installment (no spoilers). Where to find the book: Beyond Midnight is available at local bookstores and major retailers. For tour dates and updates, check Dr. Ian Smith’s website and social channels [VERIFY]. Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more Houston Life interviews.

Houston turns 189 years old this weekend, and we've found the perfect way to celebrate. With the help of her young son, local mom Kat Bailey created a children's book -- that highlights our city from a to z. Kat and her toddler Porter joined us to share their story of family, creativity, and hometown pride.

This charming indie bookstore is full of handpicked reads, and that magical, quiet joy only a good bookshop can bring.

Houston native and bestselling author Katherine Center has found her purpose: writing books that inspire and uplift others. Her latest novel, 'The Love Haters' hits store shelves May 20th, but first she's chatting with Houston Life host Derrick Shore about why her writing style connects with readers so deeply.

The big question remains... is this legal?

In a one-on-one interview with 2 Investigates, Superintendent Dr. Douglas Killian discusses the district's decision-making process regarding the removal of textbook chapters.

You might have seen Jefferson Fisher's videos where the Beaumont native is in his vehicle sharing phrases that could be used “to handle bad apologies,” “respond to gaslighting,” or “sound more confident.” He recently got a book published!

Fort Bend County libraries have been navigating significant network disruptions since February 24, 2025, impacting services like new library card issuance and web access. County Librarian Roosevelt Weeks has confirmed that a cybersecurity incident is behind the issues.

Texas leads the nation in attempts to ban books, sparking a heated debate over educational freedom and censorship.

The program is aimed at addressing literacy challenges students face in Channelview ISD by enhancing literacy skills and building a love for reading.

Do you have books sitting on your shelves that you’ve already read and don’t know what to do with them? A Houston non-profit has the perfect solution. You can help them turn those unused books into valuable, life-changing resources.

Spring Branch ISD has an extensive book policy on the district’s website.

We all know how important reading books are to help children's early development but statistics show Black and Latino families, especially in the Houston area, still don't have access to books -- which is why a clinic is trying to change that by giving free books to children.

She’s a writer, blogger, and podcast host on a journey to try new things and meet new people. Pamela Lamp is hoping to inspire your life's next chapter with her new book called, "Do The Next New Thing." Learn more about her road to self-discovery and finding "what's next" at any stage in life.

The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees voted to move forward on a policy change on Monday that will allow the superintendent authority to remove certain books from school libraries. The superintendent will also designate someone to fulfill that role.

KPRC 2 digital producer Ahmed Humble speaks with author Jassa Ahluwalia about his memoir, which highlights growing up Indian/Punjabi and British. However, due to his outward appearance, he is not what you’d picture when you think of someone South Asian. Because of the vast diversity in Houston, many (including Ahmed) can relate to Ahluwalia's identity struggles.

New York Times best-selling author Dr. Ian Smith is back on Houston Life. You may have read some of his health and nutrition books but did you know he also has a popular, fictional detective series? The fourth installment of the series "Eagle Rock" was just released this month. Watch the player above to find out how to snag your copy and his upcoming book "Eat Your Age."

Experts say this year, just like everything else, it’s going to cost you more money to buy all that back-to-school gear. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is looking for brand new ways you can save money.

How does a show about a heartwarming story with mermaids, dazzling costumes, and sparkling songs sound? Fancy!

A man's love for storytelling, art, and canines come together in his debut comic book "The Ultimate Guard Dogz: Unleashed."

He's a dad, musician and author who spent his childhood in the kitchen with his dad, cookie creator Wally "Famous" Amos. Now, the recent Texas transplant is an accomplished musician and author -- winning a Grammy and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Ahead of his new album release and gig performing at Dosey Doe in The Woodlands, he's chatting with Houston Life about his successes, struggles, and what he's learned along the way.

It's a fun way to explore independent bookstores across Houston, and a perfect way to celebrate Saturday’s Indie Bookstore Day.

Meet the author who features relationships between humans and wildlife in her literary works. Her latest work is based on a true event when whooping cranes nested in Texas for the first time in a century. Read on to discover more about her inspiration behind the book.

A stay-at-home mother who felt like she was unjustly punished for not returning library books was reportedly made aware of the issue multiple times before the courts issued her a warrant.

March is National Reading Month and we met local author, mom, and now podcast host Lauren Piland. She stopped by with her recommendations for books that will help parents start difficult but important conversations with their kids. Her podcast "The Blooming Books Podcast" is a good place to start!

Jimmie Ward emphasizes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins

In honor of Black History Month, explore family heritage, music, and communities through books perfect for any age.

Cindy Burnett is a Houston book influencer and host of the "Thoughts From A Page" podcast. She reads about 15 books a month, so it’s safe to say she knows what she’s talking about!

KPRC 2 and our Community partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University are proud to feature Books Between Kids and the work they do to provide books to economically disadvantaged children in Houston.

ook Columnists and Podcaster Cindy Burnett share her top five books that are perfect for the fall.

Katy Independent School District’s school board voted to unanimously update and adjust the district’s current book removal policy after several children’s classics, including Dr. Seuss’ “Wacky Wednesday” and “No, David!” by David Shannon were put on the district’s removal list because of nudity.

“Heal, heal, frog’s butt,” is the literal translation of the iconic Hispanic saying sana, sana, colita de rana.

Jennifer and her husband Glenn opened Little Banned Library in Houston Heights at the corner of Heights Boulevard and 11th Street.

Educator, speaker, host, author, wife and mother: Those are just some of the titles belonging to Tyra Hodge, PhD., supervisor and social-emotional learning coordinator at one of the fastest growing districts in the greater Houston area.

In 2022, The American Library Association documented 1,269 requests to remove books from libraries across the United States – the most the organization ever recorded.

Although January is almost over, it’s not too late to pick up another healthy habit. Houston book-podcaster Cindy Burnett shares the top book recommendations for 2023 to get you back into reading!

League City council members narrowly approved a measure that will block certain library materials deemed “obscene” from being purchased using city tax dollars.

November is here, which means the holidays are around the corner.

She grew up in Third Ward and is now a New York Times bestselling fantasy author

Many followers of “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling are pointing out that her newest book appears to bear some similarities to her own life, as the plot revolves around an artist who is doxxed online.

Emmy award-winning comedian and host of the CNN series United Shades of America, W. Kamau Bell is gearing up for a trip to Houston.

Humble ISD parents voiced concern about access to certain books in the district’s libraries and took their concerns to public comment in Tuesday’s board meeting.

Emmy award-winning comedian and host of the CNN series United Shades of America, W. Kamau Bell is in Houston.

The topic of classroom literature can’t seem to be bookmarked.

Anyone else need a vacation?

Houston singer is an advocate for burn victims

Easy recipes that will save you time

Houston book podcaster shares her top picks

Will Aparna Shewakramani be back for season 2 of the popular television series?

The Bush Sisters share details about their new book and why it should be the next read for your little ones at home!

Emmy Award-Winning journalist and YouTuber , Dominique Sachse, shares life lessons from her book ‘Life Makeover.’

In honor of what would have been Dr. Seuss' 115th birthday, we're sharing some of his best lines from his very best work.

Texas is a beautiful, romantic place and there’s no wonder it’s inspired many authors to write about the charms of our home state.

She’s the international best-selling author of ‘Sex and the City,’ ‘Four Blondes,’ ‘Trading Up,’ and ‘Lipstick Jungle.’

J. Elle is a Third Ward YA novelist and former teacher who became a New York Times bestselling author in 2021 after the release of her first book ‘Wings of Ebony.’

Disney acquired the copyright to Winnie-the-Pooh books and its characters in 1961.

Long winter nights offer a relaxed setting that’s perfect to immerse yourself in a good book!

In this day and age, it’s impossible for our kids to be offline.

Suiting up astronauts is an out-of-this-world career path and a local woman had the opportunity to do it for 22 years!

As the founder of the Positive Life Choice Psychology, he has studied the art of decision-making for years, and now in his new book, “ASPIRE HIGHER, How to Find the Love, Positivity, and Purpose to Elevate Your Life and the World,” author Ken Lindner offers his formula to help you raise your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Several Katy ISD parents are upset over certain books that are on the shelves at their kid’s schools. The parents said the books are obscene and sexually explicit in nature.

For years, he’s been known for sharing his expertise on health and fitness on tv and his best-selling books.

I’m not always the best “get on the floor and play” kind of mom, but any time one of my kids wants to bring me a book, I’ll drop what I’m doing in favor of some cuddles and reading time.

Another week of High School Football in the books, means another week of VYPE Live's top plays of the week! We've got it all this week. Offensive firepower, defensive TDs, and even some special teams! So take a look and come back Monday as we let YOU the fans vote on what play should be crowned as Play of the Week!!!!

On January 14 through 16, Harry Potter is returning to the Houston Symphony; tickets are available at houstonsymphony.org.

Daniel Brundidge, a then 4-year-old Houston non-verbal child with autism, became viral in 2019 after his mom caught him humming to the Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ hit song “Old Town Road.”

After finding success as the illustrator of the popular children’s classic, ‘Love You Forever,’ Sheila McGraw left the cold Canadian weather for a waterfront community in Galveston County.

Are you trying to figure out your second act after 40 but you are afraid to step outside your comfort zone?

If you’re looking for quick meal ideas, there’s a wonderful cookbook that’s not only filled with tasty recipes that can be prepared in a short amount of time, it also brings awareness to food insecurity.

As a member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams found fame and success, but that couldn’t stop her secret battle with depression.

A rainy day is a perfect time to curl up on the sofa with a good book, and if you like a sweet, feel-good, small-town romance then ‘Hometown Boy’ is the book for you. Author and blogger Audrey McClelland shares what inspired her to write this novel, as well as her plans to pen more in the future.

The experience will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center starting May 15th, and running through August 15th.

Her books tell universal coming-of-age stories set in the Houston area, and she gives voice to love stories of teens not always represented in young adult literature.

New York Times bestselling author and host of the syndicated television show The Doctors’—Ian K. Smith, M.D has a unique intermittent fasting plan that combines the power of time-restricted eating with an easy-to-follow detailed program.

Author and columnist, Amy Klein, details her struggles to try to get pregnant in her successful New York Times “Fertility Diary” column.

For over 35 years, Ken Lindner has guided individuals in a very diverse pool of job categories and professional fields.

HOUSTON – He has penned songs for country stars such as Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Diamond Rio, and Larry Gatlin. Now singer-songwriter, Bill Nash, looks back at his extraordinary career in music in his newly released autobiography, Saint Sinner Singer: An Unexpected, Redirected, Resurrected Life. Bill Nash and Kris Kristofferson in 1974 on the Phil Everly show (Bill Nash)The song is called “For the Good Times,” and you can see both artists performing the song in the video below. Bill and Kim Nash with country singer Reba McEntire (Bill Nash)“There were 5,000 songs that Reba listened to for two slots on that greatest hits album and ours was just picked at random. AdNash’s memoir, Saint Sinner Singer: An Unexpected, Redirected, Resurrected Life, is available now for sale.

HOUSTON – The new Netflix film “Moxie” is a coming-of-age story that highlights the importance of female empowerment. The film is based on a book by the same name, written by local author and Bellaire High School teacher, Jennifer Mathieu. She shared with Houston Life her excitement after her novel got the Hollywood treatment by renowned comedian Amy Poehler. Nico Hiraga as Seth, Amy Poehler as Lisa/Director/Producer, Hadley Robinson as Vivian in Moxie. Jennifer Mathieu and Amy Poehler on the set of 'Moxie" (Jennifer Mathieu)“Visiting the set was so fun.

HOUSTON – Throughout the month of March, the Houston Rockets and the Rockets Women’s Organization are partnering up with Reliant for the fifth annual ‘HTX Reads Book Drive,’ benefiting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. This year Houstonians can support childhood literacy virtually by texting “BookDrive” to 91999, or visiting bushhoustonliteracy.org/bookdrive. In addition to donating money or books, Houstonians are encouraged to celebrate National Read Aloud Month by making reading with their children a daily habit and using #HTXReads when sharing photos on social media. Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with Julie Baker Finck, President, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Felicia Stone, Houston Rockets Women’s Organization, and Leanne Schneider, Director Of Community Relations at Reliant about how you can support this wonderful event.

Who doesn’t love “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” (And the polar bear version. And the panda edition!) Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle definitely have that formula down to a science. And well, the classics are the classics for a reason, and most parents can probably agree there will be room for those books on any shelf.

At the age of 77, Ellen Richardson had her first novel published after overcoming numerous obstacles. She shared her journey writing and publishing her book, Murder and the Talk Show Diva, and why it’s important to persevere and never give up. “I want to have a book published. I’ve been writing for so long, and so finally my dream came true.”Houston author Ellen Richardson shares her journey writing and publishing her first book, Murder and the Talk Show Diva. The two of them together solve the murder.”Houston author Ellen Richardson shares her journey writing and publishing her first book, Murder and the Talk Show Diva.

HOUSTON – A former teacher found inspiration in her Third Ward upbringing to create new a fantasy novel set in Houston. The book is called Wings of Ebony and the author, J. Elle, chatted with Houston Life about her impressive story that landed her a six-figure book deal. Houston author J. Elle (Chris Spicks Photography)“I wanted to get into the profession, but I didn’t have any formal training. Wings of Ebony is out now and it debuted on the New York Times young adult bestseller list. To connect with J. Elle, click here.

HOUSTON – A Houston-native author is tackling racism, privilege and empowerment in her new, debut novel. Author J. Elle spoke to KPRC 2 about her book described as the 2018 film “The Hate U Give” meets DC’s “Wonder Woman” taking place in a “Black Panther” world. Elle said she hopes her book can “inspire a movement and plant the seeds of change.”From inspiration to publishingElle told KPRC 2 an image rooted in her mind brought her to the keyboard. Ad“Writing is like exercise, like I just sat there (at my desk) one morning and started drafting what came to mind,” she told KPRC 2. My neighborhood lives in the pages of this book,” she told KPRC 2.

None of us will forget the year 2020, but hopefully a part of these memories will be of books we read for solace and comfort during these strange times. Below are a handful of recommendations—each with a Texas connection—for holiday gifts or for your own to-read list. Two nonfiction books shed the proverbial spotlight on one of the state’s favorite actors, Matthew McConaughey, while other titles introduce fresh perspectives and voices that explore Texas landscapes and identities in new and unexpected ways. Nights When Nothing Happened by Simon Han (Riverhead)Han’s debut novel animates the struggles of an immigrant family from Tianjin, China, living in the Dallas-area suburb of Plano. Simon the Fiddler follows Boudlin’s adventures and missteps throughout South and East Texas during the late 19th century, amid the chaos and turmoil of Reconstruction.

HOUSTON – In the last four years, books about President Donald Trump have been in-demand, and that isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. A few book publishers are considering a new tone on Trump. According to Page Six, one source familiar with the president said: “Trump is being bombarded with book and TV deals that could be worth a staggering $100 million.” Trump is also reportedly being courted by some conservative TV outlets. However, the source told Page Six the book and television deals are plan-B “if he doesn’t win the vote war.”It is also unclear which publisher will ink a deal with Trump, but he published his most recent book, “Crippled America,” with Simon & Schuster. This discussion comes as former President Barack Obama is set to release a new book, “A Promised Land.” Obama and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, agreed to a reported $65 million deal with Crown in 2017, according to the Associated Press.

HOUSTON Deshaun Watson is now an author. The Houston Texans quarterback released his new book, Pass It On: Work Hard, Serve Others ... Repeat," on Tuesday. It talks about succeeding as a leader in seven elements. A statement from the team about the book said Watson writes about everything from his experience as a Texans QB, to nursing his mom through cancer to his journey as a leader while attending Clemson. You can catch Watson and the rest of the Houston Texans play against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night on KPRC 2.

Deeply impacted by recent events, one Florida native has made it her mission to spread messages of love, diversity and inclusion through books.

Valerie Koehler, owner of Blue Willow Bookshop in West Houston, shared her picks for best books to educate your kids about diversity and kindness, starting at age 3. You may have different color skin, different kind of hair, or have different kinds of food in your lunch box. All Are Welcomeby Alexandra Penfold (Knopf Books for Young Readers)All are welcome ( Knopf Books for Young Readers) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Join all the students at school where all are welcome. Sulweby Lupita Nyong’o (Simon & Schuster Books)Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Sulwe has very dark skin, darker than anyone in her family. The Undefeatedby Kwame Alexander (Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)(Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) (Blue Willow Bookshop)A powerful ode to the endurance of African Americans throughout our country’s history.

Having Harry Potter himself read them to you, of course! J.K. Rowling is gathering up some of her famous muggle friends to bring fans the ultimate Harry Potter quarantine entertainment. The entire first book in Rowling’s wizarding series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” will be available for fans to listen to, and each chapter will be read by a different celebrity once a week, starting off with Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter. The site is full of puzzles, quizzes and articles that focus on everything Harry Potter and Hogwarts. You can watch a video of Radcliffe reading chapter one of the book here, or listen to it on Spotify.

"Can't believe how awful kids are," Ellis Landreth, 24, wrote on Friday, explaining that her little brother was being bullied for setting up an Instagram account to review his favorite books. At the time of writing, Callum's Instagram account had more than 230,000 followers. Numerous people replied to Landreth's tweets with their own experiences of being bullied, or to express their own love of books. English novelist Matt Haig sent Callum a collection of books, adding: "Hey let's all follow Cals Book Account on Instagram and show him some support." Callum set up his Instagram account last month, posting his first review of Stephen King's "The Shining" on February 23.

The value of reading cannot be overstated. No matter how old or young your children are, have you read with them today?

How well do you remember the books the movies were based on? MOBILE APP USERS: Tap here to take the quiz.