Tucson Festival of Books

Jean Kwok (she/her)


Sponsored by Research Corporation for Science Advancement

Jean Kwok is the award-winning New York Times and international best-selling author of "The Leftover Woman," "Girl in Translation," "Mambo in Chinatown" and "Searching for Sylvie Lee," which was a Read with Jenna Today Show Pick. Her work has been published in 20 countries and is taught in schools across the world. She has been selected for numerous honors, including the American Library Association Alex Award, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Mystery & Thriller, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, an Orange New Writers title and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. She was one of 12 authors asked by the Agatha Christie estate to write an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection "Marple: Twelve New Mysteries." All of her books are in development for film and television. She was born in Hong Kong and divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City. 

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Awards: American Library Association Alex Award

Communities: Asian American


Scheduled events:
The Missing Piece
During this panel, these three authors will lead you on a gripping journey through their novels, where complex family dynamics and the mysteries of missing relatives take center stage. Explore the art of crafting thrilling narratives, unearthing hidden family secrets, and the compelling blend of suspense and familial intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Modern Languages Room 350 (Seats 318, Wheelchair accessible)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sat, Mar 9, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Fiction / Literature
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Central Mall (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Angie Kim, Nancy Jooyoun Kim, Jean Kwok
Moderator: Jody Hardy
Lost Children
Authors Jean Kwok, Asha Lemmie and Katherine Reay will explore and discuss the pain and trauma of losing a child and being a child who is separated from a parent. Delve into the creative process of writing about grief, identity, and finding a way to heal in this panel.

Koffler Room 204 (Seats 300, Wheelchair accessible)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sun, Mar 10, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Fiction / Literature
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA BookStore Tent (on Mall) (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Jean Kwok, Asha Lemmie, Katherine Reay
Moderator: Jeaiza QuiƱones Ivory

Books:
The Leftover Woman
A Novel
Fiction / Literature
HarperCollins Publishers
January 2023
ISBN 9780063031463
288 pages
Buy now

Searching for Sylvie Lee
A Read with Jenna Pick
Fiction / Literature
HarperCollins Publishers
December 2020
ISBN 9780062834324
352 pages
Buy now