By: Kennedi Jewel, intern

There’s something powerful about coming home — especially when home helped shape your dreams.

Acclaimed author Liara Tamani is returning to the very neighborhood that nurtured her love for books. On Saturday, February 7, the Houston Public Library will host a special Author Talk at the Shepherd-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, celebrating Tamani’s newest novel, This Ain’t Our First Rodeo — a story deeply rooted in Houston soil.

For Tamani, this isn’t just another book stop. It’s personal.

“I grew up going to the Shepard-Acres Homes Library,” Tamani shared. “Many a Saturday morning, I walked the aisles searching for a book to check out. That little girl, still living in me, is absolutely thrilled to return to celebrate This Ain’t Our First Rodeo, which is partially set in Acres Homes.”

Acres Homes isn’t just a backdrop in the novel — it’s a living character. Known for its deep Black cowboy heritage and proud cultural identity, the neighborhood has long been a pillar of Houston history that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Tamani’s new work taps into that rich tradition, weaving together storytelling and the legacy of a community often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

“The neighborhood holds such rich cowboy culture and history,” she said. “I’m not only coming to talk, but to listen and connect with the community. I can’t wait.”

The conversation will be moderated by fellow author Toya Duncan Ellis and will include a Q&A and book signing. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in western wear — a nod to the culture that inspires the novel and the community it honors.

Event Details:

Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Shepherd-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library
8501 West Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088