February 2015

  • The Science Fiction Checklist Challenge: Time Travel

    ~posted by Dave H. One of the most enduring concepts in science fiction is that of time travel and its consequences. From Ray Bradbury’s famous short story “A Sound of Thunder” to the BACK TO THE FUTURE films and beyond, time travel has remained a core idea in the science fiction genre. The concept itself… Continue reading

  • Romantic Wednesdays: Staff Picks

    For the past two years we have been highlighting the robust and diverse romance genre on Wednesdays. Despite its staggering popularity, the romance genre doesn’t always get respect or recognition from mainstream press and book awards. It’s been our goal with this column to give romance the love it deserves (pun intended) and acknowledge its massive readership, which… Continue reading

  • Seattle Quick Picks: Fifty Shades of Grey

    Continue reading

  • Movie Mondays: A Trip Down Anarchy Lane

    ~posted by Mike We old punk rockers are legion. We used to be in bands, we used to go to shows, and we used to believe in something, even if that something was “nothing” with a backwards stenciled N. Now we’re just tired all the time. What’s the least embarrassing way for us to relive… Continue reading

  • The Science Fiction Checklist Challenge: Humorous SF

    ~posted by David H. Science fiction as a literary genre is often viewed as one of the more serious, so it can be surprising to many people that it has such a rich history of comic stories. Many of the authors from science fiction’s “Golden Age” wrote humorous science fiction tales, including L. Sprague de… Continue reading

  • Girls on the Run

    Last year I took part in a program called Girls on the Run. I volunteered to be a Running Buddy for Highland Park Elementary School, located a block from where I grew up. As a Running Buddy you get partnered with a girl to run a practice 5K, then run the Girls on the Run… Continue reading

  • Seattle Quick Picks: The Girl on the Train

    Continue reading

  • Books and Their Blogs

    I started following Elsie Larson’s blog A Beautiful Mess in February of 2009. I also followed her sister’s blog Food Coma until she officially moved over to A Beautiful Mess and together those two have created DIY wonderment. With their amazing sense of style they create a vibrant and project-filled adventure with each new post.… Continue reading

  • Movie Mondays: Most Egregious Oscar Snubs (2015 edition)

      FRANK’S PICKS Best Actor – Jake Gyllenhaal, Nightcrawler: Gyllenhaal’s Lou Bloom – wiry, intense, ethically challenged – was criminally overlooked. Best Actor – Chadwick Boseman, Get on Up: A refreshingly raw and energetic performance in a sea of stately, reserved biopics. Best Actor – Jack O’Connell, Starred Up: If you think O’Connell’s breakout performance is in Unbroken, think again; his explosive performance as… Continue reading

  • Postmarked with Love

    ~posted by Jade In honor of Valentine’s Day and the spirit of sending messages to loved ones, I’m sharing a couple of fun postcards from our online Historic Seattle Postcard Collection. One of my favorite parts about this collection is finding postcards that include messages between friends and family. These brief notes can reveal some… Continue reading

  • The Science Fiction Checklist Challenge: Beginning with Endings

    ~posted by Lindsay S. While the words ‘science fiction’ still bring to mind spaceships and alien invaders, the genre has grown over the years. We at SPL have designed a science fiction checklist to help you navigate this expansive genre and all its facets. We hope you’ll explore the many worlds of science-fiction and find a favorite… Continue reading

  • Are you a chocoholic?

    by Ann G. You are not alone. The siren song of chocolate has lured most of us at one time or another, and February offers more temptations than just about any month. Would it be so bad to just give in?   There are many healthful ways to indulge; the book Chocolate: A Healthy Passion gives… Continue reading

  • Romantic Wednesdays: Love for Friends

    Valentine’s Day is just a few days away! In order to shake things up a bit though I thought I would offer some books that focus on the bonds of friendship rather than romantic relationships. After all, friends are the ones who are there for you before, during and, if it doesn’t work out, after… Continue reading

  • Voices Up: Date Night

    Editor’s note: As part of our Seattle Writes series, we invited local writers who participated in author Ann Teplick’s “Voices Up” workshops to submit short pieces (flash fiction and nonfiction) to Shelf Talk. We’re pleased to share this piece with you. By Tonka Romana It was late afternoon. I was nervous. I sat there in the hair… Continue reading

  • Movie Mondays: Indies Rule the Rom-Com

    ~posted by Frank There was a time when romantic comedies ruled the box office. Today? Not so much, according to this article from Vanity Fair. In 2014, the most popular rom-com at the box office was the well-regarded remake of About Last Night with an African-American cast – and it ranked 65th for the year. The only other… Continue reading

  • Proud Reflections on the Superbowl

    ~posted by Anne C. The Superbowl did not go Seattle’s way, but as we shake off our mourning I think there is a great deal we can, and should, take pride in—not just as a sports team, but as a city. Continue reading

  • 10th Anniversary Of Greenwood Library: Feb 8th!

    ~posted by a Teen Blogger Greenwood library is celebrating a very special birthday this year. It’s turning a decade old! To celebrate this fantastic achievement, the library is throwing a special celebration. On the 8th of February, many fun activities will be held; all are totally free and open to the public. The celebration will be… Continue reading

  • Soundtrack Serenade

    ~ posted by Frank The beauty of a movie soundtrack is that it introduces me to music that I wouldn’t seek out on my own. For me, the music from these five films that I loved has stayed with me and become part of my regular rotation these past few months. Continue reading