Fiction

  • Thanks Obama: Summer Edition

    We have just a little over a month before we say good bye to summer and hello to fall, which gives you plenty of time to read some of former president Barack Obama’s summer reading favorites! Toni Morrison’s collected works, including Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye, and Beloved – a longtime popular author even… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2019: By an author from Mexico or Canada

    If you’re still working away on your Adult Summer Book Bingo, we’re back with some suggestions for authors from Mexico and Canada to check out. I’ve focused on writers with a new book out in the past few years, but try our longer list in the catalog for even more suggestions including some classic authors… Continue reading

  • Bestselling Fiction in the Pacific Northwest

    Comparing what’s popular and in-demand in the Northwest with national bestsellers can be an interesting look into local readers’ preferences. Each week, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association shares the bestselling titles from independent bookstores in our area. Compare that list with the national bestseller lists from New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today and… Continue reading

  • Get Out of the Lake!

    The lake is where you want to be on a beautiful August day, unless you’re a character in a mystery novel. I’m here to tell you that, in my experience as an avid mystery reader, an idyllic remote lake can often double as the scene of a crime. Which is why these mysteries are wonderful… Continue reading

  • New Fiction Roundup, August 2019

    A book told from the point of view of a Seattle crow, two novels about surveillance states, several short story collections and much more await you this August. 8/1: They Could Have Named Her Anything by Stephanie Jimenez – Racism, class, and betrayal collide in this poignant debut novel about restoring the broken bonds of… Continue reading

  • Bus Reads for July

    Commuting to Seattle by bus five days a week gives me a lot of reading time. Here’s what I read on the bus in July: Early Riser by Jasper Fforde. I really enjoyed this book, I think the only issue I sometimes have with Jasper is that it sometimes feels like in his books there… Continue reading

  • Library Reads for August 2019

    Here are twelve books coming out in August that librarians across the country are loving. Library Reads usually features 10 books each month, but this time you get two bonus books by authors who are “alums” of Library Reads. Here you go: The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai: An intelligent, multicultural contemporary romance. Rhi, CEO of… Continue reading

  • Books for Two or More

    There’s no need to go to the trouble of getting a large group together for a book group each month (unless you want to). I have a book group for two, sometimes more, and it’s going just fine. We get together once every two months to discuss our read. My book group’s previous selection was French… Continue reading

  • New Fiction Roundup, July 2019

    New titles this July include a fantasy novel inspired by Mexican folklore, a vision of southern Washington state in the early 20th century, a divided family brought together by brewing beer, and much more. 7/2: Deep River by Karl Marlantes – In this family saga, a set of Finnish siblings settle in a logging community… Continue reading

  • Bus Reads for June

    Commuting to Seattle by bus five days a week gives me a lot of reading time. Here’s what I read on the bus in June: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens This felt like a book that will stick with me for quite a while. This book has so many layers and brought me… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2019: Set in Summer

    A particular satisfaction can be found in reading that mirrors the season outside, a satisfaction you can revel in while filling the BookBingoNW category Set in Summer. From coming-of-age, to mystery, to general fiction and nonfiction, we have ideas to get you started. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman Over the course of… Continue reading

  • Library Reads for July

    Ten books coming in July that librarians across the US are loving. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman Nina likes her bookish life just fine. She works in a bookstore and is on a highly competitive trivia team. She is funny and snarky and great company (says this reader). Suddenly, a father… Continue reading

  • Graphic Medicine

    Ever read a comic story with a character that has arthritis? How about someone who lives with anxiety and depression? PTSD? Food poisoning? If so, then you’re already familiar with Graphic Medicine! Graphic Medicine is a genre of comics (with a website!) that examines the intersection of the comics medium with the discourses of healthcare,… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2019: Set in the Northwest

    Welcome to another year of Summer Book Bingo and suggestions for the category “set in the NW!” This category is one of my favorites because it gives me a chance to explore my home region in fiction. Find these titles and other suggestions here. While I’m native to Portland, OR, there’s one book that made… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2019: Comics

    Comics is a magical and mysterious medium that can fill one or all of your Book Bingo card squares this summer! It’s up to you! Take a look at this recent staff booklist of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Comics and Graphic Novels and maybe try out In Between, a collection of poetry comics by… Continue reading

  • New Fiction Roundup, June 2019

    No matter what kind of summer reader you are – romance, mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, general fiction – something is coming out in June for you to savor. 6/4: Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin – In this contemporary take on Pride and Prejudice set in Toronto’s Muslim community, poet and teacher Ayesha is holding… Continue reading

  • Library Reads for June 2019

    Ten books coming in June that librarians across the US are loving. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Relationships are hard, whether with a spouse, a best friend, a new love interest, or ourselves. Evvie navigates all of these after a life-changing series of events. An engaging novel that explores relationship nuances without being… Continue reading

  • Bus Reads for May

    Commuting to Seattle by bus five days a week gives me a lot of reading time. Here’s what I read on the bus in May: Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin A nice little thriller, reminded me a bit of Josh Bazell’s book Beat the Reaper, which I also enjoyed. Rice Moore is seeking a hideout… Continue reading