Nonfiction

  • Staff Favorites: Nonfiction books get thumbs-up from our librarians

    Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett Early in this absorbing memoir, Mark Oliver Everett states: “Thanks to my ridiculous, sometimes tragic, and always unsteady upbringing, I was giventhe gift of bone-crushing insecurity.” If, like me, you appreciate the simple honesty of that statement, then read this book. The author is better known… Continue reading

  • Yarn Anyone?

    Maybe you have a relative who is a fanatical knitter or a friend who always has a ball of yarn in his or her knapsack? Or, am I describing you?! For more on this passion, let me share some info with you. Just like so many other crafts, there are web sites and blogs all… Continue reading

  • Olmsted’s Landscape Architecture

    Just as soon as the weather warms up a bit, we will all be out in our wonderful parks jogging, taking our four-legged friend for a stroll, visiting with a friend from out East, or rowing happily in some much loved boat.  The backbone design for Seattle Parks was done by one of the premier… Continue reading

  • Imagining The Garden

    Imagine a garden wherein an eye does fly from a leaf’s invitation into a petal’s inspiration. Whether you prefer painting a garden or gardening with an artistic eye is not Spring the perfect time to begin such imaginings?  “To create a little flower is the labour of ages,” said William Blake.  Before you begin your… Continue reading

  • Yokes and Chains

    “I am so sorry. “ These very powerful words have the ability to transform a  relationship.  When an apology is offered sincerely, the opportunity for healing and forgiveness may begin. Most of our lives have been touched by offering or receiving a heartfelt, courageous  apology.  But what good can it do to apologize for something you did not do? Michael Lienau… Continue reading

  • Tax Haiku for You

    Much work goes on behind the scenes at the library ordering and channeling federal tax forms into the hands of our patrons. Like our fellow citizens we look forward to today, the last filing day of the 2008 tax period and offer you a few haiku moments in honor of the day… April’s cruelest day… Continue reading

  • Gardening in the City, or “No yard, no problem!”

    Spring is finally in the air, rousing the deep need in many of us to get down in the dirt and help things grow. About this time of year I flash back to summer days in my grandmother’s garden with its aromas of sweet peas, fresh earth, and tangy tomato vines. I’d love to grow… Continue reading

  • Viewing History through a wide-angle lens

    A Shelf Talk post last month called Viewing History with a tightly focused lens generated a lot of comments and great book suggestions from readers.  That post looked at the growing popularity of history books that focus on a single thing—salt, baseball bat, pencil—and trace its impact (huge, according to the author) over time.  Our reviewer… Continue reading

  • Publisher Crush: McSweeney’s Press

    These books are just too pretty! It’s the pretty ones that give me pause. As a clerk for The Seattle Public Library, I handle hundreds of books every day without being able to stop and look through any of them. But every once in a while one catches my eye, a real stunner, and I make… Continue reading

  • Which books to bring?

    Whenever I plan a trip, the first thing I consider is which books to bring with me. I want books that are pertinent to my travels as well as books that will entertain and inform me—and comfort me in my strange and scary new environment. Also, for obvious reasons they must be in paperback. I… Continue reading

  • Legacies of Slavery film series starts March 29th

     “Family Confronts Its Slave-Trading Past: Local DeWolf descendant is featured in ‘P.O.V.’ documentary” was the headline in the P-I that caught my eye.  I was intrigued because of  my own history of growing up in South Carolina as a descendent of a slave-owning family. “Traces of the Trade: a Story from the Deep North” tells… Continue reading

  • Discovering Oxford: Then and Now

    My small town roots drew me to a hefty arty book about the people in Oxford, Iowa, population 705.  But it was my love of a good story that kept me glued to The Oxford Project. In 1984, Peter Feldstein photographed 670 Oxford residents (the population then was 676) and displayed the 4×5 black and… Continue reading

  • The Tudors

    I have become obsessed with the Tudors. It all started when I checked out the DVD set of the first season of the Showtime series The Tudors, which stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII, from the Central Library right before the big snowstorm this past December. My husband and I spent several evenings… Continue reading

  • Kindergarten choices

    At this time of year, preschool parents are discovering that they have a tough decision to make – kindergarten selection.  As a parent of a preschooler myself, I’ve recently been immersed in the wonderful world of classroom sizes, test scores, transportation options, extra-curricular activities, PTSA involvement, after school care, and profiles of teachers and principals.   If… Continue reading

  • Researching names for babies, characters and all kinds of cats

    Earlier this year a group of librarians offered to help one of our pregnant coworkers name her babies (yes, babies—as in two!). Although she graciously declined our assistance, the conversation continued and headed, as it so often does when librarians confab, to research—in this case researching names for babies, pets and characters in novels.    … Continue reading

  • Viewing history with a tightly focused lens

    I think I’ve spotted a trend in the History publishing world.  The days of sweeping, sprawling sagas that cover a vast canvas appear to be over.  This is the day of the mono-history (to coin a term), the history of a single invention, food, natural resource or other singular item.  The titles below are in… Continue reading

  • A New Craze in Memoir Writing

    Writing your life in six words… Is it too hard a challenge— or just the kind you like? Here’s a book with others’ examples (sequel to this timeless tiny tome): inspiring, hilarious, meditative, poignant, regretful, triumphant. Try it next time you’re free!              ~ Ann G Continue reading

  • Northwest Flower & Garden Show, 2009

    It’s that time of year again. Like thousands of other gardeners, I have eagerly awaited the Northwest Flower & Garden Show.  This huge annual February event at the Convention Center is always a welcome chance to experience the joys of gardening while the ground outside is still frozen.  This year’s theme is “Sustainable Spaces. Beautiful… Continue reading