Adult Summer Reading Program

  • Recent and upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations

    Recent and upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations

    It’s easy to wonder sometimes if there are any new ideas in Hollywood, as so many movies and TV series are adapted from books, plays, comics, etc. But the best adaptations make the original content feel fresh and new, drawing audiences back to the source material. Continuing our tradition of books-to-screen posts, here are some… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2019: One Word Titles

    A few readers have asked if the one-word title reading challenge for Book Bingo can include a book with a subtitle. There are no hard and fast rules for Book Bingo (for any of the squares), but I’m going to weigh in with an enthusiastic and reassuring “YES! Read that book with a long subtitle!”… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: About the Environment

    One of the many things I appreciate about the Book Bingo categories is that quite a few can be filled by both fiction or nonfiction, leaving the choice up to the reader. Today let’s look at the “About the Environment” category, which at first glance lends itself primarily to nonfiction, and instead see what fiction… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW: Suggested by a Young Person

    We asked our young patrons at the Central Library Children’s Center to suggest books for our adult Book Bingo players and they delivered! These young people know their kid lit – they suggested classics both modern and older, video game tie-ins, realistic fiction, fantasy, adventure – there’s something for every reader of any age. Find… Continue reading

  • August Literary Holidays

    August may have few nationally acknowledged holidays, but if you appreciate literature I’ve got a few things you can celebrate. Kicking off the month we have National Book Lover’s Day taking place on August 9th. On this day celebrate by enjoying the smell of books, visit the library, drop literary references into casual speech, or just enjoy… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Award-Winning Authors

    I’m sure you have heard of the Newbery Medal, Man Booker Prize, Hugo Award, and many, many other author awards. In addition to these well-known awards, let me introduce you to a few newer ones and their winning authors. Black Caucus American Library Association (BCALA) Literary Award, established in 1994, recognizes African American authors in… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: A SAL author

      There is no shortage of ideas for the Book Bingo challenge to read a Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) author. SAL has been bringing writers to Seattle for three decades (here is the complete list), so there are literally hundreds of options. In the spirit of being current with this year’s literary happenings around town,… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Memoir or biography — deep thoughts from funny people

    #BookBingoNW2018: Memoir or biography — deep thoughts from funny people

    If you’re looking for a lighter summer read but still want some substance, check out these memoirs by comedians. Lately I’ve been feeling a little too world-weary for anything heavy but a little too… existentially keyed up? for pure escapism. Luckily, the library has a great collection of memoirs that weave in issues of family… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: A book that takes place in the area where you were born

    #BookBingoNW2018: A book that takes place in the area where you were born

    Yukon-born Pierre Berton’s advice to aspiring authors that they get themselves “born in an interesting environment,” was facetious, but based on some sound evidence. Consider authors such as William Faulkner, Louise Erdrich, Jim Lynch – you can safely assume their story will be set in Mississippi, Minnesota, and Washington state, respectively.  I would argue that… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Written by an author from another country

    #BookBingoNW2018: Written by an author from another country

    Sitting in the top right corner, the category Written by an author from another country could be vital to making bingo vertically, horizontally, or the elusive diagonal bingo. We’re here to help you get it filled. For inspiration, you could consult previous posts about intriguing African fiction, East Asian fiction, European fiction, Latin American fiction, or Australian… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Graphic novels for a blackout!

    #BookBingoNW2018: Graphic novels for a blackout!

    One solid Summer Book Bingo blackout strategy is to stockpile quickly-read comic books that could be applied to one of a number of different squares. This strategy gives you multiple choices of where to place a title when you need to fill a certain area of bingo card real estate. Plus you’ve got options if… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: History — and historical fiction

    #BookBingoNW2018: History — and historical fiction

    Still trying to fill that “history” square on your Book Bingo card?  If you are like me, you learn a lot of your history from historical fiction. So the historical details and events that provide such a rich background for these novels had better be accurate! Following are some of my favorite titles that incorporate meticulously researched history… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Suggested by a young person

    #BookBingoNW2018: Suggested by a young person

    Two teen readers from our Northeast Branch have five books to suggest to you for your “Suggested by a young person” Book Bingo square. In addition to their excellent reviews, they’ve translated each piece into Somali. We hope you enjoy their thoughtful suggestions and their translation as much as we have: I’ll Give You the… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: History

    #BookBingoNW2018: History

    Looking for something to fill in that “history” box on your Summer Book Bingo card?  Fortunately, the days of dry history tomes are, well, history.  There are currently lots of great authors who are writing fascinating nonfiction history books that have the page-turning quality of a good story. Here are some of my favorites: Nancy… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018 : A Mystery or Thriller

    #BookBingoNW2018 : A Mystery or Thriller

    If you’re already a mystery or thriller fan, you don’t need our help — this square is a freebie! But what if you don’t usually read crime novels? Not to worry — we have you covered: just find the kind of books you like below, and get reading! Classics: The Shooting Party, by Anton Chekhov.… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: LGBTQIA Author or Character

    Throughout history the personal stories of LGBTQIA+ people have been either ignored or told secondhand, but as readers we can address this by seeking out memoirs, biographies, and historical works that center LGBTQIA+ voices. Writer and activist Hida Viloria’s trailblazing memoir Born Both: an Intersex Life explores the author’s intersex identity and activism. Janet Mock’s… Continue reading

  • #BookBingoNW2018: Author (or character) with a disability*

    Something special is happening in Seattle July 1 through the 6th: The USA Special Olympic Games! “More than 4,000 athletes and coaches representing 50 state Programs and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports.” –from Special Olympics… Continue reading

  • The Return of Summer Book Bingo!

    The Return of Summer Book Bingo!

    It’s that magical time of year for readers in Seattle – it’s Summer Book Bingo! We’re now into our fourth year partnering with our pals at Seattle Arts & Lectures on this adult summer reading program that challenges you to read in certain categories. (Pick up a card at any of our locations or download… Continue reading