Linda J.
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Seattle Stories
New to Seattle, or to reading about Seattle? Take a trip through the many stories of Seattle with this selection of fiction and nonfiction, recent and classic. Emerald Street: A History of Hip Hop in Seattle, by Daudi J. Abe AbeInterviews with artists and journalists trace how rapping, DJing, breaking, and graffiti flourished in Seattle,… Continue reading
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Cookbooks and food writing from the past year
Explore dumpling styles from around the world, cook everyday meals rich with Afghan history, get a dose of inspiration from Chinese bakeries, add some Filipino dishes to the next few weeks (and probably forever), or learn how to cook Hawaiian dishes — we have confidence that you can do it all, with the right guide.… Continue reading
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Finish your #BookBingoNW2021 card with some Peak Picks
Need to fill a couple of spots on your Book Bingo card, and looking to get a book quickly? The Peak Picks display at your Library may have just what you need to get at least one bingo line or, perhaps, an entire blackout. Although we think all Peak Picks should be on a reading list,… Continue reading
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Upcoming Author Events
Andre Acimen, David Treuer, Clifford Thompson, Julie Pham, cartoonist T Edward Bak, and a love fest for romance readers are among the featured author events coming your way. The free programs listed below are held at a variety of locations in November (Central Library, Montlake Branch Library, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute); please check our… Continue reading
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Book picks from the author of ‘Growing Up Gorilla’
Clare Hodgson Meeker’s new nonfiction picture book, Growing Up Gorilla: How a Zoo Baby Brought Her Family Together, is a heartwarming true story about a baby gorilla at the Woodland Park Zoo. When a mother gorilla walks away from her newborn, the staff at the zoo finds innovative ways for mother and baby (Yola) to… Continue reading
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Nightstand Reads with author Sara Donati
Where the Light Enters is the latest from Sara Donati, a bestselling author known for her riveting and well-researched historical novels. We asked her to share her own reading list with us: I read a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction out of personal interest and professional necessity. My novels are deeply researched, so I spend… Continue reading
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Naomi Shihab Nye shares her Nightstand Reads
Internationally beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye, who is coming to Seattle September 19 for a SAL event, shares a mix of her recent favorites in fiction, memoir, nonfiction and poetry. Nye is the author and/or editor of more than 30 volumes, including 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East (a finalist for the… Continue reading
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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
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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
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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
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2019 Washington State Book Awards finalists!
Congratulations to the finalists for the 2019 Washington State book Awards! The awards, a program of the Washington Center for the Book, honor outstanding books published by Washington authors in 2018. Finalists in all eight categories will be honored and winners announced at a ceremony and reception on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, 7 to 9… Continue reading
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#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
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Three on a Theme: There’s a Rabbit on Your Book
Two new novels and one of last year’s fiction gems have an obvious link with a distinct long-eared creature on the cover. What these books really have in common, however, is within their pages of bitingly funny fiction. Rabbits for Food by Binnie Kirshenbaum (May 2019) It’s been ten years since we’ve been treated to… Continue reading
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Summer Book Bingo — let the reading begin!
It’s time for our fifth season of Summer Book Bingo for grownups! We know you can’t wait to see this year’s categories, so here you go. First thing you need to do to get started on Book Bingo: head on over to your neighborhood library and pick up a card! You can also download cards… Continue reading
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Library Reads for April 2019
Ten books coming in April that librarians across the US are loving. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly The Ferriday family (The Lilac Girls) returns in this story of love, loss, and triumph. The voices of four compelling female characters tell of the devastating effects of the Russian Revolution and World War I. Highly recommended… Continue reading
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Library Reads for March 2019
Here’s a list of 12 novels releasing in March that librarians across the United States are recommending. And because librarians made this list, you’ll also find a “read-alike” entry at the end of each description. Why a read-alike? They work two ways: If you recognize the suggested read-alike title as one you enjoyed before, it… Continue reading
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Big Golden Books for February
While many books each year have “golden” in the title, these three novels caught my eye. Each had substantial pre-publication buzz and excitement, and all three are out in the world this month. Take a look at these highly anticipated books: Golden State by Ben H. Winters: Set in the near future, California is a… Continue reading
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Library Reads: 10 new books for February
This month’s Library Reads feature a twisty psychological thriller, historical fiction, a graphic memoir, and the newest from Seattle author Tara Conklin. Take a look! The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides Led on a dark path, readers will quickly guess that there’s more to Alicia’s story than what meets the eye. But the big surprises… Continue reading