Spirit Whales & Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State by Elizabeth A. Nesbitt In “Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State,” Elizabeth A. Nesbitt and David B. Williams offer a captivating popular-level paleontological journey through the ancient natural history of our state. The fossil record guides the reader through this journey, as the … Read more
The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis “The Road to Roswell,” by Connie Willis is a delightful romp of a sci-fi romance novel set in the American southwest. Francie, our story’s protagonist, has traveled to Roswell, New Mexico to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding. Of course, Francie’s true intention in … Read more
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Regan Barnhill “When Women Were Dragons” is a work of magical realism by author Kelly Regan Barnhill. It imagines a world in which women randomly transform into dragons to fly away, leaving their human lives behind. While there is a mystery here of why women are “dragoning,” don’t let … Read more
The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel Stéphane Breitwieser is perhaps the most prolific art thief of all-time. He committed over 200 heists throughout Western Europe, purloining an art collection with an estimated value of $2 billion. Working both solo and in conjunction with his partner, Anne-Catherine, Breitwieser’s heists … Read more
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa “The Cat Who Saved Books,” a translated work by author Sosuke Natsukawa, uses magical realism to reflect on the role of literature for the greater good of society. Natsukawa deftly blends realism and the fantastical to create an endearing story about finding new meaning in life after … Read more
Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim Juhea Kim’s debut novel, “Beasts of a Little Land,” is a historic epic about the Korean peninsula during the first half of the 20th century. Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea and its struggle for independence, this vast national story is conveyed primarily through the lives … Read more
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin “Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead,” by Emily R. Austin opens a window on a uniquely Millennial/Gen Z experience. Gilda, the story’s protagonist, is a 20-something neurodivergent queer atheist whose anxiety makes it hard for her to hold down a job … Read more
In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom “In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss” is author Amy Bloom’s recounting of her life with her husband, Brian, and how they faced his death together. After struggling with progressively declining mental acuity, Brian was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Confronted by this stark … Read more
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell “The Marriage Portrait” is an imaginative work of historical fiction set in Renaissance Italy. Author Maggie O’Farrell takes scant details about the life of Lucrezia di Cosimo de’Medici d’Este, Duchess of Ferrara, and her relationship with her husband, the Duke of Ferrara, to craft a harrowing tale about the … Read more
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune Reading “Under the Whispering Door” by T.J. Klune is, as the name suggests, like curling up in a cozy chair with a hot cup of tea. Some books inform the reader with new knowledge, but Klune’s writing inspires the reader to live more fully. Wallace, a career-minded lawyer … Read more