Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature by David B. Williams Summer is a perfect time to slow down and look deeply at the habitat around us, and “Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature” by David B. Williams is a brilliant invitation to do so. While … Read more
On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer by Rick Steves Most folks in Whatcom County are familiar with Edmonds native and travel advocate, Rick Steves, whether from using his popular travel guides, watching his travel show “Rick Steves’ Europe,” hearing him speak at events (including Cascadia Daily News’ October … Read more
Cabin: Off-the-grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison Warmer weather and longer days are an invitation to take up home renovation projects, and weekend warrior homeowners often lean into YouTube videos and DIY books checked out from the library for guidance. If you’ve experienced home renovations that go sideways or take much more … Read more
The Pacific Northwest Disaster Guide by Henry Latourette Miller (illustrated by Jeff Parker) In the past few years, Pacific Northwest communities have experienced catastrophic flooding, landslides, wildfires and damage from severe wind. As close as it is to Whatcom County communities, a Mount Baker eruption would be cataclysmic. And there is the hulking threat of The … Read more
Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey In early March 2020, just before the pandemic shut down travel, Alaskan author Eowyn Ivey visited Bellingham to share her book “To the Bright Edge of the World” as that year’s Whatcom Reads featured author. Now, five years later, fans of Ivey’s work have a new Alaskan novel … Read more
Genuine Skagit Cooking: Over 45 Recipes from the Heart of Skagit Valley by Blake Van Roekel and Stefanie LeJeunesseForage. Gather. Feast. 100+ Recipes from West Coast Forests, Shores & Urban Spaces by Maria FinnThe MeatEater Outdoor Cookbook: Wild Game Recipes for the Grill, Smoker, Campstove, and Campfire by Steve Rinella The Pacific Northwest is blessed … Read more
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison Abe and Ruth Winter, the couple at the center of Bainbridge Island author Jonathan Evison’s new novel, “The Heart of Winter,” are a quintessential “opposites attract” love story. And yet, against all odds, their 70-year marriage does succeed — due to stubbornness as much as love and devotion … Read more
James by Percival Everett (reviewed by Mary Kinser, collection development librarian)A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes by Anthony Bale (reviewed by Emma Radosevich, collection development librarian)The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (reviewed by Paul Fullner, Everson and Sumas branch manager)Held by Anne Michaels (reviewed by Mary Vermillion, community relations … Read more
Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin For fans of her earlier novel, “The Music of Bees,” Spokane native Eileen Garvin’s latest book, “Crow Talk,” is another uplifting story featuring wounded characters who find consolation in nature and forge unlikely friendships that foster hope and healing. Frankie O’Neill feels like her life is coming apart at the … Read more
Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear by Erica Berry Why are wolves so feared and reviled? How do the stories we tell about them unconsciously shape our relationship to our environment? When is fear healthy and realistic? Portland author Erica Berry’s debut book, “Wolfish,” wrestles with these questions, blending memoir, science … Read more