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
Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II by Elyse Graham Mention the word “spy” and most people picture an action hero, not a professor combing through dusty archives. Yet that is exactly who extracted the intelligence necessary for the Allies to win World War II: librarians and … Read more
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon In the face of struggle it sometimes feels like the odds are insurmountable and that we cannot make an impact on our own. But the people in The Small and … 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
Horse by Geraldine Brooks For an Australian who lives in Massachusetts, author Geraldine Brooks has a remarkable ability to chronicle the American South, as she did with her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, “March.” “March” tells the story of “Little Women” from the point of view of the March girls’ father who joins the Union army … 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
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
The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati Bellingham author Rosina Lippi’s latest novel, published under her pen name Sara Donati, is her first since 2019. Faithful fans of her internationally bestselling multi-generational family sagas will recognize familiar names because “The Sweet Blue Distance” is a crossover book, bridging the gap between where the six “Wilderness” … Read more
Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi Longtime couple Aima and Kalu should have been together forever, but a recent move to New Lagos, Nigeria revealed the cracks in their relationship. The night after their breakup, Aima goes dancing with party-girl friend, Ijendu, while Kalu heads to an exclusive sex party hosted by his best friend, Ahmed. … Read more