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
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston Kit and Theo have been a lot of things to each other: childhood best friends, romantic partners, and now exes. They broke up four years ago after a trans-Atlantic fight en route to the food and wine tour of their dreams. In a twist of fate, they now find themselves … Read more
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang Vancouver, British Columbia-based author Janie Chang is headlining Whatcom County Library System’s second Open Book: a Festival for Readers at the Ferndale Events Center on Nov. 3. Known for her rich historical fiction, Chang crafts family dramas, often weaving in Chinese culture. Her 2:30 p.m. talk at Open … 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
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
Take by Jennifer Bradbury Skagit County author Jennifer Bradbury’s most recent novel for teens is a mystery/thriller set in the peaks of the North Cascades. Cara just graduated from high school and is working multiple part-time jobs to earn enough for her gap year, which she intends to spend climbing in Patagonia. She’s looking forward to … Read more
Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out by Shannon Reed Why do you read? Is it to find companionship, escape, adventure? If you’re Shannon Reed, it’s for all those reasons and plenty more. As a child with a hearing impairment, books became Reed’s lifeline. That connection strengthened with time, … Read more
I’ve Tried Being Nice: Essays by Ann Leary Ann Leary is done being nice. No one can say she hasn’t tried, but after a lifetime of people-pleasing, and with her children finally launched, Leary has stopped bending over backwards. In this relatable essay collection, the novelist sheds her always-agreeable image and shares the nitty-gritty details of … Read more