Happy Juneteenth!
Celebrate Juneteenth! Read Black voices. Learn about liberation.
The Violin Conspiracy
by Brendan Slocumb
Author Brendan Slocumb incorporates some of his personal experiences as a classical musician and POC in this fictional novel of black history set against the classical symphonic industry. Protagonist Ray is an African American violinist who discovers his instrument is a rare Stradivarius that has been passed down to through his family. After it is …
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Deonn does a masterful job of having her characters grapple with grief. Grief is a central theme in this book, and the author uses her writing to show how grief affects not only the individual but also everyone around them. –Lisette, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA Find the magic at Inklings Bookshop and other independent bookstores. …
Against the Currant by Olivia Matthews
Here is Oliva Matthews’s Against the Currant, a Spice Island Bakery Mystery. It’s got a West Indian bakery, an earnest baker who has everything she’s ever wanted, and a disgruntled rival who seems likely end up in some sort of romantic entanglement—except he turns up dead before any smooching can happen. Well, that’s awkward. We …
Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland
Justina Ireland caught my attention with a duology set in an alternate history where the Civil War ended early… due to the dead rising from their graves after Gettysburg. It shouldn’t have worked. Hell, I’ve been tired of zombies (and their myriad knockoffs) for years and I went in with a jaundiced eye. But Ireland …
Bestseller Spotlight: Black Authors
Every Wednesday, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association publishes the regional bestseller list. On Thursdays, we celebrate Thursday Themes to shine a spotlight on some of the books from the list and give our brains a different way of thinking about books. This week, we’re featuring Black authors as a reminder that supporting Black authors is another …
Powell’s Black History Month Display by Bookseller Katherine D. Morgan
Powell’s bookseller and writer Katherine D. Morgan (@blktinabelcher) shared her Black History Month display on twitter earlier this month: My Black History Month display is up @Powells A classic with a new favorite based on themes and subject matter? Sign me up! Authors featured include Denise Williams (The Fastest Way to Fall), Jessica Pryde (Black …
Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile
A world record holder and gold medalist at the 1963 Olympics, Smith and a teammate took to the awards podium and made history with their protest. Her is a long-overdue look at this moment. –Holly, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA Take long-overdue looks with books from Elliott Bay Book Company and other independent bookstores. …
The Dark Star Triology #1 and #2 by Marlon James
Black Leopard, Red Wolf (Book 1) One of my favorite books in the last decade. This book is like nothing I’ve read before. Set in an Africa-like fantasy world, Tracker is called on to find a missing child. Unforgettable characters and richly imagined worlds and customs move this book into a category of its own. …
How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
Stunning! Each essay includes the history of an American monument and its meaning today. Monuments include Monticello Plantation and the Angola Prison. A strong readable style supports these heavily researched essays. Excellent! –Trina, Brick & Mortar Books, Redmond, WA Whether they’re for book group or your individual reading, books from independent bookstores are important ways …
