A beautifully-written story that explores identity, race, colonialism, and the unique perspective of the African diaspora. The Sankofa is mythical bird that flies forward while looking back, and this theme is brought out in this novel– as the protagonist must come to terms with her own messy and tumultuous past before she can find solace …
Lynette has been saving for three years for a down payment to buy the North Portland house she lives in with her mother and developmentally disabled brother. The owner is giving them a good deal, but Lynette has lousy credit, so her mother has to take out the loan. However, at the last minute they …
From OregonLive/ The Oregonian September 4, 2021: The start of the new school year makes it a fitting time to pick up Portlander Margot Wood’s debut young adult novel, Fresh, a queer retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma that spans its protagonist’s freshman year of college. Quick recap for those who haven’t encountered Emma in a while: …
I loved this! The oddball narrator might have been irritating if I didn’t find her so relatable–her musings/fixations/insights felt like gentle personal attacks, and they often left me snorting out loud. Read, cringe, and carefully consider whether you’re a moderate or radical rice cracker company worker. It’s important, probably. –Ellen, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle, …
You won’t be able to put this multiple narrative novel down once you begin. When five teens meet at the hospital after a bridge collapse, their lives are never the same. Wow. –Teasha Kirkwood, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA Find more WOW for readers of all ages at Elliott Bay Book Company and other …
This is a quirky story in which two people with no apparent connection are offered a huge sum of money by an unknown benefactor to spend two hours together each week for a year. The characters are interesting and the slow revelation of the identity of their benefactor and why they were chosen keeps the …
This big-hearted novel of family is full of lovable characters that feel like friends. Frankel deals with serious social issues and conflicts while keeping the tone light, striking an excellent balance between humor and empathy. I loved every page! Highly recommended for book groups. — Emily Adams, Third Place Books, Seattle WA Sweet and unassuming, …
For my first Kami Garcia book, it did not let me down. This was fast-paced and super exciting. I absolutely loved the story and everything about the characters. Frankie was such a perfect teenager; she has so many problems going on in her own life while trying to juggle school. This completely related to …
When the heat of summer starts to feel oppressive, pick up Peter Geye’s latest novel, Wintering, and experience the bracing cold of snowshoeing across a frozen lake. Geye’s much-lauded third novel has elicited comparisons to Cormac McCarthy, Jack London, and Jon Krakauer. This finely crafted story of fathers, sons, patience, risk, love, and adventure unfolds …
I have read 5 previous spy thrillers by Ted Bell (former head of Young and Rubicam, one of the world’s largest international advertising agencies). They were all page turners and highly enjoyable. Phantom is a welcome addition to his collection. Lord Alexander Hawke, hero of the series, finds himself in Russia searching for his presumably …
