Our American mythology is that this is a land of unlimited opportunity, and that hard work, resourcefulness, and perhaps a bit of luck, will bring unlimited rewards. And then we meet Elsa, the indomitable heroine of this truly American story, and we are completely disavowed of this quaint notion. As if the Great Depression were …
A bestseller in Europe, this elegant, thoughtful novel will restore your faith in humanity. In her small French village, Violette is the cemetery keeper who soothes the mourners and keeps their secrets. Abandoned by a missing husband, she builds a loyal surrogate family from others who work in the cemetery. When a stranger disturbs her …
Caste is an essential read, a lucid, no-holds-barred examination of race, our nation’s history, and the rigid caste system that has been such a destructive force to individuals, communities, and our democracy. Most people think of caste as a foreign system found in places like India. But Wilkerson, through her research, insight, and immersion, argues …
Martha Jones is a giant in the field of African American history and this book is her best yet. Beautiful storytelling, which incorporates Jones’s own family history, makes this the perfect book for any armchair historian. Jones brings to light the stories of dozens of black women who are often ignored in history books, proving that …
Octavia Butler (a Seattleite!) should be required reading, and this book is a prime example as to why. This novel follows teenage Lauren, a visionary leader dedicated to seeking freedom and safety despite the fear, violence, and complacency of those around her. You will be in awe of her at every turn. Butler transcends the …
Three words: World Peace Cookies. These chocolate cookies are dark and wickedly delicious, and have convinced fans around the world that if we could bake enough for everyone, we could guarantee eternal world peace. You’ll find this recipe and other treasures in this easy-to-follow tome of baking glory. My family loves the Pecan Honey Sticky …
A wedding invitation you definitely might want to decline! Foley follows in the footsteps of Agatha Christie with a remote setting of an island off the coast of Ireland and explosive secrets between spouses, siblings, and guests you can’t wait to discover. With lives and reputations at stake, who doesn’t want a front row seat? …
The light went off as I watched a proud grandson selling honey from his sidewalk stand that he had collected from his dad’s hive. Figuring that creating my own hive might ramp me up in his eyes, I turned to this book. If a guy living on a houseboat in the Fraser River just south of …
September 2020, Eagle Harbor Book Company of Bainbridge Island, WA celebrates its 50th birthday. Below is a message to their customers and neighbors from their newsletter. It’s been a challenging year and we think it’s time to turn things around. Your home-town bookstore turns 50 years old this month and we’re ready to celebrate with …
One of few pleasures of the 2020 pandemic was the opportunity to try a vegetable garden, a staple in my parents’ and grandparents’ yards growing up. After years of urban living, I lacked a green thumb. But following the simple and cheerful guidelines of the enthusiastic Bartholomew, I finally nailed it — with carrots, peppers, …
