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Staff Picks
Aspec folks rejoice! A short story collection for us by us. Some stories are fantastical, others are contemporary. Some are love stories, other focus on the self and other forms of kinship. There's a story for everyone in here and above all, it makes you feel seen. [Danielle]
This new anthology of Black horror does not disappoint! It's hard to read more than a story at a time as the worlds created are so rich that it's hard to leave them. I'm still living in one of them (in a good, although slightly terrifying, way). Filled with heavy hitters (NK Jemisin, Tananarive Due, etc), there are also some authors i was unfamiliar with. A perfect gift for the horror fan in your life. [sweet pea]
Jamison Shea explores race and power, good and evil, in the competitive arena of ballet. Reminiscent of Faust, which I love, it asks: would you make a deal with an unknown entity in order to get what you so desire? I found it compelling. [Blanca]
So many of my favorite authors in one place! Talking about video games! What could be better? While a great gift for gamers, you need not be familiar with the games referenced in these essays to feel their impact. In fact, those that talked about games/gaming systems I've never played, or in some cases never even heard of, were often my favorites. [Adrienne]
Real talk, I read this because it's pretty. However, it was also a great look into the classic canon. There were well known stories as well as lesser known "myths" and tales. It's a great read if you're into mythology (which is most queer people. I don't make the rules). [Danielle]
Noir with a twist and an unreliable narrator, perhaps. I loved the detective. Soloski does marvels with the atmosphere of this novel, and she obviously loves theater with the way she describes it. [Blanca]
While sports are often deployed as metaphor for social phenomena, Shaun Scott goes a step further, demonstrating how sports are inextricably linked to our politics, culture, and social institutions. Examining 170 years of Seattle sports, this deeply-researched book helped me better understand the long tug-of-war between progressive and reactionary forces, which continue to shape our region today. Heartbreak City is destined to join the pantheon of must-read local histories. P.S. Bring back our Sonics. [Adrienne]
The philosopher in me has never been so gratified by a collection of poetry! Questions of love, memory, beauty, and relationships are all here in poetic form, but the most gratifying poems are written in the form of postulates. Adrienne Chung's debut collection is food for the intellect and the spirit. [Blanca]
In this lyrical work, Smith delves into her own family past, piecing together their stories from archives and oral history as a way to illustrate Black resilience against violent oppression. Written in a conversational and personal style, the book draws you into her journey of personal exploration and questions what that means about our present country. [sweet pea]
In this gorgeous debut memoir, Ani Gjika's skills as a poet, translator, teacher, and storyteller are on a full display. She treats language with a kind of reverence. Interweaving memories of her girlhood in Albania, experiences as a new immigrant in the US, and insights into formative relationships throughout her life, we witness a woman's path toward claiming her power. [Adrienne]