I can sum up my thoughts on books with one Joan Didion quote: “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” Here are a few of the types of books that give me life: graphic novels, YA with queer themes, well-researched non-fiction, books that make me laugh, books that make me cry, and anything that makes me stop and think. Oh, and queen Joan Didion herself, of course.
Ben Lerner dives deep into what makes a family and what happens when psychology collides with real life. While there is a mysterious narrative thread, the strength of this book is its case study of its subjects. [Karen]
First published in the 1970s, this little book fits perfectly with the modern issues we are facing. This is Berry at his wise and prescient best. We should all start Thinking Little. [Karen]
A series of school-aged student vignettes all told around the time of the bell ringing at school. As each student walks home, you see the interconnected web of school, home, and dreams. At times funny and sometimes deeply affecting, this book was a great read. [Karen]
Nothing like a spooky story for Christmas! A supernatural and psychological thriller that slowly builds, Du Maurier is truly a master of the unsettling. This book is one of a series of fourteen small-format ghost stories for Christmas illustrated by Seth. [Karen]
Compulsively readable, this is classic Winterson. Its central question is "can life be artificially created after someone has passed?" Crossing the gap from Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein to a chilling not-so-far-away future, I couldn't put this down. [Karen]
See the joy of nature and animals that could only come through the eyes of child. With beautiful illustrations, this book tells the story of the way nature can surprise us… as long as we pay attention. [Karen]
It can be Wayzgoose all year when you have this book in your collection. Dive into the history of radical printing, covering the heady times of the 1970s when Detroit Printing Co-op printed political pieces using experimental techniques. [Karen]
All hail our poet laureate! Joy Harjo returns to her family's lands—the Mvskoke people who were forced from their lands. Harjo has a way of taking words on the page and painting whole landscapes. She shines here as she returns to the land of her ancestors. [Karen]
Follow the story of revered author Beverly Cleary as she grows up, discovers a love of reading, and then writing. All set against a PNW backdrop. It will resonate with kids who aren't sold on reading yet - Beverly initially struggled to read until she found the right teacher to set off her spark. [Karen]
I jump at any book with Tacoma legend, and my personal hero, Neko Case. But there's so much more here, like unsung musical heroes Odetta and Memphis Minnie. The short bios with stunning illustrations make this the perfect gift for anyone into music. Also, staff favorite Dolly makes an appearance. For women about to rock, we salute you! [Karen]
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