The KUOW Book Club is thrilled to announce the beginning of its inaugural summer reading series in collaboration with The Seattle Public Library. This exciting initiative marks a first for the club, and members are eager to dive into the literary festivities designed for the community.
Stesha Brandon, the literature and humanities manager at The Seattle Public Library, expressed her enthusiasm for this new partnership: “We are delighted to invite all of Seattle to read along with KUOW’s Book Club this summer, and then meet these amazing authors in person at the Central Library. Bring your friends, bring your questions, and be part of these powerful conversations!”
The summer lineup begins with two remarkable authors: Corinne Manning and Ijeoma Oluo. Manning’s short story collection, “We Had No Rules,” explores themes of queerness and contemporary life, while Oluo’s book, “Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World — And How You Can, Too,” promises to inspire action and discussion.
Readers are encouraged to engage with Manning’s collection, as the book will be featured in a special episode of KUOW’s Meet Me Here podcast. Participants are invited to finish reading the collection by June 18 and tune in for deeper insights.
In response to a growing desire for community connection among readers, the KUOW Book Club will host a Zoom discussion on June 23 at 6 p.m. This virtual meeting aims to foster conversation and camaraderie among literature enthusiasts. A Zoom link will be shared in the June 18 newsletter, and readers can subscribe for updates.
Adding to the excitement, KUOW Book Club members are invited to a live conversation with Ijeoma Oluo at the Seattle Central Library on June 26 at 6 p.m. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with Oluo, ask questions, and participate in a meaningful discussion. For those unable to attend, a debrief will be provided in the July 1 newsletter.
As June progresses, the KUOW Book Club will turn its attention to July, featuring Kim Fu’s critically acclaimed book, “Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century.” Though it was released in 2022, the collection has garnered numerous awards, including the 2023 Pacific Northwest Book Prize and the 2022 Shirley Jackson Award for Short Fiction. With Fu being a local author, this selection adds a personal touch to the reading list.
The reading schedule for Kim Fu’s book will be released on July 1, leading up to a live conversation with the author scheduled for July 30. Book club members and attendees are encouraged to register for this event in advance.
In August, the series will conclude with Lynda V. Mapes’ exciting new release, “The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests.” Just published in April, this book delves into the critical role of old-growth forests in environmental preservation and stewardship.
Readers can expect to receive the reading schedule for Mapes’ book on August 1, and a live conversation with the author will take place on August 27. As a reminder, all events hosted by The Seattle Public Library are free and open to the public; however, registration is required to attend each discussion or event.
The KUOW Book Club is committed to nurturing a vibrant literary community throughout the summer. Readers are encouraged to join in the fun, engage with the authors, and share their thoughts in an inclusive environment.
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