Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts

Local author publishes children's board book Animal Potluck

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Children's board book by local authors Brandi and Mike Konopinski, illustrated by Kelly Kinkaid

The written word is a fascinating thing. It is capable of opening portals to new worlds through old wardrobes and rabbit holes.
 
Writing can inspire generations of children to follow pioneering footsteps into the unknown like space or the deep sea. For me, a confusing, unusual, and fantastic childhood provided many lonely moments in which stories were my escape. 

Reading through Beverly Cleary books, into Boxcar Children, and eventually the immersive worlds of Stephen King and the Harry Potter universe brought me so much joy.

This joy is what inspired me to begin writing.Years of fiddling with stories have led to my first book. It is a collaborative board book written by my wife and I and illustrated by a fantastic local artist. 

If you are not familiar with them; board books are the first introduction to the written word that a child receives. Firm and easily carried, these board books are made of stern stuff; capable of being chewed on or rubbed in a plate of baby food.

Our board book is entitled Animal Potluck and features a collection of colorful animal friends who share food and fun, potluck style! 

The book practices rhyming, food and animal identification, and MOST importantly the value of sharing. In fact, by the end of the book your young one will be reading along and saying, “Share it!”

If you’re interested in checking out our book it’s available in a few places including online like at our publishing website www.rainydaypublishing.com and in person at two local bookstores; Edmonds Bookshop (111 5th Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020) and Magnolia’s Bookstore (3206 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98199).

Happy Reading!
Mike Konopinski


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LFP author launches debut novel Friday at Third Place Commons

Thursday, April 21, 2022

“Colorful characters animate this magical tale 
with an environmental message.” Kirkus
Long-time Lake Forest Park resident, Luanne C. Brown launches her debut novel, “Once in a Pink Moon” on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, at 7:00pm in the Anne Stadler Room at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park.

This Young Adult Fantasy is a twist on the Frog Prince tale set here in the Pacific Northwest against the backdrop of climate change.

You are kindly requested to wear a mask. Thanks!

Anne Stadler Room at Third Place Commons
17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA



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KCLS and Third Place Books present Jason Mott

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

 
Author Voices with Jason Mott

https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/62314194e2696b2f009b0a7e

Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 7:30-8:30pm

Join a virtual discussion with Jason Mott, author of Hell of a Book, winner of the 2021 National Book Award for fiction. Moderated by Sean Goode, Executive Director of Choose 180.

Available for purchase from Third Place Books

Sponsored by the King County Library System Foundation and part of the Author Voices series.

Please register at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/author-voices-jason-mott/register

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jason Mott lives in southeastern North Carolina. He has a BFA in Fiction and an MFA in Poetry, both from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His poetry and fiction have appeared in various literary journals. He was nominated for a 2009 Pushcart Prize award and Entertainment Weekly listed him as one of their 10 “New Hollywood: Next Wave” people to watch.

He is the author of two poetry collections: We Call This Thing Between Us Love and “…hide behind me…” He is the author of three novels: The Returned, The Wonder of All Things, and The Crossing.

The Returned, Jason’s debut novel, was adapted by Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B, in association with Brillstein Entertainment and ABC. It aired on the ABC network under the title “Resurrection.”

Jason’s fourth novel, Hell Of A Book, was released in the summer of 2021, and received the 2021 National Book Award for fiction. It’s a story that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the hidden costs exacted upon Black Americans, and America as a whole.

Sean Goode is a nonprofit leader who is driven by his mantra, “possibilities over problems," which was born out of his lived experience growing up in overwhelmingly challenging circumstances. Through his stewardship of the nationally recognized nonprofit, CHOOSE 180, he has worked to decriminalize youthful behavior and transform the systems that have historically harmed marginalized communities.



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Heroes' Café Shoreline is open to everyone - Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Friday, April 8, 2022

Like many Veterans' organizations, Heroes' CafĂ© Shoreline is a venue for a gathering of Veterans for interaction and camaraderie and to reach out to Veterans in need. 

Heroes' Café Shoreline meets the second Tuesday of every month at Seattle Scottish Rite Center, 1207 N 152nd St Shoreline WA 98133. This month's meeting is Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Heroes' CafĂ© starts at 9am with coffee and pastries, followed by a Veterans program and lunch ending at 1pm. There is no cost to participate. 

Unique among Veterans organizations is that there is nothing to join, you just show up. Heroes' Café Shoreline is open to Veterans, family, friends and the public.


April program

The Shoreline Veterans Association and Heroes' Café Shoreline is proud to host author and Gold Star Wife, Michelle Black for a presentation of her book entitled Sacrifice
 
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 9:00am. 

Her husband, Bryan, was an integral part of the Green Beret team operating in Niger, North Africa under the US Command of AFRICOM. In early 2017, the team was ambushed by ISIS resulting in the tragic death of Bryan and three other team members. 

Reports of the event provided by US AFRICOM differed from the reports Michelle learned from the surviving Green Beret team members. The Command placed blame for failings of the mission on the team leader and the team.
 
“I’ve heard it said that you marry your equal; if that’s true, I’m a beast. A force to be reckoned with. I will do Bryan proud,” Michelle Black.

This sparked an investigation by Michelle resulting in the writing of her book, Sacrifice. Michelle will bring books for sale before and after her presentation. 




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Third Place Books has a full slate of authors in April - both in person and virtual

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Third Place Books
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Third Place Books author events are up and running. Their April events are a mix of in person and virtual.

Both virtual and in-person events require registration in advance. Unless ticketed, events are free and open to the public.

Register at thirdplacebooks.com 

Third Place Books is located on the upper level of Town Center at the intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park.

(★) – denotes ticketed event

Tuesday, April 5 at 6pm (Virtual)

Pete Finestone, Curt Weiss, and S. W. Lauden
Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming

From 60s garage rock and proto-punk to 90s pop punk and beyond, Forbidden Beat is an uptempo ode to six decades of punk rock drumming, featuring pieces by Tré Cool (Green Day), Pete Finestone (Bad Religion), and more. Three lauded drummers discuss the collection.

Wednesday, April 6 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Maggie Doyne
Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope

Since co-founding the Kopila Valley Children’s Home for orphaned children in rural Nepal—and soon after the BlinkNow Foundation—Maggie Doyne’s philanthropy work has been championed by Nicholas Kristof, the Dalai Lama, and Cheryl Strayed. In her first book, Doyne shares her inspiring story.

Thursday, April 7 at 7pm (Virtual)

David Shields with Claire Dederer
The Very Last Interview

David Shields decided to gather and transcribe every interview he’s ever given, going back nearly forty years. The result is a lacerating self-demolition in which the author is strangely, thrillingly absent. Claire Dederer, author of Love and Trouble, joins in conversation.

Thursday, April 7 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Charlie Jane Anders with Margaret Owen
Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak

Outsmart your enemies. Outrun the galaxy. Locus Award–winning author Charlie Jane Anders presents the sequel to her queer, YA “space opera” Victories Greater Than Death. Andrew Sean Greer writes that Anders could be this generation’s Ursula K. Le Guin. Margaret Owen, author of Little Thieves, joins in conversation.

Monday, April 11 at 6pm (Virtual)

Eugene Linden with Dan Vergano
Fire and Flood: A People's History of Climate Change, from 1979 to the Present

We've failed to address climate change. What happens now? Fire and Flood represents Eugene Linden’s definitive case as to how we’ve arrived at our current dire pass, and how the same forces that have confused the public’s mind and slowed policy response are poised to pivot with astonishing speed. Dan Vergano, science reporter for Buzzfeed News, joins in conversation.

Monday, April 11 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Reyna Grande
A Ballad of Love and Glory: A Novel

A Long Petal of the Sea meets Cold Mountain in this sweeping historical saga following a Mexican army nurse and an Irish soldier who must fight, at first for their survival and then for their love, amidst the atrocity of the Mexican-American War.

Tuesday, April 12 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Kyle Lukoff with Jake Arlow
Different Kinds of Fruit

Kyle Lukoff—whose novel Too Bright to See was a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Stonewall Award—reads from his funny and hugely heartfelt YA novel about a sixth-grader whose life is turned upside down when she learns her dad is trans. Jake Arlow, author of Almost Flying, joins in conversation.

Wednesday, April 13 at 6pm (Virtual)

Clyde W. Ford
Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth

In this provocative, timely, and painstakingly researched book, the award-winning author of Think Black tells the story of how Black labor helped to create and sustain the wealth of the white one percent throughout American history.

Thursday, April 14 at 4pm (Virtual)

Muggsy Bogues with Jake Uitti
Muggsy: My Life from a Kid in the Projects to the Godfather of Small Ball

In this new autobiography co-authored by Jake Uitti, Bogues delves deep into his life and career as a professional basketball player, reflecting on legendary battles with Michael Jordan and other generational stars of 80s and 90s hoops. He shares far-ranging anecdotes from playoff runs in Charlotte, filming Space Jam, and watching a young Steph Curry grow up.

Thursday, April 14 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Alejandro Varela
The Town of Babylon: A Novel

Alejandro Varela’s epic and hilarious debut follows AndrĂ©s, a gay Latinx professor, returning to his hometown for a twenty-year high school reunion. Bryan Washington calls it "an unqualified achievement of the highest degree." ASL interpreting provided.

Monday, April 18 at 5pm (Virtual)

Caren Beilin and Cristina Rivera Garza
moderated by Danielle Dutton
Revenge of the Scapegoat and New and Selected Stories
in partnership with Harvard Book Store, Community Bookstore, and Brazos Bookstore

Four bookstores come together to celebrate new books from Dorothy, a publishing project: Caren Beilin’s Revenge of the Scapegoat, a novel of serious pain and brutal absurdity, and Cristina Rivera Garza’s New and Selected Stories, a collection drawn from over three decades of her extraordinary career. Moderated by Danielle Dutton, co-founder and editor at Dorothy.

Wednesday, April 20 at 4pm (Virtual)

Michael Favala Goldman
presents Tove Ditlevsen’s The Trouble with Happiness
in partnership with the Transnational Literature Series at Brookline Booksmith and Literati Bookstore

Danish writer Tove Ditlevsen, a pioneer in the field of genre-bending confessional writing, became a nationwide sensation last year with the publication of The Copenhagen Trilogy, translated by Tiina Nunnally and Michael Favala Goldman. Now, Goldman makes a rare virtual appearance to discuss his new translation of Ditlevsen’s short stories.

Wednesday, April 20 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Shaun David Hutchinson with Martha Brockenbrough
Howl: A Novel

The beloved local YA author of We Are the Ants, recently named one of the "100 Best YA Books of All Time" by Time, shares his gritty and raw novel of the oftentimes traumatic experience of growing up—and monsters. Martha Brockenbrough, author of Into the Bloodred Woods, joins in conversation.

Thursday, April 21 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Heather Durham with Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Wolf Tree: An Ecopsychological Memoir in Essays

Local essayist and nature writer Heather Durham presents her new collection, exploring one woman's relationships with landscapes and animals through self-awareness and the difficulties and rewards of connecting with others. Award-winning ecophilosopher Lyanda Lynn Haupt joins in conversation.

Friday, April 22 at 6pm (Virtual)

Jeffrey Siger
One Last Chance

The 12th book in Jeffrey Siger’s Andreas Kaldis series, One Last Chance is set on the Aegean Island of Ikaria with its storied past of pirates and conquerors. Booklist calls it “international police procedural writing at its best.''

Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Tarryn Fisher
An Honest Lie

From New York Times bestselling Seattle author Tarryn Fisher (The Wives) comes another gripping, complex psychological thriller with an epic twist, about a girls' weekend to Vegas gone horribly wrong.

Wednesday, April 27 at 7pm (Third Place Books Lake Forest Park)

Gretchen McNeil with Lish McBride
Dig Two Graves

As Book Riot says, “McNeil has become something of a Stephen King for the YA set, writing suspenseful and eminently readable thrillers.” The author of the popular #MurderTrending series presents her latest YA novel. Lish McBride, author of Curses, joins in conversation.

★ Thursday, April 28 at 7pm (Virtual)

Virtual Craft Lecture with Matt Bell
Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts
Co-sponsored by Hugo House

In this interactive lecture, novelist Matt Bell details a practical and straightforward approach to writing fiction, drawing from the strategies in his craft book Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts. Come curious and bring your questions! Tickets come with a copy of the featured book. See thirdplacebooks.com for details.



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Local author: The Home Network Manual: The Complete Guide to Setting Up, Upgrading, and Securing Your Home Network

Monday, March 7, 2022

The Home Network Manual: The Complete Guide to Setting Up, Upgrading, and Securing Your Home Network by Lake Forest Park resident Marlon Buchanan has just been published!

You don’t have to be a techie to have the home network you want. You just need a little guidance to get you there.
The Home Network Manual is all the help you need. This complete guide to building and improving your home network is an easy-to-understand manual for people of any technical background and level.

After reading The Home Network Manual you’ll know:
  • The right way to set up a home network from scratch
  • How to have reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home
  • How to diagnose and fix common home network problems
  • How to secure your home network from hackers
  • …And so much more!

Just pick up this book and you’ll have the home network you’ve always wanted in no time! Available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats in bookstores everywhere. 

Here’s what others have to say about this book:
"A practical, comprehensive, ground-up guide to help you install and/or maintain your home network with confidence." - Reedsy Discovery

"I recommend this book to all people who have/will soon have a network installed in their homes." - Raju Chacko, Engineer and IT Consultant

“The book flows smoothly and the author really does an amazing job of covering the basics needed to understand how to work a person’s home networking system.” - Anthony Avina, Author and Book Reviewer

Visit TheHomeNetworkManual.com to learn more about the book.

About the author:

Marlon Buchanan’s genuine interest in home networks shines through in his writing. Taking what’s often considered a boring topic and making it palatable and even exciting is no small feat, yet Marlon manages to do this and more. His invaluable experience and expertise can help anyone from beginner to pro tackle and manage their home network concerns. He holds a bachelor’s in computer science and engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in business administration and software engineering from Seattle University. He works as an IT Director, but was previously a software engineer, business analyst, and college instructor.

Marlon currently resides in Lake Forest Park, Washington with his wife and kids and hopes to make home technology topics common knowledge.

You can reach Marlon at:


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Writing While Masked: Seven writers capture life during the 2020 pandemic

Saturday, March 5, 2022

PULLMAN, Wash.— Once a week, the seven authors of the newly published Writing While Masked: Reflections on 2020 and Beyond (Mary Ann Gonzales, Tyson Greer, Wanda Herndon, Laura Celise Lippman, Jane Spalding, Suzanne Tedesko, and Beth Weir) — all retired from professional careers — spend two hours together. 

The purpose of their gathering is to discuss what they wrote the previous week. For a number of years prior to 2020 the group met in their homes over coffee, but the pandemic changed that to Zoom meetings. 

Then on May 25, a white policeman pressed his knee to a Black man’s neck. A seventeen-year-old girl captured it all on her cellphone, and the world exploded.

The group recognized the aftermath as the cry of the marginalized, the disrespected, and those in visceral pain. 

They cried, too, and they wrote. “As time goes on, we often forget the little things — the details of an event or year. As this kaleidoscopic year progressed, we wrote as a way to make sense of it all. We want to remember this watershed year, and to learn from it what to keep and what to keep from happening again.” 

The process of putting down their thoughts about the cascading events of the year helped them weather the challenges of 2020 and beyond.

Inside Writing While Masked are personal pieces — writings of the moment, essays that reflect, and poems that express raw emotion. They include thoughts about what the authors experienced and learned, and what they want for the future.

Initially self-published, this updated edition is the first title released under Washington State University’s new trade imprint, Basalt Books. It begins in January 2020 and is organized by month—each with its own timeline—as a reminder of the tumultuous events happening across the United States and the world. 

The 2021 Postscript adds a timeline for January to June, as well as ten new works that were not part of the original book.

Topics comprise those common to many people: isolation, interrupted travel, masks, backyard reunions, caring for a grandchild, and more. There is the grief of lost holidays and milestones, but also the joy of new discoveries. In addition, the authors tackle a variety of themes related to politics, protests, oppression, and dealing with opposing viewpoints.

Writing While Masked is paperback, 6" x 9", 208 pages, and lists for $18.95. It is available through bookstores nationwide, direct from Basalt Books at 800-354-7360, or online at basaltbooks.wsu.edu

The trade imprint of nonprofit academic publisher Washington State University Press in Pullman, Washington, Basalt Books concentrates on general interest titles about cooking, nature, history, science, and more for young children to older readers — all with a connection to the Northwest.

More about the authors

Mary Ann Gonzales has a long history of working with nonprofit social organizations, from the Seattle AIDS SUPPORT GROUP to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tyson Greer (Lake Forest Park resident) has undertaken a broad array of endeavors including directing documentaries, teaching screen writing at the University of Washington, and authoring a book on technology for Microsoft Press. She is now writing fiction.

Wanda Herndon has enjoyed a successful corporate career in marketing, retiring from Starbucks as senior vice president, Global Public Affairs, after which she founded W Communications.

Laura Celise Lippman is a retired medical doctor and administrator whose poems have appeared in Crosswinds, Poontoon Poetry, Mobius, The Journal of Social Change, and other publications.

Jane Spalding started out as a teacher, and then served as development director for several nonprofits, including Harborview Medical Center and Seattle University.

Suzanne Tedesko worked at KCTS/9, producing two national PBS documentaries, and has written Seattle guidebooks for Fodors and a screenplay.

Beth Weir (Lake Forest Park resident) was a professor of education at Meredith College in Raleigh for seventeen years and after moving to Seattle, the executive director of the Dunn Gardens.


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King's graduate publishes debut poetry collection “Motherhood: The Crucible of Love”

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Dominique Snedeker
Shoreline, Washington, February, 2022—US Air Force Veteran and spouse Dominique Snedeker will release her poetry collection “Motherhood: The Crucible of Love” in time for National Poetry Month and Mother’s Day. 

The perfect read for mothers of all ages, this book explores and celebrates both the angst and the glory of parenting.

When Snedeker left her Air Force career destined for marriage and parenting, she struggled with assimilating into her new role, eventually writing about the existential crisis that is true for all parents.

“Poetry speaks to the soul,” Snedeker explains. “There is such pain and beauty in parenting, and poetry is the perfect medium for exploring that dichotomy.” Although this is her publishing debut, she has high hopes for the book.
 
“This is for all mothers to know that confusion, joy and frustration are all a part of it. Parents really, not just moms, are not alone in trying to figure it all out as they go.”

Another mom figuring it out is Stacy Brevard-Mays, the owner of the small publishing house, Hear Our Voice LLC out of Elgin, SC that is publishing Snedeker’s work. 

She explains, “We started the company for school-children to educate and nurture budding authors but then covid. You know, we had to change tactics.” 

'Motherhood: The Crucible of Love' will be their second release but there is so much more to come. Mays continues, 

“We already have 30 authors signed. We’re looking to find those special books that might get missed by the bigger publishing companies.”

'Motherhood: The Crucible of Love' can be preordered online now or purchased throughout the country after April 1, 2022 online or at bookstores both in e-book or paperback. 

When asked why she is publishing now, Snedeker responds, “It is time. I’ve always wanted to publish and I finally have something to say now that I’ve got two in elementary, one on the hip, and half my brain back. I have one grandmother left. I want her to know that she did well. It was hard. Right now is hard. But we can get through it.”

Dominique Snedeker has multiple projects in the works, including two other poetry books, a memoir about her time in the Middle East and a children’s book about overcoming fears. 'Motherhood: The Crucible of Love' is just the beginning of her writing career. 

As a military spouse, she spent the last eight years as a full-time mom in multiple locations, and before that, eight years herself in the U.S. Air Force, three of which were spent doing military training liaison work in the Sultanate of Oman. 

Dominque graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs with a BS in English. She graduated from King’s High School in Shoreline, Washington. Dominique has been writing since she was three and could only dictate. Keep track of her at www.dmsnedeker.com

For more information, contact Hear Our Voice at 803-713-4576 or hearourvoicellc@yahoo.com



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A virtual evening with Dolly Parton and James Patterson for their book launch Run Rose Run

Tuesday, February 22, 2022


From America’s most beloved superstar and its greatest storyteller—a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run.

About this event

From Dolly Parton and James Patterson comes a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, and determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story. She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. 

Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her. And destroy her. Run, Rose, Run is a novel glittering with danger and desire — a story that only America’s #1 beloved entertainer and its #1 bestselling author could have created.

Your ticket includes admission to this exclusive event and a hardcover copy of Run Rose Run, as well as sales tax, shipping, and handling. We are unable to offer signed copies of Run, Rose, Run.

Please contact us with any questions at events@thirdplacebooks.com We can’t wait to see you there!

Please note: Third Place Books CANNOT offer international shipping at this time.

Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter, actress, producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. The composer of more than 3,000 songs, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide, and has given away millions of books to children through her nonprofit, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of Alex Cross, he has produced more enduring fictional heroes than any other novelist alive. He lives in Florida with his family.

About Third Place Books

Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle's Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area. Learn more about their event series at thirdplacebooks.com/events

How To Get Your Book

By purchasing a ticket through this Eventbrite page, you will receive your copy of the featured book shipped via USPS Media Mail to the address you provide. Every ticket purchased on Eventbrite includes a copy of the featured book. Books will be shipped after ticket sales have closed.

Please note: Third Place Books CANNOT offer international shipping at this time.


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Zoom event for teens and adults: The Last Stargazers with author Emily Levesque

Monday, February 21, 2022

Author event from King County Libraries: The Last Stargazers with Author Emily Levesque

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 6:30-8pm

In “The Last Stargazers,” award-winning UW astronomer Emily Levesque takes us on a road trip to visit the most powerful telescopes in the world, introducing the passionate and sometimes quirky individuals who run them, modern-day stargazers who devote their lives to peering across the universe and are at risk of being supplanted by automated technology.

Meet Emily, hear about the book and get a chance to ask questions.

The book was shortlisted for the 2021 ALA Alex Award, the 2021 Pen/EO Wilson Literary Science Award, and the 2021 AAAS/Subaru Book Prize.

“The Last Stargazers” is available in paperback and is available from Third Place Books.

Please register. A Zoom link will be sent to you. Email andrewm@kcls.org if you don’t receive an email by the day of the event.

Register here: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/61b8dd91b1d14b30001286a3


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Mystery writer J.A. Jance in person at Third Place Books

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7pm. In person at Lake Forest Park! Proof of vaccination required.

After over two years since her last in-person appearance, Third Place Books welcomes back New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance to the stage at Lake Forest Park. 

We'll be celebrating the release of Nothing to Lose, the latest in Jance's Seattle-based J. P. Beaumont series.

Register here for this in-person event!



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Virtual Black Books Fair to benefit Shoreline Schools' libraries

Monday, January 31, 2022


January 31 – February 13
Virtual Black Books Fair

This year’s Black Books Fair will be held virtually in partnership with Third Place Books. Beginning on January 31, 2022 you can view the Black Books Fair here. Proceeds will benefit school libraries throughout our district. 

Be sure to put “Black Voices” in your purchase notes so our book fair gets credit.

Join us as we kick off our annual (Virtual) Black Books Fair! Every purchase will benefit putting titles in schools. We are thrilled to have Kwame Alexander and Jewell Parker Rhodes join us in discussing their novels, including Alexander's Crossover books and Rhodes's newest title, Paradise on Fire.

Why Black Books?

Though they make up approximately 40% of the US population, less than 10% of children's books released the last 24 years were written by and for people of color. 

Even more, the Cooperative Children's Book Center of the University of Madison-Wisconsin discovered that children's books published in a given year were 3x more likely to feature an animal or other character than a Black character. 

When children see mirrors of themselves or positive windows into the world of another, they are able to better develop empathy, more well-rounded narratives and critical thinking skills needed to talk about matters of identity. (diversebooks.org) 

Lastly, books can communicate JOY! There is much to celebrate about community, and by featuring selected books, it helps change the narrative for everyone.

Please purchase a book, support a local bookstore and help put titles back in schools!

Special thanks to Third Place Books for their partnership on this endeavor, and a special thanks to the Shoreline Equity and Family Engagement Department, Shorelake Arts, Shoreline PTA Council, Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kwame Alexander.

Click here to buy books, beginning on January 31st: https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/black-voices-book-fair

**Please don't forget to put "Black Voices" in the notes so that our Book Fair gets credit!**


Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. 

In 2018, he founded the publishing imprint VERSIFY, and opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. He is the writer and executive producer of THE CROSSOVER TV series on Disney plus.



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Third Place books to hold in person event with Science Fiction authors on February 10 - register now

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

 

Thursday, February 10 at 7pm. In person at Lake Forest Park! Proof of vaccination required.

Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award–winning author Seanan McGuire discusses a new, standalone book in her Wayward Children series, "Where the Drowned Girls Go. "

McGuire will be joined in conversation by former Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America President Cat Rambo, author of the You Sexy Thing. This event is free and open to the public.

Register here for this in-person event!



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Widow of Green Beret killed in North Africa speaks to local veterans

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Gold Star Wife Michelle Black
at American Legion Post 227
Story and photo by Doug Cerretti

The Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion, Shoreline, WA was honored to host Gold Star Wife and Author Michelle Black Saturday January 15, 2022. 

Michelle talked about her husband Bryan’s service as a Green Beret and his mission in North Africa and the events leading to his death. She then answered questions for over an hour. 

Michelle’s husband Bryan, along with three colleagues, was killed in action in the North African country of Niger in 2017.

The military placed blame for this tragedy on Bryan’s Green Beret Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) Team 3212, describing them as “rogue.” 
As Michelle interviewed other team members she learned that ODA 3212 was not at fault but it was the ill-conceived mission planned by the commanding officers that were to blame. 

Michelle Black (r) signs her book "Sacrifice" for Gold Star Mother Linda Swanberg.
To their left is Gold Star Mother Karen Black, mother of Bryan Black

Michelle’s investigation led her to author "Sacrifice, A Gold Star Window’s Fight for the Truth

As Michelle writes in her book, “I often say I’d prefer to hear an ugly truth than a beautiful lie. In the year following my husband’s death, I was told plenty of both”. 


Michael Reagan presenting his portrait of Bryan Black (being held by Tennis DeJong) to Michelle

After Michelle’s presentation, Edmonds artist Michael Reagan of The Fallen Heroes Project presented her with a portrait of Bryan. Michael, a Viet Nam Marine combat veteran gave up a lucrative career as an artist to draw portraits of Fallen Heroes. 

A second portrait of Bryan was presented to Gold Star Mother Karin Black several months ago. In the last 20 years Michael has drawn over 8,200 portraits given to Gold Star Families at no cost to them.



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Author and Gold Star wife presents her investigation of the Green Beret killings in Niger

Thursday, January 13, 2022


Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion is proud to host author and Gold Star wife, Michelle Black, for a presentation of her book entitled "Sacrifice."

Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1:30pm

Her husband, Bryan, was an integral part of the Green Beret team operating in Niger, North Africa under the broad U.S. Command of AFRICOM. In early 2017, the team on an assigned mission was ambushed by ISIS resulting in the tragic death of Bryan and three other team members. 

Reports of the event provided by the AFRICOM differed from the reports Michelle learned from the surviving Green Beret team members. The Command placed blame for failings of the mission on the team leader and the team.

This sparked Michelle to make an investigation which resulted in her book "Sacrifice". Michelle will bring books for sale before and after her presentation.

Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion
14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155
Doors will open at 12:30pm

COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Please wear a face covering (one will be provided at the Post) and practice six-foot distancing.


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Retired Shoreline Schools teacher / coach publishes third children's picture book

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Nana Posy and the Christmas concert speaks
to the emotional toll of the pandemic
Retired Shoreline School District teacher and coach Linda Rittenhouse recently published the third children's picture book in her Nana Posy series about a vivacious grandmother's interactions with the wildlife in her back yard. 

The first two books in the series, "Nana Posy's Project" and "Nana Posy and Quail Pie" were published earlier this year.

In "Nana Posy and the Christmas Concert," Nana Posy has a bad case of the holiday blues. 
Even though she has decorated, baked, and sung holiday songs in her terrible scratchy voice, she is having a hard time getting into a festive mood. 
Isolation due to the pandemic and thinking about how people will be missing their loved ones during the holiday season have taken their toll. 
Not to be a spoiler, but something might just happen to lift her spirits...this is a children's book, after all!

"Nana Posy and the Christmas Concert" deals honestly, but gently with the challenges faced by everyone around the world because of the pandemic. 

Nana Posy's style of talking to children ("I'm sorry to tell you something sad, but I always want to be honest with you.") will help kids navigate this time and show them that life can work in magical ways to bring joy even during the most difficult times.

Rittenhouse' young adult novel was inspired
by her coaching experiences
Since retiring from teaching French and Spanish and coaching softball, basketball, and track for eighteen years at Einstein Middle School, Linda has also published a young adult novel, "Fearless!" 

Set in classrooms, halls, track, and locker room, "Fearless!" is the story of 13-year-old Noah Martin's search for a place to excel among classmates who he believes have "perfect lives," his attempts to navigate the challenges of middle school, and the unlikely heroes he meets along the way.

"It was wonderful to take some of the unforgettable memories I have from teaching and coaching and turn them into a novel," says Rittenhouse. 

The dedication of "Fearless!" reads, "to the hundreds of student athletes I coached. Thank you for always being willing to try the crazy things I asked of you and for having the good sense to laugh every step of the way. I am grateful for the ways each of you enriched my life. You all have a piece of my heart forever. You know who you are."

"Fearless!" is available to borrow from the Einstein Middle School library. 

Linda's books are also available to purchase on Amazon, and she hopes they will soon be available in King County libraries. A founding member and former president of the Woodinville Friends of the Library, Linda has submitted her books for KCLS consideration.

Linda has a website for children, NanaPosy.com to give kids an opportunity to read, write, and learn about poetry. Her poetry has been published in The Lyric Magazine and in Sandcutters. Her creative non-fiction piece "Caught," inspired by trout fishing escapades of her father and his buddies during her childhood, was published in the Fall 2021 issue of Sky Island Journal, a free online literary magazine.



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NaNoWriMo: Write a novel in 30 days with the help of Shoreline Community College

Sunday, October 17, 2021

You, too, can write the Great American Novel. 

Or you can write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days in November in a community project sponsored by the Ray W. Howard Library at Shoreline Community College.

NaNoWriMo is a worldwide non-profit that challenges people to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. 

The Seattle area participation in NaNoWriMo is higher than many other cities and regions!

Shoreline Community College will help you with three free workshops.

We have traditionally offered our workshops to anyone in the community which includes high school/middle school students, senior citizens, those looking for personal development, and our own students who have attended these workshops regularly over the last five years.

The workshops will be virtual, livestream events - one-shot sessions 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long.

They are scheduled on the first three Thursdays in November: 11/4, 11/11, and 11/18/2021. 

We are doing genre-based sessions this year to focus on a topic rather than teaching people how to write. 
The topics are Literature / Music, Cyberpunk, and Poisons and The Human Body. 

 

Michael Overa will present a session Nov 4 on how 
to help readers hear your story as well as read it. 
Photo courtesy SCC
Shoreline Community College professors will be donating their time to teach these topics!

And all you have to do is write 1,666 words a day.

Events, links, and descriptions of each session and you can set reminders for yourself right here:
Virtual Video Events - NaNoWriMo - Ray W. Howard Library at Shoreline Community College

Workshops are open to everyone in the community and are free! No sign in is required. 



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Now on sale at the Shorelake Arts Gallery in LFP: The Woman Who

Local artist, cartoonist, illustrator and educator Margaret Hartley responded creatively to the pandemic lockdown.

During our first lockdown I started a weekly cartoon and sent it out to family and friends. 
"The Woman Who" is coping with being confined to her home with her partner and cat. 
Her weird, funny and sad reactions really resonated with my readers, and I decided to turn my one page cartoons into a zine.

"The Woman Who" is now on sale at the Shorelake Arts Gallery in Lake Forest Park, off the lower lobby of Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.


The Woman Who is a fun read and a great way to support our local arts group, Shorelake Arts.

More about Margaret:

Her cartoon strip "Moira" ran for seven years in More Magazine, Auckland New Zealand.  I created another strip  “Hiccups” for Seattle’s Child and L.A. Parent.

You can see more of her work at instagram.com/margarethartley_art/



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Reminder: Kira Jane Buxton will be signing her new book noon Sunday at the LFP Farmers Market

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Our first in-person author signing in over 16 months!

Come meet Kira Jane Buxton, the author of Hollow Kingdom and the new novel Feral Creatures, for a special outdoor book signing at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!

Stop by our booth on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 12pm to 2pm. Copies of Feral Creatures will be available for purchase at the market. No registration required.

To celebrate the release of Feral Creatures, we're also thrilled to offer limited-edition, 11x17 art prints with every purchase you make on site! These prints portray a scene from Feral Creatures that takes place at — you guessed it! — our very own Third Place Books (albeit in a post-apocalyptic future). The print, designed by Stephen Crowe, will come signed by the artist and Kira Jane Buxton. While supplies last.

And in case you missed it, our recording of Kira's launch event with Book Riot's Liberty Hardy is now on YouTube. The conversation covers a range of topics, including: climate fiction! anthropomorphism! Cheetohs! and where in the world did Kira get that great shirt?

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is located near the south parking lot of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. See the Third Place Commons website for instructions on how to get there.

--Third Place Books Lake Forest Park



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Third Place Books author event with Megan Rapinoe - tickets include book

Megan Rapinoe with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Huge news! (Olympic gold medalist-sized news, in fact!) 

We're partnering with Loyalty Bookstore in DC and The Strand in New York to host two-time Women's World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe in conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 4:30pm PT

They'll be discussing the young readers edition of Rapinoe's memoir One Life. In other words: an evening for the whole family that promises to inspire!

Tickets are on sale NOW! The first 150 attendees will receive a bookplate signed by the author. All tickets come bundled with either a copy of One Life: Young Readers Edition or the paperback of One Life: A Memoir (for adults). Your choice!

Purchase tickets here

--Third Place Books



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