Edmonds Booktalk: It’s been a memoir kind of year, so get reading

It’s been a memoir kind of a year! An impressive number of great memoirs have been published from all different walks of life: actor; trucker; politician; spaceman; adoptee; holocaust victim; self-educated; priest for a daddy! Many with staff recommendations and great reviews… All available here at Edmonds Bookshop.

In order of publication date:
“Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover. “The extremity of Westover’s upbringing emerges gradually through her telling, which only makes the telling more alluring and harrowing.”—The New York Times Book Review
This was the May 2018 Book Club Pick for Now Read This. Information about that here. February 20, 2018.

 “Priestdaddy: A Memoir” by Patricia Lockwood. A vivid, heartbreakingly funny memoir about balancing identity with family and tradition. In paperback. Staff highly recommended, by many of us! May 1, 2018.

“The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations” by John McCain and Mark Salter. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here… And I want to talk to my fellow Americans a little more if I may.” So writes John McCain in this inspiring, moving, frank, and deeply personal memoir. May 22, 2018.

“The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road” by Finn Murphy. The author recounts the poignant, funny, and often haunting stories of the people he encounters on the job. Paperback. June 5, 2018.

“In Pieces” by Sally Field. In this intimate, haunting literary memoir, an American icon tells her story for the first time. Review/interview in The Seattle Times September 18, 2018.

“What Happened” by Hillary Rodham Clinton. In this “candid and blackly funny” (The New York Times) memoir, Clinton reveals what she was thinking and feeling during one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in history. Now in paperback. September 18, 2018.

“Endurance: My Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery” by Scott Kelly. Now in paperback. September 25, 2018.

Coming October 16, 2018: “Endurance, Young Readers Edition: My Year in Space and How I Got There” by Scott Kelly. Newly adapted for young readers — How does a boy struggling in school become an American hero and a space pioneer? Age Range: 8 – 12 years

Coming October 17, 2018: “My Journey to the Stars” (Step into Reading) by Scott Kelly and André Ceolin. Discover his awe-inspiring journey in this fascinating picture book memoir for ages K-Gr 2.

“All You Can Ever Know: A Memoir” by Nicole Chung. In her stunning memoir, the freelance writer tracks the story of her own adoption, to the decision, while pregnant with her first child, to search for her birth family. A lovely new [9/27/18] review in The Seattle Times. October 2, 2018

“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography” by Eric Idle. From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot, comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor. New [10/5/18] review in The Seattle Times. October 2, 2018.

“Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation” by Ari Folman and Anne Frank. Authorized by the Anne Frank Foundation, this is the first graphic edition of The Diary. October 2, 2018.

And coming soon:
“The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State” by Nadia Murad. Foreword by Amal Clooney. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. In this intimate memoir of survival, a former captive of the Islamic State tells her harrowing and ultimately inspiring story. Available in hardcover now. Paperback coming November 6, 2018.

“Becoming” by Michelle Obama. An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States. November 13, 2018.

Have you checked out our new website? Among many great things: You can reserve a copy of a forthcoming title. You may pay for it now and we will ship it directly to you or hold it for you to pick up in the store, or you may choose to pay for it in the store when you pick it up. What books might you want to preorder? Well, the new Barbara Kingsolver, “Unsheltered,” is coming 10/16; the new Lee Child, “Past Tense,” is coming 11/5; the new Louise Penny, “Kingdom of the Blind” is coming 11/27…

There is also a terrific Events calendar, so you can stay up-to-date with all the goings on. Here are some events this month:

October Events at Edmonds Bookshop

October 2018 Book Club Book.
October 17, 2018. “Trajectory: Stories” by Richard Russo.

The characters in these four expansive stories are a departure from the blue-collar denizens that populate so many of Russo’s novels; and all are bound together by parallel moments of reckoning with their pasts.
Shot through with Russo’s inimitable humor, wisdom, and surprise, Trajectory is the work of a masterful writer continuing to discover new heights.

More information and the books for the rest of 2018 are on our Bookclub page.

Third Thursday Art Walk
Thursday October 18, 2018. 5 – 8 p.m. We will welcome Olivia Hawker with her new book, “The Ragged Edge of Night.” Just published October 1, 2018.

For fans of “All the Light We Cannot See,” comes an emotionally gripping, beautifully written historical novel about extraordinary hope, redemption, and one man’s search for light during the darkest times of World War II.

The formerly local author attended Edmonds-Woodway High School and now lives in the San Juan Islands. For all kinds of great information visit her website: hawkerbooks.com/olivia. Breaking news: “The Ragged Edge of Night” has been nominated for the 2018 National Book Award and is in consideration for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize! [Wow! Huge congratulations Libbie!]

Saturday, October 20, 12 – 1 p.m.. We will welcome Edmonds author Lisa Reddick with her Native American thriller, “The Same River,” new in paperback October 9, 2018.

Ever since a childhood tragedy bonded Jessica Jensen to Oregon’s mighty Nesika River, she has seen herself as its guardian. She has just finished gathering scientific evidence that could bring about the dismantling of the massive hydro dam that threatens to destroy her river, when she discovers that her boss is suppressing her scientific evidence, leaving the dam’s fate in jeopardy. Jess feels her life begin to spiral out of control.

Lisa M. Reddick has lived in, loved, and written about the Pacific Northwest for most of her life. After completing her PhD in ecopsychology, she went on to design and facilitate an MA program for Antioch University Seattle. She currently lives in Edmonds with her husband and two fabulous Australian shepherds. Visit her lovely new website: lisareddick.com

You may also recognize Lisa from her other role as the owner of Pelindaba Lavender in downtown Edmonds — www.pelindabalavender.com/edmonds-wa-a/302.htm

So much more information about all of our authors and all of the events happening all month long on our Events page. And on our brand new Events Calendar!

Recent book releases of note:
“Clock Dance” by Anne Tyler. A few signed first editions still available.

“French Exit: A Novel” by Patrick deWitt. A brilliant and darkly comic novel about a wealthy widow and her adult son who flee New York for Paris in the wake of scandal and financial disintegration. Possibly one more signed first editions still available.

“Depth of Winter: A Longmire Mystery #14” by Craig Johnson. Welcome to Walt Longmire’s worst nightmare. An international hit man and the head of one of the most vicious drug cartels in Mexico has kidnapped Walt’s beloved daughter, to auction her off to his worst enemies.

“The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers” by Maxwell King. Drawing on original interviews, oral histories and archival documents, the author traces the iconic children’s program host’s personal, professional, and artistic life through decades of work.

“21 Lessons for the 21st Century” by Yuval Noah Harari. In “Sapiens,” he explored our past. In “Homo Deus,” he looked to our future. Now, one of the most innovative thinkers on the planet turns to the present to make sense of today’s most pressing issues.

“Lethal White” by Robert Galbraith. Finally! In the fourth mystery featuring PI Cormoran Strike and his assistant, Robin, the pair must sort out their increasingly tricky personal relationship in a case that takes them from the backstreets of London to a sinister manor house in the country.

“Leadership: In Turbulent Times” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. In this culmination of five decades of acclaimed studies in presidential history, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author offers an illuminating exploration into the early development, growth and exercise of leadership.

“Transcription” by Kate Atkinson. In 1940, Juliet Armstrong is reluctantly recruited into the world of espionage. Sent to an obscure department of MI5 tasked with monitoring the comings and goings of British Fascist sympathizers. Ten years later, Juliet is unexpectedly confronted by figures from her past.
Books of note being released in October:

“A Spark of Light” by Jodi Picoult. Told in a daring and enthralling narrative structure that counts backward through the hours of the standoff, this is a story that traces its way back to what brought each of these very different individuals to the same place on this fateful day. We have a few signed first editions available in the store, get them while they last! October 2, 2018.

“Blood Communion: A Tale of Prince Lestat” by Anne Rice. The Vampire Chronicles continue as Lestat addresses the tribe of vampires telling the mesmerizing story of how he became Prince of the vampire world. October 2, 2018.

“Alaskan Holiday: A Novel” by Debbie Macomber. The bestselling local author takes us to the Alaskan wilderness for a magical Christmas tale about finding love where it’s least expected. October 2, 2018.

“Gone So Long” by Andre Dubus III. His first novel in a decade is a masterpiece of thrilling tension and heartrending empathy. October 2, 2018.

For teen readers “A Map of Days: Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs. The bestselling series returns with a thrilling new story arc set in America! October 2, 2018.

For teen readers “Broken Things” by Lauren Oliver. This engrossing psychological is an unforgettable, mesmerizing tale of exquisite obsession, spoiled innocence, and impossible friendships. October 2, 2018.

“On Desperate Ground: The Marines at the Reservoir, the Korean War’s Greatest Battle” by Hampton Sides. A chronicle of the extraordinary feats of heroism by Marines called on to do the impossible during the greatest battle of the Korean War. October 2, 2018.

“The Greatest Love Story Ever Told: An Oral History” by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. The popular comedic couple traces the story of their relationship, sharing anecdotes and secrets that reveal how they overcame considerable social differences through their shared values and mutual love of music and laughter. October 2, 2018.

“Red Clocks” by Leni Zumas. Staff recommended. Now in paperback. October 2, 2018.

“Hardcore Twenty-Four: A Stephanie Plum Novel” by Janet Evanovich. In paperback. October 2, 2018.

“Leonardo Da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson. The author weaves a narrative that connects Leonardo’s art to his science. Now in paperback. October 2, 2018.

For young readers “The Trials of Apollo, Book Two: The Dark Prophecy” by Rick Riordan. Now in paperback. October 2, 2018.

“Killing Commendatore: A Novel” by Haruki Murakami. Murakami’s first novel since “Colorless Tsukuru” is, according to the publisher, a story of “love and loneliness, war and art—as well as a loving homage to “The Great Gatsby.” October 9, 2018.

“Bridge of Clay” by Markus Zusak. An unforgettable and sweeping family saga from the storyteller who gave us the extraordinary bestseller “The Book Thief.” October 9, 2018.

“The Witch Elm: A Novel” by Tana French. A spellbinding standalone from one of the best suspense writers working today, this novel asks what we become, and what we’re capable of, when we no longer know who we are. October 9, 2018.

“Love Is Blind: A Novel” by William Boyd. The Costa Award-winning author of “Restless” gives us a sweeping new novel that unfolds across fin-de-siècle Europe telling a story of ineffable passions–familial, artistic, romantic–and their power to shape, and destroy, a life. October 9, 2018.

“Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW. Based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, Brown is showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead. October 9, 2018.

“Presidents of War” by Michael Beschloss. From a preeminent presidential historian comes a groundbreaking and often surprising saga of America’s wartime chief executives. October 9, 2018.

“The Next Person You Meet in Heaven: The Sequel to the Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom. In this enchanting sequel Albom tells the story of Eddie’s heavenly reunion with Annie-the little girl he saved on earth-in an unforgettable novel of how our lives and losses intersect. October 9, 2018.

“Unsheltered: A Novel” by Barbara Kingsolver. A timely novel that interweaves past and present to explore the human capacity for resiliency and compassion in times of great upheaval. Staff recommended. October 16, 2018.

“Every Breath” by Nicholas Sparks. An epic romance across decades and continents–from North Carolina to Zimbabwe–while asking the question, How long can a dream survive? October 16, 2018.

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life” by Jane Sherron de Hart. The first full life–private, public, legal, philosophical–of the 107th Supreme Court Justice, one of the most profound and profoundly transformative legal minds of our time. October 16, 2018.

“The Library Book” by Susan Orlean. Centered on the unsolved mystery of the Los Angeles Public Library fire in 1986, this delivers a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—our libraries. October 16, 2018.

“Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook” by Yotam Ottolenghi. A collection of 130 easy, flavor-forward recipes from the beloved chef. October 16, 2018.

“The Reckoning” by John Grisham. Pete Banning was Clanton, Mississippi’s favorite son. Then one cool October morning he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed his pastor and friend. October 23, 2018

“Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks” by Ina Garten. In her new cookbook she shares a brand-new collection of recipes, tips, and techniques, so readers can cook with confidence no matter how much experience they have in the kitchen. October 23, 2018.

For middle grade readers “The Meltdown: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13” by Jeff Kinney. When a wintry blast closes Greg Heffley’s middle school, it turns his neighborhood into a battleground, complete with snow forts, alliances, betrayals, and epic snowball fights. October 30, 2018.

As always, check our website for all the latest in book news.

Happy reading!

— By Elaine Mattson

Edmonds native Elaine Mattson has worked at The Edmonds Bookshop off and on since she was 12 years old, and has also worked at a book wholesaler, a book publisher, and for the book publishing division of a large local software company (yes, that one). “I was raised a book lover [thanks, Mom!],” Mattson says. “We got book lights by our beds as soon as we were old enough to read. And then I probably got in trouble for reading too late the very next night. And I still read too late!”

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