#BookBingoNW2018: About the Environment

One of the many things I appreciate about the Book Bingo categories is that quite a few can be filled by both fiction or nonfiction, leaving the choice up to the reader. Today let’s look at the “About the Environment” category, which at first glance lends itself primarily to nonfiction, and instead see what fiction we could read.

T.C. Boyle has written several novels in which environmental concerns play

#BookBingoNW: Suggested by a Young Person

We asked our young patrons at the Central Library Children’s Center to suggest books for our adult Book Bingo players and they delivered! These young people know their kid lit – they suggested classics both modern and older, video game tie-ins, realistic fiction, fantasy, adventure – there’s something for every reader of any age. Find the full list here: #BookBingoNW2018: Central Library Children’s Center patron suggestions for “Suggested by a Young Person”

Gregor the Overlander, the first novel by Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games trilogy, is something of an urban Alice in Wonderland. I’m not a fantasy reader, but once I picked it up I was hooked! I devoured the first hundred pages in one sitting.

#BookBingoNW2018: Award-Winning Authors

I’m sure you have heard of the Newbery Medal, Man Booker Prize, Hugo Award, and many, many other author awards. In addition to these well-known awards, let me introduce you to a few newer ones and their winning authors.

Black Caucus American Library Association (BCALA) Literary Award, established in 1994, recognizes African American authors in both fiction and nonfiction. Some of these outstanding works are listed below:

Grace by Natashia Deon follows the life of a runaway slave and her daughter. Deon’s writing is beautiful and gives you an intense conclusion. This won the Fiction Award in 2017.

The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore was the Nonfiction winner in 2011. This fascinating book is a memoir of the author and also the story of another boy who grew up in a neighborhood nearby with the same name.

Chasing Utopia by Nikki Giovanni won the 2014 literary award by using simplicity and humor in this collection of poems that are part memoir.

  

#BookBingoNW2018: A SAL author

 

There is no shortage of ideas for the Book Bingo challenge to read a Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) author. SAL has been bringing writers to Seattle for three decades (here is the complete list), so there are literally hundreds of options. In the spirit of being current with this year’s literary happenings around town, let’s take a look at some of the authors coming for the 2018/2019 season. You’ll find many ideas for book bingo squares other than “SAL author” with this list:

#BookBingoNW2018: Memoir or biography — deep thoughts from funny people

If you’re looking for a lighter summer read but still want some substance,
check out these memoirs by comedians.

Lately I’ve been feeling a little too world-weary for anything heavy but a little too… existentially keyed up? for pure escapism. Luckily, the library has a great collection of memoirs that weave in issues of family dynamics, race, and gender along with the funny. Here’s a selection of thoughtful, clever, emotional, and yes, occasionally funny memoirs that have been giving me life. Add one of these recommendations to your bingo card, or add your own memoir recommendation in the comments.

Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman is more than just his Ron character from Parks and Recreation, and he proves it in this delightful look back at a pretty decent childhood. Come for the nuanced discussion of manliness and stay for the compassionate analysis of the aspects of his childhood church experience that he appreciated (mainly the people) and the aspects that he has rejected (mainly treating the Bible as literal fact). Offerman even credits his signature deadpan style to the church, honed while attempting to make his cousins laugh without getting caught “monkeying around”. Most importantly, the audio book is read by the author himself, so you can experience the delight of his dry delivery first hand.