Karen

Woman on the Other Shore
by Mitsuo Kakuta
A lonely young Japanese mother and an entrepreneur become friends, not realizing that they're both survivors of bullying—and that their experiences continue to shape their lives into the present day. Though the book is set in Japan, I suspect that most women will see themselves somewhere in this book. You'll want to talk about it! Spellbinding.

Seattle Architecture: A Walking Guide Downtown
by Maureen Elenga
This portable guide to downtown buildings West of I-5 (plus Seattle Center) includes information about year of construction, architect, original and current use. A portable, perfect companion for a casual stroll or a more elaborate walking tour. Full color pictures of all of the buildings, easy to use maps and thoughtful historical asides make this an essential Seattle guidebook.
Yes, our building (The Globe Hotel/Marshall Walker) is in the Pioneer Square section, as is the Earl Layman Memorial Clock, which is just outside our window. Visit our neighbors Flury and Co. in the Jackson Building to see a gorgeous, intact historical interior and view their collection of Edward S. Curtis prints and Native American Art.
Architectural Historian Maureen Elenga has also uncovered some remarkable hidden histories, such as that of Belltown, formerly a local area for film distributors. One of my favorites was formerly MGM/Loew's regional distribution office and is now restaurant Marjorie.

The Inhabited World
by David Long
Choice or chance?
A long dead Seattle man gradually awakens to the fact of his own suicide (and how he got to that point) after a stranger moves into his house. Accompanied by an unusual companion, he realizes that even now he has the capacity to act. Savor this novel...it's one of my favorite books of 2006.

American Theocracy
by Kevin Phillips
Debt, overly amitious military campaigns, and religious crusades predict the fall of an empire. Sound familiar? Prescient, convincing, frightening...don't miss this powerful book by the conservative "Nixon Republican" who predicted the rise of the south and sunbelt. Essential reading!

Maps for Lost Lovers
by Nadeem Aslam
A Pakistani immigrant fears for his recently disappeared brother in this rich, moody novel.
Kiriyama Pacific Rim Fiction Prize winner in 2005!
One of the best novels I've read in years!

Rip It Up and Start Again
by Simon Reynolds
Remember when punk was an attitude and not a musical style? This is your book. History, cultural context and great stories give you something to think about as you hum along...
And if you weren't there, this book will transport you back in time...it wasn't all about big hair.

Gorgon
by Peter Ward
U.W.'s Peter Ward's fascintating study of mass extinctions is also the story of a scientist working in apartheid era South Africa. An accessible, inspring account of the study of evolution of earth's species (and a reminder that earth's cultures are also works in progress).

Pike Place Market Seafood Cookbook
by Braiden Rex-Johnson
Take home a piece of Seattle's most famous market. Gorgeous pictures, fun facts, and delicious recipes. My favorite: smoked salmon, shiitake relish, cornbread pudding (p. 28) or eat it at Etta's Seafood at lunch or dinner.

Fraud
by David Rakoff
NPR's This American Life's David Rakoff is at his sardonic best in this hilarious collection. Why endure a retreat with Buddhist master Stephen Segal if you can read about that (and many, many other adventures) here? Also available on CD.

The Great Wave
by Christopher Benfey
Travel between the U.S. and Japan opened new worlds to people on both sides of the Pacific. Melville, Henry James and Frank Lloyd Wright all appear here, but the story of Okakura, author of the classic Book of Tea particularly fascinated me. It's a great story about an exuberant creative era.

Italy in Small Bites
by Carol Field
Hot summer days, ripe tomatoes, fresh bread (from Grand Central Bakery?), herbs, veggies...Enjoy these fast, simple, elegant recipes for small plates, picnics and snacks. My favorites are the roasted eggplant and olive crostini and the barely cooked mussels with herbs and wine. Delicious!

The Spiral Staircase
by Karen Armstrong
Who knew that one of the greatest lay interpreters of Christian/Jewish/Muslim history in the West began her life's work hurt by her own religious tradition? I couldn't put this down! A great lesson for me: Your life's work might not be what you think it will be!

Teaching Community
by bell hooks
Yes! A new book from tireless writer/activist hooks, taking her ideas about teaching outside the classroom in order to engage the community in working for social change. she writes with her usual candor, intelligence and humor, encouraging us--and keeping us honest.