KUOW Book Club and The Seattle Public Library Partner on Summer Reading Series Featuring Local Authors
release date: June 2, 2025
Join the KUOW Book Club and The Seattle Public Library for a summer book club adventure! Each month this summer, read along with the KUOW Book Club’s selection, and then connect with the author at an event at the Central Library’s auditorium that will feature the author in conversation with KUOW host Katie Campbell.
“This summer, our book club is exploring meaningful activism, reading surreal stories together, and listening to the wisdom of forests, with the help of books by local authors Ijeoma Oluo, Kim Fu and Lynda Mapes,” said Katie Campbell, KUOW Book Club host. “Please join us!”
In June, the Book Club selection is Ijeoma Oluo’s “Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World -- and How You Can, Too," with an event on June 26. In July, the Book Club pick is Kim Fu’s “Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century,” with an event on July 30. The series concludes in August with Lynda Mapes’ “The Trees Are Speaking,” with an event on August 27. Find out more and register for each event at this KUOW Book Club page.
“We are delighted to partner with KUOW in inviting all of Seattle to connect over these three powerful books this summer,” said Stesha Brandon, Literature and Humanities Manager at The Seattle Public Library. “And we hope to see all of you at the Central Library events. Bring your friends and bring your questions!”
All Library events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Details for each event are below. Books will be available for sale at each event from our partner at Third Place Books.
- June Book Club: Ijeoma Oluo discusses "Be a Revolution.” Thursday, June 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Auditorium. In the bestselling author’s latest book, "Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World -- and How You Can, Too," Oluo offers a guide to meaningful dialogue on race and racism — and how everyday actions can create real, lasting change. Join a conversation that explores how we can all use our voices to challenge oppression and have conversations in a way that makes lasting change. Registration is required.
- July Book Club: Kim Fu discusses "Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century." Wednesday, July 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Auditorium. Fu’s new collection of 12 surreal and haunting stories blurs the line between the ordinary and the uncanny. Why are wings growing out of that girl’s legs? What happens when the strange becomes familiar — and the familiar, strange? Katie and Kim will explore the inspiration behind these short stories, and you’ll have the chance to peek inside the author’s imagination — and ask your own questions too. Registration is required.
- August Book Club: Lynda Mapes discusses "The Trees are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forest .” Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 – Auditorium. Just released in April, the Seattle Times environmental journalist’s latest work is already being hailed as essential reading for anyone interested in environmental stewardship. The conversation will delve into how these stories came to life, asking questions like: What can we learn from the forest? And how can Indigenous communities guide us in protecting these ancient ecosystems? Registration is required.
In June, the KUOW Book Club will also include a bonus selection of “We Had No Rules,” by Seattle author Corinne Manning. Listen to a special episode of the KUOW podcast “Meet Me Here” on Wednesday, June 18 for a conversation with Manning, and a preview of the June 26 event with Oluo.
If you’re playing Summer Book Bingo you can fill in a square on your bingo card with each Book Club selection! Find out more about the adult summer reading program brought to you by The Seattle Public Library, King County Library System and Seattle Arts and Lectures at www.spl.org/BookBingo.
Thanks to our sponsors The Seattle Public Library Foundation and The Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation.
About the KUOW Book Club
The KUOW Book Club launched in 2024 to feature stories and authors from the Pacific Northwest. Curator Katie Campbell picks monthly titles, both fiction and non-fiction, and provides analysis as we read. Each month ends with an author interview, giving readers a look behind the scenes from some of the most talented writers in the region. Join the KUOW Book Club by signing up for the newsletter! More information is available at kuow.org/books.
About The Seattle Public Library
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and empower community. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.