The book “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford follows Henry, a Chinese American boy, as he navigates life in 1940s Seattle during World War II.
The story focuses on his complicated friendship with Keiko, a Japanese American girl, while their families face the impacts of prejudice and internment.
Decades later, Henry discovers suitcases left behind in the basement of an old hotel, which leads him to revisit memories of love, loss, and hope.
The novel “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein tells the story of a dog named Enzo who reflects on his life with his owner, Denny Swift. Denny, a race car driver, faces personal and professional struggles, and Enzo observes it all with deep insight and loyalty.
Through Enzo’s unique perspective, the book explores love, family, and the bond between a man and his dog.
Sherman Alexie’s “Indian Killer” is a dark and intense story about a Native American man, John Smith, who was adopted by a white family as a baby.
Struggling with his identity and sense of belonging, John becomes entangled in a chilling murder mystery that grips the city of Seattle. The novel paints a vivid picture of the city while exploring themes like race, cultural tension, and violence.
Through its haunting narrative, the book captures the challenges of identity and the scars of historical injustice.
The book “Today Will Be Different” by Maria Semple follows a single day in the life of Eleanor Flood. She begins her morning with plans to tackle her life with more discipline but soon finds chaos waiting for her instead.
As she navigates unexpected challenges, including a suddenly sick son and an encounter with someone from her past, her day spirals in unpredictable directions.
Set against the backdrop of Seattle, the story paints a vivid picture of a woman trying to piece things together while confronting truths about her life.
The book “Wizard of the Pigeons” by Robin Hobb follows a mysterious man known as the Wizard, who roams the streets of Seattle with a strange ability to know people’s secrets and give advice that changes lives.
As he navigates this role, he is drawn into dark forces tied to his past and must confront haunting memories while protecting his city from supernatural threats. The pigeons act as his silent allies, offering glimpses of an unknown magic woven into the gritty urban landscape.
The book “Boneshaker” by Cherie Priest is set in an alternate 19th-century Seattle, where a massive drilling machine unleashes a toxic gas that turns people into zombie-like creatures.
The story follows Briar Wilkes as she ventures into the walled-off city to rescue her son, who has gone searching for answers about his father’s invention. Along the way, she encounters air pirates, outlaws, and survivors struggling to stay alive in the dangerous ruins.
John Okada wrote “No-No Boy,” a powerful story about a Japanese American man named Ichiro Yamada who returns to Seattle after being imprisoned during World War II for refusing to swear loyalty to the U.S. and serve in the military.
As he comes home, he struggles with his sense of identity, the tension within his family, and the judgment from both the Japanese American community and wider society.
Through Ichiro’s experiences, the book explores themes of belonging, cultural conflict, and the scars left by the war.
“Waxwings” by Jonathan Raban takes place in Seattle during the tech boom of the late 1990s. The story follows Tom Janeway, a British writer and academic, as his marriage unravels.
Alongside his personal struggles, the novel explores the city’s rapid transformation through the rise of dot-com startups and the lives of immigrants chasing new beginnings.
Tom crosses paths with a Chinese handyman, who becomes entangled in his own pursuit of the American dream. The backdrop of Seattle reflects the chaos and opportunity of the era.
“Fifty Shades” by E. L. James is about the intense and unconventional relationship between Anastasia Steele, a quiet college student, and Christian Grey, a wealthy and mysterious businessman.
Set in Seattle, the story explores their attraction, boundaries, and secrets, as Anastasia discovers Christian’s darker desires and hidden past.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E. L. James follows Anastasia Steele, a college student who interviews wealthy businessman Christian Grey. Their connection leads to a complicated relationship as they explore his unconventional tastes and her own desires.
Set in Seattle, the story touches on power dynamics and emotional vulnerability.
“Never Mind Nirvana” by Mark Lindquist takes readers into the world of an aging rock 'n' roll aficionado and prosecutor named Pete Tyler. He navigates his life in Seattle, encountering the city’s music scene, old friends, and complicated relationships.
The book paints a vivid picture of the grunge culture and how it lingers in the lives of those who once lived in its heyday. With sharp dialogue and a focus on personal growth, the story captures the pulse of Seattle and its unique vibe.
The novel “Reamde” by Neal Stephenson follows a tech entrepreneur named Richard Forthrast, who created an online gaming company with a massive multiplayer world called T’Rain.
Things spin out of control when a ransomware virus, tied to the game, sparks a chain of events involving hackers, criminals, and international espionage.
The story weaves through Seattle and beyond, as characters race to untangle a mess that blends technology and global conflict in unexpected ways.
The book “The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red” is a fictional journal chronicling the life of Ellen Rimbauer, the wife of a wealthy oil magnate, and her time in a mysterious and sinister mansion in early 20th-century Seattle.
Through her diary entries, Ellen reveals her growing unease as the house seems to come alive, her troubled marriage, and the strange disappearances of those who visit Rose Red.
The story weaves her personal struggles with the eerie power of the mansion, creating a haunting atmosphere.
The novel “Flight” by Sherman Alexie follows Zits, a troubled Native American teenager who bounces through foster homes and grapples with anger and identity.
After a violent act, Zits unexpectedly travels through time and experiences life through the eyes of others in pivotal moments of history. These experiences force him to confront different perspectives, opening a path for self-discovery.
It’s a story filled with raw emotion and unforgettable moments.
Mishna Wolff wrote “I’m Down,” a memoir about her childhood growing up as a white girl in a mostly Black neighborhood in Seattle.
The book follows her as she tries to fit in with the kids around her while also navigating the contrasting world of her father, who embraces Black culture, and her mother, who does not.
It’s full of humorous and sometimes awkward moments as Mishna learns how identity and belonging shape her life.