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General Recommendations

Seattle Staff Faves 2020: Adult Fiction & Nonfiction

By:

Seattle_Quick_Picks

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

Every year we ask our staff across the system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this variety of staff favorites, some with staff annotations, and others with annotations from Kirkus, unless otherwise noted. (Created November 2020)

By:

Seattle_Quick_Picks

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 72 items

1-25 of 72 items

False Value

False Value

by Aaronovitch, Ben

Book - 2020

(FICTION) "Latest installment in the cheeky and compelling Rivers of London paranormal police procedural series. "--Lauren (FICTION) "Latest installment in the cheeky and compelling Rivers of London paranormal police procedural series. "--Lauren Show less

(FICTION) "Latest installment in the cheeky and compelling Rivers of London paranormal police procedural series. "--Lauren (FICTION) "Latest installment in the cheeky and compelling Rivers of London paranormal police procedural series. "--Lauren Show less

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A Long Petal of the Sea

A Long Petal of the Sea

A Novel

by Allende, Isabel

Book - 2020

(FICTION) "A sweeping saga, told in graceful language, about two young people – an army doctor and a sheep-herder – who flee the Spanish Civil War and immigrate to Chile, where they begin new lives."--Paige (FICTION) "A sweeping saga, told in graceful language, about two young people – an army doctor and a sheep-herder – who flee the Spanish Civil War and immigrate to Chile, where they begin new lives."--Paige Show less

(FICTION) "A sweeping saga, told in graceful language, about two young people – an army doctor and a sheep-herder – who flee the Spanish Civil War and immigrate to Chile, where they begin new lives."--Paige (FICTION) "A sweeping saga, told in graceful language, about two young people – an army doctor and a sheep-herder – who flee the Spanish Civil War and immigrate to Chile, where they begin new lives."--Paige Show less

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Spirit Run

Spirit Run

A 6,000-mile Marathon Through North America's Stolen Land

by Álvarez, Noé

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) Born in Washington State to Mexican immigrant parents, Álvarez began packing apples alongside his mother at a young age, won a full scholarsh...Show more (NONFICTION) Born in Washington State to Mexican immigrant parents, Álvarez began packing apples alongside his mother at a young age, won a full scholarship to college, then dropped out to join a Native American/First Nations movement called the Peace and Dignity Journeys, months-long marathons aimed at re-creating connections across a North America that transcend current political borders. - Library Journal Show less

(NONFICTION) Born in Washington State to Mexican immigrant parents, Álvarez began packing apples alongside his mother at a young age, won a full scholarsh...Show more (NONFICTION) Born in Washington State to Mexican immigrant parents, Álvarez began packing apples alongside his mother at a young age, won a full scholarship to college, then dropped out to join a Native American/First Nations movement called the Peace and Dignity Journeys, months-long marathons aimed at re-creating connections across a North America that transcend current political borders. - Library Journal Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 42 on 8 copies

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We Ride Upon Sticks

We Ride Upon Sticks

by Barry, Quan

Book - 2020

(FICTION) Almost 300 years after the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, hosted the infamous 1692 witch trials, a new coven rises to power.--Kirkus (FICTION) Almost 300 years after the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, hosted the infamous 1692 witch trials, a new coven rises to power.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) Almost 300 years after the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, hosted the infamous 1692 witch trials, a new coven rises to power.--Kirkus (FICTION) Almost 300 years after the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, hosted the infamous 1692 witch trials, a new coven rises to power.--Kirkus Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 70 on 16 copies

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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) How does a fictional character write a real memoir? Very, very well.--Kirkus (NONFICTION) How does a fictional character write a real memoir? Very, very well.--Kirkus Show less

(NONFICTION) How does a fictional character write a real memoir? Very, very well.--Kirkus (NONFICTION) How does a fictional character write a real memoir? Very, very well.--Kirkus Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 13 on 8 copies

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The Vanishing Half

The Vanishing Half

by Bennett, Brit

Book - 2020

(FICTION) The talented Bennett fuels her fiction with secrets—first in her lauded debut, The Mothers (2016), and now in the assured and magnetic story of the Vignes sisters, light-skinned women parked on opposite sides of the color line.--Kirkus (FICTION) The talented Bennett fuels her fiction with secrets—first in her lauded debut, The Mothers (2016), and now in the assured and magnetic story of the Vignes sisters, light-skinned women parked on opposite sides of the color line.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) The talented Bennett fuels her fiction with secrets—first in her lauded debut, The Mothers (2016), and now in the assured and magnetic story of the Vignes sisters, light-skinned women parked on opposite sides of the color line.--Kirkus (FICTION) The talented Bennett fuels her fiction with secrets—first in her lauded debut, The Mothers (2016), and now in the assured and magnetic story of the Vignes sisters, light-skinned women parked on opposite sides of the color line.--Kirkus Show less

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Beyond Survival

Beyond Survival

Strategies and Stories From the Transformative Justice Movement

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) "Seattle's own Lambda Award-winning writer and organizer Piepzna-Samarasinha is co-editor of this multi-genre volume, which looks beyond the 'criminal justice system' for responses to violence and systemic inequity."--Bean (NONFICTION) "Seattle's own Lambda Award-winning writer and organizer Piepzna-Samarasinha is co-editor of this multi-genre volume, which looks beyond the 'criminal justice system' for responses to violence and systemic inequity."--Bean Show less

(NONFICTION) "Seattle's own Lambda Award-winning writer and organizer Piepzna-Samarasinha is co-editor of this multi-genre volume, which looks beyond the 'criminal justice system' for responses to violence and systemic inequity."--Bean (NONFICTION) "Seattle's own Lambda Award-winning writer and organizer Piepzna-Samarasinha is co-editor of this multi-genre volume, which looks beyond the 'criminal justice system' for responses to violence and systemic inequity."--Bean Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 26 on 6 copies

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Nature Obscura

Nature Obscura

A City's Hidden Natural World

by Brenner, Kelly

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) "A local author sheds a light on the tiny creatures living right outside your front door. Fascinating!"--Abby (NONFICTION) "A local author sheds a light on the tiny creatures living right outside your front door. Fascinating!"--Abby Show less

(NONFICTION) "A local author sheds a light on the tiny creatures living right outside your front door. Fascinating!"--Abby (NONFICTION) "A local author sheds a light on the tiny creatures living right outside your front door. Fascinating!"--Abby Show less

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Solutions and Other Problems

Solutions and Other Problems

by Brosh, Allie

Graphic Novel - 2020

(NONFICTION) "For the love of self care, mental health and hope, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh, her delayed and much anticipated sequel...Show more (NONFICTION) "For the love of self care, mental health and hope, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh, her delayed and much anticipated sequel to the popular Hyperbole and a Half of 2016. Really, her journey of self discovery/loathing/acceptance and friendship, peppered with loss, animals and awkwardness, is relatable to many of the introspective odysseys most readers have been on this year."--Hannah "was anxiously awaited by my entire family, from my 6yo to my husband. Allie Brosh's ability to tell a heartbreaking story in one chapter and follow it up with Surprise Poop in the next is amazing."--Jessica Show less

(NONFICTION) "For the love of self care, mental health and hope, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh, her delayed and much anticipated sequel...Show more (NONFICTION) "For the love of self care, mental health and hope, Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh, her delayed and much anticipated sequel to the popular Hyperbole and a Half of 2016. Really, her journey of self discovery/loathing/acceptance and friendship, peppered with loss, animals and awkwardness, is relatable to many of the introspective odysseys most readers have been on this year."--Hannah "was anxiously awaited by my entire family, from my 6yo to my husband. Allie Brosh's ability to tell a heartbreaking story in one chapter and follow it up with Surprise Poop in the next is amazing."--Jessica Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 167 on 37 copies

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Dirt

Dirt

Adventures in Lyon as A Chef in Training, Father, and Sleuth Looking for the Secret of French Cooking

by Buford, Bill

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) "The New Yorker writer moves his family to France so he can learn why French cooking is the envy of the culinary world. Witty, self-deprecating and candid."--Frank (NONFICTION) "The New Yorker writer moves his family to France so he can learn why French cooking is the envy of the culinary world. Witty, self-deprecating and candid."--Frank Show less

(NONFICTION) "The New Yorker writer moves his family to France so he can learn why French cooking is the envy of the culinary world. Witty, self-deprecating and candid."--Frank (NONFICTION) "The New Yorker writer moves his family to France so he can learn why French cooking is the envy of the culinary world. Witty, self-deprecating and candid."--Frank Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 41 on 15 copies

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Sword in the Stars

Sword in the Stars

by Capetta, Amy Rose

Book - 2020

(FICTION) "Sequel to Once and Future, this sci-fantasy retelling of the King Arthur stories dives even deeper into the mythology."--KJ (FICTION) "Sequel to Once and Future, this sci-fantasy retelling of the King Arthur stories dives even deeper into the mythology."--KJ Show less

(FICTION) "Sequel to Once and Future, this sci-fantasy retelling of the King Arthur stories dives even deeper into the mythology."--KJ (FICTION) "Sequel to Once and Future, this sci-fantasy retelling of the King Arthur stories dives even deeper into the mythology."--KJ Show less

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The Library of Legends

The Library of Legends

A Novel

by Chang, Janie

Book - 2020

(FICTION) "As Japanese bombs begin falling on China in 1937, university faculty and students set off on a long trek to carry both themselves and a rare collection of folklore and mythology books to safety."--Paige (FICTION) "As Japanese bombs begin falling on China in 1937, university faculty and students set off on a long trek to carry both themselves and a rare collection of folklore and mythology books to safety."--Paige Show less

(FICTION) "As Japanese bombs begin falling on China in 1937, university faculty and students set off on a long trek to carry both themselves and a rare collection of folklore and mythology books to safety."--Paige (FICTION) "As Japanese bombs begin falling on China in 1937, university faculty and students set off on a long trek to carry both themselves and a rare collection of folklore and mythology books to safety."--Paige Show less

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My Unforgotten Seattle

My Unforgotten Seattle

by Chew, Ron

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew spent more than five decades fighting for Asian American an...Show more (NONFICTION) Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew spent more than five decades fighting for Asian American and social justice causes in Seattle. In this deeply personal memoir, he documents the tight-knit community he remembers, describing small family shops, chop suey restaurants, and sewing factories now vanished.--NoveList Show less

(NONFICTION) Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew spent more than five decades fighting for Asian American an...Show more (NONFICTION) Third-generation Seattleite, historian, journalist, and museum visionary Ron Chew spent more than five decades fighting for Asian American and social justice causes in Seattle. In this deeply personal memoir, he documents the tight-knit community he remembers, describing small family shops, chop suey restaurants, and sewing factories now vanished.--NoveList Show less

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Dancing After TEN

Dancing After TEN

A Graphic Memoir

by Chong, Vivian

Graphic Novel - 2020

(NONFICTION) A prime example of the graphic medicine genre, which illustrates medical conditions, often through lived experience, this work is engaging and informative but never feels teachy or preachy.--Library Journal (NONFICTION) A prime example of the graphic medicine genre, which illustrates medical conditions, often through lived experience, this work is engaging and informative but never feels teachy or preachy.--Library Journal Show less

(NONFICTION) A prime example of the graphic medicine genre, which illustrates medical conditions, often through lived experience, this work is engaging and informative but never feels teachy or preachy.--Library Journal (NONFICTION) A prime example of the graphic medicine genre, which illustrates medical conditions, often through lived experience, this work is engaging and informative but never feels teachy or preachy.--Library Journal Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 43 on 9 copies

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Ring Shout

Ring Shout

Or, Hunting Ku Kluxes in the End Times

by Clark, P. Djèlí

Book - 2020

(FICTION) What if White supremacy was not only a monstrous philosophy, but was enabled by actual horrific monsters? --Kirkus (FICTION) What if White supremacy was not only a monstrous philosophy, but was enabled by actual horrific monsters? --Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) What if White supremacy was not only a monstrous philosophy, but was enabled by actual horrific monsters? --Kirkus (FICTION) What if White supremacy was not only a monstrous philosophy, but was enabled by actual horrific monsters? --Kirkus Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 26 on 8 copies

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When No One Is Watching

When No One Is Watching

A Thriller

by Cole, Alyssa

Book - 2020

(FICTION) At the start of this outstanding thriller from Cole (A Prince on Paper), Sydney Green decides, as a distraction from her elderly mother’s illnes...Show more (FICTION) At the start of this outstanding thriller from Cole (A Prince on Paper), Sydney Green decides, as a distraction from her elderly mother’s illness and other personal woes, to take a walking tour of Gifford Place, her historically Black Brooklyn neighborhood, which is becoming increasingly gentrified and considered as the home for a pharmaceutical firm’s massive new headquarters.--Publishers Weekly Show less

(FICTION) At the start of this outstanding thriller from Cole (A Prince on Paper), Sydney Green decides, as a distraction from her elderly mother’s illnes...Show more (FICTION) At the start of this outstanding thriller from Cole (A Prince on Paper), Sydney Green decides, as a distraction from her elderly mother’s illness and other personal woes, to take a walking tour of Gifford Place, her historically Black Brooklyn neighborhood, which is becoming increasingly gentrified and considered as the home for a pharmaceutical firm’s massive new headquarters.--Publishers Weekly Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 96 on 69 copies

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The Undocumented Americans

The Undocumented Americans

by Cornejo Villavicencio, Karla

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) "Karla's heart is massive and you can see how incredibly exhausting that is to carry so much responsibility because others have failed y...Show more (NONFICTION) "Karla's heart is massive and you can see how incredibly exhausting that is to carry so much responsibility because others have failed you and your own. Her story and those that she has reached out to and helped force us to witness what is really going on. So much of our nation is blinded by the fact that their privilege was built on the backs of someone else - people deemed "less than". Take any moment in our history and when you pull back the curtain there they are lifting us up, while we tear them down and yet their resilience is just wow. I cried so many times reading this I lost count, but also found myself laughing too because while its a serious subject her humor and swear words helped eased the tension a bit."--Kara Show less

(NONFICTION) "Karla's heart is massive and you can see how incredibly exhausting that is to carry so much responsibility because others have failed y...Show more (NONFICTION) "Karla's heart is massive and you can see how incredibly exhausting that is to carry so much responsibility because others have failed you and your own. Her story and those that she has reached out to and helped force us to witness what is really going on. So much of our nation is blinded by the fact that their privilege was built on the backs of someone else - people deemed "less than". Take any moment in our history and when you pull back the curtain there they are lifting us up, while we tear them down and yet their resilience is just wow. I cried so many times reading this I lost count, but also found myself laughing too because while its a serious subject her humor and swear words helped eased the tension a bit."--Kara Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 91 on 17 copies

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You Had Me at Hola

You Had Me at Hola

A Novel

by Daria, Alexis

Book - 2020

(FICTION) An actress on an upward career trajectory falls in love with her leading man.--Kirkus (FICTION) An actress on an upward career trajectory falls in love with her leading man.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) An actress on an upward career trajectory falls in love with her leading man.--Kirkus (FICTION) An actress on an upward career trajectory falls in love with her leading man.--Kirkus Show less

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Untamed

Untamed

by Doyle, Glennon

Book - 2020

(NONFICTION) Doyle offers another lucid, inspiring chronicle of female empowerment and the rewards of self-awareness and renewal.--Kirkus (NONFICTION) Doyle offers another lucid, inspiring chronicle of female empowerment and the rewards of self-awareness and renewal.--Kirkus Show less

(NONFICTION) Doyle offers another lucid, inspiring chronicle of female empowerment and the rewards of self-awareness and renewal.--Kirkus (NONFICTION) Doyle offers another lucid, inspiring chronicle of female empowerment and the rewards of self-awareness and renewal.--Kirkus Show less

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The Death of Vivek Oji

The Death of Vivek Oji

by Emezi, Akwaeke

Book - 2020

(FICTION) The author of the young adult novel Pet, a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award, offers another exploration of gender identity, this time for adults.--Kirkus (FICTION) The author of the young adult novel Pet, a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award, offers another exploration of gender identity, this time for adults.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) The author of the young adult novel Pet, a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award, offers another exploration of gender identity, this time for adults.--Kirkus (FICTION) The author of the young adult novel Pet, a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award, offers another exploration of gender identity, this time for adults.--Kirkus Show less

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The Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

A Novel

by Erdrich, Louise

Book - 2020

(FICTION) In this unhurried, kaleidoscopic story, the efforts of Native Americans to save their lands from being taken away by the U.S. government in the early 1950s come intimately, vividly to life.--Kirkus (FICTION) In this unhurried, kaleidoscopic story, the efforts of Native Americans to save their lands from being taken away by the U.S. government in the early 1950s come intimately, vividly to life.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) In this unhurried, kaleidoscopic story, the efforts of Native Americans to save their lands from being taken away by the U.S. government in the early 1950s come intimately, vividly to life.--Kirkus (FICTION) In this unhurried, kaleidoscopic story, the efforts of Native Americans to save their lands from being taken away by the U.S. government in the early 1950s come intimately, vividly to life.--Kirkus Show less

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Children of the Stars

Children of the Stars

A Novel

by Escobar, Mario

Book - 2020

(FICTION) "Historical fiction by Mario Escobar based on a documentary 'Weapons of the Spirit'. Also carries important messages for our time."--Rosemary (FICTION) "Historical fiction by Mario Escobar based on a documentary 'Weapons of the Spirit'. Also carries important messages for our time."--Rosemary Show less

(FICTION) "Historical fiction by Mario Escobar based on a documentary 'Weapons of the Spirit'. Also carries important messages for our time."--Rosemary (FICTION) "Historical fiction by Mario Escobar based on a documentary 'Weapons of the Spirit'. Also carries important messages for our time."--Rosemary Show less

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The Bright Lands

The Bright Lands

A Novel

by Fram, John

Book - 2020

(FICTION) Fram’s ambitious debut takes a critical, terrifying look at a small town in Texas, where high school football reigns supreme and puts a double bind on those who are desperate to get out.--Publishers Weekly (FICTION) Fram’s ambitious debut takes a critical, terrifying look at a small town in Texas, where high school football reigns supreme and puts a double bind on those who are desperate to get out.--Publishers Weekly Show less

(FICTION) Fram’s ambitious debut takes a critical, terrifying look at a small town in Texas, where high school football reigns supreme and puts a double bind on those who are desperate to get out.--Publishers Weekly (FICTION) Fram’s ambitious debut takes a critical, terrifying look at a small town in Texas, where high school football reigns supreme and puts a double bind on those who are desperate to get out.--Publishers Weekly Show less

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Upright Women Wanted

Upright Women Wanted

by Gailey, Sarah

Book - 2020

(FICTION) Gailey (Magic for Liars) pits librarian spies against the oppressive government of a future Southwestern America in this dazzling neo-western adventure.--Publishers Weekly (FICTION) Gailey (Magic for Liars) pits librarian spies against the oppressive government of a future Southwestern America in this dazzling neo-western adventure.--Publishers Weekly Show less

(FICTION) Gailey (Magic for Liars) pits librarian spies against the oppressive government of a future Southwestern America in this dazzling neo-western adventure.--Publishers Weekly (FICTION) Gailey (Magic for Liars) pits librarian spies against the oppressive government of a future Southwestern America in this dazzling neo-western adventure.--Publishers Weekly Show less

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Lakewood

Lakewood

A Novel

by Giddings, Megan

Book - 2020

(FICTION) A first-time novelist offers medical horror with a political edge.--Kirkus (FICTION) A first-time novelist offers medical horror with a political edge.--Kirkus Show less

(FICTION) A first-time novelist offers medical horror with a political edge.--Kirkus (FICTION) A first-time novelist offers medical horror with a political edge.--Kirkus Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 5 on 6 copies

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