Seattle Stories
Seattle’s diverse landscapes and dynamic culture have inspired countless tales. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious visitor, immerse yourself in the spirit of the Emerald City with this curated list of books that offer a glimpse into Seattle’s soul.
A Novel
Supersonic
Supersonic by Thomas Kohnstamm is a multi-generational novel that explores the layered history of a Seattle neighborhood through the lives of the people who built, reshaped, and fought for it across centuries. The story is set into motion when a determined PTA president proposes renaming a local elementary school after her late grandmother—a revered music educator and a survivor of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
Classics of Asian American Literature
No-No Boy
No-No Boy is a fictionalized account of the life of Ichiro Yamada, one of the real-life “no-no boys.” In a mandatory government questionnaire, Yamada was asked if he would enlist in the military and pledge allegiance to the United States. He responded “no” twice. Ichiro receives two years in jail and faces hatred from his family and community upon his return to Seattle because he is unwilling to swear allegiance to the nation that imprisoned him and his family.
A Novel
Where’d You Go, Bernadette
Join Bee as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her eccentric mother’s disappearance in this quirky and heartwarming novel set against the backdrop of Seattle’s eclectic neighborhoods.
A Novel
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Set against the backdrop of Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown-International District, this poignant tale follows the unlikely friendship between a Chinese American boy and a Japanese American girl during World War II, exploring themes of love, loss, and cultural identity.
