Northwest Passages Book Club

Author James Patrick Thomas brought his memoir, "Atomic Pilgrim," to the Northwest Passages Book Club Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The book talks about Thomas' decades-long investigation into the use and spread of nuclear weapons, the harms of radiation and working toward peace. Thomas lives in Seattle. Spokesman-Review reporter Nick Gibson poses the questions in the interview.

Author Jess Walter, debuts his book "So Far Gone" at Northwest Passages in Spokane, Washington Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The event is moderatoed by Spokesman-Review Editor Rob Curley at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University where several of Jess Walter's colleagues:  Anthony Doerr, Maria Semple, Kristin Hannah, Luis and Cindy Urrea, Julia Sweeney and Timothy Egan pay tribute to Walter.  Questions are posed by: Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, Shawn Vestal, Jim deFede, Craig Johnson, Cindy Hval, Sam Mills, Matthew Sullivan, Sam Ligon, Ammi Midstokke, Leyna Krow, Sharma Shields, Carla Crujido, Kate Lebo and WSU basketball coach, David Riley.

National bestselling author of "The Music of Bees, " Eileen Garvin returns with a moving story of hope, healing, and unexpected friendship set amidst the wild natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. “Garvin evocatively renders the beauty of the mountain landscape, and she excels at depicting the fault lines in her characters’ lives…Readers in the mood for a happy ending will be carried away.” —Publisher’s WeeklyAmmi Midstokke leads the conversation, taped before a live studio audience on the roof top of the Steam Plant on May 2, 2024.

Acclaimed author Ed Humes appears at the Northwest Passages Book Club to talk about his latest work, "Total Garbage", with Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts theater at Gonzaga University on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Author Simone Gorrindo wrote a memoir of her life as a military wife and talks with Northwest Passages Book Club coordinator Kristi Burns about how she dealt with the life of a military wife. Gorrindo appeared at the book club event in the Chronicle Building pavilion in Spokane, Washington Tuesday, April 17, 2024.

In her fourth novel, acclaimed Denfeld (The Butterfly Girl, 2019) draws on her experiences as a social justice investigator and foster mother to astutely portray neurodivergent characters in a transfixingly atmospheric, brilliantly plotted, heart-seizing drama of cruelty and trauma, cover-ups and murder, and the depthless mysteries of pain and love.” — BooklistIn conversation with Stephanie Oakes, April 2, 2024

High schoolers from the Inland Northwest celebrate their art submissions inspired by the prompt of "Black Joy" and discuss the significance of their pieces published in the Spokesman-Review with Black Lens Editor Natasha Hill at Gonzaga University.

Original Date: Jan 16 2024Explore the captivating world of "The Strange Beautiful" by Carla Crujido, where family lore intertwines with the intriguing stories of ten tenants spanning over a century. Drawing inspiration from real-life advertisements discovered in The Spokesman-Review, Crujido weaves tales that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these diverse characters. Immerse yourself in a collection that transcends time, delving into the strange and beautiful moments that shape the fabric of each individual's existence. Join us on this literary journey through history, where the past comes alive in the hands of a talented storyteller.

Reunite with the iconic players of the 1999 Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team in an exclusive Spokesman-Review Northwest Passages livestream!

Join us for replay of  Spokesman-Review Northwest Passages conversation with Ben Goldfarb, author of the New York Times bestseller "Crossings" from Sept. 21, 2023.In this engaging event, we'll delve into the world of animal migrations, conservation, and the challenges they face. In his compelling book, he examines our dependence on highways and roads as an environmental concern as well as a social one. "Crossings" explores the incredible journeys of wildlife as they traverse diverse landscapes. From salmon's epic migrations to the monarch butterflies' incredible feats, Goldfarb's book highlights the struggles and successes of these creatures in adapting to changing environments.During this live event, Ben Goldfarb will share insights into the obstacles these animals encounter and the innovative conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. He's a dedicated advocate for preserving ecosystems, making this conversation a valuable opportunity to discuss pressing environmental issues. In this special conversation

Northwest Passages hosts a thought-provoking evening with Tom Mueller, the accomplished author of "How to Make a Killing: Blood, Death, and Dollars in American Medicine."In this enlightening event, you'll delve into the captivating microcosm of American healthcare through dialysis, as Mueller recounts the evolution of a system that has gone astray. A panel of guests will accompany Mueller, including Dr. Katherine Tuttle, kidney specialist, Chef Duane Sunwold and biology professor Andrew Storfer.At the end of the night, listen to a live Q&A discussion with the panelists and author.

Northwest Passages presents a powerful and insightful discussion on a subject that deserves our attention and empathy. In this engaging live event featuring author Tamara Leitner, delve into the profound themes explored in her book, "Don't Say A Thing: A Predator, a Pursuit, and the Women Who Perserved." This gripping narrative courageously tackles the sensitive issue of sexual assault and the incredible strength it takes to find one's voice.About the Author: Tamara Leitner, a remarkable author, pens her story with incredible vulnerability and candor. In "Don't Say A Thing," she explores the harrowing aftermath of sexual assault, demonstrating the resilience of survivors as they navigate a world that often silences their experiences. To learn more about Tamara and her work, visit her website: www.tamaraleitner.com. Connect with her on social media for updates and insights: Twitter – @TammyLeitnerNBC | Instagram – @tammy.leitnerAbout the Moderator: Mandi Price, a seasoned tv producer and advocate for survivors

Prepare for an enriching literary journey with The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages as we present a live discussion on the critically acclaimed novel, "The Meadows," penned by the talented author, Stephanie Oakes."The Meadows" is a captivating blend of dystopia, suspense, and coming-of-age exploration aimed at LGBTQ+ youth. Oakes writes of her own experiences and influences for writing this novel, to bring light to queer people and spaces throughout history.Joining Stephanie in conversation is Alexis M. Smith.

Author Craig Johnson, writer of the extensive series of books featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, stopped at the Northwest Passages Book Club Sept. 6, 2023 at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, Washington and talked about his newest book, "The Longmire Defense", and about writing in general.

First-time author Eli Francovich, with interviewer Tyler Tjomsland, took the stage at the Bing Crosby Theater April 13 to talk about his new book "Return of Wolves" which tells the story of how wolves have been reintroduced to the wild and how ranchers and their herds are learning to live with them in Washington, Idaho and other parts of the Northwest.

New York Times #1 bestselling author Nic Stone took to the downtown Spokane theater stage Thursday night, sitting cross-legged with no shoes, to talk about mental health and the unfortunate stigma that comes with it. The talk was part of The Spokesman-Review’s Northwest Passages book club series.Stone said part of the reason she wrote her latest book, “Chaos Theory,” was to destigmatize “brain health.” The novel chronicles a pair of high school seniors who struggle with mental health problems.“This was the most personal book I’ve ever written,” Stone said.

America's Favorite Librarian (and #1 Northwest Passages Fan) Nancy Pearl interviews prolific author Timothy Egan about his new book " A Fever in the Heartland" at the Northwest Passages Book Club Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University.

The Bing Crosby Theater was the place to be on March 15 as everyone showed up to celebrate the launch of Ammi Midstokke's collection of columns into a book published by Latah Creek entitled "All the Things." Fun was had by all!

Stephaine Courtney opens the event with a reading of her published book "Our Community." African American high school students in the Spokane area present their work for Spokane Black Voices, with discussion faciliatated by Kiantha Duncan and Mandi Price.