Literary Notes

Writer Karen Tei Yamashita stopped by our studios to talk about her book I Hotel, a novel detailing the final years of San Fransisco's I Hotel. In the early 20th century, it was a hub for Filipino migrant workers and Chinese immigrants, and in later decades it became a hotspot of Asian American activism when its demolition was announced. This interview was conducted in 2011 by audiobook production supervisor John Pai.

Novelist Jesse Q. Sutanto comes to the WTBBL studios to discuss her new novel Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block. She speaks with library volunteer Ren Caldwell about the trophy-wife upbringing that inspired the novel, her passion for travel, living with ADHD, and much more.

Creative director and food stylist Andrea Pons stops by to discuss her cookbook Mamacita: Recipes Celebrating Life as a Mexican Immigrant in America, and the fascinating true story behind it. She joins WTBBL volunteer Margarita Muñoz to talk about immigration, compare pinto beans and black beans, and enjoy homemade conchas.

Poet Jane Wong stops by the WTBBL studios to chat about her memoir, Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City. Library volunteer Amber Wang, who recorded the book for our catalog, joins her to discuss researching her family without an archive, writing about memories from a distance, hearing new stories from her mom, and much more.

Glen Erik Hamilton joins us to discuss his crime thriller series following the adventures of former criminal-in-training Van Shaw. He joins longtime WTBBL volunteer Rick Sipe to discuss his background, the logistics of Seattle as a setting for a thriller, his favorite (and least favorite) parts of being a writer, and much more.

Sci-fi author Timothy Zahn stopped by WTBBL in 2008 to discuss his book Allegiance, a story set in between the original Star Wars film and its sequel, along with many of his other works. The interview was conducted by WTBBL volunteer Jeff Cavanaugh.

Children's book author, food writer, and "Seattle Soup Lady" Caroline Wright swings by to talk about her cookbook, Soup Club. WTBBL volunteer Beth Larimore chats with her about the book, as well as the COVID lockdown-era club that inspired her to write it.

Writer Diana Morita Cole joins WTBBL via video call to discuss her book Sideways: Memoir of a Misfit. Born in the Minidoka Relocation Center during World War II, she discusses her tumultuous childhood and what we can learn from her story today. WTBBL volunteer Jillian Igarashi, who recorded the book for our collection, conducted he interview.

Fashion journalist and Guinness World Record holder Eden Dawn joins us via video call to chat about The Seattle Book of Dates. Written and researched extensively by Dawn and her husband Ashod Simonian, The Seattle Book of Dates is a guide to exploring the Pacific Northwest for two! WTBBL volunteer Holly Chaffin conducted the interview and recorded the book for our collection.

Author and illustrator Amy Hevron sits down with us to talk about her Tiny Habitats books, a series of picture books that teaches kids about wildlife in peculiar places. She talks with WTBBL volunteer Rachel Glass about her illustrations and research, and they do a deeper dive into some of the habitats depicted in her books.