As our weather turns to rain, fall is a great time to grab a book and cozy up by the fire. This year, why not snuggle up with books written by local authors from Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and throughout Thurston County? It’s a great way to support artists in the area. And don’t worry, there are plenty of genres to choose from! Local authors write about art, local history, fantasy, mystery, romance and more! There is something for everyone from a local Thurston County author. They also make great holiday gifts for everyone on your list!
‘Flower Gardening for Beginners’
Amy Baren
Capitol Bloom owner Amy Barene wrote “Flower Gardening for Beginners” to help us all create beautiful cut-flower gardens. Her flower expertise shines throughout the book, which features illustrations as well as important information about the most popular flowers, including how to grow, harvest and even dry them.
“1, 2, 3, Salish Sea: A Pacific Northwest Counting Book”
Nikki McClure
Another fun book to read with your children is by Washington Book Award finalist Nikki McClure for her book “1, 2, 3, Salish Sea: A Pacific Northwest Counting Book.” Her fun counting book combines the history of our area along with the sea creatures that call the Sound home while teaching kids to count.
‘Boots’
Sheelah McCaughan
Need something for the littles in your life to read to? “Boots” by Lacey children’s author Sheelah McCaughan might be just what you are looking for after the last couple years. The board book was written post-COVID to help our young children who were used to having everyone at home all day, suddenly see everyone leave. “Whether it’s watching parents head back to work or seeing siblings go back to school, our littlest ones are struggling with a mighty big change to the world they’ve come to know,” McCaughan explains. The book doesn’t mention the pandemic, so it’s a great read about dealing with change and family leaving – no matter the cause.
“Something Good”
Marcy Campbell
“Something Good” is another children’s story written by a Washington Book Award finalist. In Marcy Campbell’s book, elementary school children learn how to cope and heal after something bad is written on a wall of their school.
‘Uncharted Waters: A Selkie Story’
Andi Lee
If you love myths and fantasy, “Uncharted Waters: A Selkie Story” by Andi Lee is a must-read for you! Set right here in Olympia, the story takes you on a journey of Celtic legends and the mythological selkie. It’s available for free, just follow the link above and dive into a fantastic journey.
‘Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son’
This fun young adult fantasy written by Olympia author Rick Taylor takes place in Viking Russia. In “Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son,” young men are drafted into the king’s service and face all kind of perils – from first loves to wolves – and must learn to face them with a mix of faith, wisdom and duty.
‘Traitors of the Black Crown’
Cate Pearce
Another fantasy book by a local Olympia author, “Traitors of the Black Crown” will thrill readers as it takes you on a journey involving revenge, secrets and unexpected love.
‘Every Hill a Burial Place’
Peter Reid
If you like mysteries and intrigue based on true stories, then local author Peter Reid’s “Every Hill a Burial Place” is the book for you! Reid was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania during the Kinsey murder trial. Here, he dives deep into the event, the trial and the verdict through a variety of perspectives.
‘The Last Sandstorm’
Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson
“The Last Sandstorm” is an incredible memoir by Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson that portrays her own escape from Saudi Arabia to the U.S. shortly before 9/11. “The book, which I wrote as a yearlong academic project at The Evergreen State College during my time there as a student, describes my life and upbringing in a very oppressive Saudi Arabia during the 70s, 80s, and 90s,” says Faulk-Dickerson.
‘Learning to Fly’
Marisha McDowell
“Learning to Fly” is about Olympia author Marisha’s McDowells own adventures trekking to Everest Base Camp with her husband, who happens to be a professional mountain guide.
‘The Other Mothers: Two Women’s Journey to Find the Family That Was Always Theirs’
Jennifer Berney
Olympia author Jennifer Berney is a Washington Book Award finalist for her book, “The Other Mothers: Two Women’s Journey to Find the Family That Was Always Theirs.” This personal memoir is about her struggle to become a mother with her wife Kelly, including the ups and downs they encountered.
‘Mud Flat Shorts (mostly fiction)’
This anthology has stories from 18 writers, 9 of which are from Olympia. The stories in “Mud Flat Shorts (mostly fiction)” are varied, from contemporary drama to science fiction. They are perfect for snuggling up in a blanket with your favorite hot drink on a chilly fall evening.
