We’re asking people who made a splash in 2019 one question: If you could give everyone in Seattle one book as a gift this holiday season, what book would you choose and why? Our first recommender is Susanna Ryan, the cartooning sensation behind the always-delightful Seattle Walk Report Instagram feed. Ryan’s fantastic first book, Seattle Walk Report, is available at fine independent bookstores everywhere, and if you’re looking for a signed copy to give your favorite Seattleite this holiday, she will appear in conversation with local author/bus driver Nathan Vass at Third Place Books Lake Forest Park on Friday, December 6th. Here’s Ryan’s holiday gift selection:
Recommending a history book as a holiday gift for every single person in Seattle feels a bit like handing out toothbrushes on Halloween, but I think all Seattleites have something to gain from reading Seattle at 150: Stories of the City through 150 Objects, an approachable, well-curated book that uses documents, photos, and ephemera from the Seattle Municipal Archives to shine a light on decisions that have shaped the city since its incorporation in 1869. Pairing interesting finds from the Archives with short, thoughtful paragraphs about their significance, this book manages to be both an engaging entry point for folks new to exploring Seattle’s history and a delightful read for even the most devoted local history nerds. If we want a vibrant “Seattle at 300” in 2169, I believe that having a citizenry with an understanding of where we’ve been is essential. Give the gift of perspective with this satisfying book!