Books

Some books have my name on them; most books I’ve worked on don’t.

I love working on memoirs by authors who have had enough time (and therapy, probably) to see the humor or teensie weensie moments of levity in even the hardest of times, are interested in parsing out the emotional or psychological crux of the matter, and want to offer earned insight without hitting readers over the head with it. As for fiction, I can’t get enough of contemporary fiction, romance, comedy, thriller and mystery, historical fiction, and YA.

The Art of Ramona Quimby: Sixty-Five Years of Illustrations from Beverly Cleary’s Beloved Books

Essays by Annie Barrows and Jacqueline Rogers
Chronicle Books, 2020

A Mighty Girl 2020 Book of the Year

The Art of Ramona Quimby celebrates the artists behind Beverly Cleary's inimitable Ramona Quimby series.

The adventures of her iconic heroine have been brought to life by five different artists: Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, Joanne Scribner, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers. Readers can compare multiple interpretations of iconic scenes (remember the infamous egg-cracking incident?), read letters exchanged between Cleary and the first illustrator, and learn the stories behind the illustrations.

The Art of Ramona Quimby explores the evolution of an iconic character, and how each artist has ultimately made her timeless. For fans of illustration and design, and for those who grew up alongside Ramona, this richly nostalgic volume reminds us why we fell in love with these books.

The Art of Ramona Quimby, Drawings of Ramona Quimby by illustrators Alan Tiegreen, Jacqueline Rogers, Tracy Dockray, and Louis Darling.

Swimming Holes of Washington: Perfect Places to Play

Mountaineers Books, 2018

Finally a guidebook for swimmers! There is no shortage of guides for places to hike, climb, and paddle in Western Washington, but not much on how to find perfect places to swim. Now Swimming Holes of Washington fills that, er, hole. It’s the ultimate list for water lovers who want to find gorgeous and fun places to make a splash.

Everyone from hardcore hikers to families out for a picnic and plunge will enjoy this guide to a universally loved activity. Authors Anna Katz and Shane Robinson literally dove into their research to find the best swimming holes to share. They set the bar high: cleanliness and clearness of the water is paramount, but the beauty of the surrounding area, the company (or wonderful lack thereof), and the effort involved in getting there are also taken into account.

Child splashing in the water, quiet river scene with evergreen trees.

Easy Weekend Getaways from Seattle: Short Breaks in the Pacific Northwest

W. W. Norton & Company, 2019

A weekend warrior’s guide to the best expeditions within striking distance of Seattle

Seattle is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the United States, and while there’s plenty to explore in the Emerald City, sometimes residents just need to get away from it all. Lush green forests perfect for hiking, tiny islands, charming fishing villages, and even British Columbia’s most authentic Chinese food, are all accessible within a few hours’ drive from the bustling metropolis.

Easy Weekend Getaways from Seattle guides both travelers and Seattleites alike through their next weekend expedition. Whether you want to do serious hiking and biking, visit breweries, or tour locations from Twin Peaks or Twilight, this guidebook suggests a variety of destinations and travel tips for people of all interests planning their next weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest. Chapters cover foodie getaways, romantic mini-breaks, the great outdoors, and quiet time, with perfectly curated itineraries to match your travel mood.