Whatcom READS welcomes award-winning author Jess Walter to Bellingham and Whatcom County for March 2-4 events at venues throughout the county. Walter is the author of this year’s Whatcom READS’ selection, The Cold Millions, as well as six other novels, two books of short stories and a nonfiction book. Visit whatcomreads.org to learn more about The Cold Millions and author Jess Walter and to register for the upcoming author events.
Presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and community partner Village Books, Whatcom READS celebrates reading, readers and community though the shared experience of a book. This year marks the program’s 15th anniversary.
Borrow The Cold Millions as a book, eBook, or audiobook from the Bellingham Public Library or Whatcom County Library System. Or purchase a copy from Village Books, which donates 10 percent of each sale to Whatcom READS.
Whatcom READS author events with Jess Walter
All programs are free except where noted. Pre-registration is required. Find more information and register at whatcom.reads.org/events.
Book Discussion with Jess Walter
Deming Library Manager Katrina Carabba and Whatcom County Library System Public Services Assistant Erin Suda will co-host a conversation and audience Q&A with the author.
Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Thursday, March 2
Registration required. Event is sold out. Waiting list enabled. Visit whatcomreads.org.events.
Village Books’ Chuckanut Radio Hour
Jess Walter is the featured guest on Village Books’ popular radio variety program.
Hotel Leo, 1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2. Doors open and live music begins at 6:30 p.m.
Purchase $5 tickets online, villagebooks.com or whatcomreads.org/events. Space is limited.
Art and Craft of Writing
Jess Walter shares his writing practice and tips to inspire your own writing.
Village Books’ Readings Gallery, 1200 11th Street, Bellingham
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, March 3
Registration required, villagebooks.com or whatcomreads.org/events. Space is limited.
An Evening with Jess Walter
Whatcom READS’ signature event is at the beautiful Mount Baker Theatre. Following his presentation, Jess Walter will answer audience questions and sign books. The 2024 Whatcom READS title will be announced at the event.
Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham
7-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 3
Event is free. Tickets are required, whatcomreads.org/events or mountbakertheatre.com.
A Conversation with Jess Walter
This year's author events close with a lively online conversation between Village Books co-owner Paul Hanson and Jess Walter.
ONLINE
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, March 4
Registration required, whatcomreads.org/events or villagebooks.com.
About Whatcom READS: Northwest Washington's premier annual literary event, Whatcom READS celebrates reading, readers and strong communities through the shared experience of a book. Marking its 15th year, Whatcom READS is presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County – Bellingham Public Library, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College and Whatcom County Library System. Village Books is Whatcom READS’ community partner. Learn more at whatcomreads.org.
About Jess Walter: A former National Book Award finalist and winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award, Jess Walter is the highly regarded author of seven novels, two short story collections and one nonfiction book. His stories, essays and journalism have appeared in Harper’s, Esquire, The New York Times, The Washington Post and many other publications. Walter began his writing career in 1987 as a reporter for his hometown newspaper, The Spokesman-Review. He has also worked as a screenwriter and has taught graduate creative writing. In addition to winning the Washington State Book Award, Walter has twice won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award (for The Zero and We Live in Water) and was a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize (The Zero) and the PEN/USA Award in both fiction (The Zero) and nonfiction (Every Knee Shall Bow). His novel Beautiful Ruins spent more than a year on the bestseller list. Walter was also a finalist for the 1992 Pulitzer Prize as part of a team covering the shootout and standoff at Ruby Ridge in northern Idaho. He lives in Spokane with his family.
