Village Books and Paper Dreams is proud to introduce Round It Up, our new, amazingly simple giving program created to support local nonprofits! Each season, we'll feature a different nonprofit partner that will benefit when you choose to Round It Up, increasing your purchase to the nearest dollar. The non-profit will receive the Round It Up difference. Your change can really make a change!
To participate: As you pay for your purchase, just tell your Village Books or Paper Dreams sales associate that you'd like to Round It Up for local nonprofits, and we'll take it from there!
June, July, and August's featured nonprofit is Recreation Northwest! Recreation Northwest works hard in our community to clean up trails in Fairhaven Park and through their new Parkscriptions Program will be getting people in our community outdoors. They host fantastic events like the Bellingham Traverse in September (look for the Village Books team again this year!) and the Recreation Northwest EXPO in February. They're stewards for our beautiful Fairhaven Park and are currently working on constructing a new trail and boardwalk within the Fairhaven Park trail network to help make it more accessible for everyone. Please join us in celebrating Recreation Northwest's accomplishments—bringing people together and outdoors—and Round It Up today!
Please enjoy: Recommended Reads from Recreation Northwest Staff & Board of Directors! (scroll down for links directly to each book on our website)
Todd Elsworth, co-Executive Director
The River Why, David James Duncan
Duncan covers political, religious, and environmental ideas through this seemingly simple story about a young man’s love for fly-fishing and the northwest outdoor lifestyle. This book brought to light the relevance and impact salmon have had in the Pacific Northwest over time and how important they are in our own survival. When I created the Bellingham Traverse, this story was my muse for the “salmon theme” of the event.
April Claxton, co-Executive Director
Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingsolver
This is the book that sparked my passion for connecting with a place and all who are part of it. And one I still turn to for a reminder about the power of place, strong women and friendship.
Dean Fearing, Board President
Spartina, John Casey
Set in Massachusetts, it’s about a down to earth fisherman who lifelong dream is to build and own his own fishing boat. The story talks about his everyday life and challenges that he faces while pursuing his dream. I’ve read this book three or four times, at different times of my life and each time it impacts me differently. What I like most is Dick, the main character, stays true to his dreams and doesn’t let set backs keep him from his focus.
Brian Roche, Vice President
Buried in the Sky, Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan
A greater understanding of Sherpa culture and the customs of High Altitude Porters. Great informative read for the fan of high elevation adventure, tragedy, triumph and the many lessons to be learned.
Erin McCain-Anderson, Secretary
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver
I love reading about the real life challenges and ah ha moments the family encounters while spending a year living off their land and through their community. Delivered with Kingsolver’s honest and musical voice, this book is an inspiration. Plus, recipes!
Al Ragan, Treasurer
The Big Burn, Timothy Egan
The story takes place in Idaho, summer of 1910. One of the worst forest fires in American history. When traveling through Idaho, the results of this event are still visible today. More importantly, the sideline to this story is the legacy of our National Park System cemented by the president at the time, Theodore Roosevelt. The story continues to be relevant today both in environmental and political issues.
Nikki Quinn
Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
I appreciate a new perspective on what we think we know about life! It’s fascinating to look at what we think happens versus what the data actually shows.
Kurt Baumgarten
The Good Rain, Timothy Egan
Quintessential Pacific Northwest read for newcomers and folks who grew up here.
Adam Lent
And So it Goes, Kurt Vonnegut
I enjoy his writing style.
Krissy Moehl
A Dog’s purpose, W. Bruce Cameron
I am a new dog owner and read this book in the first month of owning my pup. The dog’s perspective through The different stories is incredibly sweet and endearing. I found myself figuring out my dog’s voice and wondering how she would tell her story as I read along. A lovely read, albeit sad at times, for any animal owner or lover.
*Krissy is also the author of Running Your First Ultra: Customizable Training Plans for Your First 50K to 100-mile Race.
Sonja Max
The Light on the Island, Helene Glidden
It’s a gripping tale of life on Patos Island in the early 1900s, told by the lighthouse keeper’s daughter (one of 13 children). It reflects the adventures I wish I could have in our islands today.
*Sonja is also the co-author of Food User Manual.
Nicole Oliver
The Hummingbirds Daughter, Luis Alberto Urrea.
Historic family epic based on the true story of Saint Teresita, a distant relative of the author, a famed, resurrected healer, as well as reluctant revolutionary symbol in rural Mexico. Mystical, vivid story-telling, with details that you can smell and taste. Learned a ton about social and racial hierarchies in Mexican society. Fastest 499 pages I have ever read.