Whatcom Reads 2021

Join Whatcom’s

Largest Book Group! Read the Book. Join the Conversation.

Whatcom READS is a countywide program that encourages everyone to read and discuss the same book. The 2021 reading selection is Washington Black by Esi Edugayn. Esi Edugyan

Bestselling novelist Esi Edugyan writes richly imagined and impeccably researched stories that illuminate complicated truths about race and belonging. She is only the third writer to twice win the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada’s most prestigious literary award.

Read the book and then join community events inspired by Washington Black. Author events will be March 4-5, 2021. Find event details at whatcomreads.org.

“Perfectly executed … Soaring … An enthralling meditation on the weight of freedom, wrapped in a rousing adventure story stretching to the ends of the earth.” –Renée Graham, Boston Globe

Village Books donates 10% of sales of Washington Black to Whatcom READS.

Whatcom READS is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Whatcom County and Village Books, with significant funding from Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Foundation and support from other local businesses and organizations.

RECONCILIATION Join us for virtual readings of selected entries. See villagebooks.com for registration information.

Feb. 21, 2pm & Feb. 28, 2pm Annual Writing Contest

Visit whatcomreads.org for details and to register for these free, online community programs.

Colors of the West: An Artist’s Guide to Nature’s Palette with Molly Hashimoto Saturday, Dec. 5, 11am Poetry Reading with Robert Lashley Thursday, Jan. 14, 7pm Angel in the Outhouse: Stories of the Civil Rights Movement Saturday, Jan. 23, 7pm Made possible through a Lift Every Voice grant

Let's Talk About Race with Clyde Ford Monday, Jan. 25, 6pm A Humanities Washington program

African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song Poetry Reading Friday, Feb. 5, 7pm Made possible through a Lift Every Voice Grant.

Technology and Social Justice with Clyde Ford Thursday, Feb. 11, 7pm The Smart Skin and Amazing Brains of the Octopus with Dr. David Gire Saturday, Feb. 13, 1pm The Art of Illustration with David Allen Sibley (see pg 41) Saturday, Feb. 20, 4pm I'll Fly Away: A Sojourn Through Poetry and Spirituals Thursday, Feb. 25, 6pm Made possible by a Lift Every Voice grant Author Events with Esi Edugyan March 4-5, 2021