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When the Amazon bookstore in Seattle opened last week, I asked my friends whether they planned to go and got mostly angry, “hell no” anti-Amazon reactions. But I couldn’t help being curious about… whatever it is Amazon thinks they’re doing. So I decided to spare you a trip and go check it out! Inside the Store The Amazon bookstore is located in the University Village mall, or “outdoor lifestyle shopping center,” which probably tells you everything you need to know. It’s the kind of place that has three Starbucks locations so the Lululemon-wearing ladies don’t have to walk too far [...]

My fall pumpkin addiction is unstoppable! There are pumpkins on the front porch, decorative gourds artfully arranged on the table, and cans of pumpkin puree stacked in the pantry. Last night I couldn’t hold back the urge to bake any longer and went on a two-for-one pumpkin spree: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and these pumpkin oatmeal muffins. Made with oats, pumpkin, walnuts, and eggs, a couple of these little guys are a filling breakfast. Or serve them toasted and topped with pumpkin butter or cream cheese for afternoon tea or book club! Best made the day before, these muffins taste moister [...]

Have you heard of Booktoberfest? New this year, it’s the Seattle Public Library’s month-long celebration of books and beer. While I personally prefer a nice hard cider, Seattle does love its microbrews, and Booktoberfest includes classes on home brewing, beer-themed book lists, trivia nights at local pubs, and happy hours where book lovers can mingle and talk books. See the full events calendar. Last night, I rounded up a few bookish friends for the Librarians’ Revenge Trivia Night at the Blu Grouse in Georgetown, co-hosted by librarian David Wright. We settled in with drinks and snacks (blackberry cider on tap, [...]