Watch and listen to recordings of discussions and readings by major, local, and up and coming authors. Learn more about your favorite authors, discover new voices and go behind the scenes to hear the stories behind the stories.
2024 Seattle Reads Kickoff
To launch the 2024 edition of Seattle Reads, featuring “Parable of the Sower” by the late Octavia Butler, the Foundation hosted a panel event about the exciting community programming taking place to celebrate the classic novel.
View Video (00:54:07) | Posted May 2024
Seattle Reads Presents Lisa Myers Bulmash
Join us to hear visual artist Lisa Myers Bulmash discuss her process and creation of an artwork informed by "The Vanishing Half."
View Video (00:52:16) | Posted December 2021
An Evening with Khu.éex’
Members of Khu.éex’, a funk/rock band founded by internationally known glass artist Preston Singletary, will share their music and some stories behind their most recent album Héen.
View Video (01:04:47) | Posted November 2020
2019 Seattle Reads presents Thi Bui
Thi Bui will discuss "The Best We Could Do." The evening will also feature a staged reading from the book, adapted by Susan Lieu and directed by Kathy Hsieh, in partnership with Book-It Repertory Theatre. Recorded on April 13, 2019.
Listen to Audio (01:25:21) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted April 2019
2018 Seattle Reads: 'Homegoing:' A conversation with Yaa Gyasi
Celebrate 20 years of Seattle Reads with featured author, Yaa Gyasi!
Listen to Audio (01:10:20) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted May 2018
2017 Seattle Reads - Main Event with Angela Flournoy
Listen in to our 2017 Seattle Reads - Main Event as Angela Flournoy reads from "The Turner House" and takes audience questions. Northwest Tap Connection and the African-American Writers Alliance perform dance and poetry inspired by the novel. -- Love, sacrifice, pride, and unlikely inheritances; "The Turner House" is a compelling consideration of the price we pay for our dreams, and the ways in which our families bring us home. Recorded on May 11, 2017.
Listen to Audio (01:01:16) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted May 2017
2017 Seattle Reads: Meet Angela Flournoy at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
Join the conversation about this year's Seattle Reads selection, "The Turner House," at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Author Angela Flournoy will be in conversation with visual artist Inye Wokoma that is moderated by Vivian Phillips. Recorded on May 10, 2017.
Listen to Audio (00:55:44) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted May 2017
2015 Seattle Reads - Peter Heller with Book-It Repertory Theatre present: The Painter
Book-It Repertory Theatre presents staged readings from 'The Painter' and author Peter Heller joins adapter Bryan Birch, director David Quicksall and cast for post-performance discussion. -- 'The Painter' recounts the story of famous artist Jim Stegner, as he struggles to manage the dark impulses within himself. He lives peacefully in rural Colorado, spending his days painting and fly fishing, until he encounters a brutal act of violence that rips his quiet life wide open. Recorded on May 16, 2015.
Listen to Audio (01:25:27) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted May 2015
2015 Seattle Reads 'The Painter': Meet Author Peter Heller
Author Peter Heller joins a discussion with readers about this year's Seattle Reads title - 'The Painter.' -- 'The Painter' recounts the story of famous artist Jim Stegner, as he struggles to manage the dark impulses within himself. He lives peacefully in rural Colorado, spending his days painting and fly fishing, until he encounters a brutal act of violence that rips his quiet life wide open.
Listen to Audio (01:00:10) | Posted May 2015
2014 Seattle Reads “For All of Us, One Today”: Meet Author Richard Blanco
Come meet Richard Blanco and join in a discussion with the writer and other readers about Blanco's memoir, "For All of Us, One Today: An Inaugural Poet's Journey." Recorded on April 29, 2014.
Listen to Audio (01:11:07) | View transcription (pdf) | Posted April 2014