Advertise on podcast: Northwest Passages Book Club

Author Travis Baldree joins the Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages book club to discuss "BRIGANDS & BREADKNIVES," the third installment of his #1 New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes series.

Author Sonora Jha talks with Spokesman-Review columnist Cindy Hval about Jha's novel, INTEMPERANCE, at a gathering of the Northwest Passages Book Club at the Montvale Event Center Monday, Nov. 14, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

Author River Selby visits the Northwest Passages Book Club to talk about her new book "Hotshot: A Life on Fire." Spokesman-Review writer Elena Perry asks Selby about fighting wildland fires in the live interview at the Montvale Event Center Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

Poet and author Shann Ray appears at the Northwest Passages Book Club Tuesday, October 7, 2025 to talk about his newest work, "Where Blackbirds Fly." The book, a novel in five novellas, is a story about human intimacy in all its forms. Ray also writes in the field of social science under the name Shann Ray Ferch. Ferch teaches leadership studies at Gonzaga University. On the stage at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, Spokesman-Review Managing Editor Lindsey Treffry will pose the questions in the interview.

Author James Patrick Thomas brought his memoir, "Atomic Pilgrim," to the Northwest Passages Book Club Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The book talks about Thomas' decades-long investigation into the use and spread of nuclear weapons, the harms of radiation and working toward peace. Thomas lives in Seattle. Spokesman-Review reporter Nick Gibson poses the questions in the interview.

Author Jess Walter, debuts his book "So Far Gone" at Northwest Passages in Spokane, Washington Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The event is moderatoed by Spokesman-Review Editor Rob Curley at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University where several of Jess Walter's colleagues:  Anthony Doerr, Maria Semple, Kristin Hannah, Luis and Cindy Urrea, Julia Sweeney and Timothy Egan pay tribute to Walter.  Questions are posed by: Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, Shawn Vestal, Jim deFede, Craig Johnson, Cindy Hval, Sam Mills, Matthew Sullivan, Sam Ligon, Ammi Midstokke, Leyna Krow, Sharma Shields, Carla Crujido, Kate Lebo and WSU basketball coach, David Riley.

National bestselling author of "The Music of Bees, " Eileen Garvin returns with a moving story of hope, healing, and unexpected friendship set amidst the wild natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. “Garvin evocatively renders the beauty of the mountain landscape, and she excels at depicting the fault lines in her characters’ lives…Readers in the mood for a happy ending will be carried away.” —Publisher’s Weekly Ammi Midstokke leads the conversation, taped before a live studio audience on the roof top of the Steam Plant on May 2, 2024.

Acclaimed author Ed Humes appears at the Northwest Passages Book Club to talk about his latest work, "Total Garbage", with Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts theater at Gonzaga University on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Author Simone Gorrindo wrote a memoir of her life as a military wife and talks with Northwest Passages Book Club coordinator Kristi Burns about how she dealt with the life of a military wife. Gorrindo appeared at the book club event in the Chronicle Building pavilion in Spokane, Washington Tuesday, April 17, 2024.

In her fourth novel, acclaimed Denfeld (The Butterfly Girl, 2019) draws on her experiences as a social justice investigator and foster mother to astutely portray neurodivergent characters in a transfixingly atmospheric, brilliantly plotted, heart-seizing drama of cruelty and trauma, cover-ups and murder, and the depthless mysteries of pain and love.” — Booklist In conversation with Stephanie Oakes, April 2, 2024

High schoolers from the Inland Northwest celebrate their art submissions inspired by the prompt of "Black Joy" and discuss the significance of their pieces published in the Spokesman-Review with Black Lens Editor Natasha Hill at Gonzaga University.

Original Date: Jan 16 2024 Explore the captivating world of "The Strange Beautiful" by Carla Crujido, where family lore intertwines with the intriguing stories of ten tenants spanning over a century. Drawing inspiration from real-life advertisements discovered in The Spokesman-Review, Crujido weaves tales that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these diverse characters.  Immerse yourself in a collection that transcends time, delving into the strange and beautiful moments that shape the fabric of each individual's existence. Join us on this literary journey through history, where the past comes alive in the hands of a talented storyteller.

Reunite with the iconic players of the 1999 Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team in an exclusive Spokesman-Review Northwest Passages livestream! 🏀 It's been 25 years since the Zags made a historic run in the NCAA Tournament, capturing the hearts of basketball fans nationwide. In this special event, witness the camaraderie and shared memories of the players who helped put Gonzaga on the map. Expect thrilling anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on the defining moments that shaped their extraordinary season. From the iconic "Elite Eight" run to the nail-biting matchups that etched their names into college basketball history, this reunion promises to be a celebration of triumph, teamwork, and lasting friendship. Our host, Eric Edelstein, will guide you through engaging interviews with key players and coaching staff, providing exclusive insights into the strategies, challenges, and unforgettable moments that defined the 1999 season. Relive the excitement and passion that fueled this remarkable team, paving the way for Gonzaga's continued success in the world of college basketball. Don't miss out on the chance to interact with the players, ask burning questions, and connect with fellow fans who share the same love for the game. Whether you're a die-hard Gonzaga supporter or a basketball enthusiast, this reunion promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the sport and the indomitable spirit of the 1999 Bulldogs. Relive the magic, honor the legacy, and join us on this unforgettable journey through college basketball history! 🏀✨

Join us for replay of  Spokesman-Review Northwest Passages conversation with Ben Goldfarb, author of the New York Times bestseller "Crossings" from Sept. 21, 2023. In this engaging event, we'll delve into the world of animal migrations, conservation, and the challenges they face. In his compelling book, he examines our dependence on highways and roads as an environmental concern as well as a social one. "Crossings" explores the incredible journeys of wildlife as they traverse diverse landscapes. From salmon's epic migrations to the monarch butterflies' incredible feats, Goldfarb's book highlights the struggles and successes of these creatures in adapting to changing environments. During this live event, Ben Goldfarb will share insights into the obstacles these animals encounter and the innovative conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. He's a dedicated advocate for preserving ecosystems, making this conversation a valuable opportunity to discuss pressing environmental issues. In this special conversation, celebrate wildlife resilience and explore ways to foster coexistence with nature. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast or just curious about the natural world, this event promises an enriching experience.

Northwest Passages hosts a thought-provoking evening with Tom Mueller, the accomplished author of "How to Make a Killing: Blood, Death, and Dollars in American Medicine." In this enlightening event, you'll delve into the captivating microcosm of American healthcare through dialysis, as Mueller recounts the evolution of a system that has gone astray. A panel of guests will accompany Mueller, including Dr. Katherine Tuttle, kidney specialist, Chef Duane Sunwold and biology professor Andrew Storfer. At the end of the night, listen to a live Q&A discussion with the panelists and author.