The best stories are ones you can share. This Valentine’s Day, read a book with a loved one – then live the adventure!
From forests and skating rinks to the comfort of your living room, these books will inspire unique activities in a variety of settings. Deepen your connection with a partner, friend, or family member by enjoying a favorite activity or trying something new.
Read “We'll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida
A mysterious clinic in Kyoto offers a unique treatment: it prescribes cats as medication. Through chapters following a disheartened businessman, a young girl navigating the complexities of elementary school, a middle-aged man struggling to stay relevant at work, a hardened bag designer, and a geisha unable to move on from her lost cat, Syou Ishida’s novel reveals the healing power of feline companionship.
Then Host a Craft and Sip
Pour your favorite winter beverage and craft your own cat! Unlock craft tutorials through Creativebug, opens a new window – free with your library card. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or eager beginner, learn to draw, paint, crochet, or sew a one-of-a-kind cat. Gift your purr-fect creation to a loved one or prescribe it to yourself.
Read “Gathering Moss” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer elevates moss from the overlooked to the essential. Drawing on her diverse experiences as a scientist, mother, teacher, and writer of Native American heritage, Kimmerer invites us to understand how the lives of mosses intertwine with those of countless other beings, from salmon and hummingbirds to redwoods. Discover the natural history and cultural relationships of mosses and what they can teach us about living in the world.
Then Explore Moss Together
Gather your newfound appreciation for moss and hit the trails! The Hall of Mosses, opens a new window in Olympic National Park has some of the mossiest views in the Pacific Northwest. Plan your excursion with local guides to the great outdoors, opens a new window and check out a Discover Pass, opens a new window free with your library card.
Read “Pucking Around” by Emily Rath
Two months ago, Rachel Price shared one magical night with the perfect man. No names. No strings. Everything changes when she lands a new gig as a physical therapist for the NHL’s newest sensation, the Jacksonville Rays. Turns out her one-night stand is the team’s star forward – and he’s not the only player vying for Rachel’s attention. This irresistible love triangle might just melt your heart.
Lace Up Your Skates
You don’t have to be a professional hockey player to enjoy the ice. Check out an Everett Silvertips game or sign up for Community Access Skate Night, opens a new window at Everett Community Ice Rink, presented by Community Transit! Access free skate rentals and learn more about how to sharpen your skills.
Read “The Worst Best Man” by Mia Sosa
A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn't lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina is offered a professional opportunity she can’t turn down. There's just one hitch…she has to collaborate with Max, the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials. The animosity between Lina and Max is strong, but this new venture could change their relationship forever.
Then Team Up for an Escape Room
Working on a shared goal can bring out the best in relationships. Team up to overcome fictional obstacles in an in-person or virtual escape room – and practice real-life skills like communication, patience, and trust.
Read “Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love” by Kim Fay
Joan Bergstrom lives in Los Angeles and is just starting out as a writer for the newspaper food pages. Imogen Fortier lives on Camano Island, writing a monthly column for a Pacific Northwest magazine. When Joan sends Imogen a fan letter and a gift of saffron, the two women's letters build a closeness that sustains them through the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the unexpected in their own lives.
Make a Homecooked Meal
Browse cookbooks, opens a new window and choose a recipe that piques your interest, or try one inspired by the food writing in “Love & Saffron.” For added effect, write a “fan letter” to someone you love and swap them over dinner – no need to wait by the mailbox.
Still searching for the perfect read? This list is just the beginning! Get a custom reading list, opens a new window for you and your special someone and plan an adventure together.
