Nature of Writing Speaker Series — North Cascades Institute

We have an exciting new season in the works...

Check back soon for the full lineup of Spring Nature of Writing events, including talks by Suzanne Simard, Terry Tempest Williams, Tom Fleischner and more!

In The Spirits of Right and Respectful Relations: Conversations About Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being in Nature
a collaboratively written book with Se'Si'Le director Kurt Russo

Tuesday, February 10 at 7 pm
Third Place Books, Seward Park
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Given the rising climate anxiety and the relentless environmental and biodiversity crisis, it is increasingly difficult to envision or have hope for a way forward for all our relations and future generations. A new Indigenous-led approach to ensure equal, respectful, and productive conversations and solutions between Tribes and other invested partners, communities, and government entities is emerging. In The Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations promotes dialog with Indigenous Peoples to increase understandings, build relationships and momentum, and inspire action to support, protect, and restore our region’s imperiled lands, waters, life, and lifeways.

When Tomorrow Burns
by Tae Keller

Tuesday, March 3 at 7 pm | Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park
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Once there was a tree. For two hundred years, there was a tree. There was a tree. There was a tree. Until the tree fell in a forest--and then there was a book.

When best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were younger, they discovered a book of prophecies. It was so very comforting to know what was coming. But as the kids grew older, they forgot about the book. Until the final prophecy started coming true. Now, as seventh grade tests their friendship and wildfires threaten Seattle, the final prophecy promises fire and destruction. Nomi tries everything to prevent calamity. The only problem? She needs help...but Vi's acting strange and Arthur stopped talking to her. As the prophecy escalates, past and present intersect, fate and friendship collide, and secrets spread like wildfire. Together, Nomi, Vi, and Arthur must face the future...even, and especially when it's so uncertain.

Carry the Flame: The Remarkable Story of the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School
by Charles Luckmann

Saturday, March 14 at 2 pm
Village Books, Fairhaven
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In a world where exploration, resilience and compassion have never been more vital, Carry the Flame: The Remarkable Story of the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School takes readers on an inspiring journey through the rugged landscapes and transformative experiences that define this iconic institution. Packed with candid and deeply personal stories, rich history, and unforgettable moments, the book provides a rare glimpse into how the school has shaped generations of leaders, adventurers, and changemakers. More than just an essay collection, Carry the Flame serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of nature to transform lives.

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (but True) Stories About the Ocean by Mary Boone

Twelve Daring Greys: A Whale Migration Adventure by Nora Nickum

Thursday, March 19 at 6 pm
Third Place Books, Ravenna
▸ RSVP Coming Soon

ABOUT UNFATHOMABLE
Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP? As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more. From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell.

ABOUT TWELVE DARING GREYS

In February, some twenty thousand gray whales set off from Baja California on a long, hard journey north, toward food and survival. Hungry and thin, they push on week after week, past California, Oregon, and Washington to the tip of that state, where twelve of them peel off and make an eastward turn into the Salish Sea. There they will wait in the deep for the tide to rise, only to swim into the dangerously shallow waters of a mudflat, hurriedly plowing the bottom for food before the water recedes once more. Will their daring be rewarded? Will they survive to join their fellow whales in the Bering and Chukchi Seas? Elly MacKay’s fluid, saturated artwork sets the stage for the whales’ exciting journey, complementing Nora Nickum’s lyrical, factual narrative. Back matter takes a deeper dive into the intriguing habits of gray whales and offers resources for curious readers.

Stay tuned! More exciting Nature of Writing events will be announced soon!