Northwest Passages Book Club

Legendary Disney Imagineer and global expedition leader Joe Rohde joins the Northwest Passages Book Club to discuss the creative process behind his work and how his book "Floating Mountains" is more of an 'idea field guide' than 'how to build a theme park.'

Author Peter Heller returns to Northwest Passages to discuss "The Dog Stars" and its transition from page to big-screen thriller directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley. Onstage with Heller is Edward Humes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author who is also making his return to NWP - this time as the interviewer.

Author Kendra Langford Shaw makes the trip from Billings, Montana to talk with Spokesman-Review reporter Nick Gibson about her celebrated novel "The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos" at Northwest Passages on Wednesday evening at the historic Montvale Event Center.

The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos is a highly imaginative debut novel by Kendra Langford Shaw. Set in an alternate Arctic, it follows the Spahr family as they hunt for centuries-old pianos lost in the freezing waters by early homesteaders—an unexpected industry that fuels a modern territorial gold rush

Author Craig Johnson joins Northwest Passages Book Club once again (this is his 7th visit!) to talk about the 22nd novel in the Longmire series,  "The Brothers McKay" at the historic Garland Theater in Spokane, Washington.

Shelby Van Pelt joins Northwest Passages Book Club to talk about her novel "Remarkably Bright Creatures," now a new Netflix film starring Sally Field , Colm Meaney and Alfred Molina.

Leading the interview is The Spokesman-Review's Managing Editor Lindsey Treffry at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University May 12, 2026.

Fresh off the release of "Bumblebee Season," author Eileen Garvin returns to the Northwest Passages stage after her initial 2024 visit. Conducting the interview once again is The Spokesman-Review's "Off the Grid" columnist Ammi Midstokke, were the two talk about the novel and it's significance at the historic Bing Crosby Theater on April 29, 2026.

Fresh from a European tour with The Delines, acclaimed author and musician Willy Vlautin joins the Northwest Passages/Get Lit! stage with Spokane's own Jess Walter to discuss Vlautin's newest book, "The Left and the Lucky," on April 18, 2026.

Bill Moos joins Northwest Passages to talk "Crab Creek Chronicles," a memoir recounting Moos' journey from the wheat field to the ball field and how he ushered in a lifetime of influential moves as athletic director at Oregon, Montana, and Nebraska after playing at Washington State University. Leading the interview is The Spokesman-Review's Executive Editor, Rob Curley, at the Montvale Event Center on April 14, 2026.

Sue Aikens joins Northwest Passages to discuss her memoir, “North of Ordinary: How One Woman Left it all Behind for Wilderness and Wonder in Alaska's Frozen Frontier,” which details a lifetime of resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary power of choosing your own way through the world. Aikens, the breakout star of National Geographic's Emmy award winning, long-running TV show, “Life Below Zero,”(2013-2025) shares her journey of survival 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle with Spokesman-Review columnist Ammi Midstokke at the Bing Crosby Theater on March 11, 2026.

David Guterson, the literary heavyweight behind the 1994 novel "Snow Falling on Cedars" sits down with fellow Pacific Northwest author Jess Walter to discuss his newest book, "Evelyn in Transit" in a gathering of the Northwest Passages Book Club at the Coughlin Theater at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.

Dean Koontz, the bestselling novelist who has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, joins Northwest Passages for the program's first virtual conversation with a live audience at the Bing Crosby Theater with Donna Wares, Managing Editor for Enterprise & Live Journalism at Comma, conducting the interview on January 31, 2026.

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 s...

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 c...

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 e...

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.

Northwest Passages presents a powerful and insightful discussion on a subject that deserves our attention and empathy. In this engaging live event featuring author Tamara Leitner, delve into the profound themes explored in her book, "Don't Say A Thing: A Predator, a Pursuit, and the Women Who Perserved." This gripping narrative courageously tackles the sensitive issue of sexual assault and the incredible strength it takes to find one's voice.

About the Author: Tamara Leitner, a remarkable author, pens her story with incredible vulnerability and candor. In "Don't Say A Thing," she explores the harrowing aftermath of sexual assault, d...

Prepare for an enriching literary journey with The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages as we present a live discussion on the critically acclaimed novel, "The Meadows," penned by the talented author, Stephanie Oakes.

"The Meadows" is a captivating blend of dystopia, suspense, and coming-of-age exploration aimed at LGBTQ+ youth. Oakes writes of her own experiences and influences for writing this novel, to bring light to queer people and spaces throughout history.

Joining Stephanie in conversation is Alexis M. Smith.

Author Craig Johnson, writer of the extensive series of books featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, stopped at the Northwest Passages Book Club Sept. 6, 2023 at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, Washington and talked about his newest book, "The Longmire Defense", and about writing in general.

First-time author Eli Francovich, with interviewer Tyler Tjomsland, took the stage at the Bing Crosby Theater April 13 to talk about his new book "Return of Wolves" which tells the story of how wolves have been reintroduced to the wild and how ranchers and their herds are learning to live with them in Washington, Idaho and other parts of the Northwest.

New York Times #1 bestselling author Nic Stone took to the downtown Spokane theater stage Thursday night, sitting cross-legged with no shoes, to talk about mental health and the unfortunate stigma that comes with it. The talk was part of The Spokesman-Review’s Northwest Passages book club series.Stone said part of the reason she wrote her latest book, “Chaos Theory,” was to destigmatize “brain health.” The novel chronicles a pair of high school seniors who struggle with mental health problems.“This was the most personal book I’ve ever written,” Stone said.

America's Favorite Librarian (and #1 Northwest Passages Fan) Nancy Pearl interviews prolific author Timothy Egan about his new book " A Fever in the Heartland" at the Northwest Passages Book Club Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University.

The Bing Crosby Theater was the place to be on March 15 as everyone showed up to celebrate the launch of Ammi Midstokke's collection of columns into a book published by Latah Creek entitled "All the Things." Fun was had by all!

Stephaine Courtney opens the event with a reading of her published book "Our Community." African American high school students in the Spokane area present their work for Spokane Black Voices, with discussion faciliatated by Kiantha Duncan and Mandi Price.

Prolific Author and Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Humes takes the stage at the Spokane Central Library with Gonzaga Law dean Jacob Rooksby to talk about the book " The Forever Witness" a true crime story of solving a cold case murder from the 1980s using genealogical DNA.

New York Times bestselling author, Jamie Ford in conversation with Carolyn Lamberson about his research and the writing process behind "The Many Daughters of Afong Moy."

Dorothy Moy breaks her own heart for a living. As Washington’s former poet laureate, that’s how she describes channeling her dissociative episodes and mental health struggles into her art. But when her five-year-old daughter exhibits similar behavior and begins remembering things from the lives of their ancestors, Dorothy believes the past has truly come to haunt her. Fearing that her child is predestined to endure the same debilitating depression that has...

Putsata Reang emigrated from Cambodia as an infant in her mother’s arms. Her mother fought off the boat captain's efforts to toss her child overboard, and that connection began their intricate relationship. Reang was raised in rural Oregon and spent time writing for The Spokesman-Review before the New York Times, Politico and The Seattle Times and the San Jose Mercury News. Her memoir, “Ma and Me” explores the legacy of trauma and cultural identity, and how Reang navigated her complicated upbringing. NAACP President and Spokesman-Review columnist Kiantha Duncan will discuss the book and the associated issues with feeling “other.”

The Northwest Passages Book Club meets for a discussion with author Jess Walter, interviewed by author Shawn Vestal, at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, Washington. The interview was centered on Walter releasing a new collection of short stories, "Angel of Rome."

Eli Francovich was dispatched as correspondent to cover the war in Ukraine for The Spokesman-Review. With approximately 30,000 Ukrainian refugees calling Spokane home, what happens in Ukraine has a little more impact in the Pacific Northwest. Francovich talks about his experience and shares his behind the scenes photographs.