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"Nisi Shawl demonstrates once again why they are a literary treasure. . .With all of its twists, this story will make you look at the world through new eyes!" —Maurice BroaddusThird Place Books welcomes local sci-fi luminary and editor Nisi Shawl to our Lake Forest Park store! Shawl will be discussing their middle-grade fantasy debut Speculation, about Black families, family history, family curses. . . and a really marvelous pair of spectacles. They will be joined in conversation by educator and media critic K. Tempest Bradford, author of Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required in advance.
This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!
About Speculation. . .
A wonderful middle-grade fantasy debut about Black families, family history, family curses. . .and a really marvelous pair of spectacles.
After Winna's little sister breaks her glasses, her grandfather gives her an old-timey pair of spectacles that belonged to her great-aunt Estelle. The specs are silver and perfectly circular, with tiny stars on the bridge and earpieces that curl all the way around her ears.
Best of all, they're magic.
Because when Winna makes a wish beginning with the words "What if"--that is, when she speculates--the spectacles grant it. Winna wishes she could see ghosts ... and soon she meets not only the real Estelle, but Estelle's mother, Winona. Nearly a century before, Winona escaped from slavery and ran north with her baby, Key. But Key was stolen from her under mysterious circumstances, and now Estelle and Winona have a mission for Winna: Find Key.
He's still alive. He doesn't know the whole truth. And unless Winna can solve the mystery and bring him home, a powerful curse called the Burden will smother out their family's lives--and Winna's mom could be its next victim.
This beautifully written historical fantasy by an award-winning science fiction author offers new twists and turns in every chapter and will leave you looking at your own family's roots with new eyes
Praise for Speculation. . .
"Shawl imaginatively winds suspense, humor, and loss in this story that shows how the past isn’t so far behind us. . . Readers see the importance of oral storytelling: The book celebrates it as a shining beacon for those of us who still have elders who can tell stories while offering space to mourn traditions and loved ones we’ve lost."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Starring an inquisitive, perceptive protagonist and a supportive cast of adult characters, this intergenerational story underlines themes of family history and inheritance alongside a meditation on ordinary wonders."
—Publishers Weekly
"Nisi Shawl demonstrates once again why they are a literary treasure. Rooted in both history and magic, Speculation is a richly layered page turner full of imagination on every page. With all of its twists, this story will make you look at the world through new eyes!"
—Maurice Broaddus, author of Unfadeable and The Usual Suspects
Nisi Shawl is the author and editor of over a dozen books for adults, including the Nebula Award finalist novel Everfair, two volumes of the Locus, FIYAH, and World Fantasy Award-winning New Suns anthology series, and their story collection Filter House, co-winner of the 2009 Otherwise Award. Speculation, Shawl’s acclaimed middle grade debut, uses magic and mystery to bring the olden times to life.
K. Tempest Bradford is an award-winning teacher and media critic who writes speculative fiction steeped in Black Girl Magic. She’s the author of Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion, her debut novel, and over a dozen short stories. Her essays have appeared on NPR, io9, and more. Tempest gives talks and teaches classes on representation and diversity through Writing the Other [https://writingtheother.com].
Want a signed edition of the featured book, but can't make it to the event? Order through our website or over the phone, and write your request for a signature or personalization in the comments field at checkout. Please call the hosting store if you're placing your order within 24 hours of the event.
Third Place Books Events Code of Conduct: Third Place Books is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of event attendees and guest authors, during both online and in-store events. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to refrain from engaging in inappropriate behavior and harassment of any kind throughout the course of this event (i.e. racial slurs, profanity, hate speech, spam comments, etc.). Please note that any participants who engage in inappropriate behavior or harassment of any kind will be immediately ejected from the event.
For media inquiries, access inquiries, or questions about our Covid-19 policies, please email [email protected] or call our Lake Forest Park store at (206) 366-3311.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE,Lake Forest Park,WA,United States
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