HISTORICAL HAUNTS
Each year, Spokane is Reading chooses a book for a series of community-wide reading events, and this year's selection is Tananarive Due's historical thriller The Reformatory. Set in Jim Crow Florida, the novel follows 12-year-old Robert Stephens Jr. as he's sent to a segregated reform school where he sees and learns of the horrors of racism and injustice for the living — and the dead. Due will be in Spokane for two free events on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Spokane Valley and Central libraries to discuss The Reformatory and answer audience questions. Grab a copy of the book from any Spokane Public Library or Spokane County Library District branch, or get a copy of your own at Auntie's Bookstore prior to the events. Learn more at spokaneisreading.org. (MADISON PEARSON)
A 'HARD BARGIN
For the first time in five years, no Gonzaga Bulldogs heard their name called at the NBA Draft. While most experts had projected Zags point guard Ryan Nembhard to be picked in the second round of last week's Draft, he ended up going undrafted. While it's clear that Nembhard — who just completed one of the best seasons racking up assists in NCAA history — knows how to run an offense and apparently impressed during scrimmages, his small-for-the-NBA, 6-foot frame always made getting picked a bit of a longshot. Nembhard's NBA dreams are still very much alive though, as he signed a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that might have some available minutes since starting point guard Kyrie Irving will spend at least part of the season recovering from an ACL tear. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST
Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on July 4.
DROPKICK MUPRHYS, FOR THE PEOPLE
Celebrate Independence Day with the beloved Celtic punk band's latest collection of working-class anthems that spit in the face of bigots and oligarchs.
KESHA, .
After years of ugly legal battles with her abusive former producer, Kesha is finally a free and independent artist. She metaphorically stretches out her wings and takes flight with her latest collection of hyperactive dance pop bangers.
KATE TEMPEST, KATE TEMPEST
The English musical spoken word poet has long been an elite lyricist, and there should be plenty on their mind to muse about on their first album since coming out as a trans man. (SS)
