FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2025
Tacoma Reads 2025 focuses on the Power of Revolutionary Love with author and activist Valarie Kaur’s “See No Stranger”
Tacoma Reads is an annual literary program presented by the City of Tacoma Mayor’s Office and Tacoma Public Library
2025 Community Partners: King’s Books
TACOMA, WASH.— Tacoma Public Library, City of Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, sponsors, and community partners are proud to announce “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur as the featured title for Tacoma Reads 2025.
Tacoma Reads is a city-wide literary programming series for all ages that invites our community into conversations around contemporary topics. For 2025’s program, Mayor Woodards chose books that emphasize a theme of belonging and compassion:
- For adult readers: “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur
“A beautifully written exposé of activism, rebirth and ‘revolutionary love’ that is much needed for all readers in our current times.” -Library Journal
- For young adult readers: “We Are Not Strangers” by Tosh Tuininga
“Tuininga presents an uplifting historical graphic novel that employs the fictional pairing of two fishing buddies from disparate backgrounds to map the rippling effects of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.” – Publisher’s Weekly
- For children and families: World of Wonder by Valarie Kaur, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso
“With lyrical text by activist and award-winning documentarian Valarie Kaur and vibrant illustrations by Cynthia Alonso, World of Wonder encourages young readers to look at the world with revolutionary love.” -Publisher’s description
“Valarie Kaur’s powerful work offers a bold and hopeful framework for how we can face this moment in history,” said Mayor Woodards. “Through her memoir, “See No Stranger,” as well as her picture book “World of Wonder,” we’re invited to engage our hearts and minds in building a more compassionate and inclusive Tacoma.”
Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. She became an activist in the aftermath of 9/11, after a Sikh family friend was murdered in a hate crime. Over the past two decades, she has led visionary movements for justice in areas ranging from hate crimes and mass incarceration to digital freedom. Her TED Talk on revolutionary love has inspired millions, and her #1 LA Times bestselling book “See No Stranger” expands on that vision, blending memoir, storytelling, and moral imagination to offer a guide for how to love in the face of rage.
Tacoma Public Library will partner to offer all ages Tacoma Reads book clubs, programs, book clubs, and events this fall. On Thursday, Oct. 16, Mayor Woodards will host Valarie Kaur in conversation at a local venue (to be announced). This free community event will feature a Q&A and book signing. Copies of all Tacoma Reads titles will be available for purchase through King’s Books before and during the event and available for checkout from Tacoma Public Library in multiple formats (book, eBook, audiobook).
“We are honored to welcome Valarie Kaur to Tacoma,” said Library Director Amita Lonial. “Her message of revolutionary love couldn’t be more timely or needed. “See No Stranger” challenges us to reimagine what it means to belong to one another and to be radically welcoming in times of conflict and strife.”
Author visit and programs:
- Thursday, Oct. 16: Tacoma Reads: Author Valarie Kaur in Conversation with Mayor Woodards (Venue TBD)
- More information Tacoma Reads programming will be published on tacomalibrary.org/tacomareads
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About Tacoma Public Library:
Tacoma Public Library's mission is to empower its community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. Learn more at tacomalibrary.org.
Media contact:
Mariesa Bus, Public Information Officer | mbus@tacomalibrary.org | 253.280.2882