Contemporary Translated Works Book Group

Explore the world through literature in translation.

Contemporary Translated Works Book Group runs in collaboration with Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum, a non-profit independent library in Seattle, WA and is co-sponsored by the Center for the Art of Translation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that champions literary translation.

This book group meets hybrid and monthly, on-site at Mechanics' Institute & on Zoom, to read and discuss contemporary works originally written in languages other than English or pertaining to the art of translation. By engaging with diverse voices and perspectives, members gain insight into different cultures, ideas, and storytelling traditions. Please come, even if you can only stay a little while.

Contemporary Translated Works 2026 Schedule:

1. January 21: The Queen of Swords by Jazmina Barrera (Mexico) 264 pgs. [translated by Christina MacSweeney]
2. February 18: Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree (India) 624 pgs. [translated by Daisy Rockwell]
3. March 18: The Week of Colors by Elena Garro (Mexico) 260 pgs. [translated by Megan McDowell]
4. April 15: The Age of Goodbyes by Li Zi Shu (Malaysia) 360 pgs. [translated by YZ Chin]
5. May 20: Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi (Oman) 243 pgs. [translated by Marilyn Booth
6. June 17: Slipping by Mohamed Kheir (Egypt) 187 pgs. [translated by Robin Moger]

This is a member-led book group. Please contact Kiran Kaur, Programs Coordinator for any questions (or to join this book groups' mailing list) at programs@milibrary.org or (415)-393-0103.