The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

Auntie's is pleased to announce that we will be celebrating the release of the paperback edition of Jess Walter's bestselling novel, The Cold Millions, in person!  Called "a literary miracle" by NPR, The Cold Millions tells the story of Gig and Rye Dolan, two brothers fighting to survive in turn-of-the-century Spokane. Jess will be joined by Shawn Vestal of the Spokesman-Review. 

Pre-order of The Cold Millions in paperback OR purchase of a ticket is required to attend. Call us at 509-838-0206, buy online (on the bottom of this page), or visit the store to purchase. Your ticket can also be used at the event as a voucher for five dollars off your purchase of The Cold Millions. 10% of all sales will be donated to The Spokane Public Library Foundation. 

Proof of vaccination will be required for entry. 

This event will be held at The Hive, a new venue brought to you by Spokane Public Libraries. 

Once you've bought your ticket: 

The Hive is at 2904 E. Sprague on the corner of East Sprague and South Haven across from Libby Center in the Sprague Union District. It offers free off-street parking on the south side of the building and it is conveniently located off the 90 bus route. 

The doors will open at 6:15. 

If you have not stopped by Auntie’s to pick up your ticket, we will have it waiting for you. When you arrive, please hang on to your ticket, as that is how we will call you to have your books signed. Your ticket can also act as a voucher for $5 off a paperback copy of The Cold Millions. 

Auntie’s cares about the health and safety of our community and requests that all guests take the following steps to protect themselves and each other from COVID-19:

• Masks are mandatory regardless of vaccination status. 
• Proof of vaccination will be required for entry. A photograph or photocopy of your vaccine will be accepted as proof. 
• Jess will be taking questions— we ask that your mask remains on even when you are asking your question. 
• Please maintain appropriate social distancing. 

About the book: 

The Dolan brothers live by their wits, jumping freight trains and lining up for day work at crooked job agencies. While sixteen-year-old Rye yearns for a steady job and a home, his dashing older brother Gig dreams of a better world, fighting alongside other union men for fair pay and decent treatment. Enter Ursula the Great, a vaudeville singer who performs with a live cougar, and who introduces the brothers to a far more dangerous creature: a powerful mining magnate who will stop at nothing to keep his wealth and his hold on Ursula.

Dubious of his brother’s idealism, Rye finds himself drawn to a fearless nineteen-year-old activist and feminist named Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, her passion sweeping him into the workers’ cause. But a storm is coming, threatening to overwhelm them all, and Rye will be forced to decide where he stands. Is it enough to win the occasional battle, even if you cannot win the war?

An intimate story of brotherhood, love, sacrifice and betrayal set against the panoramic backdrop of an early twentieth-century century America that eerily echoes our own time, The Cold Millions offers a stunning, kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation grappling with the chasm between rich and poor, between harsh realities and simple dreams. Featuring an unforgettable cast of cops and tramps, suffragists and socialists, madams and murderers.

About Jess Walter:

Jess Walter is the author of six novels, including the bestsellers Beautiful Ruins and The Financial Lives of the Poets, the National Book Award finalist The Zero, and Citizen Vince, the winner of the Edgar Award for best novel. His short fiction has appeared in Harper's, McSweeny's, and Playboy, as well as The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Nonrequired Reading. He lives in his hometown, Spokane, Washington.