Book Buzz with Sno-Isle Libraries

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We'll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we're going to hear from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library, for a tale of a sinister curse. Over to you, Lois.

LOIS:

"Silver Nitrate" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia combines magic, mystery, and horror in an intricately plotted story about breaking curses and the power of film.

Set in 1993 in Mexico City, this story follows Montserrat, a talented sound editor, and her childhood friend, Tristán, a soap opera star. Both are obsessed with horror films, Tristán arranges a meeting with his new neighbor, a cult director whose legendary career was destroyed by his last unfinished film. The film was written by a Nazi occultist and was an attempt to cast a good luck spell.

The director believes that this unfinished film is causing him bad luck and he convinces Montserrat and Tristán to help him finish by adding sound to the last scene. But after the sound is added, Montserrat and Tristán start to realize they've awoken something dangerous. They must work together to undo the spell or be killed by the supernatural forces and evil cultists bent on their destruction.

Author Moreno-Garcia tells a story that explores misogyny and racism through the lens of real film history and occultism. This suspenseful novel started as a slow burn for me but intensified over time. I particularly loved the well-rounded characters, including the relationship between the two main characters.

Creepy and compelling, "Silver Nitrate" is a unique thriller for film buffs and horror lovers alike.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lois! Try Moreno-Garcia's book "Mexican Gothic" for more fantastic, evocative horror — I couldn't put it down.

Next, let's hear about a book on how bookstores shape our culture, from Robyn, library associate at the Stanwood Library. Take it away, Robyn.

ROBYN:

My favorite bookshop is a quaint, dimly lit haven filled with the rich aroma of aged paper, over-stuffed leather chairs, and creaky wood floors. The shelves are lined with meticulously organized books, creating a cozy labyrinth where I can lose myself for hours. Reading "The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore" is delightfully like being there. This book creates odd little nooks, detours and curios where I enjoyed lingering in unexpected subjects.

Evan Friss's history of the bookshop draws on oral histories, archival collections, municipal records, diaries, letters, and interviews with leading booksellers to offer a fascinating look at this institution beloved by many. The story begins with Benjamin Franklin's first bookstore in Philadelphia and takes us to a range of booksellers including the Strand, Chicago's Marshall Field & Company, the Gotham Book Mart, specialty stores like Oscar Wilde and Drum and Spear, sidewalk sellers of used books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Books, and Parnassus. "The Bookshop" is also a history of the leading figures in American bookselling, and a history of how books have been marketed and sold over the course of more than two centuries.

Friss's book is a love letter to bookstores, a charming chronicle to enjoy for anyone who cherishes these sanctuaries of literature, and an essential reading to understand how these vital institutions have shaped American life — and why we still need them.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Robyn! Friss really captures not just the history of bookstores, but also the soul.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are "Evening the Score" by Lexi Lafleur Brown and "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans.

First, we're going to hear from Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library, for a story of revenge, romance, and an old hockey grudge. Over to you, Madeline.

MADELINE:

Like millions of people, I'm someone who didn't know or care too much about hockey romance until I was hit by the "Heated Rivalry" bus last winter. But after devouring the entire show, I found the TikTok of Seattle author Lexi Lafleur Brown. This current hockey player and former NHL WAG shares insider information and gossip about the sport. And now, she's writing romcom novels about it. Her second book, "Evening the Score," came out this summer and reading it is an absolute blast.

Olivia's father's NHL career was ended years ago by a dirty hit from his rival Erik Parker. Now his son, Brody, is the golden boy of the NHL. Olivia sees a perfect opportunity to avenge her family: she takes an undercover job as the team's blue Lynx mascot and hatches a plot to ruin Brody's game by breaking his heart. But oh no, it's hard to sabotage a game when your enemy isn't who you thought and now you're falling in love for real!

This plot is pretty off-the-wall, but that's exactly what makes it work. It's a story about grief and the violence of pro sports, but Lefleur Brown also makes it a really good love story that had me cracking up alone in the break room. I loved the goofy side characters and the celebration of Indigenous heritage in hockey, from the perspective of an author who truly loves their sport.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Madeline! As a huge fan of "Heated Rivalry," I'm all in for any story with an undercover hocky mascot!

Next, let's hear about a grumpy grandmother's life of love and loss, from Jennifer, Library Associate at the Camano Island Library. Go ahead, Jennifer.

JENNIFER:

Virginia Evans's novel "The Correspondent" is a moving story about sadness, growing old, and the power of human connection. The entire book is written through letters and emails which makes it a fun read. We follow Sybil, an independent, 70-year-old grandmother and former lawyer. As she grows older and deals with fading eyesight, secrets from her past start coming back into her life.

The story balances heavy feelings with funny moments throughout the book. It highlights the painful and devastating heartbreak of loss and how tragedy changes a person forever. However, Sybil is also wonderfully grumpy, and her angry letters to customer service and famous authors, like Anne Patchet, add great humor to the story. AND the book has unexpected romance when two very different men show interest in her, which surprises and softens her tough exterior. Finally, Sybil writes a secret, unsent letter that reveals decades of regrets and hidden truths.

This book feels very real. Like you've stumbled upon someone's open email account and you just can't help but read the letters. It shows that it's never too late to fix old mistakes or change your viewpoint or change your life. Ultimately, it makes you think about your own relationships and the things you have left unsaid to the people you love.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Jennifer! This book sounds like a lovely reminder that it's never too late to mend a relationship or change your mind or fall in love.

Our recommendations this week are: "Evening the Score" by Lexi Lafleur Brown and "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We'll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we're going to hear from collection services librarian Lorraine, for a thrilling story of buried secrets. Take it away, Lorraine.

LORRAINE:

"Back to the Garden" by Laurie R. King is for people who like suspenseful mysteries with women detectives, cold criminal cases, missing people, and maybe even a serial killer who was never located.

Inspector Raquel Laing, who works with the San Francisco PD Cold Case Unit, is called to examine the remains of a long-buried body which was found on the Gardener Estate, a grand mansion with sweeping grounds long owned by an influential California family. Laing believes that the victim may be one of the young women murdered in the Bay Area in the 1970s by a serial killer known as the Highwayman.

The estate, long the home of a wealthy, upper class robber baron of the American West evolved into a 1970s counterculture commune by his descendants. As Laing digs into the estate's archives looking for evidence of the Highwayman's presence, what she finds there begins to take on a dark reality of its own. Laing, dubbed "the Sherlock Holmes of San Francisco" by her colleagues "for her uncanny ability to put together unrelated facts" leads the reader through unexpected twists to a surprising resolution.

This title is a standalone departure from King's New York Times best-selling "Mary Russell and Sherlock Holms" series. I recommend anything written by Laurie R. King, and this intricately plotted mystery is excellent.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lorraine! I'm definitely on board for a female Sherlock Holmes-type detective.

Next, let's hear about an unexpected road trip across America from Kathy, librarian at the Snohomish Library. Take it away, Kathy.

KATHY:

Do you like to watch movies from the 1950s? Do you like road trip stories? This book, "The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles is for you.

The story starts off in June 1954, when eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. But with strong echoes of the ancient Greek story "The Iliad," where Ulysses comes within sight of home only to be blown off course, each colorful character in this story seems to move further away from their goal the more they strive for it.

Emmett may aim to head west from Nebraska to California to find their long-missing mother, but instead he and his preternaturally intelligent yet innocently sweet young brother Billy — along with two other abandoned teens — end up in New York City. Along this madcap journey, each vibrant, quirky character is trying for a fresh start, and although each is deeply flawed, each is well-meaning (even the seemingly bad guy). With a hint of tragedy looming from the opening pages and a sense of the inevitable, you know fate will play its part. Told from multiple points of view, this richly layered story will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Kathy! This sounds like a fantastic story of brothers, friendship, and the spirit of adventure.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We'll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we're going to hear from Robyn, library associate at the Stanwood Library, for a witty story of friendship and self-discovery. Go ahead, Robyn

ROBYN:

"Someone Else's Shoes" by JoJo Moyes is a compelling tale that weaves humor, heartache, and the transformative power of stepping into another's life.

I enjoyed this novel because it follows the lives of two women, Nisha Cantor and Sam Kemp, whose fates intertwine when they accidentally swap gym bags. Nisha, once living the high life, finds herself abruptly cut off and scrambling to maintain her status, while Sam, burdened by the struggles of everyday life, discovers a newfound confidence with a pair of high heels that were never meant for her. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in human female friendship.

Moyes' narrative is a celebration of second chances and the courage to embrace change. With a Goodreads Choice Award nomination for Best Fiction in 2023, this novel promises to be a rewarding read that will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the power of empathy and connection.

Dive into "Someone Else's Shoes" and walk away with a renewed sense of hope and the undeniable truth that sometimes, the best way to understand ourselves and others is by walking a mile in someone else's shoes. A story full of Moyes' signature wit and warmth, this book is not just a journey — it's an experience not to be missed.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Robyn! This book is a wonderful depiction of friendship and women supporting each other.

Next, let's hear from Bridget, collection development librarian, who will take us back to the 1600s Germany. Go ahead, Bridget.

BRIDGET:

"Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" by Rivka Galchen is set in the small town of Leonberg in 1615, where Katharina Kepler is accused of being a witch. An illiterate widow, she's known by her neighbors for her herbal remedies and the success of her children, including her eldest, Johannes, who is the Imperial Mathematician.

Combined with Katharina's infamously blunt and nosy nature, this leads to a community member hopping on the then-popular trend of accusing someone you didn't like of witchcraft. Deadly consequences for small slights. And, well, once one aggrieved community member speaks out, others will follow.

The novel goes back and forth between Katharina's testimony as recorded by her neighbor Simon, his perspective on the events, and the court records of Katharina's case. The depositions in particular are in turn frustrating and funny, as modern medical knowledge can grant insight to some complaints attributed to deals with the devil and wives' descriptions of events often contradict their whining husbands'.

"Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" is based on the real-life astronomer Johannes Kepler's mother's battle with the courts on an accusation of witchcraft, using the real letters and records from the case as inspiration for a look into a chilling period in history for women and anyone living outside of what society deemed acceptable.

Galchen's feisty and blunt Katharina is a joy to read, she reminds me of all the no-nonsense women I've met in my life and her disdain of many of her neighbors is particularly delightful. If you like your historical fiction zippy or your protagonists a bit rude, this book is for you.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Bridget! Sounds like a brilliant mix of history, humor, and hysteria.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We'll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we're going to hear from Hattie, library associate for Library on Wheels, for a book about books. Over to you, Hattie.

HATTIE:

What are you looking for at the library? Okay, but what are you really looking for?

Michiko Aoyama's "What You Are Looking For Is in the Library" is the dream for anyone who hopes to find that perfect book — the one you can't put down, that makes the whole world look new.

In a series of overlapping short stories, characters wander into their community library, where Sayuri Komachi, Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian, is able to sense exactly what each visitor needs. A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, an anxious shut-in hopes to build connections, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, and a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose — all emerge with the books they were looking for — and something extra. That special book that gives them the push to take the first step, follow their dreams, and discover a new way forward.

These gentle slice-of-life stories about finding community and purpose, are perfect for fans of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," "A Psalm for the Wild-Built," and "The Reading List," or anyone who has ever found themself at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Hattie! Of course, library staff love books about libraries, but you don't have to work in a library to enjoy this one.

Next, let's hear from Anne, programming service coordinator at Sno-Isle Libraries, for a memoir from an iconic '80s band member. Go ahead, Anne.

ANNE:

Think life in a famous band is glamorous? Think again. Chris Stein, guitarist and co-founder of the 1980s sensation Blondie tells his story of life as a musician in "Under a Rock: A Memoir."

Debbie Harry defined iconic band Blondie's look. Chris Stein — her performing partner, lover, and lifelong friend — was its architect and defined its sound. Chris shares the riveting story of growing up in New York City and his natural slide into the unconventional lifestyle of a rock star.

"Under a Rock" has it all — grueling tours, tensions with bandmates, predatory managers and record companies, and mingling with stars like Andy Warhol and David Bowie. From the lows of trying to make ends meet to the highs of success, Stein captures his unique experience with honesty and heart.

I found it hard to put down "Under a Rock" and enjoyed the endless stream style of the book. Stein's recounting of his life from childhood though the heyday of punk in New York to the present is a must-read for fans of Blondie, or anyone who enjoys a good memoir. "Under a Rock" reminds us that behind the public facades of stardom are very real humans who work hard and struggle to find happiness just like everyone else, but in a world that's constantly watching.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Anne! Stein's unique perspective gives us a captivating behind-the-scenes look at rock stardom.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are "Kill All Wizards" by Jedediah Berry and "Ignore All Previous Instructions" by Ada Hoffmann.

First, we're going to hear from Emily, library associate at the Marysville Library, for a world where every spell has consequences. Go ahead, Emily.

EMILY:

"Kill All Wizards" by Jedediah Berry is a witty fantasy novella with surprising emotional depth that balances action and graceful prose.

In a world where magic is king, the barbarian Gotchimus has a serious score to settle with some serious wizards. He's willing to do whatever it takes to take them out, even attending the theater. But he's no reckless himbo gate-crashing cocktail hour — this hulking warrior is as sharp as his sword. Utilizing shrewd observation, ingenuity, and rage, he tackles a sightless sorcerer with countless eyes; an actual god, and far more dangerous actors pulling strings from the shadows. He also makes some friends along the way in Hecksley, a gentleman thief with a clockwork arm and Dora, an acerbic swordswoman who's more than she appears.

Between its outsider antihero and critiques of classism, this story has big sword and sorcery energy. The scenes of Gotchimus and Hecksley trading tales over drinks also feel like a definite nod to Fritz Leiber's characters, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Berry has built up the beginnings of a fascinating world that I'm excited to explore in the rest of this planned series. Really, I'd say this book is for anyone seeking revenge or a fresh take on a classic genre from a wildly imaginative author.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Emily! It's always exciting to find a fantasy that brings something new to the genre.

Next, let's hear from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library for a story about living in the age of AI. Over to you, Lois.

LOIS:

Tackling themes of neurodiversity and artificial intelligence, "Ignore All Previous Instructions" by Ada Hoffmann is a poignant sci-fi epic about the power of love and storytelling.

Kelli has always loved telling stories. In adulthood, she works as a script supervisor for a generative-AI company that regulates all media. The job is well suited to her neurodivergence as she fine tunes AI prompts to create a popular television show. For Kelli, it's easiest to follow all given instructions.

Everything is going well until she gets a message from her ex, Rowan, who's in debt from an illegal gender-affirming surgery. After she agrees to help, Kelli realizes too late that Rowan has recruited her for a dangerous heist, upsetting her orderly little world.

The story is told in alternating timelines: Kelli in present day and flashbacks to her relationship with Rowan as children. Both narratives weave together forbidden love set in a dystopian society where corporations control everything.

The relationship between Kelli and Rowan carried this book for me. As their stories build toward crisis, the tenderness of reuniting with a former love held my interest, especially in a setting where queer desire is prohibited. Ultimately, Kelli must grapple with her versions of right and wrong, and the culmination is an intricate exploration of censorship and how we relate to each other.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lois! This is a wonderful blend of a deeply personal love story with some really big ideas.

Our recommendations this week are: "Kill All Wizards" by Jedediah Berry and "Ignore All Previous Instructions" by Ada Hoffmann.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are focused on the amazing world of wildlife. We have "Remarkably Bright Creatures," the featured novel for Sno-Isle Reads Together, and a philosophical environmental title, "Wild Souls."

First, we're going to hear from Collection Development Librarian Lorraine, for a story of small town secrets from an unusual point of view. Take it away, Lorraine.

LORRAINE:

"Remarkably Bright Creatures," the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, is for people who like feel-good stories about dealing with loss, truth, family, and includes an unlikely friendship between a lonely woman and a giant Pacific octopus.

70-year-old Tova grieves the recent death of her husband, and the loss of her only son who drowned 30 years before. To find purpose in life, she takes the job of night cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium in a small town on the Puget Sound. Over time, Tova befriends the octopus Marcellus who frequently escapes his tank at night.

Cam, a failed rock musician, comes to Sowell searching for his long-lost father and joins Tova on the night shift, disrupting her work routine. However, the two realize that Cam's mother, who disappeared when Cam was nine, and Tova's son might have known each other. What happened to them remains a mystery that needs to be solved.

The novel begins from the surprising viewpoint of the sentient octopus, and I had many thoughts about if I really wanted to continue reading. I persevered, and after a few chapters, I was drawn into the lives of the characters and couldn't put the book down.

Van Pelt's writing is whimsical, humorous, and at times heartbreaking. I hope that she publishes another book soon.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lorraine! Any story with a clever octopus and that much heart is headed straight to the top of my reading list.

Next, let's hear from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library, for a book that might make you rethink your relationship with nature. Take it away, Marie.

MARIE:

What does it mean to be wild, and what role should humans play in conserving this state? Award-winning journalist Emma Marris explores this and more in "Wild Souls."

Human living spaces encroach on the habitats of wild animals. Introduced species wreak havoc on entire ecosystems. Earth's changing climate is impacting all life. Because we care, we intervene, but is that always the correct response to these challenges?

In one example, Marris asks readers to consider the spotted owl. Barred and spotted owls are neighbors and compete for the same resources in a habitat devastated by logging. As part of an effort to save the spotted owl from extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regularly kills barred owls and spotted/barred owl hybrids. As a result, the spotted owl population has increased.

But … Marris wonders: What if spotted/barred owl hybrids are better suited to survive on a warming planet? Are we interrupting a necessary evolutionary process? And why do we get to decide which bird is more worthy of life?

Packed with scientific evidence viewed through the lens of compassion, "Wild Souls" by Emma Marris explores the delicate question of humans as caretakers of living things on Earth.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Marie! This sounds like a compelling exploration of animal welfare and environmental ethics.

Our recommendations this week are: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt and "Wild Souls" by Emma Marris.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak and "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.

First, we're going to hear from Rhianna, library associate at the Langley Library, for a mystery of a picture-perfect family with dark secrets. Over to you, Rhianna.

RHIANNA:

Jason Rekulak takes a stab at the child-drawing-creepy-things theme and completely turns it on its head in "Hidden Pictures."

We've all seen this movie before: a nanny takes a job for a family with very specific requirements for their child. As Mallory, fresh out of rehab and desperate for a meaningful career path, bonds with Teddy, her charge, she notices how uniquely talented he is at drawing. Especially his ability to draw things that have yet to happen. Never mind the fact that on several occasions, Mallory has walked in to find Teddy deep in conversation with his imaginary friend. Imaginary. So why could Mallory swear she heard two voices? Not to mention the odd things happening in her studio apartment on the family's property. Oh, and to make matters even more exciting, the usually chipper and positive Teddy's drawings seemed to have taken a rather sinister turn when his latest sketch appears to depict a grisly crime.

While the audiobook is deliciously addictive, the print version includes copies of Teddy's sketches for a truly immersive and illustrative spooky experience. From a deep-dive to the longstanding effects of grief to the complexity of family dynamics, this genre-bending thriller defies expectations and tired tropes, making it a page-turner for the ages.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Rhianna! I love a thriller that keeps you guessing right to the end.

Next, let's hear about murder, mischief, and a couple of unlikely sleuths from Paige, librarian at the Edmonds Library. Take it away, Paige.

PAIGE:

If you love the "Thursday Murder Club" and are looking for a similar murder mystery with as many twists and turns as a corkscrew, look no further than the "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.

This story follows the recently unemployed journalist Jason Brazel and his mother-in-law, Amita Khatri, the Sherriff of Penrith. As family does, Jason takes his mother-in-law to her bingo nights on Wednesdays and on one night, they pull up to the news that a dear friend in the bingo hall has passed away. Amidst the murmurings, not everyone believes it was not foul play. As Amita begins to pursue the truth behind her friend's death, Jason is dragged along as a bodyguard, getaway driver, and the "legitimate" leader of their unofficial investigation.

From being arrested in his pajamas, to being held at gunpoint by a crazed farmer, to running out of a job interview to save his mother-in-law from breaking into a building with a former bouncer, Jason Brazel surely is kept on his toes. From biscuits and tea at bingo, to sleuthing at abandoned buildings, there is never a quiet moment in this investigation.

This is especially for those who love English murder mysteries and love the bickering of family. At this moment, there are four books in the series so if you love the "Bingo Hall Detectives," check out the rest of the series!

JESSICA:

Thanks, Paige! It's hard to resist a cozy mystery that's equal parts clever and charming, and I especially love an English cozy mystery.

Our recommendations this week are: "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak and "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We'll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we're going to hear from Jayanne, librarian at the Freeland Library, for a humorous tale of an unexpected supervillain. Go ahead, Jayanne.

JAYANNE:

"Starter Villain" by John Scalzi is a fast and funny dive into a bond-like world complete with cat-stroking supervillains and a remote island lair. Charlie is adrift. He has lost his marriage, his job, his dad, and is about to lose his house. So, he is willing to hold a funeral service for his estranged wealthy uncle in return for some promised assistance.

Beginning with the hit men (yes there were several) who show up at the service, Charlie is thrown into a completely new world as he discovers that he has inherited the entirety of his Uncle Jake's massive criminal enterprise, especially his enemies. Before he has even processed this revelation, he is whisked off to a convocation where all the other syndicate leaders try to influence and intimidate him in turn.

Charlie is struggling with the concept of being evil, but he doesn't really have the time. He is now responsible for super-weapons, high-tech labs, minions, and a lot of corporate headaches (including labor disputes). At turns absurd and snarky, this action-packed story has you cheering on Charlie as he navigates his perilous orientation as a super villain. I laughed a lot reading this story but honestly Scalzi won me over with the cats … the genetically modified hyper-intelligent talking spy cats.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Jayanne! I'm definitely on board for talking spy cats!

Next, let's hear about a humorous Native American love story from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library. Go ahead, Lois

LOIS:

"The Truth According to Ember" by Danica Nava is a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy about Ember Lee Cardinal, a Chickasaw woman living in Oklahoma City.

Ember has had her resumé rejected 37 times! So, on her next application, she decides to fudge a few details, landing her the job. Ember thrives in her new accounting position. Better yet, she catches the eye of her attractive Native colleague, Danuwoa. Their chemistry is undeniable, and sparks fly as they begin a workplace romance. Sure, there's a no-dating policy at their company. But what's one more lie?

Everything is going great for Ember until she and Danuwoa get caught together on a work trip. The colleague who discovers their relationship manipulates Ember with blackmail, leading her deeper into a series of lies. Ember must decide whether to double down or come clean, possibly losing everything, including Danuwoa.

This debut novel is the first traditionally published romance novel by a Native author with Native protagonists. This book is funny but successfully integrates tough topics like racism and complex family dynamics. I also loved the clever banter between the romantic leads and found myself rooting for Ember throughout the story.

For a humorous and swoony read you won't want to put down, check out "The Truth According to Ember."

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lois! It's great to hear how humor and romance can be woven into relevant complex topics.

Our recommendations this week are: "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi and "The Truth According to Ember" by Danica Nava.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.

Transcript:

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger and "Kin" by Tayari Jones.

First, we're going to hear from Nichole, library associate at the Stanwood Library, for a memoir that may change your perspective on your next fancy dinner out. Take it away, Nichole.

NICHOLE:

What happens when a career you love doesn't love you back? Hannah Selinger's tell-all is raw and vulnerable and made me feel nostalgic for my first experiences in the workforce. More than that, it addresses a lot of unsettling facts about what it's like to work in a restaurant.

The book takes place during the celebrated era of "bad boy" chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, David Chang, Johnny Iuzzini and more. Their bad behavior was ignored and even celebrated because of their culinary fame.

"Cellar Rat" is a first-hand account of how toxic the restaurant industry can be. It often minimizes harassment and normalizes unacceptable behavior. However, there's also something compelling and addictive about these settings that keeps staff members like Selinger from moving on.

It's told in a candid tone, conversational in the sense that you get the appeal drawing her into these toxic work environments, but still serious enough that you're rooting for her to find a way out throughout the entire book. It really feels like you're sitting across from her in a cozy coffee shop as she relays every jaw dropping detail of her experience.

"Cellar Rat" is an absolute must-read for anyone who has experienced the grit and glamour of working in restaurants.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Nichole! Fun fact: After each chapter, you will find an original recipe tied to the events or themes of that section.

Next, let's hear from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library, for a powerful novel about finding family. Go ahead, Marie.

MARIE:

Two motherless Black women raised in 1950s Louisiana forge a fierce bond in "Kin" by Tayari Jones.

In this funny and moving novel, Annie and Vernice have been what they call "cradle friends" for as long as they can remember.

Vernice's mother was killed by her father, who then killed himself. Annie was abandoned by her "trifling" mother, and according to Annie's grandmother, "trifling" is the worst thing a woman can be.

Vernice's aunt raised her in hopes of setting her on a path to a better life. Annie's grandmother just wanted to be done with the responsibility of raising another child.

The women venture out into the world on vastly different trajectories. Vernice is off to college with matched luggage and new clothes. Annie is on a relentless quest to find the mother who abandoned her.

Vernice and Annie tell their stories in alternating chapters as their futures unfurl before them.

If you like complex characters, lyrical writing, and historical fiction that grabs you by the heart, "Kin" by Tayari Jones is not to be missed.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Marie! I love stories that prove family isn't just about genetics.

Our recommendations this week are: "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger and "Kin" by Tayari Jones.

Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.