Book Buzz with Sno-Isle Libraries

Tune in for the weekly buzz on what we're reading! Let Sno-Isle Libraries staff introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured our hearts and minds. Book Buzz gives you the inside scoop on what's worth reading.Sno-Isle Libraries serves more than 800,000 residents in Washington's Snohomish and Island counties through 23 community libraries, online services, and Library on Wheels. Visit our website at http://www.sno-isle.org.

Book Buzz with Sno-Isle Libraries is a arts podcast hosted by Sno-Isle Libraries, with 163 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Sno-Isle Libraries hosts Book Buzz with Sno-Isle Libraries, a arts show with 163 episodes published.

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  Episode #167

  Ep. 167 "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak; "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw

  Aug 17, 20264 min

  Transcript: JESSICA : Hi, this is Jessica Russell . I'm the a ssistant d irector of c ollection s ervices 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 , librar y 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 hea r about murder, mischief, and a couple of unlikely sleuths from Paige , librar ian 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 bis c u i t s 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 . A t this moment, t here 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 . T hanks for joining us for Book Buzz .

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  Episode #166

  Ep. 166 "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi; "The Truth According to Ember" by Danica Nava

  Aug 10, 20264 min

  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.

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  Episode #165

  Ep. 165 "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger; "Kin" by Tayari Jones

  Aug 3, 20264 min

  Transcript: JESSICA : Hi, this is Jessica Russell . I'm the a ssistant d irector of c ollection s ervices 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 , librar y 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 : A fter each chapter, you will find an original recipe tied to the events or themes of that sectio n . 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 match ed luggage and new clothes . A nnie 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 . T hanks for joining us for Book Buzz .

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  Episode #164

  Ep. 164 "Tear" by Erica McKeen; "Yours From the Tower" by Sally Nicholls

  Jul 27, 20264 min

  Transcript: JESSICA : Hi, this is Jessica Russell . I'm the a ssistant d irector of c ollection s ervices 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 Emily, library associate at the Marysville Library, for a story of transformation. Go ahead, Emily. EMILY : " Tear " is a disorienting gothic horror novel that begs for discussion. Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley, Shirley Jackson, and "The Yellow Wallpaper," author Erica McKeen tells the unsettling tale of a young woman on the verge of becoming a ghost. We first encounter Frances in the basement of a house she shares with three other college seniors. It's not yet clear how long she's been alone in this basement or why, but the isolation and claustrophobic darkness are undoubtedly taking a toll. As she drifts through the narrow halls of her own oubliette, figures appear to her in the shadows , scratching comes from the walls, and she loses both her sense of and place in time. Both Frances and her story unravel through scattered memories, each one centering on a relationship. From her flawed family, emotionally abusive childhood friends, and oddly absent housemates, the reader's understanding of Frances grows gradually but relentlessly, like mold. While a slow burn isn't always my thing, McKeen's use of precise sensory details —textures, smells, and even air pressure — kept me engrossed and grounded as the overall story became increasingly hallucinatory. And the building pressure pays off with an explosive and wildly different third act. I'm not going to give it away, but let's say Frances's ultimate transformation takes a far more visceral and dangerous form than a ghost. JESSICA: Thanks , Emily! This book sounds eerily wonderful. Next, let's hear about school friends who share secrets, hopes, and heartbreak, from Jennifer, librarian at the Mill Creek Library. Take it away, Jennifer. JENNIFER: Today my book review goes out to all the listeners who want a comfort read: a book that's cozy, with kindhearted characters, not too much drama, and a happy ending . " Yours From the Tower " by Sally Nicholls is set in 1896 in England. It's the tale of three young women who were best friends in boarding school. They've now graduated and gone their separate ways, but they still keep in touch in letters, and these letters form the narrative of the book. There's altruistic Polly, who's got a job at a Liverpool orphanage, where she's falling in love with all the children – and her boss. There's Sophia, who's trying to land a rich husband during a dazzling London Season, and pretending to have more fun than she actually is. And there's passionate, spontaneous Tirza, who's essentially being kept prisoner by her mean grandmother, and nobody knows why. These girls write to each other, and in their letters they share gossip and jokes and hopes and frustrations and dreams. Although romance plays a part, the very center of "Yours From the Tower" is the warm friendship between our three main characters. It's a lovely gentle read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. JESSICA: Thanks , Jennifer! This book sounds like a heartfelt journey through friendship and self-discovery. Our recommendations this week are: "Tear" by Erica McKeen and "Yours From the Tower" by Sally Nicholls. 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 . T hanks for joining us for Book Buzz .

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  Episode #163

  Ep. 163 "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" by Marie Bostwick; "Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats"

  Jul 20, 20264 min

  Transcript: JESSICA : Hi, this is Jessica Russell . I'm the a ssistant d irector of c ollection s ervices at Sno-Isle Libraries . And welcome to Book Buzz. Today 's two reading recommendations are " The Book Club for Troublesome Women " by Marie Bostwick and " Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats ." First, we ' re going to hear from Robyn , librarian at the Stanwood Library, for a story of rule-breaking women. Over to you, Robyn . ROBYN : In a world where expectations are whispered … and rules are never questioned … one book club is about to turn the page . Meet "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" by Marie Bostwick . They came together for stories … but found something far more dangerous. Secrets. Power. And the courage to finally speak. They were told to behave. To stay quiet. To drink tea. To fit in. B ut these women? They were never meant to follow the script. These aren't your average ladies. They're complicated. Courageous . Maybe even a little dangerous to the status quo. And as the stakes rise, so does the question: what happens when women stop playing by the rules? As friendships ignite and truths come spilling out, lines will be crossed … lives will be changed … and nothing will ever be the same. Because when women stop playing nice … the real story begins . P a cked with heart, and just the right amount of scandal, this may be the most rebellious read of the season. J oin the club everyone's talking about. " The Book Club for Troublesome Women " – where the book club isn't the story … it's just the beginning. JESSICA : Thanks , Robyn ! I'm on board for any historical fiction that celebrates strong women and deep connection s . Next, let's hear about a collection of tales dedicated entirely to our feline companions, from Jen , librar ian at the Lake Stevens Library. Take it away, Jen . JEN : You may have read the prolific works of Ursula K. Le Guin, or heard her name in literary circles, BUT, did you know, in addition to revelatory, cerebral, often haunting ruminations on the human condition, she also drew comics about cats? Le Guin was inspired by her feline friends and their escapades over the years, exalting them in poetry and speculating on their conspiratorial communications. Basically a zine with book binding, "Book of Cats" is an utter delight! An eclectic collection, full of Le Guin's doodles and musings on the temperament and behaviors of the cat companions she was caretaker to, this quick read is guaranteed to boost your mood. Whether you are a cat fanatic or not particularly fond of felines, have never heard of Le Guin, or know her to be a seminal author, anyone can appreciate these kitties' antics. This compilation is also a vital reminder that you do not need to produce existential, profound works of art to be an artist, just create! Imperfectly and simply for the sake of expressing what is in your head and heart. The companionship of furry friends can aid in cultivating those creative juices, for, as Le Guin ass erts , "the catless manuscript is not worth writing . " So snuggle up to your pet pals , adopt, or borrow a friends ', and bask in " Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats. " JESSICA : Thanks , Jen ! It's comforting to know that one of the greatest minds in sci-fi and fantasy is a total cat person at heart , just like me . Our recommendations this week are: "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" by Marie Bostwick and "Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats." 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 . T hanks for joining us for Book Buzz . [END]

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