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Air date: July 28, 2024
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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 a collection of interconnected short stories, and a horror romance.
First, we’re going to hear about the struggles of an immigrant family, from Kat, librarian at the Edmonds Library. Take it away, Kat.
KAT:
It is hard to not root for Trelawny, the protagonist in “If I Survive You” by Jonathan Escoffery. The book starts with young Trelawny grappling with the question, “What are you?” This is a constant in his life, growing up in Miami, the second son of immigrants from Jamaica. Not exactly black, not Hispanic but something of a mystery to the kids at school.
This is one family’s story of immigration, of survival, of trying to find themselves and their true home. A family that splinters under the pressure. Trelawney, like Escoffery, moves from Miami “up North” for college and encounters a whole new set of uncomfortable truths about America. His journey takes him back to Miami and Jamaica, where he finally faces down his family history.
The book is a collection of stories some of which will make you laugh out loud and some will make you cringe and all of them together make Trelawney the man he is. And despite some of his poor judgement, events that easily could have gotten him killed, you can’t help feel compassion and want the very best for him in the end. Escoffery writes with a deft hand, fluid, sharply observant, honest, funny. I’m always delighted to find a writer who is not only a good storyteller, but also tells stories that enrich my understanding of another’s experience. Escoffery is all of that.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Kat! This is Escoffery’s debut novel. We’ll definitely look forward to future works from this author.
Next, let’s hear from Collection Development Librarian Bridget, for an unexpected love story. Over to you, Bridget.
BRIDGET:
Fairly fresh out of a bad break up, Ro Dutton has left New York City for the humid, tree-lined streets of Athens, Georgia, in Delilah Dawson's “Bloom.” In an effort to embrace her new life and get some local produce, Ro goes to a farmers' market and finds herself drawn to Ash, an effortlessly cool and beautiful woman who owns one of the stalls. It happens to the best of us. However, Ro's fascination with the artisan is returned, much to her surprise and delight.
As she grows closer to Ash and opens herself up to new feelings, both Ro and readers find themselves suspicious of some of Ash's stranger boundaries and behaviors. Is it just Ro's paranoia from her previous relationship? Or is something sinister happening on Ash's quaint farmstead?
This sapphic and sharp novella is perfect for fans of Angela Carter's “The Bloody Chamber” or anyone who has bought stuff they didn't need just because the person selling it was so cool. “Bloom” begins as a cozy romance, a sweet love story about learning to trust that is soon tempered by dread and darkness. I devoured this book in no time at all and think it's a great thrilling quick read.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Bridget! This is a fascinating mix of sapphic romance with a touch of horror.
Our recommendations this week are: “If I Survive You” by Jonathan Escoffery and “Bloom” by Delilah Dawson.
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 on KSER.
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