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Air date: September 1, 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 gender bending fantasy and a memoir of love and loss.
First, we’re going to hear from Jennifer, librarian at the Lynnwood Library, for a story set in a reimagined Arthurian world. Over to you, Jennifer.
JENNIFER
I don’t remember why I picked up “Spear” by Nicola Griffith. I didn’t know anything about it or its author, so I didn’t know what to expect. I’m happy to say that it was one of those random selections that turned out to be a delight.
“Spear” is the story of a girl called Peretur who grows up in the deep woods with her witchy, paranoid mother. Mom wants to keep them both hidden from unknown foes, but Peretur is restless and brimming with magic. As a teen she breaks free of her mother’s protective hold, and off she goes, dressing like a man, having adventures, and seducing local ladies. When she encounters a noble band of knights who are sworn to King Artur, she is certain that it’s her destiny to join them.
This is a retelling of the “Quest for the Holy Grail” story, with characters who clearly represent Sir Lancelot, Guenevere, and so on. Peretur is a gender-nonconforming Percival, who likes women just as much as she likes fighting. Her plot is a journey of self-discovery: who is she, where does her magic come from, and will the world ever accept her as she is?
Griffith’s beautiful writing evokes a wondrous world that I loved spending time in. If you like adventure, high fantasy, and queer characters, I think you’ll love “Spear.”
JESSICA:
Thanks, Jennifer! At 184 pages, this book will leave you wanting more.
Next, let’s hear about the enduring bond between a mother and her son, from Bekah, library associate at the Camano Island Library. Take it away, Bekah.
BEKAH:
“Fi: A Memoir of My Son” by Alexandra Fuller was one of the most powerful books I’ve read all year. This is the third book by Fuller that I have read, and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite memoir authors. While most of her books focus on her unconventional childhood, this latest book deals with the unexpected loss of her beloved son Fi at only 22.
Fuller describes the hopeless, early days of grief when the sadness is so deep and wide, she doesn’t believe that she can go on. In a particularly powerful part, she agonizes over the fact that her daughters are also desperately sad but she is so overcome with her own grief, she can’t bring herself to comfort them.
If you are thinking that this book sounds like a total drag, rest assured that there are beautiful and bright moments too! Fuller’s friends provide comfort in such meaningful and thoughtful ways as she navigates her grief. One friend sends Fuller and her daughters to her vacation home in Hawaii and mails decadent boxes of comfort food to them regularly. This book doesn’t shy away from the black and messy parts of grief but it ends on a hopeful note; reminding us that it really is worth it to seek joy and meaning in our own lives after the unimaginable happens.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Bekah! The unexpected loss of a child is heart wrenching. It’s nice to know going in that the book ends with hopefulness.
Our recommendations this week are: “Spear” by Nicola Griffith and “Fi: A Memoir of My Son” by Alexandra Fuller.
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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