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Air date: Dec. 8, 2024
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Episode 79
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 romantic graphic novel and a fantasy adventure.
First, we’re going to hear from Emma from the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library, for a story of love and tradition. Go ahead, Emma.
EMMA:
Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces to present “Lunar New Year Love Story,” a heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.
Valentina Tran was named after Valentine’s Day and can even see the spirit of Saint Valentine himself. But she’s pretty sure her family is cursed- for generations, no one has ever had any luck in love. So, when Saint Valentine offers her protection from future heartbreak in exchange for her heart, Val is tempted to accept. But when she reconnects with her paternal grandmother and attends her first Lunar New Year festival, a pair of cute lion dancers pass her a paper heart and Val feels a spark. Is it true love? Could this be another way to break the family curse? Saint Valentine gives her a year to find out and Val becomes determined to change her destiny and give her heart to the right person.
“Lunar New Year Love Story” is a vibrant graphic novel that is currently shelved in the library’s Teen collection. Despite this, readers of all ages will appreciate how Yang and Pham use romance, humor, and fantasy to soften the story’s core themes of fractured families and personal growth.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Emma! That sounds like a beautiful graphic novel — I love a blend of fantasy and romance.
Next, let’s hear about a whimsical tale of courage and compassion from Lindsey, librarian at the Mukilteo Library. Over to you, Lindsey.
LINDSEY:
Peter S. Beagle wrote one of my favorite books of all time, “The Last Unicorn,” and he's still an incredible storyteller. In the world of his latest book, “I'm Afraid You’ve Got Dragons,” large dragons are a thing of the past, and dragons mostly exist now as small household pests. They’re also traded on the black market, as pets or for parts.
Robert is a dragon exterminator, raised into the trade by his father, but he actually likes dragons and lives with a few at home, so it’s a painful job for him. When he’s called to the castle to exterminate a large number of dragons, he’s reunited with the princess Cerise, an old childhood acquaintance. Robert tries very hard not to have feelings for her, especially since Cerise has her heart set on Reginald, a rather dim prince from a neighboring kingdom. Robert, Cerise, Reginald, and their motley crew end up on a dragon slaying quest together, and of course it goes horribly wrong.
I was a little hesitant about the premise since I love dragons and don’t want to see them hurt, but fortunately there are many live dragons in this book. It’s full of whimsy and if you long for a cozy-ish, classic fantasy, I highly recommend “I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons.”
JESSICA:
Thanks, Lindsey! It's good to know that 85-year-old Peter S. Beagle continues to tell captivating and heartwarming stories.
Our recommendations this week are: “Lunar New Year Love Story” by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham and “I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons” by Peter S. Beagle.
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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