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Air date: March 16, 2025
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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 focused on accordions. We have “Accordion Eulogies,” the featured title in Sno-Isle Reads Together, and a coffee table book that celebrates four generations of accordion makers with a surprising local connection.
First, we’re going to hear from Jennifer, librarian at the Mill Creek Library, for a story of migration, art, and community. Go ahead, Jennifer.
JENNIFER:
Thank you, Jessica! “Accordion Eulogies” is a beautiful memoir by Yakima author Noé Álvarez.
Álvarez grew up listening to música norteña, a genre of music that originated in Mexico and that was a favorite of his working-class parents. This music was the soundtrack of his childhood. It was also closely associated with his larger-than-life grandfather, a famed roving accordion player who abandoned his family in favor of music.
In his memoir, Álvarez describes his quest to connect with his grandfather and his family's past by learning to play the accordion. He reaches out to accordionists from various musical traditions, from Irish jigs to Zydeco, describing the way this instrument has expressed poverty and resistance all over the world.
He also goes to Mexico himself, to confront his grandfather in person. Does he find the answers he seeks? As many others have discovered, Álvarez finds that complicated family situations rarely offer simple solutions.
I loved “Accordion Eulogies,” a lyrical and moving memoir of a man seeking to make sense of his place in the world, as a father, a son, and a musician.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Jennifer! I agree. This is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story.
Next, let’s hear about a family that carries on the tradition of crafting accordions, from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library. Over to you, Marie.
MARIE:
Thanks, Jessica! What do Drew Carey, Krist Novoselic, Moby, John Mellencamp, and Jack Johnson have in common? They all play accordions — but not just any accordion — a Petosa accordion.
“An American Accordion Story” by Joseph Petosa Jr. traces the Petosa family from a 16-year-old Italian immigrant obsessed with the squeezebox to 100 years later — the last accordion makers in America. The fourth generation is still crafting, repairing, and selling accordions in Lynnwood, Washington.
It’s a remarkable journey, but it’s only half the story.
This coffee-table book is jam-packed with beautiful photographs, fascinating information about the origins and inner workings of the instrument, and a parade of well-known people who’ve played it.
I had no idea that the accordion and harmonica were siblings, that accordions rose to popularity, at least in part, because they were loud enough to be heard over the din of merry makers, and that the folk music immigrants brought with them to the New World gave rise to the use of the accordion in American popular music.
“An American Accordion Story” by Joseph Petosa Jr. is a masterful blend of history and memoir. I hope you’ll give it a read.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Marie! It’s wonderful to know that this family is still making accordions locally in Snohomish County.
Our recommendations this week are: “Accordion Eulogies” by Noé Álvarez and “An American Accordion Story” by Joseph Petosa Jr.
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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