Book Buzz

Episode 88 - Air date: Feb. 9, 2025

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 reading recommendations are both from the romance genre, one of my absolute favorites.

First, we’re going to hear from Hattie, library associate from Library on Wheels, for a sporty romance. Go ahead, Hattie.

HATTIE:

Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhous’s “Grand Slam Romance” is a queer, brilliantly colorful graphic novel that’s equal parts romance, softball, and drama, where the balls are fast, the smooches are spicy, and the girls are magical.

Mickey Monsoon is the hotshot pitcher for the Belle City Broads. Their team is poised to sweep the league this season. But Mickey is thrown off their game when Astra Maxima shows up to catch for the Gaiety Gals, the Broads’ fiercest rival. Years ago, Mickey and Astra were best friends . . . and maybe more. Until Astra dumped Mickey to become a softball wunderkind at a private girl’s school in Switzerland.

Now, Astra is flirty, arrogant, and reckless, with a trail of jilted softballers in her wake – and some magical girl superpowers!

Mickey is the perfect walking disaster that I love to root for. Their increasingly unhinged escapades in the name of softball victory and romantic justice had me cackling. The diverse supporting cast of friends, teammates, and rivals kept me hooked with their sparkling dialogue.

A fabulous mash-up of “A League of Their Own,” “Dykes to Watch Out For,” and “Sailor Moon.” With plenty of curveballs all its own, “Grand Slam Romance” is a flawless home run!

JESSICA:

Thanks, Hattie! The blend of genres makes this graphics novel a fun one.

Next, let’s hear about a high school romance, from Kristi, library associate for Library on Wheels. Take it away, Kristi.

KRISTI:

Have you ever channeled your frustrations with the world into writing? How would you feel if the person you’re writing about got hold of those drafts? That’s exactly what happens to Sadie Wen in the YA novel “I Hope This Doesn’t Find You” by Ann Liang.

Perfect and quiet on the outside, but absolutely fuming on the inside, Sadie has been venting her frustrations with her classmates and teachers into email drafts for her entire school career. When those drafts are accidentally sent out, she finds her carefully crafted life turned upside down as she faces the ire of those she’s written about, including her arch-nemesis Julius Gong. The two are forced to work together on a principal-mandated mission and find that there is more to each of them than expected. As they begin to open up to each other, will they find friendship, and maybe more, or are they doomed to be rivals forever?

As a high school perfectionist myself, I really related to Sadie’s people-pleasing ways and her desire to keep everything calm on the surface. And the hating-to-dating romance between Sadie and Julius was a joy to watch unfold. If you like rom-coms that are high-drama and character-driven with a sweet romance, “I Hope This Doesn’t Find You” is sure to please.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Kristi! The character of Sadie sounds so adorable. I’m rooting for her!

Our recommendations this week are: “Grand Slam Romance” by Ollie Hicks and “I Hope This Doesn't Find You” by Ann Liang.

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.