Book Buzz

Episode 75 - Nov. 10, 2024

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 both graphic novels centered around games.

First, we’re going to hear from programming service coordinator Anne, to discover the fascinating history and artistry behind a nostalgic arcade game. Go ahead, Anne.

ANNE:

Have you ever experienced the thrill, excitement, and frustration of playing pinball? Whether you’ve played or not, you’re sure to recognize the ubiquitous shape, lights, and sounds of a pinball machine. What you may not know is that pinball was nearly outlawed in the 1970s!

Pinball: a Graphic History of the Silver Ball by Jon Chad tells the story of the much-loved (and sometimes loathed) game in graphic novel form. From its early beginnings as the French game Bagatelle to the addition of electrical and digital elements we see today, pinball in all its forms has captured the hearts of many players.

In the early 1900s, pinball was seen as a form of gambling — relying strictly on chance. This led to bans and the tragic destruction of thousands of pinball machines across the country. Pinball enthusiasts argued it was a game of skill, but its detractors were not swayed. The argument peaked in 1976, when a New York City Council hearing took place to settle things once and for all. Roger Sharpe, one of the world’s top players at the time, was called in to demonstrate the skill required to play a winning game.

The colorful, highly detailed illustrations in Pinball capture the excitement and cacophony of the game. I enjoyed learning how the machines work and the fascinating history of how the game has changed over the years. This book is perfect for anyone interested in one of America’s favorite pastimes.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Anne! That book sounds like it really captures the magic and history of such an iconic game.

Next, let’s hear about dungeons, dragons, and high school friendships, from Michael, library associate at the Lynnwood Library. Take it away, Michael.

MICHAEL:

Roll Call is an exciting graphic novel that mixes expressive artwork with interesting dialogue. On its surface, it is a story about a group of teens that participate in a fast-paced game of D&D. In the long run, the story is about hope, redemption, and learning by doing. The D&D game space becomes an arena of expression and practice as the teens progress through the story.

Molly Knox Ostertag is a veteran of teen stories and has an introspective voice depicting teens experiencing hardship and grief. This mixes real world with the D&D fantasy world but speaks to how games can teach us how to be better people in a safe environment. It is easy to tell the characteristics of each player apart from the others, and you can tell what the motivation is for each of them.

The artwork is exceptional and vibrant, and the characters seem real and unique to read about. The changes from in game to real life make sense and are relevant to a wide variety of readers that may be interested in this type of story. The genre falls into fantasy, but mixes in drama and romance. This is a must-read book for anyone that likes graphic novels or anyone that likes stories about being heroic.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Michael! You don’t have to be a D&D player to enjoy this graphic novel, but after reading it, you just might be tempted to try a roleplaying game.

Our recommendations this week are: Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball by Jon Chad and Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag.

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.