Book Buzz

Episode 146 - Air date: March 22, 2026

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 “Someone in the Attic” by Andrea Mara and “Don’t Forget to Write” by Sara Goodman Confino.

First, we’re going to hear from Rhianna, library associate at the Langley Library, for a thriller that just might make you uncomfortable in your own home. Go ahead, Rhianna.

RHIANNA:

If, like myself, you couldn’t binge-watch the show “All Her Fault” fast enough — you’re in luck! The author of the viral family saga, Andrea Mara, is back at it again with another thriller that will have you reading way past your bedtime with “Someone in the Attic.”

If the title alone isn’t enough to send shivers down your spine, how about being told by your young son that a stranger is living under your roof, unbeknownst to you? Or that your daughter has a video of an unknown figure stalking the halls when you’re not there? Add to that is the fact the reason your house was purchased in the first place was that it's an incredibly safe, gated community — one that’s designed to keep people out.

Delightfully readable and devilishly intriguing, “Someone in the Attic” is sure to delight fans of psychological thrillers, whether they’re an avid fan of the genre or just starting out. Fair warning: one review warns/boasts that this book does for bathtubs what “Psycho” did for showers … Also you may never be able to disregard those random creaks and bumps-in-the-night with quite so much ease after getting through this one. Sweet dreams!

JESSICA:

Thanks, Rhianna! If a book has you questioning every floorboard creak in your own home, you know it’s a winner.

Next, let’s hear from Celeste, library associate for Library on Wheels, who will take us back to New Jersey in the ‘60s. Take it away, Celeste.

CELESTE:

“Don’t Forget to Write” by Sara Goodman Confino is perfect for readers wanting family drama with authentic Jewish rep. Marilyn Kleinman is coming of age in the 1960s under the eyes of her Jewish community. She’s sassy and looking for a little fun, not marriage, when she is caught in a self-created scandal involving the rabbi’s son! As a result, her family ships her off to crotchety Great Aunt Ada, a Jewish matchmaker who spends the summer at the Jersey shore complete with Cadillac convertible.

Marilyn begins to think this is why they are together, to find her a husband. But Ada has other plans when she learns Marilyn dreams to become a writer. Upon arriving at the shore, a typewriter is sent and Marilyn is encouraged to find herself while putting her stories down on paper.

Thankfully, society is having a growth period where women are demanding to have a say in their future, and Marilyn isn’t going to let her father or her religion decide who she’ll become. Writing her perfect ending, Marilyn will find her way just as Ada did when life encountered barriers. Full of petulant 20-something energy paired with a sagely wise and witty septuagenarian; laugh, smile, and cry your way to the end!

JESSICA:

Thanks, Celeste! It sounds like the perfect escape for anyone who’s ever felt like the outcast of their family.

Our recommendations this week are: “Someone in the Attic” by Andrea Mara and “Don’t Forget to Write” by Sara Goodman Confino.

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.