Book Buzz

Episode 129 - Air date: Nov. 23, 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 two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We’ll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about. 

First, we’re going to hear from Hattie, library associate for Library on Wheels, for an exploration of a basic bodily function. Over to you, Hattie.  

HATTIE: 

We humans may not be the fastest, the strongest, or the biggest animals kicking around earth. But! We can proudly hold the title of ... the sweatiest! And you can discover all its mysteries in “The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration” by Sarah Everts.  

Why is sweat salty? Why do we sweat when stressed? And should you worry about Big Brother tracking the hundreds of molecules that leak out in your sweat?  

Strap in as Everts takes readers on a world tour of perspiration — from sweat-sniffing match-making in Moscow, to New Jersey, where companies hire trained armpit sniffers to assess the efficacy of their anti-sweat products. And on to the Netherlands where she slips into the sauna theater scene, compete with special effects and towel dancing. Along the way, Everts traces humanity’s long quest to control sweat, culminating in today’s multibillion-dollar deodorant industry.   

I loved learning about all the ways people struggle with, or embrace sweat, and gained a new sense of pride and confidence in the weird and wonderful workings of my human body. Deeply researched and written with great zest, I delighted my friends and family with sweat trivia for weeks after reading. You may not know it yet, but you are going to love this taboo-busting romp through the shame, stink, and strange science of sweating!   

JESSICA: 

Thanks, Hattie! Who knew that sweat could be so joyful? 

Next, let’s hear about a peculiar family’s history and dynamics, from Danielle, library associate at the Mariner Library. Over to you, Danielle. 

DANIELLE: 

Elizabeth Acevedo is well known as an author of young adult literature, including her award-winning debut “The Poet X.” Her latest book, “Family Lore,” is her first published piece of adult fiction. This multi-generational novel successfully combines the lyrical style of Acevedo’s previous works with more mature themes. “Family Lore” contains secrets, love, sorrow and even a bit of magic.  

Though written in prose, the book reads like a poem, with vivid language that guides the reader through the book’s dual settings of New York City and the Dominican Republic. As the narrative flows between characters and time periods, a colorful family legacy is illustrated, led by generations of strong yet vulnerable women.  

At the heart of the story are the Marte sisters. The first sister that we meet is Flor, who is equally blessed and cursed with the ability to predict death among those she meets. When Flor suddenly announces that she will be holding a living wake for herself, the family assumes the worst. Despite their concerns, the three days leading up to the wake bring them together in new and profound ways.   

I loved the way that the narratives intertwined, weaving together the complexities of relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters. “Family Lore” reminds us that our stories are not ours alone; they are shared with those we love until they become legendary. 

JESSICA: 

Thanks, Danielle! This book is a beautiful homage to the power of family stories.  

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.