Book Buzz

Episode 133 - Air date: Dec. 21, 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 Celeste, library associate from Library on Wheels, who will take us to several different settings. Take it away, Celeste.

CELESTE:

If you like Jody Hedlund's "Waters of Time" series, or if you're looking for a clean, faith-based alternative to Diana Gabaldon's “Outlander” series, then Gabrielle Meyer’s “When the Day Comes” is for you.

In this time-crossing novel, Meyer introduces an extraordinary concept, entwining two timelines that protagonist Libby lives in concurrently. On her 21st birthday, she faces a monumental choice — to permanently inhabit one of these realities. Each day’s sleep is a portal to the alternate era. She closes her eyes in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, then opens her eyes the next day in 1914's New York or England.

Spanning centuries, the novel offers a rich tapestry of historical details, inspirational threads of faith, and characters that feel like close personal friends. Meyer's storytelling captures the imagination, compelling me to keep turning the pages. The chaste romance had me rooting for the love story to work out, amidst all the obstacles. And Libby shines as a captivating heroine — intelligent, steadfast, and endearing.

Skeptics of time-travel stories may find themselves converts after reading Meyer’s cleanly written, unpredictable, historical novel.

“When the Day Comes” was written during 2020 lockdown and is the first book in the “Timeless” series.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Celeste! I hope readers who tend to shy away from the time-travel genre will give this one a chance.

Next, let’s take flight to a world of magical adventure with Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library. Over to you, Madeline.

MADELINE:

I am reader who loves stories about history, feminism, and magic, and generally, I avoid sports narratives at all costs. But “Brooms,” by author Jasmine Walls and Seattle illustrator Teo DuVall, gives us the most exciting story of rebellion and witchcraft in an underground broom racing ring.

“Brooms” follows the Night Storms, a six-woman team who compete in high-speed broom races for cash prizes (and notoriety). But this is Jim Crow, and for Indigenous people, Black people, and people of color, practicing magic is illegal and broom racing is banned. In the glittering and secret world of the racers, teams evade the authorities and race by night. They fly through the darkness in the Mississippi woods, casting spells to knock other racers off course and pulling stunts to speed ahead. With a race on the horizon that will boost them to the national circuit, they must outsmart scheming competitors and tap into ancient magic to keep their community safe.

In this graphic novel, sparse illustrations keep the pace moving fast, but the colors feel like looking at something luminous and magical. I also loved these characters: every one of the Night Racers has a story that makes them so easy to root for.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Madeline! It’s great that diversity and disability are represented in this book naturally, without being the sole focus of a character's identity.

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.