Book Buzz

Episode 149 - Air date: April 12, 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 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 Jennifer, library associate at the Camano Island Library, for a chilling exploration through the mind of someone living without empathy. Take it away, Jennifer.

JENNIFER:

Thanks, Jessica. “Sociopath: A Memoir” written by Patric Gagne is an eye-opening journey into the mind of someone living with sociopathy. The author shares her experiences, offering readers a rare glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

What stands out about this memoir is its ability to humanize a condition that is usually demonized in the media and in the movies. The author doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of her personality (like stealing cars, breaking and entering, and a scary close call with a cat) but she also highlights moments of vulnerability and a lifelong frustration with not feeling what other people feel and then feeling frustrated by that.

What I found most interesting is the author’s idea that there is a spectrum of intensity for sociopaths, kind of like the autism spectrum. People with sociopathy can fall at different points on the spectrum — on one end you have the headline makers including serial killers and mass murderers, while on the other end you might have someone who just has difficulty recognizing emotions.

The book has a nice balance of wild escapades the author takes and clinical research on the topic. Are there parts of Patric Gagne’s memoir that I can relate to? Yes. Will I tell you which ones? Absolutely not.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Jennifer! I’m fascinated by the idea of a sociopathic spectrum. Sounds like a gripping read.

Next, let’s hear about a devilish tale of fantasy and historical fiction from Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library. Over to you, Madeline.

MADELINE:

“The Chromatic Fantasy” by debut author H.A. is a swashbuckling romance.

Jules is a trans man who accepts a deal with the devil to escape the Catholic convent where he’s forced to live as a nun. On the outside, he explores his masculinity and his freedom, taking to the roads as a bandit and carousing his way through medieval villages. He links up with a band of thieves and meets Casper, a poet and former courtesan. And together, they embark on thrilling adventures, falling deeply in love while they explore ruins, scheme against a royal court, and finally, literally battle their inner demons.

This is a gorgeous graphic novel, a historical fiction with vibrant, almost zany illustrations inspired by stained glass and marginalia. It’s sprinkled with anachronisms too; Jules uses a cracked iPhone and contemplates getting a job at Starbucks to afford top surgery.

What I loved most though was the incredibly tender romance set against Casper and Jules’ surreal exploits. We see them cuddle and banter, then battle a magic serpent. Jules carries the devil in an amulet and Casper thinks it’s dashing. “The Chromatic Fantasy” is sweet, steamy, and it’s weird, a hilarious phantasmagorical horror. But ultimately, it’s about two debauched guys accepting and loving each other with their whole hearts.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Madeline! This wild story is complemented by beautifully drawn images for a complete package.

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.