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Air date: June 1, 2025
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The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells
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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 a sci-fi thriller and a magical realism romance.
First, we’re going to hear from Kat, librarian at the Edmonds Library, for a chilling fusion of suspense and cyber noir. Go ahead, Kat.
KAT:
In the thriller “William” by Mason Coile, robotics engineer Henry has agoraphobia and is living in an upper-class neighborhood with his pregnant wife Lily, a software company founder. Lily invites two work friends over for brunch, and Henry finds himself reluctantly introducing them all to his latest project, William. Henry has kept William a secret, not because it’s not ready, but because the robot makes Henry uncomfortable. William, the robot, we soon find out has an artificially intelligent consciousness and he learns very quickly.
Henry created military-grade security for his home and William has the ability to express his will through it. Soon they all become trapped inside the house with a robot that likes to inflict pain.
“While I can’t feel,” William explains, “I can bear witness to feeling. Create it in others. Amplify it. And what experience is more profound than suffering?”
The book is written with an uneasy third person narrator. Despite how callous and heartless he is, it is impossible not to feel some compassion for the being who was called to existence without any of the joy that comes with life. We are asked to consider how AI is creeping into our lives and whether we are ready for the extra company.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Kat! That’s it — I am never getting a smart speaker! I’m terrified and intrigued.
Next, let’s hear about a tale of magic, memory, and sisterhood, from Emma, library associate at the Lakewood Smokey Point Library. Over to you, Emma.
EMMA:
Thanks, Jessica! Right now, I’m on the lookout for books that mix realism and fantasy, like “The Night Circus,” “Garden Spells,” and “Practical Magic.” So I was hooked the moment I saw “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells” by Rachel Greenlaw. This modern folktale had everything I could ask for — self-discovery, small-town gossip, and nature-based magic.
The mountains surrounding the town of Woodsmoke are alive with power, and the women in Carrie Morgan’s family can harness it. Carrie herself ran away from home to escape her family’s legacy but has been drawn back to deal with an inheritance from her late grandmother. Carrie doesn’t want to engage with old friends and family, but that’s next to impossible in a small town.
First, her Aunt Cora won’t stop badgering her about a mysterious stranger from the mountains; then, her ex-fiancé shows up urging her to leave as soon as possible; finally, Carrie’s former best friend — the one person she truly wants to see — seems to be avoiding her. As winter fades into spring, Carrie is faced with a choice: will she accept her family’s legacy and work to mend the ties she broke ten years ago? Or will she run from the one place that has truly felt like home?
JESSICA:
Thanks, Emma! There’s something deeply grounding about stories that reconnect us with the natural world and with ourselves.
Our recommendations this week are: “William” by Mason Coile and “The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells” by Rachel Greenlaw.
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.
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