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Air date: Sept. 7, 2025
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The Harder I Fight the More I Love You
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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 psychological thriller and a musician’s memoir.
First, we’re going to hear from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library, for a story of a murderer who comes out of retirement. Over to you, Marie.
MARIE:
In “Too Old for This” by Samantha Downing, the host of a docuseries about victims of wrongful criminal accusations comes knocking to ask Lottie Jones to star in an episode. Lottie does the only thing she can: she kills her, and with meticulous attention to detail, sets about disposing of the body.
I know what you’re thinking: that seems harsh. But the retired serial killer has worked too hard to let anything disrupt the life she’s built for her family.
Lottie never planned to come out of retirement; muscle memory just took over. She was pleased to observe that her skills were as sharp as ever, but when morning comes, she’s feeling the strain. Worse, the dead woman’s fiancée and a police detective are asking questions she has no intention of answering.
As events spiral out of control, Lottie begins to wonder if she’s past her prime.
This twisty mystery grabbed me right away, and the comical escalation, ratcheting suspense, and my curiosity about who was driving the investigation kept me turning pages and laughing out loud all the way to the end. If you enjoy dark humor and unputdownable thrillers, give “Too Old for This” by Samantha Downing a try. Be careful, though. You might just find yourself rooting for a killer.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Marie! Sounds like a humorous murder tale that proves retirement isn’t always relaxing.
Next, let’s hear from Danielle, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a memoir of a musician who hails from Washington state. Go ahead, Danielle.
DANIELLE:
Telling stories is nothing new for musician Neko Case. She’s been writing songs about the perils of life and love for decades. But in her memoir, “The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You,” Case’s narrative broadens to include the intimate details of her own history, which is as captivating and lyrical as any song.
The book reveals that Case’s early years were defined by neglect and instability. She spent time bouncing between homes until she was anchored by her love for music. It was heartbreaking to read about her lonely childhood, but as she discovered the Pacific Northwest punk scene in the 80s and 90s, and then branched off into the alt-country style that she is known for, she discovered a new concept of home.
Case’s triumph has not just been commercial, though she is well-known and celebrated as an artist. It’s evident that music saved and healed her, and though wounds from childhood may never fully fade, her story feels like one of redemption.
Neko Case’s memoir explains a lot about her songs. Both include themes of longing and loneliness; a struggle to find one’s place in the world; and a darkness that is ultimately broken by a pervasive hope. “The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You” is a written ode to strength, humanity, and the power of music.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Danielle! It’s no surprise that such an eloquent songwriter would write such a moving book.
Our recommendations this week are: “Too Old for This” by Samantha Downing and “The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You” by Neko Case.
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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