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Air date: December 28, 2025
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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 “Vox” by Christina Dalcher and “Blood at the Root” by LaDarrion Williams.
First, let’s hear from Collection Services Librarian Lorraine, for a futuristic novel where girls are no longer taught to read or write. Take it away, Lorraine.
LORRAINE:
“Vox,” the debut novel by linguist Christina Dalcher, is for people who like thought provoking, chilling dystopian novels about the subjugation of women in a vein similar to “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood.
Jean McClellan and her family live in a not-too-distant future United States taken over by religious extremists. Soon employment and education are outlawed for women. Before, the average person spoke about 16,000 words each day; now women are only allowed to speak one hundred per day. If they exceed this number, they face painful consequences.
Jean stops meeting with friends, stops talking to her husband, and can no longer read bedtime stories to her six-year-old daughter. She is forced to watch in virtual silence as her three sons become indoctrinated in the new regime, and her daughter tries to speak as little as possible.
For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.
The book raises questions about the links between language and authority; most chilling is the specter of young girls being starved of language and, in the end, the capacity to think critically.
Christina Dalcher stated in an interview that she wrote “Vox” as “a cautionary tale about gender politics, backlash and cultural shift.” She wrote this book in 2017; it seems even more relevant in our current world.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Lorraine! It sounds like a fascinating and terrifying exploration of how language equates to power.
Next, we’re going to hear from Paige, librarian at the Edmonds Library, for a story that delves into the powerful magic of history and bloodlines. Over to you, Paige.
PAIGE:
For those who are looking for a fantasy academia beyond Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson universe, check out “Blood at the Root” by LaDarrion Williams.
In Helena, Alabama, almost nothing was going right for Malik Baron. Growing up with magic in your veins is a blessing and a curse, especially when no one believes you. Malik was found at seven years old, surrounded by figures in black robes and his mom missing. Ten years later, after finally getting out of the system and bringing his foster brother Taye along, Malik is brought to Mama Aya, the grandmother he had never met.
Mama Aya reveals the connection to their family magic, and their connection to the magical HBCU, Caiman University in New Orleans. With Mama Aya’s ties to the school, Malik starts classes and begins to learn about the history of magic in the African diaspora including hoodoo and vodun majik.
As Malik begins to investigate his memories and what happened to his mother, dark things begin to happen around campus. Between his friends and his teachers, who can he trust? And can he control his powers enough to help survive this new threat?
The audio book emphasizes the story and brings the characters to life. Content warning for some stronger language use.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Paige! The concept of a secret magical university sounds too good to pass up.
Our recommendations this week are: “Vox” by Christina Dalcher and “Blood at the Root” by LaDarrion Williams.
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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