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Air date: Dec. 3, 2023
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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 reading recommendations include a book that will make you think about our environment and another one that will make your mouth water.
First, we’re going to venture into the cli-fi (climate fiction) genre, with Anne, service coordinator of programming. Go ahead, Anne.
ANNE:
Thanks, Jessica! “The Deluge” by Stephen Markley will appeal to anyone who enjoys plot and character-driven realistic speculative fiction.
In the early 21st century, a patient but unrelenting ecological crisis looms. America is in upheaval, battered by violent weather and extreme politics. The story begins in 2013 when climate scientist Tony Pietrus receives a death threat. His fate will become bound to a stunning cast of characters — a broken drug addict, a neurodivergent mathematician, a cunning eco-terrorist, an actor turned religious zealot, and Kate Morris, a brazen young activist whose actions alter the course for decades to come.
Their intertwined odysseys unfold against a stark backdrop of accelerating chaos as they summon courage, galvanize a nation, and find wild hope in the face of staggering odds.
I enjoyed following the intersecting paths of the deeply written characters making their way through the all too real chaos descending on their world. Markley’s knowledge of politics and climate science make for a tale that is both terrifying and hopeful. You’ll never look at the weather outside your window the same way again.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Anne! 900 pages is a big commitment. Be sure you’re ready, intellectually and emotionally, to take this book on.
Next, let’s hear from Stephanie, library associate at the Marysville Library, for a cookbook full of Mexican treats. Over to you, Stephanie.
STEPHANIE:
I recently came across “Chicano Bakes” by Esteban Castillo, a cookbook that offers a variety of mouth-watering recipes. The book had an attractive design that caught my attention, as I love making Mexican food, and with the cold weather setting in, I was craving some pan dulce. I was thrilled to find an authentic Mexican baking book with well-written directions.
This cookbook makes Mexican baking and cooking approachable for everyone. The recipes are easy to follow, even if you are not an experienced baker. The directions are straight forward and descriptive. I appreciated the book's vivid cover, vibrant color palette, and the fact that it had glorious full-page color photos for each recipe.
The book has many favorite traditional recipes such as tamales de elote, caramel flan, conchas, and many more. The author also added twists on some classic recipes, such as the apple pie empanadas, Cafe con leche flan, and more.
Although the book primarily focuses on desserts, it includes a few non-dessert chapters for antojitos (small bites) and bebidos (drinks). Here, you will find some more savory recipes and the perfect drink to make to pair with your meal.
I particularly enjoyed making the conchas, which turned out perfectly fluffy and sweet and the tamales de elote, a favorite of my husband's. Overall, this cookbook has something for everyone and is an excellent addition to any cookbook collection.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Stephanie! That sounds delicious. I’ll add this to my to-be-read and to-be-cooked lists.
Our recommendations this week are: “The Deluge” by Stephen Markley and “Chicano Bakes” by Esteban Castillo.
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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