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Air date: Dec. 17, 2023
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The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
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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 are two books that are captivating in different ways, one fiction and the other nonfiction.
First, let’s hear about a magical tale of humor, romance, and cooking, from Emma, library associate at the Mariner Library. Take it away, Emma.
EMMA:
If you enjoyed Legends and Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and Howl’s Moving Castle, then cozy fantasy “The House Witch” by Delemhach is perfect for you.
Fin Ashowan is a House Witch, whose magic is focused on good food, safety, and comfort. But Fin isn’t proud of this — he goes to great lengths to hide his gifts because his magic does not align with any one element, like other witches.
So, when he is hired to become the head cook in the royal kitchens, Fin does his best to keep people out of his kitchen, and his life. But the more he settles into his new home, the bigger his magic grows ... and people start to notice.
First the kitchen staff start wondering how Fin prepares delicious, lavish meals without their help. Then, Fin uses his food magic to heal the queen when she falls ill. Finally, word comes to the king that Fin’s estranged father is a powerful fire witch who is helping the neighboring kingdom prepare for war.
Fin has a decision to make — will he continue to push others away to protect himself? Or will he finally open up to life, love, and other adventures?
This moderate pace keeps the plot flowing, while still allowing the reader to wallow in this richly descriptive world. This book is best enjoyed with a hot beverage and a soft blanket.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Emma! Sounds like a delicious blend of food and fantasy.
Next, let’s switch gears to hear from Michael, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a look at a manifesto of women's power in a male dominated world. Over to you, Michael.
MICHAEL:
In “The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls,” activist Mona Eltahawy advocates a vocal, loud approach to teaching women and girls to harness their power to defy, disrupt, and destroy the patriarchy by embracing the qualities they've been trained to avoid. The “Seven necessary sins”!
The sins are: Anger, Attention, Profanity, Ambition, Power, Violence, and Lust. Which is the way that the chapters are arranged. You could easily skip to a chapter that piques your interest and work through the book in any order. Each topic is wonderfully written and relevant to events in America as well as worldwide. “Necessary Sins” is not a book strictly for women and girls. Anyone can get a lot out of this book. The author shares stories that you may not hear otherwise from an Egyptian woman’s perspective.
Eltahawy says “I wrote this book with enough rage to fuel a rocket.” It will induce rage in you, the reader as well, but hopefully a rage that inspires change. This book talks openly about taboos, shaming, gaslighting, and gives instructions on how to produce change in your circle of influence and through a world framework.
It reads well and keeps your attention to the last word. Her points are concise and apropos. You will be left feeling triumphant and enriched by the details here.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Michael! This is an important read not just for women and girls, but for all genders.
Our recommendations this week are: “The House Witch, Book 1” by Delemhach and “The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls” by Mona Eltahawy.
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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