Listen to the Episode
Air date: Feb. 18, 2024
Check Out The Books
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Read the Transcript
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 both graphics novels that explore the complexities of the human heart.
First, we’re going to hear from Hattie, library associate from Library on Wheels, for a sporty romance. Go ahead, Hattie.
HATTIE:
Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhous’s “Grand Slam Romance” is a queer, brilliantly colorful graphic novel that’s equal parts romance, softball, and drama, where the balls are fast, the smooches are spicy, and the girls are magical.
Mickey Monsoon is the hotshot pitcher for the Belle City Broads. Their team is poised to sweep the league this season. But Mickey is thrown off their game when Astra Maxima shows up to catch for the Gaiety Gals, the Broads’ fiercest rival. Years ago, Mickey and Astra were best friends . . . and maybe more. Until Astra dumped Mickey to become a softball wunderkind at a private girl’s school in Switzerland.
Now, Astra is flirty, arrogant, and reckless, with a trail of jilted softballers in her wake – and some magical girl superpowers!
Mickey is the perfect walking disaster that I love to root for. Their increasingly unhinged escapades in the name of softball victory and romantic justice had me cackling. The diverse supporting cast of friends, teammates, and rivals kept me hooked with their sparkling dialogue.
A fabulous mash-up of “A League of Their Own,” “Dykes to Watch Out For,” and “Sailor Moon.” With plenty of curveballs all its own, “Grand Slam Romance” is a flawless home run!
JESSICA:
Thanks, Hattie! The blend of genres makes this graphics novel a fun one.
Next, let’s hear from Emma, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a gastronomical romance. Take it away, Emma.
EMMA:
If you’re looking for a cheesy rom-com, look no further than “The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich” by author and illustrator Deya Muniz. This vibrant graphic novel has a delectable assortment of high fashion, true love, and cheesy puns.
In the kingdom of Fromage, only sons can inherit. So, when Lady Camembert’s father passes away, she puts on her father’s clothes and moves to the far-off capital of Fondue to start over as the new Count Camembert. While she means to lead a quiet life in the city, she quickly becomes bored and ventures out into society where she meets Crown Princess Brie.
As their friendship deepens into a mutual crush, Cam finds herself in a gooey situation: should she tell Brie her secret and risk losing her inheritance and freedom? Or should she let her crush crumble and start again in a new city? The plot thickens when Brie discovers Cam’s real identity and must decide if she will fight societal conventions for their love or settle for a marriage of convenience with the bland Duke of Brussels Sprout.
Readers will melt over this shojo manga-inspired graphic novel. Deya Muniz creates a charming world that blends an old fairytale setting with modern conveniences like refrigerators and handheld gaming devices. While this book is shelved in our teen collection, I would grate-ly recommend this book to readers of all ages who root for a happily-ever-after ending.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Emma! My mouth is watering just hearing all these delicious character names!
Our recommendations this week are: “Grand Slam Romance” by Ollie Hicks and “The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich” by Deya Muniz.
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.
Hear More From Book Buzz
Join us each Sunday as Sno-Isle Libraries staff discuss the latest buzz-worthy titles on our weekly radio program, Book Buzz.
