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Air date: June 9, 2024
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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 both fantasy adventures.
First, we’re going to hear from Bryan, library manager at the Clinton Library, for an inter-dimensional story. Go ahead, Bryan.
BRYAN:
Thanks, Jessica. I’ve become a pretty big fan of sci-fi writer John Scalzi over the past few years, and I suspect it’s because I need a little more absurdity in my life. Maybe we all do. He evidently felt the same way, because when he sat down in 2020 to pen the dramatic, political space opera his publishers were expecting, the state of the world during the pandemic led him to instead write “The Kaiju Preservation Society,” an absolutely preposterous book about a recently-fired tech worker who gets recruited to watch over gigantic monsters in another plane of reality.
The book centers on a team filled with some of the smartest scientists of their generation as they study these Godzilla-like monsters, and they’re joined by protagonist Jamie whose primary responsibility is to “lift things.” Jamie bonds quickly with the team and it all is going great until corporate and military interests come into play and everything, inevitably, falls apart.
In the tradition of movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Pacific Rim,” “The Kaiju Preservation Society” is a ridiculous romp through sci-fi/thriller tropes that had me flipping through the pages as fast as I could to move the story forward to its next hilarious turn.
If you like monsters, pop culture references, and don’t take things too seriously, then this book is probably right up your alley – if bad movie science isn’t your jam, I’d steer clear.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Bryan! You had me hooked at “gigantic monsters” and I loved his book “Red Shirts.”
Next, let’s hear about a high-stakes, coming-of-age story from Andy, library associate at the Clinton Library. Take it away, Andy.
ANDY:
Thanks, Jessica. “Do a Powerbomb” by Daniel Warren Johnson with colors by Mike Spicer and letters by Rus Wooton is a young adult graphic novel grappling with the complex and challenging topics of tragedy, loss and forgiveness set perfectly in the world of professional wrestling. If that isn’t enough enticement, then how about a TV obsessed necromancer presiding over an intergalactic tag team battle with an otherworldly prize at stake, the chance to bring someone you love back from the dead?
Personally, I find the blend of realism and fantasy to be a near pitch perfect mirroring of elements of professional wrestling that I find simultaneously captivating and heart wrenching; the sometimes confusing, startling, and sublime moments of suspension of disbelief and the harrowing moments where real life intervenes in what is meant to be illusory brutality.
I highly recommend “Do a Powerbomb” for teens and adults who enjoy action packed emotional stories. You do not need to be a professional wrestling fan to enjoy “Do a Powerbomb,” but there are plenty of rewarding allusions for the hardcore aficionado of the squared circle.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Andy! Who knew pro-wrestling could be so emotionally charged?
Our recommendations this week are: “The Kaiju Preservation Society” by John Scalzi and “Do a Powerbomb” by Daniel Warren Johnson.
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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The Kaiju Preservation Society
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Join us each Sunday as Sno-Isle Libraries staff discuss the latest buzz-worthy titles on our weekly radio program, Book Buzz.
