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Air date: Aug. 25, 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 memoirs; one from a feminist punk rocker and the other from an author with a special relationship to his cat.
First, we’re going to hear from Danielle, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a story of music and rebellion. Over to you, Danielle.
DANIELLE:
“That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighborhood.” The opening line of the song “Rebel Girl” by the band Bikini Kill, reveals the duality of the feminist experience. Is the “queen of the neighborhood” someone to be admired, or is she scorned for stepping out of place? The same question can be asked of Bikini Kill’s singer, Kathleen Hanna, in the context of her new memoir — “Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk.”
Hanna’s book explores the ways that she was both celebrated and vilified as the spokeswoman of the 1990s Riot Grrrl movement. From her earliest artistic endeavors at Evergreen State College, to her rise to fame as a musical icon, Hanna’s decades of dedication and drive prove her to be a true visionary.
“Rebel Girl” captures more than career-based highs and lows. Trauma and recovery are pervasive themes throughout the book. Though some moments are shocking in their intensity, Hanna is not presented as an object of pity. Her strength and humor are evident in every sentence, and she embodies power rather than tragedy.
I was struck by the depth and resonance of Hanna’s book. “Rebel Girl” is more than a linear memoir, though the anecdotes told are fascinating. It is a profound reflection on themes that are just as relevant today as they were during the early days of Hanna’s fame. After reading “Rebel Girl,” I’m of the opinion that Kathleen Hanna is undoubtedly the queen of the neighborhood.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Danielle! This is a fascinating blend of punk rock, empowerment, and unflinching passion.
Next, let’s hear from Kerry, cataloging and acquisitions assistant, who will tell us about a novelist finding comfort from his special pet. Take it away, Kerry.
KERRY:
“My Beloved Monster,” by Caleb Carr, is a lovely and deeply moving memoir in which the author rescues a very special Siberian Forest cat, and she rescues him in return.
Fans of Caleb Carr might not expect him to be a dedicated cat person. Yet here, he employs his elegant literary style first to explain the chaotic and violent circumstances of his formative years, and then to describe how he found comfort, refuge and purpose with the large coterie of pets his family adopted — particularly with cats. Carr makes clear that it was the calm, quiet, loving attention given and accepted by felines that allowed him to survive into adulthood.
Enter Masha. She is wild, loving, eccentric, intelligent, ferocious, and delightful. She needs refuge just as much as Carr does. The two are perfectly suited to one another, and their life together brings adventure, hilarity, heartbreak, and joy. While there are some poignant and agonizing moments, the book ultimately confirms that our connection to animals and to the natural world is precious and essential to a life well-lived.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoyed “The Good Good Pig” by Sy Montgomery, “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, and “Deep Creek” by Pam Houston.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Kerry! Such a wonderful story and the fact that it’s true makes it even better.
Our recommendations this week are: “Rebel Girl” by Kathleen Hanna and “My Beloved Monster” by Caleb Carr.
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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