Book Buzz

Episode 138 - Air date: Jan. 25, 2026

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 explore women who struggle to be their authentic selves.

First, we’re going to hear from Hattie, library associate for Library on Wheels, for a story that highlights historical women overlooked and misunderstood. Go ahead, Hattie.

HATTIE:

The history of Rome has long been narrow and one-sided, essentially a history of "the Doing of Important Things," such as winning battles, passing laws, and "Having Important Opinions in Public." And as far as Roman historians have been concerned, women don't make that kind of history.

Emma Southon is out to correct that in “A Rome of One's Own.” This is a retelling of the history of Rome with the Important Things, but also all the things Roman historians have relegated to the background, specifically twenty-one women who span the empire’s vast territory and centuries.

I adored Julia Caesar, the emperor’s rebellious daughter, who scandalized her father so badly, he demanded the senate exile her; Julia Felix, who’s for-lease advert on her Pompeiian villa lets us walk through the world of a Roman businesswoman; and Julia Balbilla the poet who had the confidence and swagger to memorialize herself on a fallen monument to the gods. Please note – not all Roman women were named Julia.

A social and cultural history that perfectly blends scholarly insight with snarky asides that had me cackling out loud, like a wild conversation with your nerdiest friend. “A Rome of One's Own” brings the forgotten women of ancient Rome back to vivid life.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Hattie! If you’re going to read one book about the Roman Empire, this is the one.

Next, let’s hear from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library, for a gothic fantasy that puts a twist on the vampire genre. Over to you, Lois.

LOIS:

In short, “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” by V.E. Schwab is a book about lesbian vampires. But this isn’t just any vampire story; it’s so much more than that.

This book features three intertwined female protagonists, united by their vampirism: María from 16th-century Spain, Alice from modern-day Boston, and Lottie from 19th-century London. Spanning centuries, the author explores the complex, codependent, and often toxic relationships between these women. Switching perspectives throughout, the author deftly reveals their stories.

For some of the women, vampirism gives them agency — challenging patriarchal structures and allowing them to live a more authentic queer life. For others, vampirism is thrust upon them without their consent, and now they must learn to survive. And as they all learn, immortality comes at a price. We all decay in some way or another.

This book is rich with sapphic yearning, which I particularly enjoyed in the historical settings. The language is lush and lyrical. As I read, I found myself revisiting passages, savoring each and every word. I am also a character-centric reader, and these dynamic, passionate, and flawed women held my attention throughout.

For a sweeping and sensual tale of female hunger, rage, and love, sink your teeth into “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.”

JESSICA:

Thanks, Lois! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one.

Our recommendations this week are: "A Rome of One's Own" by Emma Southon and “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” by V.E. Schwab.

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.