Book Buzz

Episode 78 remix - Air date: Dec. 1, 2024

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 will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We’ll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we’re going to hear from Jennifer, librarian at the Snohomish Library, who will take us to the Middle Ages. Over to you, Jennifer.

JENNIFER:

Thanks Jessica. Today I’m talking about Marie of France.

Too tall, too large, too rough. Too self-sufficient. Not suitable for marriage. An illegitimate half-sibling of the crown who is conveniently sent away to the nuns of a failing abbey in 12th century England.

This is how we meet Marie in the novel “Matrix” by Lauren Groff. Marie finds the nuns starving and the convent near collapse in every way. Wishing to leave, she instead soon finds herself in charge, and begins to bring the abbey back to life — and more.

Best of all, Marie leads and inspires as the Abbess — using the very characteristics originally held against her.

For those who appreciate historical fiction, the Middle Ages is not a very frequent setting, making this story even more interesting. Adding to that, the subject matter is women, who at the time had absolutely no voice or power at all.

Mystery surrounds the details of who the real Marie of France may have been, although it’s believed she was a 12th century poet and writer. In this story, author Lauren Groff introduces readers to her Marie and a vivid cast of characters as they discover their strength, purpose and identity.

Oh, and don’t let the “Matrix” title fool you. Keanu Reeves does not make an appearance in this book. Marie can handle it all by herself.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Jennifer! I’m looking forward to a story of a woman taking charge in the 12th century.

Next, get ready for a history lesson of a different kind — let’s dive into the life of a music icon, with Rob, a librarian at the Stanwood Library. Go ahead, Rob.

ROB:

In the world of rock and roll biography, there’s probably no better-travelled ground than Beatles history. Over the past 50+ years, the history and music of the legendary group have been examined from every possible perspective, from narrative history to musical criticism to academic analyses of their socio-cultural importance. With such a proliferation of literature, it can be difficult sometimes for longtime fans of the group to learn something new.

This is what makes “The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969–73” by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair such a great read. This book, the first of a projected 3-volume series detailing McCartney’s life and work since the breakup of the Beatles in 1970, sheds new light on the early days of his career as a solo artist, from the release of his first solo album in spring 1970 to the release of the landmark “Band On The Run” LP in fall 1973.

Kozinn and Sinclair have done their homework. The book functions both as a traditional and a creative biography of McCartney, deftly weaving biographical fact and recording session data into a single fascinating narrative. This is one of the best Beatles-related books of the past several years, and is highly recommended for fans of the group, and for fans of McCartney’s solo work.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Rob! I always liked the Beatles but the “Get Back” documentary really made me a fan. This book sounds like the perfect read for folks who also loved “Get Back.”

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.