Ep. 155 "Cold Joy" by Libby Delana; "Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher

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 two reading recommendations are "Cold Joy" by Libby Delana and "Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher.  First, we're going to hear from Jennifer, library associate at the Camano Island Library, for a refreshing perspective on life. Take it away, Jennifer.    JENNIFER:   "Cold Joy" by Libby Delana is a breathtaking read! Okay maybe not breath taking in the traditional sense, but in the literal sense. i.e., how to start breathing again when your breath is suddenly hijacked by a plunge in cold icy water!  "Cold Joy" shows that stepping into freezing water is not a punishment, but a way to find yourself. This book explores how doing something difficult on purpose can change your life.  This book is a beautiful story about how our bodies connect to nature. Delana says that "cold joy" (lowercase) is not about being tough or following a trend. It's about being present. She explains how the shock of the water clears her mind, leaving her feeling calm and peaceful.  The author shares her morning habits and talks about staying strong as we get older. She believes that doing something hard every day builds the courage we need for life's big challenges.  "Cold Joy" is a friendly invitation to leave your comfort zone. It shows that there is a bright, happy life waiting for you, even in the coldest places. And yes, it inspired me to cold plunge in search of joy – and it worked!    JESSICA:  Thanks, Jennifer! I'm already shivering just thinking about this book. Next, let's hear about a poisonous tale that may seem familiar, from Emma, library associate at the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library. Go ahead, Emma.    EMMA:  Jessica, you should know that I can't get enough of reimagined fairytales and adult female protagonists. So, when I saw the book "Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher hit the library's online catalog, I absolutely smashed the hold button! I devoured the book in a weekend, cackling over the witty dialogue and nodding along with the protagonist's methodical deductions. Let me tell you all about it:    The story follows Anja, a 35-year-old healer who regularly ingests poisons to find cures for patients everyone else has abandoned. Her carefully ordered life is upended when she is summoned to the royal court to save Princess Snow, who is wasting away from a mysterious illness.  Despite Anja's efforts, each failed cure deepens the mystery. Her investigation eventually uncovers a hidden world lurking inside a magic mirror. With help from her bodyguard and a talking cat, Anja explores this reflective realm in hopes it might hold the answer to the princess' sickness but instead finds a power that could destroy them all.  Kingfisher's trademark voice shines through, blending dark fantasy, dry humor, and gentle romance into a story that shows readers that truth — like a mirror — has a habit of reflecting more than we expect.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Emma! We've reviewed several books by T. Kingfisher here on Book Buzz and they're all captivating reads. This is one of my favorite authors!  Our recommendations this week are: "Cold Joy" by Libby Delana and "Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher.  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.    [END]