Ep. 161 "After Hours at Dooryard Books" by Cat Sebastian; "Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die" by Greer Stothers

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 "After Hours at Dooryard Books" by Cat Sebastian and "Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die" by Greer Stothers.  First, we're going to hear from collection development librarian Bridget, for historical fiction that takes us back to 1960s New York. Go ahead, Bridget.    BRIDGET:  "After Hours at Dooryard Books" by Cat Sebastian is a beautiful story about grief, love, and the family you choose. It's New York in 1968 and Patrick is the manager of a secondhand bookstore who finds himself looking after Nathaniel, a mysterious drifter who needs a safe place to hide out.   When tragedy strikes and his grieving best friend and her newborn suddenly move in as well, Patrick's life starts to change in ways he never expected. As Patrick's community grows, so too does Nathaniel's, who fears that the life he left behind could take this new one away.  From the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War, 1968 was a profound year in American history and "After Hours" portrays the balance of heartbreak and hope that gripped the United States brilliantly. And it might be set a little later on than Cat Sebastian's other books that take place in New York City, but it still captures the vibrancy of the city in the same wonderful way that I've come to expect and adore. Community, bravery, love, literature, and folk music, "After Hours at Dooryard Books" has it all.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Bridget! I always enjoy a good story set in a bookstore or library.  Next, let's hear about a funny story of a sorcerer and a cowardly knight, from Hattie, library associate for Library on Wheels. Over to you, Hattie.    HATTIE:  So you think you've read it all and can't possibly be surprised, well might I suggest "Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die" by Greer Stothers, in which many dangerous and homosexual things happen.   All his life, Sir Cameron has run from danger. He is quite frankly too handsome to die a pointless death. But then the Church hands down a prophecy to his fellow knights: the only way to defeat the mad sorcerer Merulo is to kill Sir Cameron. Cameron throws himself on the mercy of the one person who now actually wants him alive: the mad sorcerer himself.   Merulo is not thrilled by his new himbo houseguest, but transmogrifying Cameron into a vulture is at least entertaining. Cameron is quite invested in not dying, but as the two spend more time together, it turns out he is also quite invested in Merulo. And sometimes, supporting the sorcerer you care about means taking an interest in their hobbies. Even if that hobby is trying to kill God.   If you're yearning for a romantasy featuring the saddest wet cat of a love interest, a swoon worthy talking dragon, a despicable elf, and some truly unguessable plot twists, strap in for "Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die." It is an absolutely wild roller coaster, and I can't wait to ride it again.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Hattie! This sounds like a humorous, irreverent adventure.  Our recommendations this week are: "After Hours at Dooryard Books" by Cat Sebastian and "Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die" by Greer Stothers.  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.  [END]