Ep. 165 "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger; "Kin" by Tayari Jones

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 "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger and "Kin" by Tayari Jones.   First, we're going to hear from Nichole, library associate at the Stanwood Library, for a memoir that may change your perspective on your next fancy dinner out. Take it away, Nichole.    NICHOLE:  What happens when a career you love doesn't love you back? Hannah Selinger's tell-all is raw and vulnerable and made me feel nostalgic for my first experiences in the workforce. More than that, it addresses a lot of unsettling facts about what it's like to work in a restaurant.   The book takes place during the celebrated era of "bad boy" chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, David Chang, Johnny Iuzzini and more. Their bad behavior was ignored and even celebrated because of their culinary fame.   "Cellar Rat" is a first-hand account of how toxic the restaurant industry can be. It often minimizes harassment and normalizes unacceptable behavior. However, there's also something compelling and addictive about these settings that keeps staff members like Selinger from moving on.  It's told in a candid tone, conversational in the sense that you get the appeal drawing her into these toxic work environments, but still serious enough that you're rooting for her to find a way out throughout the entire book. It really feels like you're sitting across from her in a cozy coffee shop as she relays every jaw dropping detail of her experience.  "Cellar Rat" is an absolute must-read for anyone who has experienced the grit and glamour of working in restaurants.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Nichole! Fun fact: After each chapter, you will find an original recipe tied to the events or themes of that section.  Next, let's hear from Marie, information assistant at the Oak Harbor Library, for a powerful novel about finding family. Go ahead, Marie.    MARIE:  Two motherless Black women raised in 1950s Louisiana forge a fierce bond in "Kin" by Tayari Jones.  In this funny and moving novel, Annie and Vernice have been what they call "cradle friends" for as long as they can remember.  Vernice's mother was killed by her father, who then killed himself. Annie was abandoned by her "trifling" mother, and according to Annie's grandmother, "trifling" is the worst thing a woman can be.    Vernice's aunt raised her in hopes of setting her on a path to a better life. Annie's grandmother just wanted to be done with the responsibility of raising another child.  The women venture out into the world on vastly different trajectories. Vernice is off to college with matched luggage and new clothes.  Annie is on a relentless quest to find the mother who abandoned her.  Vernice and Annie tell their stories in alternating chapters as their futures unfurl before them.    If you like complex characters, lyrical writing, and historical fiction that grabs you by the heart, "Kin" by Tayari Jones is not to be missed.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Marie! I love stories that prove family isn't just about genetics.   Our recommendations this week are: "Cellar Rat" by Hannah Selinger and "Kin" by Tayari Jones.   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.