Ep. 171 "Someone Else's Shoes" by JoJo Moyes; "Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" by Rivka Galchen

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 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 Robyn, library associate at the Stanwood Library, for a witty story of friendship and self-discovery. Go ahead, Robyn   ROBYN:   "Someone Else's Shoes" by JoJo Moyes is a compelling tale that weaves humor, heartache, and the transformative power of stepping into another's life.     I enjoyed this novel because it follows the lives of two women, Nisha Cantor and Sam Kemp, whose fates intertwine when they accidentally swap gym bags. Nisha, once living the high life, finds herself abruptly cut off and scrambling to maintain her status, while Sam, burdened by the struggles of everyday life, discovers a newfound confidence with a pair of high heels that were never meant for her. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in human female friendship.    Moyes' narrative is a celebration of second chances and the courage to embrace change. With a Goodreads Choice Award nomination for Best Fiction in 2023, this novel promises to be a rewarding read that will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the power of empathy and connection.    Dive into "Someone Else's Shoes" and walk away with a renewed sense of hope and the undeniable truth that sometimes, the best way to understand ourselves and others is by walking a mile in someone else's shoes. A story full of Moyes' signature wit and warmth, this book is not just a journey — it's an experience not to be missed.   JESSICA:   Thanks, Robyn! This book is a wonderful depiction of friendship and women supporting each other.  Next, let's hear from Bridget, collection development librarian, who will take us back to the 1600s Germany. Go ahead, Bridget.   BRIDGET:   "Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" by Rivka Galchen is set in the small town of Leonberg in 1615, where Katharina Kepler is accused of being a witch. An illiterate widow, she's known by her neighbors for her herbal remedies and the success of her children, including her eldest, Johannes, who is the Imperial Mathematician.   Combined with Katharina's infamously blunt and nosy nature, this leads to a community member hopping on the then-popular trend of accusing someone you didn't like of witchcraft. Deadly consequences for small slights. And, well, once one aggrieved community member speaks out, others will follow.    The novel goes back and forth between Katharina's testimony as recorded by her neighbor Simon, his perspective on the events, and the court records of Katharina's case. The depositions in particular are in turn frustrating and funny, as modern medical knowledge can grant insight to some complaints attributed to deals with the devil and wives' descriptions of events often contradict their whining husbands'.   "Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" is based on the real-life astronomer Johannes Kepler's mother's battle with the courts on an accusation of witchcraft, using the real letters and records from the case as inspiration for a look into a chilling period in history for women and anyone living outside of what society deemed acceptable.   Galchen's feisty and blunt Katharina is a joy to read, she reminds me of all the no-nonsense women I've met in my life and her disdain of many of her neighbors is particularly delightful. If you like your historical fiction zippy or your protagonists a bit rude, this book is for you.   JESSICA:   Thanks, Bridget! Sounds like a brilliant mix of history, humor, and hysteria.   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.