Likely Stories - The Spirit Bares it's Teeth

I read this book my senior year of college and it reignited my love for reading. But make no mistake, this book is not for the faint of heart. There are sections that are almost painful to read, not because they are bad, but because they are so incredibly written and yet heartbreaking in their content. White begins with both a heartfelt dedication and a harrowing warning that every reader should sit with before deciding to continue.

Set in Victorian Era London, mediums are controlled by the illustrious Royal Speaker Society, and only men are allowed to peel back the veil that separates the living and the dead. Women mediums are known by their distinctive violet eyes and trained to be Speaker wives. We follow Silas, a young violet-eyed medium desperate to escape the life planned out for him. Then Silas is diagnosed with veil sickness – a mysterious disease sending violet-eyed women into madness – and sent to Braxton’s Sanitorium and Finishing School to be formed into the perfect Speaker wife. But students start disappearing and their ghosts are begging Silas for help.

In his sophomore novel, White expertly weaves in and out of genres sprinkling bits of romance, mystery, fantasy and historical fiction to craft a truly horrific story. The book also settles nicely into a growing category of queer fiction, while reminding its connoisseurs that queer people have always existed and deserve to be the protagonists in more than just romance novels. This book serves as a constant reminder of the importance of all kinds of representation, especially when, as Silas says, “the story isn’t one the world wants to hear.” In addition to the painfully beautiful descriptions of transgender life, White adds an extra layer of nuance through Silas’ neurodivergence. White never explicitly calls Silas autistic, except in the summary, but the characteristics are there if you look. Silas has ‘odd’ behaviors, ones that his parents tried to train out of him – like flapping his hands when he’s overwhelmed, and missing social cues. But White doesn’t focus on labels, even though it is apparent that something is different.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and at times made me absolutely enraged. There are moments that require a reader to pause, put the book down and take a break. And I’ll say it again, this book is not for the faint of heart. But for anyone that heads White’s warning, the read is well worth it.

RECENT EPISODES OF LIKELY STORIES

Likely Stories - Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

I can remember a number of truly incredible meals in my life, whether cooked for me at home or in restaurants locally or while traveling. Some of the food stands out in my mind: a perfectly-cooked piece of meat, a well-crafted cocktail, a side dish that pairs perfectly with the entree, a dessert that caps off the wonderful meal. But in all those epicurean events, what I recall most are the people with me around the table, loved ones sharing a gustatory experience always seems more important than the food itself.

Likely Stories - A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson

"Some books stay with you for decades. For me, that’s A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson. First published in 1985, it’s a funny, Southern tale of Neely, North Carolina, told through the eyes of young Louis Benfield, Jr. From quirky townsfolk to a chimpanzee companion, the story blends humor and heart in unforgettable ways. I first heard it on The Radio Reader in 1986—and I’ve never forgotten it."

Likely Stories - The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Imagine being punched in the ovaries to bring on a fit.This is The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein, which was inspired by the dark history of the Salpêtrière asylum in the 1880s.

Likely Stories - Killers of a Certain Age

I am a huge James Bond fan, and never missed an episode of Charlie’s Angels as a pre-teen growing up. A story about women my age who could still fight, run, plan, take action, and do all the things they did in their early years really appealed to me.

Likely Stories - My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

The book that I'm reviewing today is challenging. It was an unsettling read, and I thought about it for weeks after I finished it. I hesitated to recommend it on Likely Stories. But these difficult books catch our attention for a reason, they are important to talk about and examine.

Likely Stories - American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott

War is hell. And what comes after war, when soldiers return home, is often its own version of torment, one that takes exceptional patience and grace from everyone--those who love the soldiers as well as the soldiers themselves.

Likely Stories - Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison

I’ve been reading a lot about Saturday Night Live lately, for a couple of reasons. First, I talk about the show when I cover the history of television in my Introduction to Mass Communication class at Baylor, and I like to keep up with what’s going on with SNL. Second, Saturday Night Live just celebrated its 50th anniversary, so there’s been plenty written about it in the last year or so.

Likely Stories - The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

In nineteen-ninety-five, five college friends, distraught over the suspected suicide of their friend and haunted by the question “would Alec have died had he known how much he was loved?” enter into a lifelong pact to hold living funerals.

Likely Stories - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Many times on public radio, you hear folks say, “Long-time listener, first-time caller.” Well, that’s me! I’m Maggie McCarthy—a long-time listener of KWBU—bringing you my, hopefully, first book review on Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - Spencer's Mountain by Earl Hamner Jr

A true story of a family’s deep love and incredibly difficult struggles in rural Virginia during the Great Depression becameone of the most beloved television shows of all time.Welcome to “Likely Stories.”I’m Diane Kemper.