Small-Town Reads

About this episode

This episode explores fictional small-towns through book recommendations and a reading challenge.

Give your reading a fresh start with the Spring Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge . From now through June 30, 2026, keep track of books you read or listen to on the Spring Books & Bites Bingo Card. Complete all 9 squares for a chance to win a $50 Joseph-Beth gift card. On this episode, we visit fictional small-towns from Mississippi to Northern Ireland. Our picks include an emotional YA novel about close friendship; a tale of college football that will tackle you out the gate; and a dark comedy served with a side of curry chips. Our picks and pairings: Radio Silence by Alice Oseman paired with Crispy Waffles from Creams Cafe Mississippi Blue 42 by Eli Cranor paired with Mississippi Mud Pie Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen paired with Chips and Curry Sauce

People in this episode

Host: Jessamine County Public Library

Topics covered

• reading challenge
• small-town fiction
• young adult novels
• college football
• dark comedy
• food pairings

Keywords

• Spring Books & Bites Bingo
• YA novel
• college football
• dark comedy
• food pairings

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Radio Silence, Mississippi Blue 42, Big Girl, Small Town

Places: Mississippi, Northern Ireland

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• The Forecast Calls for Books · March 6, 2026 · 24 min
• Books Set on Trains or Ships · February 6, 2026 · 27 min
• Audiobooks with Multiple Narrators · January 9, 2026 · 29 min
• Must-Read Books of 2025 · December 5, 2025 · 23 min