Book Lounge by Libby

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  1. Into the Blue & the Secrets of Publishing with Emma Brodie

    7 april 2026 · 1 uur 1 min

    Afspelen
    What really happens behind the scenes in publishing—and how does an editor make the leap to author? Lees meer

    In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Emma Brodie—Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter and author of Into the Blue—for a conversation that blends industry insight with creative inspiration.

    In the first half, Emma pulls back the curtain on her career in publishing, sharing what a day in the life of an editor looks like, how the industry has evolved, and some tricks of the trade.

    Then, the conversation shifts to Emma’s own writing journey. She dives into the inspiration behind Into the Blue, her creative process, and how she balances editing with making space for her own storytelling. Along the way, Joe and Emma also bond over a certain iconic vampire saga.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Books by Emma Brodie:

    Songs in Ursa Major

    Into the Blue

    Who’s in this episode:

    Emma Brodie

    Instagram

    Website

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:14 Talking publishing & editing with Emma Brodie 00:20:24 Oops, Joe mentions Twilight 00:21:57 Tricks of the trade 00:29:19 Emma’s editing essentials 00:33:18 Making space for creativity 00:37:35 Into INTO THE BLUE 00:55:30 Lightning Round 00:57:49 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog.

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool boo…

  2. Building Belonging Through Books

    2 april 2026 · 50 min

    Afspelen
    What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families.

    Together, they explore:

    The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books

    What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up

    Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers

    How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection

    What’s next for this growing organization

    This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books:

    Brown Babies n’ Books website

    Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram

    Dessa Carroll’s Instagram

    Titles mentioned in this episode:

    Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan

    Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman

    Saturday – Oge Mora

    The History of We – Nikkolas Smith

    Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla

    Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 00:33:55 Making your own community groups 00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 00:45:12 Wrapping up & outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following t…

  3. Spring Into Reading: April 2026 Book Picks

    26 maart 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads! 🌸 Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by returning guest (and friend) Emma to talk through the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited to add to their TBR.

    Together, they explore a wide range of upcoming titles—from highly anticipated bestsellers to under-the-radar gems—perfect for spring reading.

    If you’re looking to refresh your reading list, discover new authors, or stay on top of the latest releases, this episode has you covered. Expect lively conversation, thoughtful picks, and plenty of bookish enthusiasm to inspire your next great read.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Book recommendations:

    Emma’s Titles:

    Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry

    The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke

    American Fantasy – Emma Straub

    Mad Mabel – Sally Hepworth

    The Paris Match – Kate Clayborn

    Unbound- Peyton Corine

    Go Gentle- Maria Semple

    The Name Game – Beth O’ Leary

    The Radiant Dark - Alexandra Oliva

    Joe’s Titles: To Mention: We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune

    Bodies of Work – Clay McLeod Chapman

    The Escape Game – Marissa Meyer, Tamara Moss

    The Subtle Art of Folding Space – John Chu

    American Spirits – Anna Dorn

    The Neverending Book – Naoki Matayoshi

    Thrall – Rebecca Mahoney

    Project V – Park Seolyeon

    The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances – Glenn Dixon

    Break Room – Miye Lee

    And Joe’s horror round-up:

    The Caretaker – Marcus Kliewer

    Molka – Monika Kim

    Odessa – Gabrielle Sher

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:15 Catching up with Emma 00:02:52 April 2026 Book Picks 01:13:19 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check ou…

  4. Lost Hollywood Satire & Audiobook Magic with Daniel Henning

    19 maart 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by a true multi-hyphenate talent—acclaimed audiobook narrator and producer Daniel Henning, whose voice you’ve almost certainly heard bringing stories to life. Lees meer

    Now, Daniel is stepping into the publishing world with his bold new imprint, Starshells of Madness, dedicated to reviving forgotten, unconventional, and culturally significant works. At the heart of this mission is his first release: Queer People by Carroll and Garrett Graham—a madcap, jazz age satire of Hollywood’s most scandalous eccentrics.

    Joe and Daniel dive into:

    The origins and vision behind Starshells of Madness

    The rediscovery of Queer People

    Why this novel still feels fresh, funny, and subversive today

    Daniel’s journey from celebrated narrator to publisher

    If you love audiobook storytelling, hidden literary gems, and juicy Old Hollywood drama, this conversation is not to be missed.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Here’s just some of Daniel’s work:

    Queer People – Carroll and Garrett Graham

    Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown

    Bath Haus – PJ Vernon

    The Body in the Back Garden – Mark Waddell

    The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea – TJ Klune

    In the Lives of Puppets – TJ Klune

    Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! - TJ Klune

    The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown – Jay Manuel

    Follow Daniel & Starshells of Madness:

    You can find Daniel Henning on Instagram

    Check out the Starshells of Madness website and Starshells of Madness Instagram

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro 00:02:06 Catching up with Daniel Henning 00:14:46 Starshells of Maddness 00:21:07 Queer People 01:06:26 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list of titles voiced by Daniel Henning!
    …

  5. Meara's Best Witchy Books to Read 🔮 Cozy, Magical & Must-Read Witch Books

    12 maart 2026 · 45 min

    Afspelen
    Witchy books have completely cast a spell on readers—and in this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to explore the magic behind the genre. Lees meer

    From cozy magical stories to darker tales of witchcraft and power, Meara shares how she first fell in love with witchy reads and why the genre keeps pulling readers back for more. Meara shares her hallmarks of a great witchy book: beloved tropes, magical vibes, found family, spellwork, atmospheric settings, and the storytelling elements that make these books so irresistible.

    Along the way, she highlights some of her favorite witchy reads and offer plenty of book recommendations.

    Whether you’re a longtime lover of witchy books or just looking for your next enchanting read, this episode is full of magical inspiration.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    Find all the books mentioned in this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/meara-s-best-witchy-books-to-read-cozy-magical-must-read-witch-books-book-lounge-by-libby

    Who’s in this episode:

    Find Meara online here!

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:01:00 Witchy Q&A with Meara 00:41:57 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotth…

  6. March 2026 Book Releases We’re Adding to Our TBR

    26 februari 2026 · 1 uur 22 min

    Afspelen
    March is bringing the heat 🔥 Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast to talk about the March 2026 book releases they cannot wait to read.

    From buzzy debuts to powerhouse authors returning with new stories, we’re breaking down the titles climbing to the top of our TBR piles. Whether you love literary fiction, thrillers, romance, or genre-bending surprises, this month is stacked.

    Get your Libby tag ready — we’re giving you plenty of reasons to hit “borrow” and build out your holds list.

    Looking for even more ideas? Browse Amy’s curated guides:

    2026 Debut Books (43 Incredible Titles)

    2026 New Releases (47 Book Ideas From Seasoned Voices)

    Your March reading mood? Officially handled.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Book recommendations:

    Amy’s Picks:

    The Shock of the Light – Lori Inglis Hall

    The Beheading Game – Rebecca Lehmann

    The Fountain – Casey Scieszka

    Where the Girls Were – Kate Schatz

    Lady Tremaine – Rachel Hochhauser

    Under Water – Tara Menon

    That's What Friends Are For – Wade Rouse

    The Truth About Ruby Cooper – Liz Nugent

    The Night We Met – Abby Jimenez

    Once and Again – Rebecca Serle

    Joe’s Picks:

    Now I Surrender – Álvaro Engrigue

    200 Monas – Jan Saenz

    The Disappointment – Scott Broker

    Adult Braces – Lindy West

    The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts – Kim Fu

    You With the Sad Eyes – Christina Applegate

    Strange Girls – Sarvat Hasin

    Sisters in Yellow – Mieko Kawakami

    Hooked – Asako Yuzuki

    Wretch – Eric LaRocca

    Who’s in this episode:

    Amy Allen Clark – Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Check out How to Shoot a Ghost on Kanopy! 00:01:36 Title 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:30 Chatting with Amy Allen Clark 00:09:12 March 2026 Book Picks 01:17:47 Closing & Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. C…

  7. Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and Talking with Ashley Hutson

    12 februari 2026 · 1 uur 24 min

    Afspelen
    On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re trying something a little different—and we’re very excited about it. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang podcast to dive deep into One’s Company by Ashley Hutson, a book Amy has been completely obsessed with. Lees meer

    We start with a breakdown of the book (mostly spoiler-free), unpacking what worked, what lingered, and why One’s Company gets under your skin in the best way. Then, at the 25-minute mark we do a quick spoiler breakdown, then we’re joined by Ashley Hutson herself for a spoiler-filled conversation about the book, her inspirations, the emotional core of the story, and what it was like bringing this unsettling, unforgettable novel to life.

    📚 Spoiler warning: The author interview includes spoilers—so read One’s Company first, then come hang out with us.

    If you love this book-club-style episode (or want us to do more like it with different books or formats), we want to hear from you! Email Joe at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com with your thoughts.

    Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here!

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    Find all the books mentioned in this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/inside-one-s-company-obsession-isolation-and-talking-with-ashley-hutson-book-lounge-by-libby

    Who’s in this episode:

    Amy Allen Clark – Links

    Find Book Gang on Patreon

    Ashley Hutson - Website

    Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here!

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro 00:02:13 Talking One’s Company with Amy Allen Clark 00:25:55 Spoiler breakdown of One’s Company 00:30:12 Conversation with Ashley Hutson, author of One’s Company 01:19:55 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for t…

  8. Becoming a Reader as an Adult

    5 februari 2026 · 1 uur 10 min

    Afspelen
    Not everyone grows up a reader—and that’s okay. Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe talks with his friend Sam about what it’s like when reading finally works for you. They dig into unlearning what reading is “supposed” to look like, finding joy without pressure, and how discovering books later in life can quietly change how you see yourself.

    Along the way, Sam shares how becoming a reader also sparked the beginning of her journey as a writer. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt outside of reading culture—and is finding their way in.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Who’s in this episode:

    Find Sam’s Bookstagram @worldwakerreads

    Check out @lizabethanneauthor

    Check out Forget Me Not

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro

    00:01:10 Becoming a Reader

    00:46:46 Becoming an Author

    01:06:03 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  9. February 2026 Book Releases We’re Obsessed With

    29 januari 2026 · 1 uur 12 min

    Afspelen
    New month, new books, and a very full TBR. 📖✨ Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to dive into the most exciting books releasing in February 2026. From buzzy new novels to under-the-radar gems, we’re breaking down what’s catching our attention, what we’re most hyped to read, and which releases are moving straight to the top of our TBRs.

    If you love tracking upcoming book releases, planning your reading life, or just want to know what February’s literary lineup has in store, consider this your official February 2026 Book Release Radar.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Book recommendations:

    Meara’s Picks:

    A Little Buzzed – Alys Murray

    The Sun and the Starmaker – Rachel Griffin

    Greedy - Callie Kazumi

    Books & Bewitchment - Isla Jewell

    How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates - Shailee Thompson

    Cruelty Free - Caroline Glenn

    For Human Use - Sarah G Pierce

    Weavingshaw – Heba Al-Wasity

    The Hospital at the End of the World - Justin C. Key

    The Forest on the Edge of Time – Jasmin Kirkbride

    The Red Winter - Cameron Sullivan

    Joe’s Picks:

    Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman

    Heap Earth Upon It – Chloe Michelle Howarth

    Murder Bimbo – Rebecca Novack

    Superfan – Jenny Tinghui Zhang

    She Made Herself a Monster – Anna Kovatcheva

    I am the Ghost Here – Kim Samek

    Good People – Patmeena Sabit

    The Jills – Karen Parkman

    Dollface – Lindy Ryan

    Language as Liberation – Toni Morrison

    Who’s in this episode:

    Meara - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:01:02 Catching up with Meara

    00:05:38 February 2026 Book Picks

    01:08:35 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope yo…

  10. Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes - DNF Energy & Cozy Season Picks

    22 januari 2026 · 1 uur 10 min

    Afspelen
    Winter is a vibe—and so is the way we read during it. Lees meer

    In this episode, Joe is joined by Cece and Meara to talk all things winter reading vibes, from how mood reading works for us to whether TBRs ever stand a chance. We get honest about DNFing books (when we quit, why we quit, and how we make peace with it) and then wrap things up with book recommendations that feel just right for the colder months—think cozy, atmospheric, emotional, and immersive reads.

    If your winter reading life looks nothing like your reading goals… you’re in good company.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Book recommendations:

    Cece’s Picks:

    The Boys in the Valley – Philip Fracassi

    Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children series – Book 1 Every Heart a Doorway) – Seanan McGuire

    The Forgotten Girl – India Hill Brown

    Echo After Echo – A.R. Capetta

    Meara’s Picks:

    The Hush – Sara Foster

    These Immortal Truths - R. Raeta

    These Godly Lies – R. Raeta

    Cold - Drew Hayden Taylor

    One Dark Window - Rachel Gillig

    Joe’s Picks:

    Strange Pictures - Uketsu

    Strange Houses - Uketsu

    Bad Dolls – Rachel Harrison

    The Writing Retreat – Julia Bartz

    Breathe In, Bleed Out – Brian McAuley

    The Staircase in the Woods – Chuck Wendig

    Idle Grounds - Krystelle Bamford

    Old Country by Matt & Harrison Query

    The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

    Bochica – Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro

    Play Nice – Rachel Harrison

    The Apartment Across the Hall – Jack Dane

    The Most – Jessica Anthony

    The Three of Us – Ore Agbaje-Williams

    Who’s in this episode:

    Cece – Links

    Meara - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro

    00:01:13 Diving into winter vibes & mood reading with Cece & Meara!

    00:16:05 Meara’s tracker spreadsheet & fixing a reading slump

    00:20:33 Do TBRs exist anymore?

    00:35:10 How do your reading habits change with the season?

    00:38:41 DNF’ing books

    00:48:41 Some recommended reads for the vibe

    01:05:03 Wrap up and outro

    Readers c…

  11. 2026 Book Release Radar: The new books we can’t wait to read

    15 januari 2026 · 1 uur 10 min

    Afspelen
    New year, new books, and SO many reasons to freak out (in the best way). Lees meer

    In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu and Meara to kick off 2026 with a full-on Book Release Radar—highlighting the upcoming titles they’re most excited to read this year.

    From buzzy new releases to books that already feel like future favorites, they're sharing what’s climbing to the very top of the TBRs and why 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for readers. Consider this your official permission slip to start planning your holds early.

    Season 3 is coming in April but make sure you’re following us so you don’t miss out on our monthly episodes while you wait!

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Book recommendations:

    Jananie’s Picks:

    A Kiss of Crimson Ash – Anuja Varghese

    We Dance Upon Demons – Vaishnavi Patel

    TRAD WIFE – Saratoga Schaefer

    The Rise of the Celestials – Kritika H. Rao

    Read Between the Lies – Jesse Q. Sutanto

    Aicha – Soraya Bouazzaoui

    Burn the Sea – Mona Tewari

    Seasons of Glass and Iron – Amal El-Mohtar

    Meara’s Picks:

    A Vow in Vengeance - Jaclyn Rodriguez

    Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke

    She Haunts Me Still - De Elizabeth

    Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It – Brooke Averick

    The Wretched Divine – Adalyn Grace

    Clara & the Devil – Olivie Blake & Little Chmura

    Dead Beat - Leigh Bardugo

    Light Wielder - Rachel Schneider

    Victorious – VE Schwab

    Joe’s Picks:

    Nothing Tastes as Good – Luke Dumas

    Japanese Gothic – Kylie Lee Baker

    We Burned so Bright – TJ Klune

    Spoiled Milk – Avery Curran

    Plastic, Prism, Void – Violet Allen

    Fruitcake – Rex Ogle

    Missing in Soho – Holly Stars

    Lights! Camera! Frendo! - Adam Cesare

    Who's in this episode:

    Jananie K. Velu – Links

    Meara - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro

    00:01:55 Gettin’ chatty with Jananie & Meara

    00:03:14 Relationships with book releases

    00:07:54 2026 Book Release Radar

    01:04:59 Final thoughts and ou…

  12. January 2026 Book Picks: New Year, New TBRs

    18 december 2025 · 1 uur 21 min

    Afspelen
    As we head into the holiday season, we’re already looking ahead—because nothing pairs better with cocoa and cozy time off than planning your next year’s TBR 🎄📚 Lees meer

    For our January 2026 Book Picks (and the final Book Lounge episode of 2025!), I'm joined by Madison to break down the new releases we cannot wait to snag in the new year. These are the books we’re placing holds and adding to notify me tags in Libby, lining up for holds, and mentally reading before the wrapping paper’s even recycled ✨

    This episode is equal parts holiday sendoff and new year reading hype. We’re taking a short break, soaking up the season, and coming back in January 2026 with all-new episodes.

    🎁 One last thing before the year ends! Help shape the future of Book Lounge by completing our listener survey by January 5: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey

    Happy holidays, happy reading, and may your holds come in early. ✨📖

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Titles mentioned in this episode:

    Madison’s picks:

    Graceless Heart – Isabel Ibañez

    The Midnight Carousel – Fiza Saeed McLynn

    Silver & Blood – Jessie Mihalik

    The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao

    Women of a Promiscuous Nature – Donna Everhart

    Dragon Cursed – Elise Kova

    When Trees Testify – Beronda L. Montgomery

    Joe’s picks:

    Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy

    Is This a Cry for Help? - Emily Austin

    How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder – Nina McConigley

    Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven

    Fustuk – Robert Mgrdich Apelian

    Gaslit – Megan Davidhizar

    Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown

    Check out Madison’s Bookstagram

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:01:07 Intro

    00:07:33 January 2026 Book Picks with Madison!’

    01:17:11 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for th…

  13. Our Favorite Reads of 2025

    11 december 2025 · 1 uur 6 min

    Afspelen
    We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists. Lees meer

    Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season.

    ✨ Don’t forget to take our podcast survey!

    Running now through January 5. We want to hear from you!

    Survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Guest host recommendations:

    Carmen

    Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings - Myriam Gurba

    The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas

    Cece

    Listen to Your Sister – Neena Viel

    The Luis Ortega Survival Club – Sonora Reyes

    Jananie

    Dust Settles North – Deena ElGenaidi

    Immaculate Conception – Ling Ling Huang

    Kayla

    Julie Chan is Dead- Liann Zhang

    The Compound- Aisling Rawle

    Meara

    Girl Dinner – Olivie Blake

    Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker

    Joe

    When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy

    Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito

    Hungerstone – Kat Dunn

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Carmen – link

    Cece - link

    Jananie K. Velu – link

    Kayla - link

    Meara – link

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:01:07 Intro

    00:03:54 Best Reads of 2025

    00:03:22 The Summer Book on KANOPY

    00:31:52 Best Reads of 2025

    01:03:01 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of…

  14. Festive Fiction: Talking Holiday Reads for Cozy Winter Nights

    4 december 2025 · 1 uur 47 min

    Afspelen
    Season 2 is wrapping up with a bow! In this festive finale of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe gathers holiday-lit icons Alexandra Benedict, Jenny Bayliss, Maisha Oso, and Matthew Norman for a lively conversation about writing wintery stories across genres—from heartfelt romance to twisty mystery to big-hearted contemporary fiction. Lees meer

    Then in Segment 2, our guest hosts slide down the chimney with their best holiday reading recommendations to keep your TBR merry and bright.

    Pour a mug of something warm, cozy up under your favorite blanket, and celebrate the end of another incredible season with us. And don’t forget—more great content is coming your way in the new year, so make sure you're subscribed!

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    Find all the books by our guests and mentioned in this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/festive-fiction-talking-holiday-reads-for-cozy-winter-nights-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-10

    Guest host recommendations:

    Cece

    Make My Wish Come True - Rachael Lippincott, Alyson Derrick

    Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology - ed. Ellen Datlow

    Jananie

    A Little Holiday Fling – Farah Heron

    The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year – Ally Carter

    Meara

    The Afterlife of Holly Chase - Cynthia Hand

    The Christmas Murder Game - Alexandra Benedict

    Joe

    You Better Watch Out – James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

    Season of Love – Helena Greer

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Alexandra Benedict – Instagram

    Jenny Bayliss - Instagram

    Maisha Oso - Website

    Matthew Norman – Website

    Segment 2:

    Cece - link

    Jananie K. Velu – link

    Meara - link

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:01:53 Writing for the Season with Alexandra Benedict, Jenny Bayliss, Maisha Oso & Matthew Norman!

    01:01:29 BREAK – Some holiday reads from Kensington Books

    01:04:22 Holiday Reads with Cece, Jananie & Meara!

    01:41:22 Outro

    Readers can sample and…

  15. Page to Screen Magic: Authors on Adaptations

    20 november 2025 · 2 uur 32 min

    Afspelen
    Buckle up, book lovers — we’re going full Hollywood this week in an extended edition of Book Lounge! Joe kicks things off with the iconic Louis Sachar, who spills delightful behind-the-scenes tea about writing the Holes screenplay, hanging out on set, and the surreal experience of getting residual checks for his cameo. Lees meer

    Then Danielle Valentine pops in to chat about Delicate Condition and its evolution into American Horror Story: Delicate.

    For the grand finale, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu and Meara for a joyfully nerdy celebration of book-to-screen adaptations.

    It’s big. It’s bookish. It’s cinematic. And it’s a blast.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    Find all the books by our guests and mentioned in this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/page-to-screen-magic-authors-on-adaptations-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-9

    Guest host recommendations:

    Jananie

    Howl’s Moving Castle - Dianna Wynne Jones

    The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

    Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

    Meara

    It’s Kind of a Funny Story – Ned Vizzini

    Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion

    The Long Walk - Stephen King as Richard Bachman

    Joe

    Mommie Dearest – Christina Crawford & With Love, Mommie Dearest - A. Ashley Hoff

    Watch Mommie Dearest on Kanopy

    Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer

    Watch Into the Wild on Kanopy

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Louis Sachar - website

    Danielle Valentine – website

    Segment 2:

    Jananie K. Velu – Links

    Meara - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:01:06 Intro

    00:02:47 Louis Sachar on HOLES

    00:42:47 Break!

    00:44:11 Danielle Valentine on DELICATE CONDITION & AHS: DELICATE

    01:33:15 Page to Screen Recs with Jananie K. Velu & Meara!

    02:28:17 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulativ…

  16. Food for Thought: Holiday Feasts, Mamrie Hart, and the Books We’re Thankful For

    13 november 2025 · 1 uur 47 min

    Afspelen
    Comedian, writer, and foodie extraordinaire Mamrie Hart joins Joe in the Book Lounge to talk about her new cookbook All I Think About Is Food, her must-haves for holiday hosting, and why laughter really is the secret ingredient. Lees meer

    Then, Carmen, Kevin Norman, and Meara pull up a chair to share the books they’re most thankful for this holiday season. A feast of laughs, stories, and reads you’ll want seconds of! 🦃📚

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    Find all the books by our guests and mentioned in this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/food-for-thought-holiday-feasts-mamrie-hart-and-the-books-we-re-thankful-for-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-8

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Mamrie Hart - Instagram , podcast: This Might Get Weird

    Segment 2:

    Carmen - link

    Kevin T. Norman – link

    Meara - link

    Guest host recommendations:

    Carmen

    Charlotte’s Web - E. B. White

    Signal to Noise - Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Kevin

    Inferno’s Heir - Tiffany Wang

    Black Salt Queen – Samantha Bansil

    Meara

    Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Caitlin Doughty

    UnWind - Neal Shusterman

    Joe

    Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse - Kevin Henkes

    The Bad Beginning - Lemony Snicket

    Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging - Louise Rennison

    You – Caroline Kepnes

    Sailor Moon volume 1 – Naoko Takeuchi

    Cardcaptor Sakura volume 1 - CLAMP

    Tsubasa volume 1 - CLAMP

    Holic volume 1 - CLAMP

    I Think Our Son Is Gay volume 1 - Okura

    The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune

    Witchlings - Claribel A. Ortega

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:01:20 Segment 1 with Mamrie Hart!

    00:53:54 BREAK – check out these cozy Fall Reads from Kensington Books

    00:56:08 Segment 2 with Carmen, Kevin Norman & Meara!

    01:42:06 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanop…

  17. Science Fiction Double Feature: Exploring New Worlds through Books

    6 november 2025 · 1 uur 33 min

    Afspelen
    It’s time to go beyond the stars! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Alex Segura, Daniel H. Wilson, and Ken Liu for a cosmic conversation on the ever-evolving world of science fiction. They dive into the genre’s growth, the art of writing in shared universes, and their own galaxy-sized reading recs. Then, Cece and Meara join for segment two with stellar sci-fi book recommendations to add to your TBR. Lees meer

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/science-fiction-double-feature-exploring-new-worlds-through-books-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-7

    Guest host recommendations:

    Cece

    The Seep - Chana Porter

    Salvation Day - Kali Wallace

    Meara

    The End of Men - Christina Sweeney-Baird

    Annie Bot - Sierra Greer

    Joe

    August Kitko and the Mechas from Space – Alex White

    The Bones Beneath My Skin – TJ Klune

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Alex Segura - website

    Daniel H. Wilson - website

    Ken Liu - website

    Segment 2:

    Cece – links

    Meara - links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro

    00:01:23 Segment 1 with Alex Segura, Daniel H. Wilson & Ken Liu

    00:52:53 Break

    00:53:51 Segment 2 – Sci-Fi Recs with Cece & Meara!

    01:29:12 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdriv…

  18. Library Love Letters

    30 oktober 2025 · 2 uur 2 min

    Afspelen
    This episode is our ode to the library—the beating heart of every book lover’s story. In segment one, Joe is joined by authors (and librarians, both current and former!) Terah Shelton Harris, Eva Jurczyk, PJ Nelson, and Jenn McKinlay to talk about how their time in libraries shaped their writing and storytelling. Lees meer

    Then, in segment two, Joe and our guest hosts share book recommendations by librarians, about librarians, and featuring that unmistakable library charm.

    Whether you’re a lifelong cardholder or just love the scent of a good book, this episode is for you.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/library-love-letters-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-6

    Guest host recommendations:

    Amy

    The Lions of Fifth Avenue - Fiona Davis

    The Reading List - Sarah Nisha Adams

    Carmen

    The Next Best Fling - Gabriella Gamez

    That Librarian - Amanda Jones

    Cece

    Gay the Pray Away - Natalie Naudus

    84 Charing Cross Road - Helene Hanff

    Meara

    If the Shoe Fits - Julie Murphy

    The Archived - Victoria Schwab

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Eva Jurczyk - website

    Jenn McKinlay - website

    Phillip DePoy (PJ Nelson) - website

    Terah Shelton Harris - website

    Segment 2:

    Amy Allen Clark – links

    Carmen – links

    Cece – links

    Meara - links

    Articles mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/2025-03-06-search-like-a-pro-expert-tips-for-finding-your-next-read-in-the-libby-app

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:02:10 Segment 1 with Eva Jurczyk, Jenn McKinlay, PJ Nelson & Terah Shelton Harris!

    01:02:27 Libby Tip: Search like a Pro!

    01:07:52 Segment 2 with Amy, Carmen, Cece & Meara!

    01:58:05 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole s…

  19. Witch Please: Cozy & Witchy Reads for Fall

    23 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 47 min

    Afspelen
    Witch please! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re leaning all the way into fall vibes with cozy and witchy reads that’ll keep you warm as the weather cools. Lees meer

    In segment one, Joe is joined by Claribel A. Ortega, Liz Montague, HB Akumiah, and Travis Baldree for a fireside chat about all things cozy fantasy, witchy worlds, and why we can’t get enough of stories that feel like a soft blanket and a spellbook in one.

    Then in segment two, Bre, Kayla, and Meara stop by to share their favorite cozy and witchy reads to add to your TBR cauldron.

    Whether you love small-town magic, talking familiars, or books that smell like cinnamon and candle wax, this episode will enchant your fall reading list.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/witch-please-cozy-witchy-reads-for-fall-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-5

    Guest host recommendations:

    Bre

    A Murder for Miss Hortense - Mel Pennant

    Snapdragon - Kat Leyh

    Kayla

    The Ex Hex – Erin Sterling

    We Ride Upon Sticks – Quan Barry

    Meara

    The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches - Sangu Mandanna

    Sweet and Bitter Magic - Adrienne Tooley

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Claribel A. Ortega - Website

    H.B. Akumiah - Instagram

    Liz Montague - Website

    Travis Baldree - Website

    Segment 2:

    Bre - Links

    Kayla - Links

    Meara – Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:21 Intro

    00:02:48 Segment 1 with Claribel A. Ortega, Liz Montague, HB Akumiah & Travis Baldree!

    00:56:43 BREAK

    00:58:42 Segment 2 – Book Recs with Bre, Kayla & Meara!

    01:42:13 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope y…

  20. Haunted Pages: A Halloween Book Lounge Special

    16 oktober 2025 · 2 uur 26 min

    Afspelen
    It’s a monster-mash of an episode! We’re going big for spooky season with horror favorites, eerie insights, and enough book recommendations to haunt your TBR straight through Halloween. Lees meer

    In this king-sized candy bar of a Halloween special, Joe is joined by horror icons Rachel Harrison and Ryan La Sala to chat about how the horror space has evolved, what sets YA apart from Adult horror, and why readers are craving fear like never before.

    Then, stick around for a double feature of horror recommendations from Amy, Bre, Jananie, and Kayla—plus during the mid-episode break Joe shares a few not-so-scary reads from our friends at Kensington Books.

    Whether you’re a longtime horror lover or a scaredy cat in search of your next gateway read, this episode is packed with chills, laughs, and plenty of books to keep you up all night.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/haunted-pages-a-halloween-book-lounge-special-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-4

    Guest host recommendations:

    Amy Allen Clark

    One Yellow Eye - Leigh Radford

    The Scald-Crow - Grace Daly

    Bre

    Cutthroat – Octavia Grant

    This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

    Flowers of the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn

    Jananie K. Velu

    An Academy for Liars – Alexis Henderson

    Natural Beauty - Ling Ling Huang

    Mexican Gothic – Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Kayla

    I Was a Teenage Slasher – Stephen Graham Jones

    When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy

    Rest Stop – Nat Cassidy

    Joe

    Bad Dreams in the Night & Let Me in Your Window – Adam Ellis

    Haunted – Chuck Palahniuk

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Rachel Harrison – Website

    Ryan La Sala - Website

    Segment 2:

    Amy Allen Clark - Links

    Bre – Links

    Jananie K. Velu – Links

    Kayla – Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:24 Intro

    00:02:52 Segment 1 with Rachel Harrison & Ryan La Sala

    01:00:36 BREAK – Some not-so-scary Halloween Recs

    01:03:15 Segment 2 pt. 1 Horror Recs…

  21. Beyond the Label: Stories of Disability & Awareness

    9 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 42 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re going Beyond the Label to explore stories of disability, neurodivergence, and chronic illness — both on and off the page. Lees meer

    In Segment 1, Joe is joined by Marie Myung-Ok Lee, who opens up about her experiences as a mother to a child with disabilities. She reflects on the fears, challenges, and moments of triumph that have shaped her perspective as both a parent and a writer. Marie also shares how her Korean-American identity and personal experiences influence her work and the stories she tells.

    Then, in Segment 2, Joe, Cece, and Meara highlight books that feature characters who go beyond the label — stories where differences drive the narrative and reveal the beauty in experiencing the world another way.

    ✨ A heartfelt, thoughtful episode celebrating empathy, awareness, and the power of storytelling to expand our understanding of others — and ourselves.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/beyond-the-label-stories-of-disability-awareness-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-3

    Guest host recommendations:

    Cece's Picks:

    On the Edge of Gone – Corinne Duyvis

    What Moves the Dead – T. Kingfisher

    Meara’s Picks:

    Vespertine – Margaret Rogerson

    How to Kill Your Family – Bella Mackie

    Joe’s Picks:

    The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet – Jake Maia Arlow

    Never the Wind – Francesco Dimitri

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Marie Myung-Ok Lee - TikTok

    Segment 2:

    Cece (problemsofabooknerd) - Links

    Meara (mearaisreading) - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:23 Intro

    00:01:52 Segment 1 with Marie Myung-Ok Lee

    01:01:27 Break Libby Holds Update

    01:07:22 Segment 2 Book Recs with Cece & Meara

    01:38:06 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. …

  22. Back to School, Back to Books: Comfort Reads for Kids (and their grown-ups)

    2 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 36 min

    Afspelen
    It’s back-to-school season, which means new routines, new books, and maybe even a little extra stress for kids (and the adults who love them). To help ease the transition, we’re diving into comfort reads for Middle Grade and YA readers. Lees meer

    In this episode, Joe is joined by the incredible Rex Ogle, author of heartfelt and vulnerable stories for young readers. Rex opens up about his writing process, how books can help kids navigate tough times, the importance of watching for signs of bullying, and what’s next for both him and his alter ego, Rey Terciero.

    Then, in segment two, Joe and Meara share their latest Middle Grade and YA favorites—full of witches, hauntings, and just the right amount of spooky fun.

    From meaningful conversations to magical book picks, this episode has something for everyone: whether you have kids in your life or you’re a kid at heart.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Link to our full book list:

    https://www.libbylife.com/blog/back-to-school-back-to-books-comfort-reads-for-kids-and-their-grown-ups-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-2

    Guest host recommendations:

    Meara:

    The Flicker – H.E. Edgmon

    Lovely Dark and Deep – Elisa A. Bonnin

    The Witch Boy – Molly Knox Ostertag

    Joe:

    Making Friends, Volume 1 – Kristen Gudsnuk

    The Supernatural Society – Rex Ogle

    The Okay Witch – Emma Steinkellner

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Rex Ogle – Website

    Segment 2:

    Meara (mearaisreading) - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:02:25 Segment 1 – Back to School with Rex Ogle

    00:52:54 Break – Check out our Book Lounge Merch!

    00:54:38 Segment 2 Middle Grade & YA Recs with Meara

    01:31:46 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    L…

  23. Finding Inspiration Again: Breaking out of Reading Ruts & Writing Slumps

    25 september 2025 · 1 uur 51 min

    Afspelen
    Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into those all-too-familiar reading ruts and writing slumps. In this episode, we explore how to find inspiration again—both on the page and in life. Lees meer

    In Segment 1, join me with Neal Shusterman, New York Times bestselling author of over thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, as he shares his strategies for breaking out of creative ruts and staying inspired in writing and life.

    In Segment 2, our fantastic guest host Amy Allen Clark reveals her personal approach to reading ruts: how she navigates them, embraces them, and ultimately finds joy in getting back into the flow of books.

    Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or just someone looking to reignite your spark, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

    Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Check out the full book list for our episode here!

    Follow the guests & guest hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Neal Shusterman – Website | Instagram

    Segment 2:

    Amy Allen Clark - Links

    Time stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:22 Intro

    00:02:00 Segment 1 – Conversation with Neal Shusterman on Writing Slumps

    00:59:13 Break

    01:01:24 Segment 2 with Amy Allen Clark (About Season 1 of Book Lounge)

    01:07:07 Segment 2 – Getting Out of Reading Ruts with Amy Allen Clark

    01:45:02 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Ins…

  24. Live from ALA: Book Lounge by Libby on the Pop-Top Stage

    18 september 2025 · 54 min

    Afspelen
    We’re bringing you something extra special this week—a live recording from the ALA 2025 Pop-Top Stage! Join Joe in conversation with: Lees meer

    Henry H. Neff - ⁠website⁠

    Mary Roach - ⁠website⁠

    Michelle Jabès-Corpora - ⁠website⁠

    Olivia Worley - ⁠website⁠

    Rex Ogle - ⁠website⁠

    Sasha Bonét - ⁠website⁠

    Terah Shelton Harris - ⁠website⁠

    as they talk books, libraries, and the joy of connecting readers with stories.

    This bonus episode is a celebration of community and a peek inside the excitement of ALA.

    Book Lounge by Libby will be back with Season 2 next week—stay tuned for more amazing conversations with authors, narrators, and book lovers.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:19 Intro

    00:02:15 LIVE At ALA!

    00:49:12 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in ⁠Libby⁠. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy⁠!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ⁠Libby Life Blog⁠!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠. Keep up with us on social media by following the ⁠Libby App on Instagram⁠!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  25. Reading Andy Warhol with Daniel Henning

    4 september 2025 · 1 uur 3 min

    Afspelen
    In this special bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Daniel Henning to dive deep into the writings and ideas of Andy Warhol. From The Philosophy of Andy Warhol to Popism: The Warhol Sixties to a: a novel, this conversation explores the iconic artist’s impact on art, culture, and how we see the world today. Lees meer

    Whether you’re a longtime Warhol fan or new to his work, you’ll walk away seeing his brilliance—and contradictions—in a whole new light.

    You can find out more about Daniel and his work on his website.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:01:52 Interview with Daniel Henning

    01:00:20 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in ⁠Libby⁠. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our ⁠Cumulative List⁠ for the whole season, or ⁠this list for today’s episode⁠!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ⁠Libby Life Blog⁠!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠. Keep up with us on social media by following the ⁠Libby App on Instagram⁠!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  26. Hispanic Heritage Month: A Conversation on Writing, Identity, and Celebration

    21 augustus 2025 · 2 uur 37 min

    Afspelen
    As Season 1 of Book Lounge by Libby comes to a close, we’re getting you ready to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with thoughtful conversations featuring Ann Dávila Cardinal, Isabel Cañas, Cleyvis Natera, Isabel Ibañez, and Tamara Yajía. 🌎 Together, they explore how heritage and identity shape their writing and the stories they share with the world. Lees meer

    In Segment 2, Bre, Carmen, and Cece return with their top book recommendations to keep your shelves stacked with incredible Hispanic voices. 📚✨

    ✨ Season 2 of Book Lounge by Libby arrives at the end of September!

    Want to watch the show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel.

    Articles Mentioned and referenced in the Intro & Episode:

    https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/hispanic-heritage-month.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAbout%20National%20Hispanic%20Heritage%20Month,and%20Central%20and%20South%20America.

    https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/why-fiction-from-latin-america-is-growing-in-popularity

    https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/english/community/blog/posts/the-obscured-roots-of-magical-realism/#:~:text=Magical%20Realism%20is%20a%20genre,those%20that%20were%20not%20literate.

    https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-magical-realism

    https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/english/community/blog/posts/the-obscured-roots-of-magical-realism/

    https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2022/10/latin-american-literary-traditions-through-time

    https://www.fountaindale.org/magical-realism-and-the-latin-american-boom/

    https://bookriot.com/new-latino-boom/

    https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/why-fiction-from-latin-america-is-growing-in-popularity

    https://coughtibridge.medium.com/alejo-carpentier-surrealism-and-the-birth-of-magical-realism-ca87f029040c

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Bre

    The Cemetery Boys - Aiden Thomas

    The Spy - Paulo Coelho

    Vampires of El Norte - Isabel Cañas

    The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina - Zoraida Cordova

    Carmen

    Saints of the Household - Ari Tison

    Children…

  27. Romantasy Rising: The Explosion of a Genre and What’s Next

    14 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 54 min

    Afspelen
    Romantasy is everywhere right now — and we’re diving deep into the magic, monsters, and swoon-worthy romance fueling its meteoric rise. Lees meer

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with three of the biggest names in the genre — Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling, and Katee Robert — to talk about how romantasy took over bookshelves, why it resonates with readers, and where it’s headed next.

    Then Meara shares romantasy recommendations to load up your TBR.

    Plus, in a Libby Life exclusive, our guests play a rapid-fire round of Romantasy Trope: Love It or Hate It — with some delightfully unexpected answers.

    Want to watch the show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel.

    Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode:

    https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-romantasy-anyway

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Meara

    Metal Slinger - Rachel Schneider

    Lore of the Wilds - Analeigh Sbrana

    Sorcery of Thorns - Margaret Rogerson

    Bring Me Your Midnight - Rachel Griffin

    Devils Like Us - L.T. Thompson

    Joe

    Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon – Ann Mare

    Captive Prince – CS Pascat

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Jennifer L. Armentrout - Website

    Olivia Rose Darling - Website

    Katee Robert - Website

    Segment 2:

    Meara - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:06:12 Segment 1 – Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling & Katee Robert

    01:14:47 BREAK – Libby Tip: Early Return Reward!

    01:18:04 Segment 2 – Romantasy Recs with Meara

    01:49:01 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or w…

  28. Narratives of Legacy: Indigenous Writers on History, Identity, and Survival

    7 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 52 min

    Afspelen
    In this special episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re joined by celebrated Indigenous authors Angeline Boulley (Firekeeper’s Daughter, Warrior Girl Unearthed) and Carole Lindstrom (We Are Water Protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior) for a powerful conversation on legacy, language, and literature. Lees meer

    Together, we discuss what it means to write from and for their communities, the responsibility of storytelling, and how their work connects generations past, present, and future.

    This episode is a celebration of Indigenous identity, survival, and the resilience of story — and an invitation to listen, learn, and uplift.

    Plus, Bre and Cece stop by with a few incredible book recs from Indigenous voices you won't want to miss.

    📲 Libby Life Exclusive: Head to LibbyLife.com for a bonus moment from the Lounge, where Angeline and Carole share how their ancestors live on through their words.

    Want the video episode? Check it out now on the Libby Life YouTube channel!

    Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode:

    https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

    https://indigenousreadsrising.com/

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Bre

    Never Whistle at Night - ed. Shane Hawk

    The Marrow Thieves - Cherie Dimaline

    White Horse - Erika T. Wurth

    The Buffalo Hunter Hunter - Stephen Graham Jones

    Cece

    #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women - ed. Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale

    The Break - Katherena Vermette

    Sabrina & Corina - Kali Fajardo-Anstine

    Ready When You Are - Gary Lonesborough

    Joe

    Métis Like Me – Tasha Hilderman

    My Life: Growing Up Native in America – ed. IllumiNative

    Fierce Aunties! - Laurel Goodluck, Ill. Steph Littlebird

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Angeline Boulley - Website

    Carole Lindstrom - Website

    Segment 2:

    Bre - Links

    Cece - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:04:51 Segment 1 – Angeline Boulley & Carole Lindstrom

    00:58:09 BREAK – Libby Tip: Audiobook Tips & Tricks

    01:00:58 Segment 2 – Indigenous R…

  29. The Battle Over Books: Publishers, Libraries & Banned Authors Speak Out

    31 juli 2025 · 2 uur 16 min

    Afspelen
    Book bans are rising at an alarming rate—but librarians, authors, and publishers are fighting back. In this powerful episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by librarian and intellectual freedom advocate Amanda Jones, bestselling author Kalynn Bayron (This Poison Heart), veteran librarian and censorship expert Pat R. Scales, and Skip Dye, SVP at Penguin Random House. Together, they dive into the impact of censorship on libraries, communities, and the future of publishing. Lees meer

    Plus, stick around for a banned books spotlight featuring Joe, Bre, and Meara, where they share a few of their must-read titles that have faced bans or challenges.

    📚 Let’s talk about what it means to protect the freedom to read.

    Want the video version of the show? Visit the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode:

    What's a book ban anyway? Depends on who you ask

    Manuscripts Don’t Burn: a Timeline of Literary Censorship, Destruction, and Liberation

    American Library Association Names Skip Dye Honorary Member

    The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality

    Under fire from state, Hillsborough’s Ayres pledges to pull more books

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Bre

    The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison

    Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison

    Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zora Neale Hurston

    Meara

    Pet - Akwaeke Emezi

    The Midnight Lie - Marie Rutkoski

    Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury

    Joe

    Flamer – Mike Curato

    The Magic Fish – Trung Le Nguyen

    All Boys Aren’t Blue - George M. Johnson

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Amanda Jones - Links

    Kalynn Bayron - Website

    Pat R. Scales - LinkedIn

    Skip Dye – Penguin Random House

    Segment 2:

    Bre - Links

    Meara - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:05:54 Segment 1, Part 1: Amanda Jones, Kalynn Bayron, Pat R. Scales

    00:50:33 Segment 1, Part 2: Skip Dye

    01:17:54 BREAK

    01:19:01 Segment 2: Book Recommendations with Bre, Meara & Joe

    02:11:38 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the …

  30. Panels with Purpose: Creators on the Power of Graphic Novels

    24 juli 2025 · 1 uur 47 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we explore the powerful world of graphic novels. In our first segment, Joe is joined by a brilliant panel of creators—mother-daughter duo Hallie Bateman & Suzy Hopkins, Maia Kobabe, and Mattie Lubchansky—to discuss how graphic novels have evolved, the importance of accessibility, the unique creative process behind visual storytelling, and the lasting impact of their work. Lees meer

    Then in segment two, guest hosts Bre, Carmen, and Cece stop by with stellar graphic novel recommendations for your TBR—whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started.

    Articles Mentioned in the Intro:

    The rise of the graphic novel: Mainstream and small screen, they're not just for kids anymore

    History of Graphic Novels: Ancient Times to 1920

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Carmen

    Tales from La Vida edited by Frederick Luis Aldama

    Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

    Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

    On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

    Cece

    Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer

    On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

    Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (author) & Lisa Sterle (illustrator)

    Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

    Bre

    Monster by Naoki Urasawa

    Bitterroot by Walker, Brown, Greene, Renzi, and Cowles

    Earthdivers by Stephen Graham Jones

    The Best we Could Do by Thi Bui

    Joe

    Animorphs vol. 1 – KA Applegate, Michael Grant

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Hallie Bateman - Website

    Suzy Hopkins - Instagram

    Maia Kobabe - Website

    Mattie Lubchansky - Website

    Segment 2:

    Bre – Links

    Carmen – Links

    Cece - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:05:52 Segment 1 – Hallie Bateman & Suzy Hopkins, Maia Kobabe & Mattie Lubchansky

    00:54:50 BREAK – Check out PlotThreadsShop.com & a Libby Tip – Deep Search!

    00:57:55 Segment 2 – Bre, Carmen & Cece

    01:43:11 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marke…

  31. Sun, Sand & Stories: Authors on Crafting the Perfect Summer Read

    17 juli 2025 · 1 uur 49 min

    Afspelen
    What makes a book the perfect beach read? In this sunny episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and Sara Hamdan for a lively conversation about the art of crafting a summer page-turner. From thrillers to romances and everything in between, they unpack what “beach read” really means, how they keep readers hooked, and—crucially—their go-to writing snacks. Lees meer

    Then in segment two, Amy, Bre, Cece, Jananie, and Kayla stop by with top-tier book recommendations to toss in your tote bag, whether you're headed to the coast or just catching rays on your lunch break.

    Pack your sunscreen and press play!

    Check out the video version of this episode on the Libby App YouTube Channel.

    Article mentioned in the intro:

    What Makes a Book a Beach Read?

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Amy Allen Clark

    Sister, Sinner by Claire Hoffman (biography)

    Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje

    Bre

    The Oath – TM Richardson

    The Wishing Pool – Tananarive Due

    Jananie

    Never Been Better – Leanne Toshiko Simpson

    The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff

    Cece

    Cleat Cute – Meryl Wilsner

    Guillotine – Delilah S. Dawson

    Drowning – TJ Newman

    Kayla

    Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack

    Sweethand- N.G. Peltier

    A House on the Bottom of the Lake – Josh Mallerman

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1

    Clémence Michallon - Website

    Jonathan Parks-Ramage - Website

    Megan Miranda - Website

    Sara Hamdan - Website

    Segment 2

    Amy Allen Clark - Links

    Bre - Links

    Cece - Links

    Jananie K. Velu - Links

    Kayla - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:08:18 Segment 1 - Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, Sara Hamdan

    00:54:57 BREAK – Check out Plot Threads Shop!

    00:56:10 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Amy, Bre and Jananie!

    01:30:24 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Cece and Kayla!

    01:44:46 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s epis…

  32. Summer Reading Magic: Authors on Writing for Young Readers

    10 juli 2025 · 2 uur 48 min

    Afspelen
    What makes a summer read unforgettable for kids and teens? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Jamie Sumner, Kelsey Impicciche, and Julie Soto for a sunny conversation all about Summer Reading Magic. Lees meer

    They explore what defines a great summer book across different age groups, how they tailor their writing to young readers, and the power of stories to inspire, comfort, and reflect today’s youth.

    The group also shares nostalgic memories of library reading programs, talks about trends and representation in current kidlit and YA, and offers insight into helping young readers fall in love with books—this summer and beyond.

    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Part 1:

    Carmen

    Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa

    A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

    Ballad & Dagger-An Outlaw Saints Novel by Daniel José Older

    Cece

    To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer

    This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow

    Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

    Joe

    Witchlings – Claribel A. Ortega

    Scepter of Memories – Claribel A. Ortega

    The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers – Adam Sass

    Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts – Adam Sass

    Surrender Your Sons – Adam Sass

    Your Lonely Nights Are Over – Adam Sass

    Part 2:

    Bre

    The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen

    Hide and Seeker by Daka Harmon

    Root Magic by Eden Royce

    Meara

    The Girl Who Kept the Castle by Ryan Graudin

    The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

    We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Jamie Sumner - Website

    Julie Soto - Website

    Kelsey Impicciche - Website

    Segment 2:

    Bre - Links

    Carmen - Links

    Cece - Links

    Meara - Links

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:05:09 Segment 1 – Jamie Sumner & Kelsey Impicciche

    00:55:47 Segment 1 – Julie Soto

    01:25:30 BREAK – Libby Tip: Read Alongs, Filters and more!

    01:31:01 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Ca…

  33. Who’s Behind Your Next Favorite Read? Meet Our Guest Hosts!

    3 juli 2025 · 59 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode of Book Lounge, we're handing the mic to the readers behind the recs! Meet our guest hosts who'll be joining us all season long to share their themed picks! Lees meer

    To get to know everyone, they'll be answering our version of the New BookTuber Tag - diving into their reading tastes, love of libraries and vibe essentials - so you can get to know the people helping you grow your TBR.

    Whether you're into horror, romance, fantasy or anything in between, there's a guest you're about to fall in love with!

    Find our guest hosts online:

    Amy Allen Clark

    Bre

    Carmen

    Cece

    Jananie K. Velu

    Kayla

    Meara

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:01:26 Amy Allen Clark - Mom Advice

    00:14:01 Carmen - Tomes and Textiles

    00:21:07 Cece - Problems of a Book Nerd

    00:26:45 Mid Way Break

    00:28:20 Bre - Loc'd Booktician

    00:36:18 Kayla - Books and Lala

    00:40:59 Meara - Meara is Reading

    00:50:05 Jananie K. Velu - This Story Ain't Over

    00:54:56 Outro

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  34. From Beach Bags to Bedside Tables: July’s Must-Read Picks

    30 juni 2025 · 1 uur 7 min

    Afspelen
    It’s a bonus episode, book lovers! Joe is joined by friend and fellow bookworm Emma to chat about the July 2025 releases they're most excited to add to their TBR piles. Lees meer

    Whether you’re craving rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy, or something a little spooky, here's a stack of reads to keep your summer sizzling.

    From campus drama and romantic tension to magical greenhouses, haunted tunnels, and dragon-slaying heroines—there’s something for everyone this month. Add these titles to your TBR and check them out on Libby!

    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠!

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:01:11 Guest Intro - Emma!

    00:03:01 Catching up with Emma

    00:13:45 July Book Release Recommendations

    01:03:21 Outro

    Titles mentioned in this episode

    Emma’s Picks:

    ⁠Mean Moms⁠ by Emma Rosenblum

    ⁠Rose in Chains⁠ by Julie Soto (⁠https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11316498⁠)

    ⁠The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy⁠ by Brigitte Knightley

    ⁠Wrath of the Dragons⁠ by Olivia Rose Darling

    ⁠A Forbidden Alchemy⁠ by Stacey McEwan

    ⁠Our Last Resort⁠ by Clémence Michallon

    ⁠Arcana Academy⁠ by Elise Kova

    ⁠Maid for Each Other⁠ by Lynn Painter

    ⁠Overruled⁠ by Lana Ferguson

    Joe's Picks:

    ⁠The Enchanted Greenhouse⁠ – Sarah Beth Durst

    ⁠Rush Week⁠ – Michelle Brandon

    ⁠The Art of Vanishing⁠ – Morgan Pager

    ⁠Mayra⁠ – Nicky Gonzalez

    ⁠The Bewitching⁠ – Silva Moreno-Garcia

    ⁠Miss Camper⁠ – Kat Fajardo

    ⁠Predatory Natures⁠ – Amy Goldsmith

    ⁠The Yomigaeri Tunnel⁠ – Kelly Murashige

    ⁠This is Where We Die⁠ – Cindy RX He

    Links from this episode:

    You can follow Emma's bookish updates on ⁠Instagram⁠

    Find out more about Amy Allen Clark's ⁠2025 Summer Reading Guide⁠!

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in ⁠Libby⁠. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ⁠Libby Life Blog⁠!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. B…

  35. Pride in Publishing: How Queer Stories Shape Readers

    26 juni 2025 · 3 uur 1 min

    Afspelen
    Happy Pride 🌈💖! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and the power of queer storytelling. Lees meer

    In the first half of the show, Joe sits down for heartfelt, honest conversations with authors Andrew Joseph White, Juno Dawson, Susie Dumond, and Emily Austin. Each shares their unique experience as a queer writer—what inspires them, the challenges they face, and the joy of connecting with readers who see themselves in their stories.

    Then, our guest hosts Carmen, Cece, Jananie, Kayla, and Meara return to the lounge with a list of incredible Pride Month reads to add to your TBR—this year and every year.

    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:07:56 Juno Dawson & Susie Dumond

    00:53:10 Andrew Joseph White

    01:27:56 Emily Austin

    01:51:19 Midroll Break - Plot Threads

    01:52:36 Book Recommendations

    02:55:36 Outro

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Carmen's Picks:

    Blackouts - Justin Torres

    The Sunbearer Trials - Aiden Thomas

    These Vengeful Gods – Gabe Cole Novoa

    Bad Girls – Camila Sosa Villada

    Cece’s Picks:

    Juliet Takes a Breath - Gabby Rivera

    Love & Other Disasters - Anita Kelly

    Hell Followed With Us – Andrew Joseph White

    Jananie’s Picks:

    Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis

    The Legend of Meneka – Kritka H. Rao

    Marriage of a Thousand Lies – SJ Sindu

    Kayla’s Picks:

    Felix Ever After- Kacen Callender

    Monstrilio- Gerardo Sámano Córdova

    It Came from the Closet – ed. Joe Vallese

    Meara’s Picks:

    This Princess Kills Monsters - Ry Herman

    The Space Between Worlds - Micaiah Johnson

    That Inevitable Victorian Thing - E.K. Johnston

    Joe’s Picks:

    Messy Roots – Laura Gao

    Bath Haus – PJ Vernon

    Hombrecito – Santiago Jose Sanchez

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Part 1:

    Juno Dawson - ⁠Instagram⁠

    Susie Dumond - ⁠Website⁠

    Part 2:

    Andrew Joseph White - Website

    Part 3:

    Emily Austin - Website

    Segment 2:

    Carmen - @tomesandtextiles Lin…

  36. Behind the Mic: Narrators, Authors, and Producers on the Magic of Audiobooks

    19 juni 2025 · 2 uur 26 min

    Afspelen
    Welcome to the very first episode of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with an ode to audiobooks—the voices, the stories, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes them so special. Lees meer

    First up, our host Joe chats with thriller author Carter Wilson, narrators Allyson Ryan and Patrick Zeller, and audiobook producers Catherin Bucaria and Almeda Beynon from Sourcebooks Audio to dig into what it really takes to bring a story from the page to your headphones and their work on Carter’s book TELL ME WHAT YOU DID. Then, Jason Reynolds and Dan Zitt join the lounge to talk about the creative process behind Jason’s audio-exclusive project, SOUNDTRACK.

    In the second half of the show, guest hosts Carmen, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara stop by with some truly excellent audiobook recommendations to keep you listening all year long.

    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Time Stamps:

    00:00:00 Title

    00:00:16 Intro

    00:10:48 Carter Wilson, Allyson Ryan, Patrick Zeller & Sourcebooks Audio

    00:55:30 Jason Reynolds & Dan Zitt

    01:35:28 Midroll Tip - Find Audiobooks By Duration

    01:40:15 Audiobook Recommendations

    02:21:11 Outro

    Guest Host Recommendations:

    Carmen's Picks:

    Oye - Melissa Mogollon

    You Dreamed of Empires - Alvaro Enrigue

    Jananie’s Picks:

    Enter Ghost – Isabella Hammad

    If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English – Noor Naga

    Kayla’s Picks:

    Recitatif- Toni Morrison

    The Favorites- Layne Fargo

    Meara’s Picks:

    Everything is Tuberculosis – John Green

    The Weight of Blood – Tiffany D Jackson

    Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

    Segment 1:

    Part 1:

    Carter Wilson – Website

    Allyson Ryan – Website

    Patrick Zeller – Website

    Catherine Bucaria & Almeda Beynon, Sourcebooks Audio – Instagram

    Part 2:

    Jason Reynolds – Website

    Dan Zitt, Penguin Random House Audio – Instagram

    Segment 2:

    Carmen – @tomesandtextiles Linktree

    Jananie K. Velu – @thisstoryaintover Website

    Kayla – @booksandlala Linktree

    Meara - @mearaisrea…

  37. Welcome to Book Lounge by Libby — A New Chapter Begins

    12 juni 2025 · 10 min

    Afspelen
    Say hello to Book Lounge by Libby, the new name for the podcast formerly known as Professional Book Nerds! Lees meer

    In this intro, host Joe Skelley shares updates on the rebrand, what’s staying the same, and what new vibes you can expect in this next chapter. Plus, get a sneak peek at our first season - episode 1 is dropping next week, featuring a celebration of all things audiobooks.

    Pull up a chair—it’s going to be a great season.

    --

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ⁠Libby Life Blog⁠!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠. Keep up with us on social media by following the ⁠Libby App on Instagram⁠!

    Want to reach out? Send an email to ⁠bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com⁠. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: ⁠https://plotthreadsshop.com/⁠!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  38. Hot Reads, Cool Vibes: June 2025 Book Picks

    29 mei 2025 · 1 uur 15 min

    Afspelen
    Joe is joined by his colleague and friend Nahomy for a fresh stack of June 2025 book picks—perfect for summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or curled up in the AC, they’ve got something for every kind of reader. Lees meer

    Nahomy shares queer coming-of-age tales, romantic comedies, twisty thrillers, and empowering debuts, while Joe's picks run the gamut from eerie horror to thoughtful sci-fi , with plenty of speculative fiction and heartwarming surprises along the way.

    Hit play and load up your Libby shelf with summer reads.

    Mark your calendars for June 12 when we debut the podcast rebrand!

    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Titles mentioned in this episode:

    Nahomy's Picks:

    Atmosphere - Taylor Jenkins Reid

    If We Survive This - Racquel Marie

    Sounds Like Love - Ashley Poston

    The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club - Gloria Chao

    The Summer We Ran - Audrey Ingram

    The Other Side of Now - Paige Harbison

    We Could Be Magic - Marissa Meyer

    Girls Girl Girls – Shoshana von Blanckensee

    Under the Neon Lights - Arriel Vinson

    Joe’s Picks:

    With a Vengeance – Riley Sager

    A Girl Walks into the Forest – Madeleine Roux

    Kill the Lax Bro – Charlotte Lillie Balogh

    Dan in Green Gables – Rey Terciero

    Love, Misha – Askel Aden

    Arcana: The Lost Heirs – Sam Prentice-Jones

    Best of All Worlds - Kenneth Oppel

    The Second Chance Convenience Store – Kim Ho-Yeon (Shout-Out: The Dallergut Dream-Making District - Miye Lee)

    The Listeners – Maggie Stiefvater

    Of Monsters and Mainframes – Barbara Truelove

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep…

  39. Fresh Reads, Spring Vibes and Big Book Energy: May 2025 Book Picks

    24 april 2025 · 1 uur 7 min

    Afspelen
    Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss!
    Whether you're loading up your Libby shelf or just need help picking your next favorite read, we've got you covered with big book energy and plenty of laughs along the way. 🌸📚
    Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!
    Titles mentioned in this episode:
    Rachel’s Picks:
    Lees meer

    The Tenant - Freida McFadden

    The Love Haters - Katherine Center

    Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood

    One Golden Summer - Carley Fortune

    Big Dumb Eyes - Nate Bargatze

    The Missing Half - Ashley Flowers

    Run for the Hills - Kevin Wilson

    It's a Love Story - Annabel Monaghan

    Joe’s Picks:

    The Art of Exile – Andrea Max

    Death in the Cards – Mia P. Manansala

    When Love Gives You Lemons – Steven Salvatore

    The Thrashers – Julie Soto

    The Starving Saints – Caitlin Starling

    Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell

    The Dark Maestro – Brendan Slocumb

    Karen: A Brother Remembers – Kelsey Grammer

    Marsha – Tourmaline

    Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett
    Shoutouts section:

    Murder Land – Carlyn Greenwald

    Everyone Sux But You – K. Wroten

    And They Were Roommates – Page Powars

    Shampoo Unicorn – Sawyer Lovett

    The Rebel’s Guide to Pride – Matthew Hubbard

    The Busybody Book Club – Freya Sampson

    The Manor of Dreams – Christina Li

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and…

  40. 🌸 Spring into Reading: April 2025 New Book Releases 🌸

    27 maart 2025 · 1 uur 26 min

    Afspelen
    April is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of must-read new books! Join Joe and Madison as they dive into the most exciting releases of the month. From long-awaited sequels to unexpected gems, our TBRs are taking us on quite the journey—just like the changing season! Lees meer

    Whether you're in the mood for something light and breezy or deep and thought-provoking, we've got the perfect springtime read for you. Grab a cozy spot in the sunshine and let’s talk books! 🌿📖✨

    You can follow Madison's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/simon.says.read/

    Titles mentioned in this episode:

    Madison’s Picks:

    Gifted and Talented – Olivie Blake

    The Amalfi Curse – Sarah Penner

    Their Monstrous Hearts – Yigit Turhan

    The Page Turner – Viola Shipman

    When the Tides Held the Moon - Venessa Vida Kelley

    House of Blight - Maxym M. Martineau

    Enigma - RuNyx

    The Wind Weaver - Julie Johnson

    The Book Club for Troublesome Women - Marie Bostwick

    Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry

    Joe’s Picks:

    The Cat Who Saved the Library – Sosuke Natsukawa

    A/S/L - Jeanne Thornton

    The Staircase in the Woods – Chuck Wendig

    The Cut – CJ Dotson

    Make Sure You Die Screaming – Zee Carlstrom

    The Last Session – Julia Bartz

    Polybius – Collin Armstrong

    Deadstream – Mar Romasco-Moore

    Run Away with Me – Brian Selznick

    Boys with Sharp Teeth – Jenni Howell

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

  41. Surviving the Reaping: What to Read While You Wait

    13 maart 2025 · 47 min

    Afspelen
    In this episode, Joe is joined by Nahomy to recommend books for fans of The Hunger Games, whether you're eagerly awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping or need more dystopian reads after devouring it. Lees meer

    From high-stakes competitions and oppressive regimes to survival in broken worlds, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for thrilling recommendations featuring deadly trials, futuristic rebellions, twisted social experiments, and resilient heroes fighting for freedom.

    Nahomy’s Titles:

    Scythe - Neal Shusterman

    The Selection - Kiera Cass

    The Grace Year - Kim Liggett

    Cinder - Marissa Meyer

    Joe’s Titles:

    Survive the Dome – Kosoko Jackson

    Together in a Broken World – Paul Michael Winters

    After the Fall – Ellen Parent

    The Art Thieves – Andrea L. Rogers

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  42. Spring's Best New Books: March 2025 Picks

    27 februari 2025 · 1 uur 41 min

    Afspelen
    Spring is in the air, and so are a fresh batch of must-read books! In this episode, Joe is joined by Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com to dive into the most exciting new releases hitting shelves in March 2025. Lees meer

    From highly anticipated fiction to captivating nonfiction, they’re sharing the books they can’t wait to read this month. Whether you’re looking for your next page-turner or adding to your never-ending TBR, this episode has something for every book lover.
    Tune in and get ready to update your reading list! 📚✨

    Make sure you follow Amy on Instagram and check out the Book Gang podcast!
    Title’s mentioned in this episode:
    Amy’s Titles:

    Red Dog Farm - Nathaniel Ian Miller

    Dream Count - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The Jackal's Mistress - Chris Bohjalian

    All the Other Mothers Hate Me - Sarah Harman

    This Book Will Bury Me - Ashley Winstead

    Jane and Dan at the End of the World - Colleen Oakley

    Broken Country - Clare Leslie Hall

    I Leave It Up to You - Jinwoo Chong

    Hot Air - Marcy Dermansky

    Promise Me Sunshine - Cara Bastone

    Joe’s Titles:

    Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert – Bob the Drag Queen

    A Wizard of Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin, Fred Fordham

    How to Survive a Slasher – Justine Pucela Winans

    The Bane Witch – Ava Morgyn

    Everything is Tuberculosis – John Green

    The Unworthy – Agustina Bazterrica

    The Buffalo Hunter Hunter – Stephen Graham Jones

    The Keeper of Lonely Spirits – EM Anderson

    I’ll Love You Forever – Giaae Kwon

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish sw…

  43. The Wait for Scythe & Sparrow is On – Read These Next!

    13 februari 2025 · 54 min

    Afspelen
    Waiting for Scythe & Sparrow to hit your shelf? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, Joe is joined by his colleague Meghan to share a list of must-read romances that will keep you hooked while you wait. Lees meer

    These books capture the same vibes you love but each offers a unique journey of its own. Whether you’re craving heart-pounding twists, thought-provoking themes, or unforgettable characters, we’ve got the perfect recommendations to tide you over. Tune in and find your next great read!

    If you’d like to watch the video of this episode, check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Titles mentioned in today’s episode:
    Meghan’s Titles:

    Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

    The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Suzane Valenti

    Beautiful Villain by Rebecca Kenney

    Truly, Madly, Deeply by LJ Shen

    Joe’s Titles:

    Lights Out – Navessa Allen

    The Hollow and the Haunted – Camilla Raines

    The Deer and the Dragon – Piper CJ

    My Funny Demon Valentine – Aurora Ascher

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  44. Announcing the 2025 Libby Book Awards Nominees!

    4 februari 2025 · 1 uur 59 min

    Afspelen
    The nominees are in! 🎉 Joe is joined by his coworker Gabi to unveil the 2025 Libby Book Awards nominees, including some exciting new categories. From the book club books to the hidden gems readers can’t stop raving about, we’re breaking down the top picks of the year. Who made the list? Tune in to find out! Lees meer

    Check out the nominees on our Libby Life Blog: https://www.libbylife.com/2025-01-29-announcing-the-finalists-for-the-2025-libby-book-awards

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the Libby App YouTube Channel, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  45. Love at First Chapter: February 2025 Book Picks

    30 januari 2025 · 1 uur 4 min

    Afspelen
    Love is in the air… and so are killer thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, out-of-this-world sci-fi, and so much more! Joe is joined by his friend and coworker Nahomy to chat about the most exciting books hitting shelves this February. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling horror, a heart-racing fantasy, a cozy graphic novel, or a memoir that stays with you, we’ve got your next great read covered. Lees meer

    Looking for even more bookish fun? Follow Nahomy on Instagram at @nahomyslibrary and subscribe to her YouTube channel Nahomy’s Library for more amazing book recommendations!

    If you'd like to watch the video of this episode, check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

    Titles mentioned in today's episode:

    Nahomy’s Titles:

    Listen to Your Sister - Neena Viel

    We All Live Here - Jojo Moyes

    Three Days in June -Anne Tyler

    The Bones Beneath My Skin - TJ Klune

    All Better Now - Neal Shusterman

    The History of Everything - Victoria Evans

    But Not Too Bold - Hache Pueyo

    Joe’s Titles:

    The Dollhouse Academy – Margarita Montimore

    The Crime Brûlée Bake Off – Rebecca Connolly

    Hungerstone – Kat Dunn

    Something in the Walls – Daisy Pearce

    Fearless and Free – Josephine Baker

    Hunger’s Bite - Taylor Robin

    You Are Fatally Invited – Ande Pliego

    Greenteeth - Molly O’Neill

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  46. Drag & Murder with Holly Stars

    23 december 2024 · 54 min

    Afspelen
    This week on the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe is joined by the fabulous Holly Stars! 🎭 Holly dives into her debut queer crime fiction novel, Murder in the Dressing Room (out January 14 from Berkley), sharing the inspiration behind this thrilling whodunit. We also chat about her incredible work on the West End and her advice on embracing your inner drag queen. 💄 Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, the theater, or just love a little sparkle in your day, this episode is not to be missed! 🌈✨
    Check out Holly online: Holly's Instagram & Holly's website
    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! You can follow Libby on Instagram here!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Lees meer
  47. Big Changes Ahead: End-of-Year Updates from the Professional Book Nerds

    19 december 2024 · 32 min

    Afspelen
    Big changes are coming to the Professional Book Nerds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, we’re sharing important updates about the future of the show that you won’t want to miss. Plus, Joe reflects on the final Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge and how he wrapped up the year of reading. Tune in for all the details and to celebrate the end of this chapter with us!
    We hope you enjoy our last episode of the year this Monday, December 23 with drag queen Holly Stars! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we'll see you in the new year!
    You can follow Libby on Instagram here!
    Joe’s Titles:
    Lees meer

    A Genre you don’t normally read -

    The Mars House – Natasha Pulley

    A book with MCs a different age than you –

    Why is This Night Different from All Other Nights – Lemony Snicket

    A book on your TBR longer than 1 year -

    Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

    An audiobook (full cast or dramatized) -

    The Golden Spoon – Jessa Maxwell

    A book in translation –

    Marigold Mind Laundry – Jungeun Yun

    Reread a childhood favorite

    Pure Dead Magic – Debi Gliori

    Book with a dual POV

    The Boyfriend – Freida McFadden

    A book out of season

    The Christmas Guest – Peter Swanson

    Read a duology

    The Dreamblood Duology – The Killing Moon & The Shadowed Sun – NK Jemisin

    A book with a one-word title

    Cher - Cher

    A book from any bestseller list

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea – TJ Klune

    A book you heard about first on PBN

    Diavola – Jennifer Thorne

    Thank you to every one who participated in the 2024 PBN Reading Challenge and a shout out to the Queer Liberation Library for sending along their completed list! Check out Joe's episode with Kieran from QLL here.
    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spo…

  48. Exploring the World of Barbie with Renée Rosen

    16 december 2024 · 52 min

    Afspelen
    Step into a world of pink, glamour, and storytelling in this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast! Joe chats with bestselling author Renée Rosen about her dazzling new novel Let’s Call Her Barbie (out January 21 from Penguin). They dive into Renee’s writing process, the inspiration behind the book, and their shared love of Barbie—from childhood memories to cherished collections.
    If you’ve ever admired Barbie’s iconic style or dreamed of creating your own timeless stories, this episode is a must-listen! 💕
    Check out Renée Rosen online: Follow her on Instagram, visit her website!
    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Lees meer
  49. Fresh Pages for a Fresh Start: January 2025 Book Picks

    12 december 2024 · 1 uur 3 min

    Afspelen
    Start the new year with a fresh stack of must-reads! In this episode, Joe is joined by Renee to share their most anticipated book releases for January 2025. From thrilling debuts to long-awaited sequels, they’ve got something for every reader to kick off the year right. Grab your TBR list and settle in for a cozy chat packed with exciting recommendations.
    Ready to dive into 2025? Let’s turn the page together!
    Titles mentioned in today's episode:
    Author Interview Books Releasing this Month:
    Lees meer

    Murder in the Dressing Room – Holly Stars (1/14)

    Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen (1/21)

    Renee’s Titles:

    I’ll Come To You – Rebecca Kauffman

    She Doesn’t Have A Clue - Jenny Elder Moke

    Ace, Marvel, Spy - Jenni L. Walsh

    The Good Mother Myth - Nancy Reddy

    Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working - Dan Heath

    Beautiful Ugly - Alice Feeney

    The Favorites - Layne Fargo

    Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen

    The Socialialites - Caroline Lamond

    Simply Jamie – Jamie Oliver

    Joe’s Titles:

    Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – Grady Hendrix

    Wake Up and Open Your Eyes – Clay McLeod Chapman

    Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue – Kate Pearsall

    Water Moon – Samantha Sotto Yambao

    Brewed with Love – Shelly Page

    The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King – Harry Trevaldwyn

    Shattering Dawn – Jayne Ann Krentz

    A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage – Asia Mackay

    The Harder I Fight the More I Love You – Neko chase

    The Last Room on the Left – Leah Konen

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check …

  50. Audiobooks to Load Your Libby for the Holiday Season

    9 december 2024 · 1 uur 17 min

    Afspelen
    Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with audiobooks! In this special episode, Joe is joined by Hugo from Penguin Random House to share cozy, captivating, and downright delightful audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio that are perfect to Load Your Libby app.
    Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods, taking a moment of peace from the holiday hustle, or simply looking to escape into a great story, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for recommendations to keep your holiday spirits bright and your shelves stacked with audio treasures!
    Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for sponsoring the 2024 Check Our Your Library Fiction & Film tour.
    Lees meer

    Titles mentioned in this episode:
    Hugo’s Titles:

    James - Percival Everett

    We Solve Murders - Richard Osman

    From Here to the Great Unknown - Lisa Marie Presley

    Wandering Stars - Tommy Orange

    Martyr! - Kaveh Akbar

    Be Ready When Luck Happens - Ina Garten

    Impossible Creatures - Katherine Rundell

    All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker

    Nexus - Yuval Noah Harari

    The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt

    Joe’s Titles:

    Come and Get It - Kiley Reid

    Lies and Weddings - Kevin Kwan

    First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston

    Funny Story - Emily Henry

    Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty

    Sonny Boy - Al Pacino

    By Any other Name - Jodi Picoult

    Heir - Sabaa Tahir

    Blood at the Root - LaDarrion Williams

    The God of the Woods - Liz Moore

    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.
    Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!
    We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://pl…