Off the Books

Shaking things up on B&S, we have Doug and Bethann! Join in as they talk about Doug's current favorite trope, horror, and what Bookopoly is looking like for everyone. This is also the episode when Bethann finds out she's in second-to-last place (no one saw that coming) and the audience finds out about the big changes coming in June for Bookopoly! Cry with Bethann while Doug breaks her heart about "Thornhedge," and laugh as they realize they both are fighting to not win last place. Listen in to have a great time!

Doug and Caele join Samantha for her last podcast episode for the summer. We share Bookopoly updates, highlighting a few of our favorite reads so far and a few things we can't bring ourselves to recommend.

Trisha is back in the reading lead this week with Bookopoly! All the other players are either fighting for first or gasp last place. Listen in as we refresh your prompts for this week and let you in on what staff are reading! Bethann and Samantha also treat you to some up and coming releases with some fresh reads to add to your TBR. It's a sit down an chill episode to enjoy on Off the Books!

In this episode of Off the Books with B & S, we're diving into a handpicked selection of must-read books that are perfect for any reader. From gripping thrillers to romantic tales, we've got something to suit every taste. Join Bethann and Samantha as they share personal recommendations, explore why these books stand out, and discuss what makes them unputdownable. Whether you're looking for your next great read or just some fresh book ideas and prompts, this episode will leave you with plenty of titles to add to your TBR list!

In today's episode of Off the Books, Brittany expertly keeps Bethann and Samantha on track as they dive into all things reading. From exciting reading updates and fanfiction devotion to Samantha taking the reins with her free parking win, this episode has it all. The trio also shares their top anthology recommendations to help you break free from a reading slump, offering the perfect mix of inspiration and new authors. Whether you're looking for fresh reads or just need a little push to get back into your books, this episode is a must-listen!

Join Bethann and Samantha as they update their listeners on all things Bookopoly! What are the players reading now? Who is pulling ahead, and who has fallen into the Bookopoly trenches? B&S also give a sneak peak and no-spoiler review of the third and final book in the None Shall Sleep trilogy, "All Shall Mourn."

You are on the air and off the books with Bethann, Caele, and Trisha! Today they are coming in hot with some new book recommendations and new updates! Catch up on what everyone is reading while gathering up some new prompts to challenge your TBR. Check out this episode to pull you right out of a reading slump!

One month in and the scores have been tabulated for the hyper-competitive game of Bookopoly. Head of Marketing Caele joins the podcast this week to weigh in on the discussion of prompts and challenges in the reading game. Who is in first place? Who went straight to jail? What books have been discovered through this challenge? Find out all of this and more on this week's episode of Off the Books with B&S.

Bethann and Samantha welcome special guest James Logan to the podcast! James Logan is the author of the debut fantasy "The Silverblood Promise," a story following Lukan Gardova, a young man whose life consists of card-playing and drinking lots and lots of wine. When Lukan's estranged father is found assassinated, Lukan sets off to find his father's killer, unaware of the adventure that awaits him. Join us today as we chat with James about his amazing book, his writing process, and the industry of book editing. We thank James Logan for sending a copy of "The Sliverblood Promise" to review and for joining us on the podcast!

Let the games begin! Bookopoly begins January 1st. The players have made their first rolls and selected their books. Who rolled the best at the start? Who is likely to fall behind? Find out on this week's episode of Off the Books with B&S!

The end of the year is upon us; people are wrapping up their goals for this year and starting to look ahead to the next. Today, Bethann and Samantha share their big plans for 2025, and they want to play a game. Tune in to hear all about how you can follow along!

This week on Off the Books with B&S, Bethann and Samantha are joined by #1 New York Times Best Selling Historical Fiction Author Ruta Sepetys and her longtime friends and KHCPL librarians Trisha and Lori. Ruta Sepetys discusses her life before becoming a writer, her writing and research process, and even some details about upcoming projects. If you enjoy this interview, be sure to register for the author visit event coming up on Wednesday, December 18 from 7-8 p.m. at KHCPL South. Registration is free and can be done online or by calling 765-457-3242: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/12083466

Digital Ben is taking over the podcast for this Halloween episode! We are taking a look back at the murder mystery series written by Bethann and Samantha, Partied to Death, where staff members here at the library play detectives and suspects in the murder case of victim Kirby Beckham. This was a special seven-part series that has been updated and rolled all into one episode. Can you guess who the killer is before the end? Happy Halloween!

With less than two months remaining in the year, how close are you to finish your reading goals? Listen to this week's podcast to find out how Bethann and Samantha up the stakes to round out 2024.

In this game of Would You Rather, Bethann and Samantha talk about their reading preferences. Join in to hear their answers to questions like "Would you rather meet your favorite author or your favorite book character?"

Hello, dear readers! Welcome back to another chit chatty episode about all things library and all things books. Bethann and Samantha are reading an array of brand new things and also hyping up the self-published All Shall Mourn by our favorite Ellie Marney! Join the chat and hold on as it rollercoasters away!

Bethann and Samantha try their hand at reading Cozy Romantasy together! "Spellshop" is a cute cottagecore tale about a woman who goes to study at a magical library with her favorite sentient spider plant. This book ticks all the boxes for anyone looking to get "Legends and Lattes" vibes with a little more romance. Add this book to your TBR and put it on hold today! Thank you to Netgalley and Bramble, a section of Tor Publishing group, for sending us electronic and physical ARCS for honest reviews!

Samantha is all ready for Fall and her pumpkin spice everything! To get ready for Spooky Season, Bethann and Samantha are talking about the scary reads and recommendations they picked up this summer.

B&S are back with a few Mystery/Thriller and Horror recommendations to add to your TBR! Bethann talks about Summerween and Samantha goes over her Frieda McFadden obsession while spilling the Booktok Tea. Join us!

Farewell Bethann! This is the episode where we replace our beloved host with the other B in B&S! Samantha tells all that she's obsessed with, looking forward to, and recommends. Samantha spills all, tells all and, oh yeah, Bethann reads too... B&S will be back July 25th with their next episode! Have a great summer!

Chaos ensues in this episode of jokes, nonfiction and depressing tropes! Bethann brings some personal reads to the table and listens to Samantha judge her for them. B&S also talk about tropes Samantha hates while reviewing her latest 4-star read (that Bethann thinks sounds a lot like ACOTAR). Get ready to join us for this interesting conversation.

In this chatty episode, Bethann and Samantha bring you a few new books to add to your TBR. They will cover some up-and-coming releases in their favorite genres. Listen in as they talk about how behind they are and what is happening next!

Caele special guests with B&S to throw her review of "Hunted" by Darcy Coates on the table for the discussion of the year. Listen in while they fight it out. Who will win? Who loved it and who didn't? Come join us on this episode to place your bets and give your opinions! You can pick up "Hunted" at any KHCPL location; read and get ready to weigh in!

Bethann and Samantha finally read a Romance together and you'll never guess what Bethann's reaction is. "Empire of Shadows" by Jacquelyn Benson is a wild historical, magical realism, fantasy romance that satisfies all the readers who never knew they needed a The Mummy-meets-Tarzan-meets-Indiana-Jones mash-up. Join in for this wild ride! Off the Books would like to say thank you to Crimson Fox Publishing for eARC copies of "Empire of Shadows" for review and for allowing us to be considered for an ARC review team.

Remember the whole year Bethann was trying to get Samantha to read that Kaiju Manga and Samantha kept saying she hated Godzilla? One year later and a well-placed recommendation from Doug to Samantha and now Bethann is bitter and Samantha has a new favorite Manga Series! Join the broody bunch today to talk about all things Kaiju No. 8. Bethann tells Samantha, "I told you so," and Samantha promptly ignores her and raves. Pick this series up and join in on the reading fun!

On March 12, the U.S. dropped Fallen Gods book 2, "Sunbringer," by the amazing Hannah Kaner! Bethann and Samantha had the privilege to interview Hannah about her debut, "Godkiller," and are now excited to share with you its sequel. If you haven't picked this series up yet, RACE to the library and grab your copies for an epic fantasy ride full of betrayal, war, fallen gods, and their fallen people. This is the series that puts you in your fantasy era. So join Bethann and Samantha today as they celebrate a beloved author and her AMAZING works! We want to send a very special thank you to Hannah Kaner, Jessica Lyons, and the crew over at Avon and Harper Voyager for sending us the eARC and beautiful finished copies of "Sunbringer" to review.

In today's episode, Bethann and Samantha have a serious debate over the idea of things being Hyped and Underhyped. They list some of their favorites and NOT so favorites. Tune in to this episode and see where you stand in this heated discussion.

Samantha and Bethann sit down to recommend a few books this week, "When Among Crows" by Veronica Roth being one of them! This is a new Sci-Fi/Fantasy novella coming out May 14. This is a non-spoiler discussion so that you can put this book on hold and pick it up fresh. This episode also comes packed with a thriller, some manga, and a weird science-fiction book that has a lot of big green men in it and Bethann questioning the morals of science experimentation in space. Don't miss out! Off the Books would also like to say a huge thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for sending us electronic and physical ARCS for honest reviews.

This is the episode where Bethann raves about a Space-Opera that makes her cry, whatever that means, and Samantha gets passionate about Big HOFAS (House of Flame and Shadow) and the new-to-us "Zodiac Academy." There will be talk of Sarah J. Maas and her fandom, new Sci-Fi obsessions, and war over whether or not Sarah J. Maas is the queen of Fantasy. Grab your drink and cozy up for some interesting discussions and ranty passionate bits from two very different reading perspectives.

Here we are again, another episode full of books to add to your TBR! Bethann and Samantha are chatting about some new releases and new books that are being added to the library. Lovers of true crime, fiction, humor/fantasy, and romantasy will find something new and fresh here. Join in the discussion today!

Thank you to Anne Fraistat and Delacorte Press for sending us eARC's of "A Place for Vanishing" for review. Last Tuesday on Jan. 16, Anne Fraistat, author of "What We Harvest," released highly anticipated novel "A Place for Vanishing." In today's episode, join us as we discuss this amazing new release! There are minimal spoilers in this episode so that you can pick this up and join in on the discussion. "A Place for Vanishing" is horror meets real life, showcasing a main character navigating the effects of a Bipolar 3 diagnosis while fighting for her life in a house that wants her gone. Big discussions in today's episode! Tune in!

Welcome back to Off the Books! Today we have special guest Trisha with us to discuss Booktok phenomenon "Confessions" by Kanae Minato. Filled with twists and turns, "Confessions" takes you on a wild ride with characters that are morally gray to the bone. Pick up your copy and join us in the discussion. What confessions would you make if you were tangled in this murder mystery web?

This week with Bethann and Samantha, you'll explore two different book recommendations to help round out your 2023 reading goal. These novellas are some of our B&S favorites and anticipated favorites for 2023. Get your TBR list out and write these down!

Off the Books is starting a new series called "Get to Know Your Library." In this episode we will be interviewing the staff of the Adult and Teen department located upstairs at KHCPL Main. You'll get to meet some awesome staff and learn about their favorite books, genres and recommendations! Bring your pen and paper to add to your To-Be-Read list!

(A huge thank you to Harper Voyager for sending physical ARCS of Godkiller to review.) On this episode of Off the Books, Bethann and Samantha have the honor of interviewing Hannah Kaner, author of one of the best fantasy of the year, Godkiller.

On this episode, Bethann and Samantha indulge in in their favorite reads of this year! As you might have guessed, these two hosts share books of different sides of the reading spectrum; these book choices may surprise you!

(A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for sending physical ARCS of Where He Can't Find You for review). DON'T WALK ALONE, OR THE STITCHER WILL FIND YOU. DON'T STAY OUT LATE, OR THE STITCHER WILL TAKE YOU. DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES, OR THE STITCHER WILL REMAKE YOU. Come along for a spooky season ride with Darcy Coates' newest release, Where He Can't Find You. Join us for a conversation and spoilery review of this amazing horror novel!

Off the Books wants to say a big thank you to Sourcebooks for sending physical ARCS to review for the podcast! If you like stories about weird religious cults, small towns, with secret murder this is the book for you. Come along and hear what Samantha and Bethann have to say about this much anticipated dark psychological thriller. Recommended for fans of In My Dreams I a Hold a Knife.

The Top 15 books for Howard County Reads are ready for you to check out! Bethann and Samantha chat today about these top selections made by the HCR panel. They go over what they have read and would like to continue reading. Join today to get all the information about HCR and the author visit with Nikki Erlick! Grab a pen and paper because your TBR pile just got bigger.

This week we are reaching out to all the True Crime lovers; today we have a special treat and a brand-new release to talk about! "Murder in the Family" by Cara Hunter is a new immersive reading experience where you, the reader, are given the case file of a crime and tasked with racing to a solution before the characters in the book. Bethann and Samantha are tackling this today and talking about their reading experience! (There will be a spoiler warning during the podcast so that you, our amazing listener, can pause and tackle this book before we do and then come back and compare notes.) Get your investigation hat on and join us today!

Today is another wrap-up episode where Bethann and Samantha talk about some books they read in advance. Grab your notepad to take notes on some new releases and get an idea of what to fill your TBR with! Samantha will be dropping all things romance, mystery, fantasy and Bethann will have some new horror, fantasy, and thrillers for you to grab.

Stop here and take the Book Riot quiz to find out what you're reading next! https://bookriot.com/what-book-should-i-read-quiz/ That's what Bethann and Samantha have done, and on this episode, they bring you their results and their thoughts. Do you use book quizzes to help you find your next reads? Come and think it over while B&S chat!

This is the episode where you hear Samantha gush about The Fourth Wing and Bethann fumble over the 15 books she's currently reading. Bring your notepads so you can jot down items for your TBR shelf to finish out 2023. Email us at offthebooks@khcpl.org to tell us what you are reading and add to Bethann's overflowing shelf! Happy reading!

This is the takeover episode where Digital Ben himself interviews Bethann and Samantha to see how well they know each other. Separately, Bethann and Samantha will answer questions about themselves so you can get to know them. When they come together at the end, will tensions and emotions run high? Do they know each other as well as they thought? Do you know your podcasters? Find out on this exciting episode now!

On this episode, Bethann and Samantha go off the books with the author of What We Harvest, Ann Fraistat (Fry-STAT)! In this special author interview, Ann shares some of her writing processes and inspiration for one of Off the Books' favorite 5-star reads. During this episode, Ann shares her favorite author and some recommended reads that quench your reading needs after picking up What We Harvest. Also keep a watch for her newest release in January 2024, A Place for Vanishing.

“Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.” Today Bethann and Samantha review a very Wednesday Adams feeling contemporary fantasy, The Luminaries by Susan Dennard. This novel is all about nightmares and the people who kill them before they kill you. Join in the discussion to hear their thoughts and the anticipation of the second book in this duology.

We are celebrating with our friend, author Ellie Marney, today for her release of Some Shall Break the sequel to our favorite YA Crime Thriller None Shall Sleep! Samantha and Bethann hop back into Travis and Emma's world as they meet up with Simon, our mysterious and dangerous serial killer, to solve the latest in serial murders that look a bit too familiar. Emma and Travis get caught up even further in the game as their world begins to unravel permanently. Press play and check out what Off the Books has to say because you don't want to pass up this series.

Do you like mysteries where the clues are all there, you just have to put the pieces together? Then you are going to love Maureen Johnson's "Truly Devious" series! Joining Bethann and Samantha today on the podcast is the amazing author herself, Maureen Johnson, to talk with us about her writing process, publishing books, living in New York during the pandemic and much, much more!

Bethann and Samantha almost always have a book in hand. Check out some of these great books that B&S have been reading in between episodes.

You open your door to find a small wooden box on your doorstep. Inside you'll find your name and a piece of string. Turns out the length of the string holds the answer to exactly how long you have left to live. What do you do? That's what The Measure by Nikki Erlick is all about. Join Bethann and Samantha as they discuss this New York Times best-selling novel!

If you are looking for a supernatural thriller, Edgar Award-finalist Jason Rekulak's book Hidden Pictures may be just what you're looking for! Join Bethann and Samantha as they discuss the sweet and shy five-year-old boy, Teddy, who's art becomes increasingly sinister as the protagonist and babysitter Mallory gets to know him.