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3 episodes with libby app
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
August 2026 books are here, and Joe is joined by Bre (@locd_booktician_) to share the new releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. Covering everything from horror, thrillers, romance, fantasy, literary fiction, and beyond, they're highlighting some of the month's biggest releases alongside a few books that deserve more attention. As always, the recommendations are only part of the fun. Expect plenty of laughs, bookish tangents, and chaotic energy as Joe and Bre count down the August titles they can't stop thinking about. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book Recommendations Bre's Picks: Clean Slate – Brianna Labuskes Ghost in the Night – Tiffany D. Jackson Murder at University Park – Cheryl Miller Dellasega Death Card – Jasmine Smith The Secrets We Hide – Karin Slaughter Stay Buried – Jennifer McMahon The Butcher Legacy – Alaina Urquhart Bound by Fury – Noelle Monet These Walls Remember – Del Sandeen Joe's Picks: Barbie: Dreamscape – Alex Aster Queens of the Crypt, Vol 1 – Dom & Ink Devil Inside – Clay McLeod Chapman Survival Show – Juno Dawson My Killer Family Reunion – Dinesh Thiru (Mostly) Human Resources – Grace Viall Killing Sadie – Rachel Peterson Summer Coven – Kat Killis, Rosiee Thor Who's in this episode: Bre - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:11 Welcome and catchup with Bre! 00:13:27 August 2026 Book Picks 01:38:28 Thanks and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: cirasync.com/ios
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: cirasync.com/ios
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: cirasync.com/ios
If you care about leveling up your reading life, don't miss this deep dive into the most powerful and lesser-known iOS apps that turn your device into a book-lover's playground. Discover why your iPhone might just be the ultimate reading companion, from audiobooks to custom libraries and beyond. Apple Books app features, usability, audiobooks, and reading goals Refining ebook library organization, user guides, and personal reading habits Customizing reading experience: themes, fonts, line guides, and accessibility Apple Books for audiobooks versus dedicated apps like Audible Audible app exploration: usage stats, features, series tracking, and purchase changes Prologue app connects to the Plex library for personal audiobook streaming Spotify for audiobooks and comparison with Audible exclusives Storygraph tracks reading progress and integrates with Kobo eReaders Libby app for digital library borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines App Caps: Make-roscope keychain microscope Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: cirasync.com/ios
What's better than talking about great books? Talking about all the great books. This week, Joe is joined by romance novel matchmaker, bookseller, and creator Destinee for a delightfully bookish conversation that bounces around bookish things everyone can't stop talking about. Grab your headphones, your library card, and maybe a notebook—you'll definitely leave with a longer TBR. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who's in this episode: Destinee - links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and Introductions 00:01:52 A chatty episode with Destinee 01:03:55 Wrapping up and 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! 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
Summer is heating up... so naturally it's time for ghosts, monsters, haunted camps, cursed lakes, and things that go bump in the night. Joe is joined by Bre to celebrate Summerween 2026, the growing tradition of bringing spooky season into the middle of summer. Whether horror readers are looking for gothic classics, unsettling literary horror, creepy middle grade adventures, camp slashers, psychological thrillers, or terrifying short story collections, this episode is packed with recommendations to fill every Summerween TBR. From vampires and haunted campgrounds to folk horror, cosmic dread, ghost stories, and nostalgic Halloween favorites, this conversation explores horror across every age and subgenre. Along the way, Bre also shares details about her July Noir 2026 reading weekend and Discord community for readers looking to celebrate all month long. Whether Summerween is already an annual tradition, or this is the first spooky-season celebration in July, this episode is full of horror book recommendations perfect for every kind of reader. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Links: Bre's links July Noir 2026 Announcement July Noir Discord Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locd_booktician_/ Titles mentioned: Bre's Picks: Carmilla – Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Dead First – Johnny Compton On Sundays She Picked Flowers – Yah Yah Scholfield Gyo – Junji Ito You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight – Kalynn Bayron The Jumbies & Rise of the Jumbies – Tracey Baptiste Why I Love Horror – ed. Becky Siegel Spratford Joe's Picks: How to Survive Camping Series (Book 1: How to Survive Camping) - Bonnie Quinn The Lady in Chains The Ancient Things (September 2026) The Unmothers – Leslie J. Anderson The Bog Wife – Kay Chronister Smothermoss – Alisa Alering Don't Turn Out the Lights – ed. Jonathan Maberry Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz Our Shadows Have Claws – ed. Yamile Saied Méndez, Amparo Ortiz The Lake House – Sarah Beth Durst Tastes Like Candy – Jessica Lacy Camp Scare – Delilah S. Dawson Summer's Never Over – Darby Bozeman A Murder Most Camp – Nicolas DiDomizio 13 Months Haunted – Jimmy Juliano Chasing the Boogeyman – Richard Chizmar 80s Ghosts – VS Lawrence Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro & Seasonal Update 00:01:40 Thoughts on Summerween 00:07:24 Our Summerween 2026 picks! 01:28:46 Thank you to Bre and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the United States prepares to commemorate America 250, how can we celebrate the nation's history while also making room for reflection, honesty, and meaningful conversation? This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Cameron Walpole, Associate Director of Interpretation and Public Programs, and Callie Hawkins, Executive Director of President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, DC, join the show to explore how their organization is approaching America's 250th anniversary with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a commitment to telling a fuller story of our shared history. The conversation dives into Abraham Lincoln's enduring legacy, why President Lincoln's Cottage remains such an important place today, and how books help us better understand both the past and the present. Then, for a fun twist, Cameron and Callie recommend books they think President Lincoln would have loved reading if he were browsing a library today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Lincoln admirer, or simply looking for thought-provoking nonfiction and historical fiction recommendations, this episode offers fresh perspectives on American history, civic engagement, and the power of reading. For more info, check out: https://www.lincolncottage.org/ Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Cameron's Titles: Differ We Must – Steve Inskeep Macbeth – William Shakespeare Wonder – R.J. Palacio Callie's Titles: Joyful Anyway – Kate Bowler You Better Be Lightning – Andrea Gibson James – Percival Everett Everywhere Still – MH Clark Joe's Titles: Feeding Ghosts – Tessa Hulls A Manual for Cleaning Women – Lucia Berlin Separation of Church and Hate – John Fugelsang Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and introductions 00:02:23 What is President Lincoln's Cottage? 00:22:56 Our recommended reads 00:51:08 Final Thoughts and 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! 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
A new month means a new stack of books to obsess over. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by the wonderful Emma to chat about the July 2026 book releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. From buzzy fiction and page-turning mysteries to heartfelt romances and unforgettable literary reads, they're sharing the upcoming titles that have already captured their attention. Whether you're planning your summer reading list, looking for the next great library hold or simply love keeping up with the latest book releases, this episode is packed with recommendations to help fill your TBR. Tune in for a fun conversation celebrating the most anticipated books hitting shelves in July 2026 and discover which titles deserve a spot at the top of your reading list. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Book recommendations: Emma's Picks: Prince of Swords – Elise Kova A Forsaken Prophecy – Stacey McEwan In the Wake of the Ruined – Kalie Cassidy Hot Girl Murder Club – Ashley Winstead Foxx – Paisley Hope The MASH Up – Laura Marie Meyers If Books Could Kill – Kate Eberle Daggermouth – HM Wofle Joe's Picks: Helpless – Jessica Knoll My Tokyo Summer – Abby Denson Coming Out Perfect – Richard Mercado Case Closed, Vol. 99 – Gosho Aoyama Witch's Inheritance – Paige Hender The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance – Chiara Bullen The Masala Chai Mystery Club – MJ Soni Ghost Girl – Eva Benefield Alex, by Proxy – Karen Myna Cantor Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:20 Catching up with Emma 00:06:50 July 2026 Book Picks 01:20:23 Final thoughts and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The temperature is rising, and so is the romance stack. In the Season 3 finale of Book Lounge by Libby, romance novel matchmaker, experienced bookseller, and bookish creator Destinee (@yourromancedestinee) joins the lounge to share the steamy romance books that deserve a spot on your summer TBR. From slow burns that leave readers desperate for more, to romances packed with chemistry, banter, longing, and unforgettable love stories, Joe & Destinee share recommendations for every kind of romance reader. The conversation dives into what makes a great romance novel, why the genre continues to captivate millions of readers, and how finding the perfect romance book is all about matching the right story to the right reader. Season 3 may be coming to a close, but Book Lounge by Libby isn't going anywhere! After this episode, the podcast will move to a monthly rhythm of three episodes per month through the end of September when Season 4 launches with even more author conversations, reading recommendations and behind-the-scenes book world discussions. Whether searching for spicy romance books, summer romance reads, or a brand-new favorite love story, this episode is the perfect way to heat up a reading list. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Book recommendations: Destinee's picks: Never Seduce a Scot – Maya Banks High Seas Heat – Sarah Blue Die for Me – Shirlene Obuobi By the Bootstraps – Alexa Martin Rebel Heiress – Amalie Howard Just a Highland Fling – Naina Kumar Psy-Changeling Series (Book 1: Slave to Sensation) - Nalini Singh Joe's picks: Extracurricular – Rachel Lynn Solomon Goliaths of Wrestling Series (Book 4: False Comeback) - Lily Mayne Jacksonville Rays Series (Book 4: Pucking Strong) - Emily Rath Shoutout: Puckboys Series (Book 1: Egotistical Puckboy) – Eden Finley & Saxon James Night at the Vampire Castle – Hari Conner The Hades Calculus – Maria Ying Time and Time Again – Chatham Greenfield Lost Boys series (Book 1: The Skeptic) – Kelly Fox Who's in this episode: Destinee (yourromancedestinee) - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:16 Welcome to Destinee 00:02:15 Get to know Destinee and what got her into romance! 00:04:30 The change of the romance reader landscape 00:07:33 What are your favorite/least favorite tropes? 00:11:24 What are your favorite questions to be asked as a bookseller? 00:15:30 Romance Recommendations! 00:54:05 Thank you and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer reading is getting steamy! Today, Joe is joined by bestselling romance authors Ann Liang and BK Borison for a conversation about creating unforgettable love stories, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you're searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Who's in the episode: Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks and 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
June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating one of our favorite ways to experience stories. This week Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the BOOK GANG podcast, to talk about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Titles for Episode: Amy's Picks: Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel Good People - Patmeena Sabit Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand Skin Contact - Elisa Faison Invasive Species - Ellery Adams Joe's Picks: Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore Headlights – CJ Leede Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay God of the Woods - Liz Moore Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass Bath Haus – PJ Vernon The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz Don't Let the Forest In – CG Drews The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D'Amato Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman The Diviners – Libba Bray Believing – Anita Hill The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose MindWorks – Neal Shusterman Out There – Kate Folk Bubblegum – Adam Levin The Dresden Files – Jim Butcher A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket Vagabond – Tim Curry NOS4ATU – Joe Hill Rosemary's Baby – Ira Levin Charlotte's Web – EB White The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough Who's in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack. LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 01:12:50 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the art of bringing stories to life through audio. From developing character voices to recording emotional scenes, Saskia and Michael share what really goes into creating an unforgettable listening experience. Together, they explore the unique magic of audiobooks, the relationship between narrator and listener, and why hearing a story can feel so different from reading one on the page. Saskia Maarleveld has narrated more than 700 audiobooks and is known for her remarkable ability to perform a wide range of accents and characters across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and young adult literature. Listeners may recognize her work on bestselling titles like The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and The God of the Woods. Michael Crouch has recorded more than 500 audiobooks and is an AudioFile Golden Voice narrator whose work has earned Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and widespread acclaim from listeners and critics alike. He's particularly celebrated for his performances in young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and contemporary literary fiction. Whether you're a lifelong audiobook fan, a devoted Book Lounge listener, or someone who's been curious about trying audiobooks for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of publishing's most beloved formats. Celebrate Audiobook Month with us and discover why a great narrator can transform a great book into an unforgettable experience. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Who's in this episode: Michael Crouch - Website Saskia Maarleveld– Instagram Check out Saskia's Medium article – The Voice in Your Ears Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:39 Welcome to Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch 00:03:05 What does it feel like to work on IP books vs. Original Content? 00:06:30 What does creative freedom look like to you in narration? 00:15:05 What brought you into audiobook work? 00:25:03 What genre feels like home? 00:30:08 How are people getting into narration today? 00:40:41 Is there a standard for what you're paid for your work? 00:50:03 Working on pronunciations 00:53:32 Lightning Round 00:59:55 Thanks and 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
What should you read this Pride Month? In this Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share book recommendations that celebrate queer stories, queer joy, and the many ways LGBTQIA+ people find connection, community, and hope. As they discuss the books they're recommending this June, the conversation expands beyond reading lists to explore what it means to live Pride every day of the year. Together, Joe and Jananie reflect on the importance of making space for joy, remembrance, rest, and reflection, and how books can help us better understand ourselves and each other. Whether you're looking to discover new LGBTQIA+ authors, add more queer stories to your TBR, or simply find your next great read, this episode offers thoughtful recommendations and meaningful conversation about the power of reading during Pride Month and beyond. From stories that celebrate queer futures to books that honor the past, this is a conversation about reading, identity, community, and the many ways Pride can live on long after June ends. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Book recommendations: Jananie's Picks: Comedic Timing – Upasna Barath Tall Water – SJ Sindu Meeting Millie – Clare Ashton Honey Girl – Morgan Roges Perfume and Pain – Anna Dorn Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis Big Swiss – Jen Beagin Local Heavens – K. M. Fajardo Devil of the Deep – Falencia Jean Francois House of Hunger - Alexis Henderson Joe's Picks: Stag Dance & Detransition Baby – Torrey Peters Tell Me I'm Worthless – Alison Rumfitt Northranger – Rey Terciero Jackson Alone – Jose Ando Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous – Autumn K. England We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune Patricia Wants to Cuddle – Samantha Allen You Weren't Meant to Be Human – Andrew Joseph White Who's in this episode: Jananie K. Velu – Links Glad Day Lit, Toronto - website Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:54 Welcome to Jananie K. Velu 00:01:26 What are your pride practices? 00:07:50 Our Pride Reading Recommendations 01:00:10 Thanks to Jananie and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pride Month is a celebration, but it's also a reminder of the journeys so many LGBTQ+ people take to find acceptance, belonging, and hope. In this special Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Kody Keplinger, Ryan Collett, and TJ Alexander for honest, heartfelt conversations about identity, community and the power of seeing yourself reflected in stories. In the first half of the episode, Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett discuss the isolation and shame that many queer people experience, the importance of finding your people and how books can help readers feel less alone. Together, they explore the transformative power of connection, representation, and hope. In the second half, TJ Alexander joins Joe for a conversation about queer joy, love stories, and the importance of imagining futures where LGBTQIA+ people aren't simply surviving, they're thriving. From romance and community to the possibilities of a more inclusive world, this discussion celebrates the beauty and power of queer storytelling. This episode is a reminder that none of us are meant to navigate life alone. Book Lounge by Libby is a podcast for readers, book lovers, and anyone searching for their next great read. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Who's in this episode: Segment 1: Kody Keplinger – Website, WHERE LOST GIRLS GO Ryan Collett – Website, GEORGE FALLS THROUGH TIME Segment 2: TJ Alexander – Website, A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:41 Segment 1 with Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett 00:45:06 Segment 2 with TJ Alexander 01:28:04 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
June is STACKED with incredible new releases, and this month's Book Picks episode is here to help you build your summer TBR. Joe is joined by Kieran, founder of the Queer Liberation Library, to talk about the most exciting June 2026 book releases across genres — from buzzy literary fiction and swoony romances to twisty thrillers, queer stories, fantasy adventures, and everything in between. Along the way, Kieran also shares more about the mission behind the Queer Liberation Library, a digital library working to increase access to LGBTQIA+ books for readers across the United States. If you're looking for more queer stories to add to your reading life, it's an incredible resource worth exploring. Whether you're planning beach reads, book club picks, or simply trying to stay ahead of the biggest releases of the month, this episode is packed with recommendations to keep your TBR thriving all summer long. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who's in this episode: Check out the Queer Liberation Library (website)! You can show your support with a donation here (donation link) or just by supporting them on social media (Instagram). Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Kieran's Picks: Honorable Mention: The Fake Divination Offense – Sara Raasch Puck – Samantha Allen 25 Days in Athens – Jack Strange Supergay! - Frankie Grande Double Dutch Fuss – Phill Branch Red X – David Demchuk Tillinghast – Clare Cavenagh Grief Eater – Emma Osborne Joe's Picks: Slasher Summer – E.L. Chen Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel – Kiersten White, Illustrated by Veronica & Andy Fish The Disaster Gay Detective Agency – Lev AC Rosen The Disco at the End of the World – Nathan Tavares We Hexed the Moon – Mollyhall Seeley Girl's Girl – Sonia Feldman Valley of the Moms – Hannah Selinger Marion – Leah Rowan I am not a Vampire (Anymore) - Darcy Miller Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:03 Welcome Kieran and the Queer Liberation Library 00:01:27 What is the Queer Liberation Library (QLL)? 00:03:24 Supporting QLL and the Pride month donation drive 00:04:44 June 2026 Book Picks 00:58:48 Thanks to Kieran and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If your TBR is looking a little too well-behaved, consider this your official invitation to cause some chaos. Joe is joined by Abby from @crimebythebook to dive headfirst into a stack of mystery and thriller recommendations that are twisty, chilling, and completely unputdownable. From locked-room tension and atmospheric horror-leaning suspense to darkly clever whodunits and cult-favorite thrillers, this episode is packed with reads guaranteed to keep you guessing long after “just one more chapter.” If you're searching for the best mystery books, psychological thrillers, dark academia vibes, or hidden gem crime fiction to add to your reading list, this episode is your next obsession. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Abby's Picks: Nightwatching – Tracy Sierra You Are Fatally Invited & The Library After Dark – Ande Pliego The Treasure Hunters Club – Tom Ryan The Anniversary – Alex Finlay Hide & Seek - Søren Sveistrup The Possession of Alba Díaz - Isabel Cañas Joe's Picks: The Mill House Murders – Yukito Ayatsuji Dead & Breakfast & Summer Coven - Kat Hillis & Rosiee Thor (Aug. 25) Murder in the Dressing Room & Missing in Soho – Holly Stars (Jun. 2) With My Little Eye – Joshilyn Jackson The Sister Holiday Series (Book 1: Scorched Grace, Book 3: Divine Ruin) - Margot Douaihy Who's in this episode: Abby (Crime by the Book) - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:44 Welcome to Abby from CrimebytheBook! 00:01:06 Getting to know Abby and Crime by the Book 00:11:11 Our Mystery & Mayhem Recommendations 00:51:54 Thanks to Abby and 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What makes readers gasp out loud at the end of a thriller? How do authors plant clues without giving everything away? And why do some plot twists stay with us forever? This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by three powerhouse thriller writers — Clare Mackintosh, Jo Piazza, and Lisa Gardner — for an exciting conversation all about The Anatomy of a Twist. Together, they unpack the art of suspense, the challenge of surprising modern readers, and the careful balance between foreshadowing and deception. From unreliable narrators and shocking endings to pacing, character secrets, and the emotional impact of a perfectly executed reveal, this episode is a must-listen for thriller readers, mystery lovers, and aspiring writers alike. The group also discusses some of their favorite twists in fiction, the pressure of “outsmarting” readers in the age of online theories, and what they believe makes psychological thrillers so addictive. If you love mystery books, crime fiction, suspense novels, plot twists, and behind-the-scenes conversations with bestselling authors, this episode delivers plenty of intrigue, insight, and mayhem. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Who's in this episode: Clare Mackintosh - website Jo Piazza - website Lisa Gardner - website Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:11 Get to know today's guests 00:02:51 Writing by the seat of your pants 00:03:31 Figuring as you go vs. Planning 00:06:53 The Architect vs. The Builder 00:08:48 Working backwards 00:15:48 Do you want the reader to have the chance to figure out the mystery? 00:22:17 Twists at the top of the book 00:39:14 Do they track body bags? 00:42:33 Do readers want to be surprised? 00:50:10 How do you balance plot + pacing with your twist? 00:57:35 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! 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
This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Meara for a celebration of all things adventure as they talk about adult books that perfectly capture the feeling of reading The Magic Tree House. Whether it's characters being pulled into another time and place, epic quests across strange worlds, hidden mysteries, or stories filled with wonder and discovery, these are the books that recreate that unforgettable reading experience for grown-up readers. From fantasy adventures and historical twists to books that feel immersive, magical, and impossible to put down, Joe and Meara share the titles giving them major Magic Tree House energy and explain why these stories still tap into the same excitement that made so many readers fall in love with books in the first place. If you've ever wanted stories that make you feel like you've stepped through a portal into another world, 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: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here's a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Meara's Picks: These Immortal Truths – R. Raeta How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America – Clint Smith The Keeper of Night - Kylie Lee Baker The Scarlet Throne - Amy Leow The Dead Cat Tail Assassins - P. Djèlí Clark In Universes - Emet North The Time Traveler's Passport Collection Joe's Picks: Vampires in the Lemon Grove – Karen Russell Found Audio – NJ Campbell Peaces – Helen Oyeyemi Under the Whispering Door – TJ Klune The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao Sheets – Brenna Thummler Who's in this episode: Meara - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:50 Welcome Meara! 00:01:06 What was your relationship to the Magic Tree House? 00:02:11 Reading Magic Tree House as an adult 00:11:57 Instilling recognition of cultures 00:19:40 Do you see similarities between your regular reads and the MTH books you enjoyed? 00:24:09 Our reading recommendations! 00:53:58 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Continuing our celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share some of their favorite books that center mental health, healing, growth, and emotional honesty. Together, they talk about the stories that stay with us, the comfort books can provide during difficult seasons and the powerful role reading can play in helping people feel understood and less alone. The conversation also explores Jananie's Anti-Brain Rot reading challenge, the idea of mindful reading, and the challenge of staying intentional with our habits, goals, and attention spans in a world full of distractions. This episode is packed with recommendations, from emotional contemporary stories to hopeful, comforting reads, and the full episode description includes an even bigger list of titles that didn't make it into the conversation. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Book recommendations: (Includes picks not mentioned but picked for this episode) Jananie's Picks: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen An Academy for Liars - Alexis Henderson Alone With You in the Ether - Olivie Blake Haldol and Hyacinths - Melody Moezzi An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman Darius the Great is Not Okay – Adib Khorram My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh Turtles All the Way Down - John Green What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo Evil Eye - Etaf Rum The Secret World of Briar Rose - Cindy Pham Between Friends and Lovers - Shirlene Obuobi Before I Let Go - Kennedy Ryan Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellors Big Swiss - Jen Beagin Joe's Picks: Puzzled – Pan Cooke What's Wrong? - Erin Williams Anxietyland – Gemma Correll Past Tense – Sacha Mardou Dear Scarlet – Teresa Wong In. - Will McPhail Everything is OK – Debbie Tung Verona Comics – Jennifer Dugan Sunflowers – Keezy Young Who's in this episode: Jananie K. Velu - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:52 Catching up with Jananie & Mental Health Awareness Month 00:01:10 What role does reading play in your mental health journey? 00:02:15 Anti-Brain Rot Reading Challenge and Mindful Reading 00:04:48 When you're going through it mentally, it's hard to stick to goals and plans 00:07:36 Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recs 01:07:27 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu of thisstoryaintover to celebrate AAPI Month with a stack of incredible Asian lit you'll want to add to your TBR immediately. Together, they dive into a wide range of must-read books highlighting stories that span genres, perspectives, and lived experiences. From deeply personal narratives to sweeping, unforgettable storytelling, this conversation is all about discovering books that stay with you and expanding your reading list to celebrate these voices all year long. Whether you're looking to build out your AAPI Month reading list, discover new favorite authors, or simply find your next great read, this episode is packed with recommendations that bring heart, perspective, and unforgettable storytelling. 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 Season 3 on Libby Life! Book recommendations: Jananie's Picks: We Dance Upon Demons - Vaishnavi Patel Burn the Sea - Mona Tewari Capitalists Must Starve - Park Seolyeon Natural Beauty & Immaculate Conception - Ling Ling Huang Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen A Kiss of Crimson Ash - Anuja Varghese Breasts and Eggs – Mieko Kawakami Tall Water – SJ Sindu Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum Joe's Picks: Counterattacks at Thirty & Almond – Won-Pyung Sohn Séance Tea Party – Reimena Yee What You Are Looking For is in the Library – Michiko Aoyama The Midnight Taxi – Yosha Gunasekera Convenience Store Woman & Earthlings - Sayaka Murata Detective Aunty & Moonlight Murder - Uzma Jalaluddin Shoutout: Strange Pictures, Strange Houses & Strange Buildings - Uketsu Who's in this episode: Jananie K. Velu - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:06 Catching up with Jananie K. Velu! 00:02:20 What are Jananie's guiding lights when choosing for her imprint 00:03:57 Starting the reading recs 01:03:46 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! 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
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe celebrates Asian Heritage Month by spotlighting the global impact of Asian voices in storytelling. Joined by bestselling authors Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh, the conversation explores how heritage, identity, and lived experience shape the stories we read and why those stories resonate far beyond any one place or perspective. From the influence of cultural traditions to the responsibility of telling stories rooted in personal and collective history, Lisa and Zoulfa share how their backgrounds inform their writing and connect with readers around the world. This episode highlights the power of global storytelling, the importance of representation in literature, and the way deeply personal narratives can feel universal. If you're looking to celebrate Asian Heritage Month through books, discover globally resonant stories, or better understand how culture shapes the stories that stay with us, this conversation is a meaningful place to start. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who's in this episode: Lisa See - Website Daughters of the Sun and Moon – coming June 9, 2026 Lady Tan's Circle of Women Zoulfa Katouh - Website The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue - coming June 2, 2026 As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:57 Welcome to Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh 00:02:22 A conversation on Asian heritage, culture and the impact on writing 00:23:41 Being Authentic and Intentional 00:29:02 Lisa See reflects on conversations about racism with her father 00:40:47 What does home mean to you in your work? 00:47:07 What do you hope readers take with you from your work? 00:51:51 Thank you and 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
Your TBR is about to get longer. In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Rachel to break down the most exciting book releases coming in May 2026 by sharing what they're adding to their to-be-read piles. From buzzy debuts and fan-favorite authors to under-the-radar titles you'll want to grab early, they're sorting through the chaos of new releases so you don't have to. Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of “place hold now” energy as they build their May reading lists. Whether you're planning your next great read or just love staying ahead of the book buzz, this episode is your go-to guide for what's hitting shelves this May. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Rachel's Titles: Our Perfect Storm - Carley Fortune A Parade of Horribles – Matt Dinniman The Final Target – Nora Roberts Caller Unknown – Gillian McAllister The Shippers - Katherine Center Good Joy, Bad Joy – Mikki Brammer The Last Page – Katie Holt The Midnight Train – Matt Haig Joe's Titles: Homebound – Portia Elan Bromantasy – Maire Roche Opting Out – Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar Until Death – Mary Berman Murder Most Delicious - Danielle Postel-Vinay Landing in Place – Sherine Hamdy, art by Myra El Mir Gay Mormon Dad – Chad Anderson Body Count – Codie Crowley Not Your Final Girl – Mikayla Randolph Femme Feral – Sam Beckbessinger Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:48 A warm welcome to Rachel! 00:01:23 Breaking out of a bit of a slump 00:06:10 Our May 2026 Book Picks! 01:05:06 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. 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Looking for your next favorite author before they blow up? This episode is for you. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast, an expert in spotlighting debut authors, for a conversation that starts with a little podcast inside baseball. From prepping interviews to working with first-time authors, they dig into what makes debut conversations so special. Then, it's all about the books. Joe and Amy share standout debut novels from 2022 through 2026 that completely delivered. These are the first books that don't feel like first books: bold, buzzworthy, and absolutely worth adding to your TBR. If you loved the Dazzling Debuts conversation, this is your official reading list follow-up. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Amy's Picks: The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman Harvesting Rosewater by Paria Hassouri The Sign for Home by Blair Fell With Friends Like You by Amy Chozick If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett Joe's Picks: Mayra – Nicky Gonzalez The Dallergut Dream Department Store – Miye Lee Cactus Country – Zoe Bossiere The September House – Carissa Orlando I Want You More – Swan Huntley The Compound – Aisling Rawle Julie Chan is Dead – Liann Zhang How to Survive a Horror Story – Mallory Arnold Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – Anais Flogny Fitting Indian – Jyoti Chand Homebody – Theo Parish Who's in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Dazzling Debuts 00:05:00 Inside baseball – talking to debut authors and the art of the interview 00:25:35 Dazzling Debut Recommendations 01:19:35 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 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
Welcome to Season 3 of Book Lounge by Libby! We're kicking things off with a celebration of debut authors; the moment when years of writing, revising, and hoping finally turn into a book on shelves. Joe is joined by Casey Scieszka, Katie Bernet, and Leia Ham to talk about what it really takes to publish a first novel. From early drafts and rejections to finding an agent, navigating edits, and seeing their books in the world for the first time, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the debut experience. They also dive into the emotional side of publishing: imposter syndrome, creative pressure, and the surreal moment of becoming a “published author.” Whether you're an aspiring writer or just love discovering new voices, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at where every author's journey begins. Make sure you're following the show so you don't miss our next episode where we give you debut recommendations! Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who's in this episode: Casey Scieszka - website The Fountain Katie Bernet - website Beth is Dead Leia Ham - website The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Updates for Season 3 00:02:26 Intro 00:10:13 Sharing your book with the world 00:28:15 Getting into book two 00:42:17 What do you want most for your first release? 00:48:35 Does being a published author feel different? 00:52:04 Lightning Round 00:59:43 Farewell to our debut guests 01:00:10 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
What really happens behind the scenes in publishing—and how does an editor make the leap to author? 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 bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. 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 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
April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads!
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. 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! 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
How grazing works for very small acreage, all because of wanting more learning opportunities. Erich and Allison Henschel of Henschel Hof graze pigs, goats, and cattle in Virginia.In this episode:Why small livestock is better for small arceageWhy starting with smaller breeds lets you learn fasterWhy everything doesn't have to be perfectThis week's question: What did you start with for your grazing journey? Why? Join the conversation in the Grazing Grass Community | https://www.facebook.com/groups/grazinggrassHenschel Hof on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/henschelhof/Grazing Grass Insiders | https://grazinggrass.com/insiders Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Upcoming Grazing EventsNoble Profitability Essentials - Jefferson City, Mo, March 24-25, 2026Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey
March is bringing the heat
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. 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.
Not everyone grows up a reader—and that's okay. 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
New month, new books, and a very full TBR.
New year, new books, and SO many reasons to freak out (in the best way). 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 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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. 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 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. 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 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. 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!
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. 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@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
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. 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 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. 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 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
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. 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 with Kayla & Jananie 01:38:22 Segment 2 pt. 2 Horror Recs with Amy & Bre 02:21:11 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 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. 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. 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://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. 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! 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
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. 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 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
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. 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
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