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
As Season 1 of Book Lounge by Libby comes to a close, we’re getting you ready to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with thoughtful conversations featuring Ann Dávila Cardinal, Isabel Cañas, Cleyvis Natera, Isabel Ibañez, and Tamara Yajía. 🌎 Together, they explore how heritage and identity shape their writing and the stories they share with the world. In Segment 2, Bre, Carmen, and Cece return with their top book recommendations to keep your shelves stacked with incredible Hispanic voices. 📚✨ ✨ Season 2 of Book Lounge by Libby arrives at the end of September! Want to watch the show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel. Articles Mentioned and referenced in the Intro & Episode: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/hispanic-heritage-month.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAbout%20National%20Hispanic%20Heritage%20Month,and%20Central%20and%20South%20America. https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/why-fiction-from-latin-america-is-growing-in-popularity https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/english/community/blog/posts/the-obscured-roots-of-magical-realism/#:~:text=Magical%20Realism%20is%20a%20genre,those%20that%20were%20not%20literate. https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-magical-realism https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/english/community/blog/posts/the-obscured-roots-of-magical-realism/ https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2022/10/latin-american-literary-traditions-through-time https://www.fountaindale.org/magical-realism-and-the-latin-american-boom/ https://bookriot.com/new-latino-boom/ https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/why-fiction-from-latin-america-is-growing-in-popularity https://coughtibridge.medium.com/alejo-carpentier-surrealism-and-the-birth-of-magical-realism-ca87f029040c Guest Host Recommendations: Bre The Cemetery Boys - Aiden Thomas The Spy - Paulo Coelho Vampires of El Norte - Isabel Cañas The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina - Zoraida Cordova Carmen Saints of the Household - Ari Tison Children of the Land - Marcelo Hernandez Castillo Magical/Realism - Vanessa Angelica Villarreal The Bewitching - Silvia Moreno-Garcia Cece The Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo Cantoras - Caro de Robertis Wild Beauty - Anna-Marie McLemore Fever Dream - Samanta Schweblin Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Ann Dávila Cardinal - Website Isabel Cañas - Website Cleyvis Natera - Website Isabel Ibañez - Website Tamara Yajía - Instagram Segment 2: Bre - Links Carmen – Links Cece – Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:12:29 Segment 1- Part 1: Ann Dávila Cardinal & Isabel Cañas 00:48:31 Segment 1 – Part 2: Cleyvis Natera, Isabel Ibañez & Tamara Yajía 01:33:18 BREAK – Libby Tip: Creating & Using Tags! 01:39:05 Segment 2 – Book Recs with Bre, Carmen & Cece! 02:32:08 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
Romantasy is everywhere right now — and we’re diving deep into the magic, monsters, and swoon-worthy romance fueling its meteoric rise. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with three of the biggest names in the genre — Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling, and Katee Robert — to talk about how romantasy took over bookshelves, why it resonates with readers, and where it’s headed next. Then Meara shares romantasy recommendations to load up your TBR. Plus, in a Libby Life exclusive, our guests play a rapid-fire round of Romantasy Trope: Love It or Hate It — with some delightfully unexpected answers. Want to watch the show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel. Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-romantasy-anyway Guest Host Recommendations: Meara Metal Slinger - Rachel Schneider Lore of the Wilds - Analeigh Sbrana Sorcery of Thorns - Margaret Rogerson Bring Me Your Midnight - Rachel Griffin Devils Like Us - L.T. Thompson Joe Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon – Ann Mare Captive Prince – CS Pascat Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Jennifer L. Armentrout - Website Olivia Rose Darling - Website Katee Robert - Website Segment 2: Meara - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:06:12 Segment 1 – Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling & Katee Robert 01:14:47 BREAK – Libby Tip: Early Return Reward! 01:18:04 Segment 2 – Romantasy Recs with Meara 01:49:01 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or 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 episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re joined by celebrated Indigenous authors Angeline Boulley (Firekeeper’s Daughter, Warrior Girl Unearthed) and Carole Lindstrom (We Are Water Protectors, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior) for a powerful conversation on legacy, language, and literature. Together, we discuss what it means to write from and for their communities, the responsibility of storytelling, and how their work connects generations past, present, and future. This episode is a celebration of Indigenous identity, survival, and the resilience of story — and an invitation to listen, learn, and uplift. Plus, Bre and Cece stop by with a few incredible book recs from Indigenous voices you won't want to miss. 📲 Libby Life Exclusive: Head to LibbyLife.com for a bonus moment from the Lounge, where Angeline and Carole share how their ancestors live on through their words. Want the video episode? Check it out now on the Libby Life YouTube channel! Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day https://indigenousreadsrising.com/ Guest Host Recommendations: Bre Never Whistle at Night - ed. Shane Hawk The Marrow Thieves - Cherie Dimaline White Horse - Erika T. Wurth The Buffalo Hunter Hunter - Stephen Graham Jones Cece #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women - ed. Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale The Break - Katherena Vermette Sabrina & Corina - Kali Fajardo-Anstine Ready When You Are - Gary Lonesborough Joe Métis Like Me – Tasha Hilderman My Life: Growing Up Native in America – ed. IllumiNative Fierce Aunties! - Laurel Goodluck, Ill. Steph Littlebird Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Angeline Boulley - Website Carole Lindstrom - Website Segment 2: Bre - Links Cece - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:04:51 Segment 1 – Angeline Boulley & Carole Lindstrom 00:58:09 BREAK – Libby Tip: Audiobook Tips & Tricks 01:00:58 Segment 2 – Indigenous Recs with Bre & Cece 01:46:52 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
Book bans are rising at an alarming rate—but librarians, authors, and publishers are fighting back. In this powerful episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by librarian and intellectual freedom advocate Amanda Jones, bestselling author Kalynn Bayron (This Poison Heart), veteran librarian and censorship expert Pat R. Scales, and Skip Dye, SVP at Penguin Random House. Together, they dive into the impact of censorship on libraries, communities, and the future of publishing. Plus, stick around for a banned books spotlight featuring Joe, Bre, and Meara, where they share a few of their must-read titles that have faced bans or challenges. 📚 Let’s talk about what it means to protect the freedom to read. Want the video version of the show? Visit the Libby App YouTube channel! Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode: What's a book ban anyway? Depends on who you ask Manuscripts Don’t Burn: a Timeline of Literary Censorship, Destruction, and Liberation American Library Association Names Skip Dye Honorary Member The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality Under fire from state, Hillsborough’s Ayres pledges to pull more books Guest Host Recommendations: Bre The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zora Neale Hurston Meara Pet - Akwaeke Emezi The Midnight Lie - Marie Rutkoski Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury Joe Flamer – Mike Curato The Magic Fish – Trung Le Nguyen All Boys Aren’t Blue - George M. Johnson Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Amanda Jones - Links Kalynn Bayron - Website Pat R. Scales - LinkedIn Skip Dye – Penguin Random House Segment 2: Bre - Links Meara - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:05:54 Segment 1, Part 1: Amanda Jones, Kalynn Bayron, Pat R. Scales 00:50:33 Segment 1, Part 2: Skip Dye 01:17:54 BREAK 01:19:01 Segment 2: Book Recommendations with Bre, Meara & Joe 02:11:38 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the 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 explore the powerful world of graphic novels. In our first segment, Joe is joined by a brilliant panel of creators—mother-daughter duo Hallie Bateman & Suzy Hopkins, Maia Kobabe, and Mattie Lubchansky—to discuss how graphic novels have evolved, the importance of accessibility, the unique creative process behind visual storytelling, and the lasting impact of their work. Then in segment two, guest hosts Bre, Carmen, and Cece stop by with stellar graphic novel recommendations for your TBR—whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started. Articles Mentioned in the Intro: The rise of the graphic novel: Mainstream and small screen, they're not just for kids anymore History of Graphic Novels: Ancient Times to 1920 Guest Host Recommendations: Carmen Tales from La Vida edited by Frederick Luis Aldama Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder Cece Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (author) & Lisa Sterle (illustrator) Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu Bre Monster by Naoki Urasawa Bitterroot by Walker, Brown, Greene, Renzi, and Cowles Earthdivers by Stephen Graham Jones The Best we Could Do by Thi Bui Joe Animorphs vol. 1 – KA Applegate, Michael Grant Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Hallie Bateman - Website Suzy Hopkins - Instagram Maia Kobabe - Website Mattie Lubchansky - Website Segment 2: Bre – Links Carmen – Links Cece - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:05:52 Segment 1 – Hallie Bateman & Suzy Hopkins, Maia Kobabe & Mattie Lubchansky 00:54:50 BREAK – Check out PlotThreadsShop.com & a Libby Tip – Deep Search! 00:57:55 Segment 2 – Bre, Carmen & Cece 01:43:11 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive 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 a book the perfect beach read? In this sunny episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and Sara Hamdan for a lively conversation about the art of crafting a summer page-turner. From thrillers to romances and everything in between, they unpack what “beach read” really means, how they keep readers hooked, and—crucially—their go-to writing snacks. Then in segment two, Amy, Bre, Cece, Jananie, and Kayla stop by with top-tier book recommendations to toss in your tote bag, whether you're headed to the coast or just catching rays on your lunch break. Pack your sunscreen and press play! Check out the video version of this episode on the Libby App YouTube Channel. Article mentioned in the intro: What Makes a Book a Beach Read? Guest Host Recommendations: Amy Allen Clark Sister, Sinner by Claire Hoffman (biography) Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje Bre The Oath – TM Richardson The Wishing Pool – Tananarive Due Jananie Never Been Better – Leanne Toshiko Simpson The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff Cece Cleat Cute – Meryl Wilsner Guillotine – Delilah S. Dawson Drowning – TJ Newman Kayla Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack Sweethand- N.G. Peltier A House on the Bottom of the Lake – Josh Mallerman Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1 Clémence Michallon - Website Jonathan Parks-Ramage - Website Megan Miranda - Website Sara Hamdan - Website Segment 2 Amy Allen Clark - Links Bre - Links Cece - Links Jananie K. Velu - Links Kayla - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:08:18 Segment 1 - Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, Sara Hamdan 00:54:57 BREAK – Check out Plot Threads Shop! 00:56:10 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Amy, Bre and Jananie! 01:30:24 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Cece and Kayla! 01:44:46 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s 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 a summer read unforgettable for kids and teens? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Jamie Sumner, Kelsey Impicciche, and Julie Soto for a sunny conversation all about Summer Reading Magic. They explore what defines a great summer book across different age groups, how they tailor their writing to young readers, and the power of stories to inspire, comfort, and reflect today’s youth. The group also shares nostalgic memories of library reading programs, talks about trends and representation in current kidlit and YA, and offers insight into helping young readers fall in love with books—this summer and beyond. Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Guest Host Recommendations: Part 1: Carmen Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya Ballad & Dagger-An Outlaw Saints Novel by Daniel José Older Cece To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow Fireborne by Rosaria Munda Joe Witchlings – Claribel A. Ortega Scepter of Memories – Claribel A. Ortega The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers – Adam Sass Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts – Adam Sass Surrender Your Sons – Adam Sass Your Lonely Nights Are Over – Adam Sass Part 2: Bre The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen Hide and Seeker by Daka Harmon Root Magic by Eden Royce Meara The Girl Who Kept the Castle by Ryan Graudin The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Jamie Sumner - Website Julie Soto - Website Kelsey Impicciche - Website Segment 2: Bre - Links Carmen - Links Cece - Links Meara - Links Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:05:09 Segment 1 – Jamie Sumner & Kelsey Impicciche 00:55:47 Segment 1 – Julie Soto 01:25:30 BREAK – Libby Tip: Read Alongs, Filters and more! 01:31:01 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Carmen & Cece 02:00:36 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Bre & Meara! 02:43:21 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, we're handing the mic to the readers behind the recs! Meet our guest hosts who'll be joining us all season long to share their themed picks! To get to know everyone, they'll be answering our version of the New BookTuber Tag - diving into their reading tastes, love of libraries and vibe essentials - so you can get to know the people helping you grow your TBR. Whether you're into horror, romance, fantasy or anything in between, there's a guest you're about to fall in love with! Find our guest hosts online: Amy Allen Clark Bre Carmen Cece Jananie K. Velu Kayla Meara Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:01:26 Amy Allen Clark - Mom Advice 00:14:01 Carmen - Tomes and Textiles 00:21:07 Cece - Problems of a Book Nerd 00:26:45 Mid Way Break 00:28:20 Bre - Loc'd Booktician 00:36:18 Kayla - Books and Lala 00:40:59 Meara - Meara is Reading 00:50:05 Jananie K. Velu - This Story Ain't Over 00:54:56 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Pride 🌈💖! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and the power of queer storytelling. In the first half of the show, Joe sits down for heartfelt, honest conversations with authors Andrew Joseph White, Juno Dawson, Susie Dumond, and Emily Austin. Each shares their unique experience as a queer writer—what inspires them, the challenges they face, and the joy of connecting with readers who see themselves in their stories. Then, our guest hosts Carmen, Cece, Jananie, Kayla, and Meara return to the lounge with a list of incredible Pride Month reads to add to your TBR—this year and every year. Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:07:56 Juno Dawson & Susie Dumond 00:53:10 Andrew Joseph White 01:27:56 Emily Austin 01:51:19 Midroll Break - Plot Threads 01:52:36 Book Recommendations 02:55:36 Outro Guest Host Recommendations: Carmen's Picks: Blackouts - Justin Torres The Sunbearer Trials - Aiden Thomas These Vengeful Gods – Gabe Cole Novoa Bad Girls – Camila Sosa Villada Cece’s Picks: Juliet Takes a Breath - Gabby Rivera Love & Other Disasters - Anita Kelly Hell Followed With Us – Andrew Joseph White Jananie’s Picks: Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis The Legend of Meneka – Kritka H. Rao Marriage of a Thousand Lies – SJ Sindu Kayla’s Picks: Felix Ever After- Kacen Callender Monstrilio- Gerardo Sámano Córdova It Came from the Closet – ed. Joe Vallese Meara’s Picks: This Princess Kills Monsters - Ry Herman The Space Between Worlds - Micaiah Johnson That Inevitable Victorian Thing - E.K. Johnston Joe’s Picks: Messy Roots – Laura Gao Bath Haus – PJ Vernon Hombrecito – Santiago Jose Sanchez Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Part 1: Juno Dawson - Instagram Susie Dumond - Website Part 2: Andrew Joseph White - Website Part 3: Emily Austin - Website Segment 2: Carmen - @tomesandtextiles Linktree Cece - @ceceewing_ Linktree Jananie K. Velu – @thisstoryaintover Website Kayla - @booksandlala Linktree Meara - @mearaisreading Links 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: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to the very first episode of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with an ode to audiobooks—the voices, the stories, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes them so special. First up, our host Joe chats with thriller author Carter Wilson, narrators Allyson Ryan and Patrick Zeller, and audiobook producers Catherin Bucaria and Almeda Beynon from Sourcebooks Audio to dig into what it really takes to bring a story from the page to your headphones and their work on Carter’s book TELL ME WHAT YOU DID. Then, Jason Reynolds and Dan Zitt join the lounge to talk about the creative process behind Jason’s audio-exclusive project, SOUNDTRACK. In the second half of the show, guest hosts Carmen, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara stop by with some truly excellent audiobook recommendations to keep you listening all year long. Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:10:48 Carter Wilson, Allyson Ryan, Patrick Zeller & Sourcebooks Audio 00:55:30 Jason Reynolds & Dan Zitt 01:35:28 Midroll Tip - Find Audiobooks By Duration 01:40:15 Audiobook Recommendations 02:21:11 Outro Guest Host Recommendations: Carmen's Picks: Oye - Melissa Mogollon You Dreamed of Empires - Alvaro Enrigue Jananie’s Picks: Enter Ghost – Isabella Hammad If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English – Noor Naga Kayla’s Picks: Recitatif- Toni Morrison The Favorites- Layne Fargo Meara’s Picks: Everything is Tuberculosis – John Green The Weight of Blood – Tiffany D Jackson Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: Segment 1: Part 1: Carter Wilson – Website Allyson Ryan – Website Patrick Zeller – Website Catherine Bucaria & Almeda Beynon, Sourcebooks Audio – Instagram Part 2: Jason Reynolds – Website Dan Zitt, Penguin Random House Audio – Instagram Segment 2: Carmen – @tomesandtextiles Linktree Jananie K. Velu – @thisstoryaintover Website Kayla – @booksandlala Linktree Meara - @mearaisreading Links 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
We’re bringing you something extra special this week—a live recording from the ALA 2025 Pop-Top Stage! Join Joe in conversation with: Henry H. Neff - website Mary Roach - website Michelle Jabès-Corpora - website Olivia Worley - website Rex Ogle - website Sasha Bonét - website Terah Shelton Harris - website as they talk books, libraries, and the joy of connecting readers with stories. This bonus episode is a celebration of community and a peek inside the excitement of ALA. Book Lounge by Libby will be back with Season 2 next week—stay tuned for more amazing conversations with authors, narrators, and book lovers. Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Intro 00:02:15 LIVE At ALA! 00:49:12 Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
It’s a bonus episode, book lovers! Joe is joined by friend and fellow bookworm Emma to chat about the July 2025 releases they're most excited to add to their TBR piles. Whether you’re craving rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy, or something a little spooky, here's a stack of reads to keep your summer sizzling. From campus drama and romantic tension to magical greenhouses, haunted tunnels, and dragon-slaying heroines—there’s something for everyone this month. Add these titles to your TBR and check them out on Libby! Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Time Stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:16 Intro 00:01:11 Guest Intro - Emma! 00:03:01 Catching up with Emma 00:13:45 July Book Release Recommendations 01:03:21 Outro Titles mentioned in this episode Emma’s Picks: Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum Rose in Chains by Julie Soto (https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11316498) The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley Wrath of the Dragons by Olivia Rose Darling A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon Arcana Academy by Elise Kova Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter Overruled by Lana Ferguson Joe's Picks: The Enchanted Greenhouse – Sarah Beth Durst Rush Week – Michelle Brandon The Art of Vanishing – Morgan Pager Mayra – Nicky Gonzalez The Bewitching – Silva Moreno-Garcia Miss Camper – Kat Fajardo Predatory Natures – Amy Goldsmith The Yomigaeri Tunnel – Kelly Murashige This is Where We Die – Cindy RX He Links from this episode: You can follow Emma's bookish updates on Instagram Find out more about Amy Allen Clark's 2025 Summer Reading Guide! Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. 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 (including swag for our podcast)? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Say hello to Book Lounge by Libby, the new name for the podcast formerly known as Professional Book Nerds! In this intro, host Joe Skelley shares updates on the rebrand, what’s staying the same, and what new vibes you can expect in this next chapter. Plus, get a sneak peek at our first season - episode 1 is dropping next week, featuring a celebration of all things audiobooks. Pull up a chair—it’s going to be a great season. -- Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joe is joined by his colleague and friend Nahomy for a fresh stack of June 2025 book picks—perfect for summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or curled up in the AC, they’ve got something for every kind of reader. Nahomy shares queer coming-of-age tales, romantic comedies, twisty thrillers, and empowering debuts, while Joe's picks run the gamut from eerie horror to thoughtful sci-fi , with plenty of speculative fiction and heartwarming surprises along the way. Hit play and load up your Libby shelf with summer reads. Mark your calendars for June 12 when we debut the podcast rebrand! Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in this episode: Nahomy's Picks: Atmosphere - Taylor Jenkins Reid If We Survive This - Racquel Marie Sounds Like Love - Ashley Poston The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club - Gloria Chao The Summer We Ran - Audrey Ingram The Other Side of Now - Paige Harbison We Could Be Magic - Marissa Meyer Girls Girl Girls – Shoshana von Blanckensee Under the Neon Lights - Arriel Vinson Joe’s Picks: With a Vengeance – Riley Sager A Girl Walks into the Forest – Madeleine Roux Kill the Lax Bro – Charlotte Lillie Balogh Dan in Green Gables – Rey Terciero Love, Misha – Askel Aden Arcana: The Lost Heirs – Sam Prentice-Jones Best of All Worlds - Kenneth Oppel The Second Chance Convenience Store – Kim Ho-Yeon (Shout-Out: The Dallergut Dream-Making District - Miye Lee) The Listeners – Maggie Stiefvater Of Monsters and Mainframes – Barbara Truelove Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss! Whether you're loading up your Libby shelf or just need help picking your next favorite read, we've got you covered with big book energy and plenty of laughs along the way. 🌸📚 Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in this episode: Rachel’s Picks: The Tenant - Freida McFadden The Love Haters - Katherine Center Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood One Golden Summer - Carley Fortune Big Dumb Eyes - Nate Bargatze The Missing Half - Ashley Flowers Run for the Hills - Kevin Wilson It's a Love Story - Annabel Monaghan Joe’s Picks: The Art of Exile – Andrea Max Death in the Cards – Mia P. Manansala When Love Gives You Lemons – Steven Salvatore The Thrashers – Julie Soto The Starving Saints – Caitlin Starling Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell The Dark Maestro – Brendan Slocumb Karen: A Brother Remembers – Kelsey Grammer Marsha – Tourmaline Trans History by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett Shoutouts section: Murder Land – Carlyn Greenwald Everyone Sux But You – K. Wroten And They Were Roommates – Page Powars Shampoo Unicorn – Sawyer Lovett The Rebel’s Guide to Pride – Matthew Hubbard The Busybody Book Club – Freya Sampson The Manor of Dreams – Christina Li Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of must-read new books! Join Joe and Madison as they dive into the most exciting releases of the month. From long-awaited sequels to unexpected gems, our TBRs are taking us on quite the journey—just like the changing season! Whether you're in the mood for something light and breezy or deep and thought-provoking, we've got the perfect springtime read for you. Grab a cozy spot in the sunshine and let’s talk books! 🌿📖✨ You can follow Madison's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/simon.says.read/ Titles mentioned in this episode: Madison’s Picks: Gifted and Talented – Olivie Blake The Amalfi Curse – Sarah Penner Their Monstrous Hearts – Yigit Turhan The Page Turner – Viola Shipman When the Tides Held the Moon - Venessa Vida Kelley House of Blight - Maxym M. Martineau Enigma - RuNyx The Wind Weaver - Julie Johnson The Book Club for Troublesome Women - Marie Bostwick Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry Joe’s Picks: The Cat Who Saved the Library – Sosuke Natsukawa A/S/L - Jeanne Thornton The Staircase in the Woods – Chuck Wendig The Cut – CJ Dotson Make Sure You Die Screaming – Zee Carlstrom The Last Session – Julia Bartz Polybius – Collin Armstrong Deadstream – Mar Romasco-Moore Run Away with Me – Brian Selznick Boys with Sharp Teeth – Jenni Howell Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mercedes Riddick
This has been my favorite interview yet! I las really appreciate Joe's interview style, he asks such great questions. can't wait to listen to more from him.
Corinne Hunter
Good thing I decided to start with this episode - I would have been disappointed if I were attached to this series before I got to this point. Very bizarre for the hosts to call themselves trans allies one moment and then prop up the twitter mob attacking Lindsay Ellis in the next - to the point that one of the hosts straight up lied about Ellis's tweet to make it sound actually offensive. The lie makes me think they're fully aware that the entire situation is blowback on Ellis for continuing to publically support trans creators who have been 'cancelled' by transphobes. Or maybe they were so eager to participate in a twitter mob that they misremembered the tweet and didn't bother to do their research? Either way - not interested in listening further, this podcast is not safe for trans listeners.
boundbywordsblog
Honestly, super disappointed with this episode. Books mentioned were great, but the delivery felt half-assed, and the dismissal of author name pronunciations and book descriptions was SO not "professional". Don't you guys properly research before recording these? How do you call yourselves book lovers? And "professionals" at that? Everyone do yourself a favour and listen to the "All the Books" podcast instead. The hosts are competent and extremely well-versed in all genres including backlist titles. They also give the authors the respect they deserve by at least learning how to pronounce their name correctly. These two here sound like they just rolled out of bed and decided to start a book podcast, without knowing ANYTHING about books. Disappointing.
Kayla Utter
can you please list the books that you guys talk about?
T Kiwifruit
My most favorite book podcast. Seriously, so good.