Professional Book Nerds

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 

We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists.   Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season.    ✨ Don’t forget to take our podcast survey!  Running now through January 5. We want to hear from you!  Survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey   Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Guest host recommendations:  Carmen  Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings - Myriam Gurba  The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas  Cece  Listen to Your Sister – Neena Viel  The Luis Ortega Survival Clu

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 

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 Jon

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 & gues

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  G

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 

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

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 b

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/ba

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 –

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!  W

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

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.

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 Yo

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. 

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. 

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

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