Book Lounge by Libby

Book Lounge by Libby

Book Lounge by Libby is your cozy reading corner of the internet. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into candid and thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing and the trends shaping what we read (plus reading recommendations you won't want to miss).  Brought to you by ⁠Libby⁠, the library app.  Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links  Book Lounge airs year-round, with two 10-week seasons each year, featuring publishing conversations on Mondays and paired book recommendations on Thursdays- plus monthly Book Release Radar episodes. We release 1–3 episodes per month between seasons.  Reach out to us at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Happy Reading!

  1. Books That Feel Like Falling Into Another World

    13 HR AGO

    Books That Feel Like Falling Into Another World

    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

    58 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    13 HR AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Dr. Lisa Miller: Feeling Lost, Stuck or Anxious? (Use THIS Spiritual Framework to Finally Move Forward With Clarity) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty What if the hardest moments in your life weren’t there to break you, but were actually pointing you toward who you’re meant to be? Today, Jay sits down with renowned psychologist, Columbia professor, and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller to explore the powerful intersection of science and spirituality. Together, they unpack one of the most transformative ideas of our time: that spirituality is not reserved for the religious or the enlightened, it is an innate human capacity wired into every one of us. Through groundbreaking neuroscience, Dr. Lisa reveals how our brains are biologically designed to perceive that we are loved, guided, and never truly alone. Jay and Lisa invite us into a new way of living, one where anxiety, heartbreak, disappointment, and uncertainty are no longer viewed as signs that we’ve lost our way, but as invitations into deeper spiritual awakening. Throughout the episode, Jay and Lisa share profoundly personal reflections on life’s “red doors” and “yellow doors”, the moments when what we desperately wanted fell apart, only to lead us somewhere far more aligned, meaningful, and expansive than we could have imagined. Through intimate stories, spiritual practices, and powerful meditations, they explore how intuition, synchronicity, and inner knowing can guide us toward our true path when we finally learn to listen. Jay opens up about protecting his purpose, discovering his calling beyond societal expectations, and the courage it takes to trust the quiet voice within. Lisa beautifully reframes suffering not as punishment or failure, but as the very catalyst that awakens us to greater love, wisdom, and purpose. This episode is a reminder that some of the greatest breakthroughs in life begin with the moments that break us open. In this episode you'll learn: How to Listen to Your Inner Wisdom How to Turn Pain Into Spiritual Growth How to Recognize Signs the Universe Is Sending You How to Feel Guided When Life Feels Uncertain How to Stop Ignoring Your Intuition How to Stay Spiritual in a Busy, Modern World How to Strengthen Your Spiritual Awareness Daily How to Navigate Depression Through a Spiritual Lens Maybe the answers you’ve been searching for aren’t outside of you, but in the quiet voice you’ve been too busy, too hurt, or too afraid to trust. Life won’t always go as planned, but sometimes the detours, disappointments, and closed doors are leading you somewhere deeper than success, toward a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. To grab a copy of Lisa’s latest book, The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, visit https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Brain-Science-Spirituality-Inspired/dp/198485562X  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:58 You Were Never Meant to Walk Alone 03:14 Why This Generation Is Craving Spirituality 05:24 The Life-Changing Benefits of Spirituality 06:11 The Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Depression 08:32 What Does it Mean To Be Spiritual? 10:46 The Shift That Makes Life Feel Inspired Again 17:05 When Life Stops Being a Plan and Becomes an Adventure 20:07 The Part of You You’ve Been Ignoring 21:19 The Missing Piece in Mental Health 22:23 The Two Ways You Actually Know Something 25:04 Why Your Purpose Isn’t Something You Find 29:09 How to Finally Hear Your Inner Voice 36:10 What It Feels Like to Touch Something Higher 40:51 Anxiety As A Catalyst  43:52 What If Nothing in Your Life Is Random? 46:52 Learning to Trust Yourself on a Deeper Level 51:32 The Unexpected Path That Leads to Love 56:21 The Habit That’s Making You More Judgmental 57:10 Different Beliefs, One Aligned Relationship 01:02:53 The Subtle Sign You’re With the Wrong Person 01:04:59 The Truth About Money and Meaning 01:05:55 The Mistake That Keeps Spiritual People Broke 01:07:16 Why You Feel Stuck (And How to Get Back Into Flow) 01:10:20 How to Actually Ask for Guidance 01:13:06 The Real Source of Energy, Peace, and Clarity 01:14:15 The Awareness You Were Born With 01:16:16 What Happens When Kids Lose Their Intuition 01:18:08 Why Your Home Shapes Your Spiritual Life 01:21:35 Spirituality vs. Religion: What’s the Difference? 01:24:30 Why a Strong Spiritual Core Changes Everything 01:27:29 Lisa on Final Five  Episode Resources: Website | https://www.lisamillerphd.com/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Inside The Magic Tree House with Mary Pope Osborne

    3 DAYS AGO

    Inside The Magic Tree House with Mary Pope Osborne

    This week, Joe sits down with legendary children’s author Mary Pope Osborne to celebrate the legacy of the Magic Tree House books and the generations of readers who grew up with Jack and Annie’s adventures.  Together, they discuss the original spark that inspired the series, how the personalities of Jack and Annie developed over time and the early days of writing for young readers during the rise of early chapter books. Mary also shares behind-the-scenes stories about adapting the series into graphic novels, audiobooks, musicals, and animation, along with the process of designing some of the most recognizable covers in children’s literature.  The conversation also explores Mary’s writing routine, the books that challenged her most creatively, the incredible memories she’s collected from readers over the years and what it means to see The Magic Tree House continue to connect with new generations of kids today.  Filled with nostalgia, creativity, laughter, and heartfelt reflection, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and one of the most beloved children’s series of all time.  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:   Mary Pope Osborne – YouTube, Website, Instagram  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:15 What was the spark that lead to the Magic Tree House?  00:03:48 The idea of writing for younger readers and inspiration in the classroom 00:07:35 How did Jack & Annie’s personalities take shape?  00:09:00 How has change happened over the years?  00:13:21 The start of Early Chapter Books 00:22:09 Animating the Magic Tree House 00:25:47 Designing the cover 00:30:25 The Magic Tree House Graphic Novels 00:35:30 What is your process for writing? 00:41:06 Kids informed titles and covers live! 00:42:48 Magic Tree House: History Heroes  00:47:25 What book pushed you most while writing?  00:50:00 Recording the Magic Tree House audiobooks 00:51:26 Magic Tree House Musicals 00:52:58 What memories over the years have truly stuck with you?  00:57:54 Lightning Round! 00:59:59 What do you hope your readers take with them?  01:00:10 What does the series mean to you now?  01:00:31 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

    1hr 4min
  4. Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recommendations with Jananie K. Velu

    14 MAY

    Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recommendations with Jananie K. Velu

    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

    1hr 11min
  5. Reading as Healing: Mental Health, Self-Care & the Power of Libraries

    11 MAY

    Reading as Healing: Mental Health, Self-Care & the Power of Libraries

    This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading, emotional well-being, and community.  Split into two thoughtful segments, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how books, libraries, and small daily habits can support healing, growth, and a sense of stability in an often-overwhelming world.  In the first segment, Joe is joined by Monica Hobson (aka: @thebookeduptherapist), a therapist and licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on the role of reading in our healing journeys. Together, they explore the idea that distraction isn’t avoidance; it's a meaningful part of processing and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-care, how books can act as connectors between people and experiences, and how to quiet the pressure of “what should I read” in favor of what truly serves you.  In the second segment, Joe speaks with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, about the broader impact of reading on both individuals and communities. Their conversation touches on personal and collective agency, building stability in uncertain times, and what Dr. Song wishes more people understood about mental health. She also shares why one of her first priorities in any new place is getting a library card and what that represents beyond just access to books.  This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider the role stories play in our lives; not just as entertainment, but as tools for connection, understanding, and healing.  We hope this conversation offers a sense of comfort and possibility. You are not alone.  If you are seeking support, please find a list of resources below:  Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org  Maternal Mental Health: call or text 1-833-852-6262  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations: call or text 1-800-985-5990  The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Segment 1:  Monica Hobson – Instagram, Psychology Today  Segment 2:   Dr. Suzan Song – Website, Instagram, book: Why We Suffer and How We Heal  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)!  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro – Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 00:00:43 Segment 1 with Monica Hobson, LCSW 00:06:37 Distraction is an important part of our healing process 00:08:22 Making time and giving power to self-care 00:19:55 Books are a connector 00:35:39 What are the immediate benefits to reading for mental health?  00:38:30 How can you make a more stress-free reading life?  00:43:53 How can we contribute to our JOY while reading?  00:48:12 Segment 2 with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD 00:49:07 How does reading help heal communities?  00:52:58 Personal and collective agency  00:53:58 How can you build your own sense of agency? 00:57:48 Escapism versus alignment 00:59:05 What does Dr. Song wish more people understood about mental health? 01:05:46 Resilience is not just enduring 1:09:03 Book club is an experience of connection 01:11:16 We’re missing a lot of shared spaces 01:13:36 Getting a library card 01:14:15 Where do stories and reading fit within a healing journey? 01:15:26 Privatized suffering and healing 01:19:02 Thinking about death and dying 01:23:36 Through reading, we feel more safe and understood 01:27:17 How can someone start reflecting through the day (easily) 01:29:36 The emotional GPS 01:31:04 What’s a message you hope readers carry with them?  01:32:21 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!  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

    1hr 36min
  6. Your AAPI Month TBR Starts Here | Must-Read Books with Jananie K. Velu

    7 MAY

    Your AAPI Month TBR Starts Here | Must-Read Books with Jananie K. Velu

    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

    1hr 7min
  7. Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh on Heritage, Identity & Storytelling

    4 MAY

    Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh on Heritage, Identity & Storytelling

    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

    55 min
  8. Borrowed for the Cover: Books That Hooked Us at First Glance

    30 APR

    Borrowed for the Cover: Books That Hooked Us at First Glance

    Be honest, how many books have you borrowed purely because the cover looked amazing?  This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Bre for a very honest, slightly chaotic, and deeply relatable conversation about judging books by their covers. Before diving into our recommendations, we get into what Bre loves in a cover design.  We also talk about the covers that live rent-free in for Bre, and how special editions have completely changed the way readers collect (and display) books. Plus, a love-filled detour into The Diviners series and why its design continues to stand out.  Then, we get to recommending books we only read BECAUSE of the cover.  We didn’t read the synopsis.  We didn’t check reviews.  We saw the cover… and that was enough.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Bre’s Picks:  How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin  The Jumbies - Tracey Baptiste   To Steal a Throne - Gabi Burton  On Sundays She Picked Flowers - Yah Yah Scholfield   Joe’s Picks:   Sky Daddy – Kate Folk  Just Like Mother – Anne Heltzel  Dollface – Lindy Ryan  Butter – Asako Yuzuki   Who’s in this episode:   Bre - Links  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:40 Welcome to Bre The Loc’d Booktician 00:01:02 What are some of your favorite cover designs? 00:05:56 Do you have a book cover that comes to mind when you think of a good design? 00:06:57 Thoughts on special editions 00:19:11 Here’s our recommendations! 01:17:35 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

    1hr 22min

About

Book Lounge by Libby is your cozy reading corner of the internet. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into candid and thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing and the trends shaping what we read (plus reading recommendations you won't want to miss).  Brought to you by ⁠Libby⁠, the library app.  Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links  Book Lounge airs year-round, with two 10-week seasons each year, featuring publishing conversations on Mondays and paired book recommendations on Thursdays- plus monthly Book Release Radar episodes. We release 1–3 episodes per month between seasons.  Reach out to us at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Happy Reading!

More From Evergreen Podcasts

You Might Also Like