Book Lounge by Libby

Book Lounge by Libby
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The Professional Book Nerds podcast is now, Book Lounge by Libby Book Lounge by Libby is the podcast where authors, book lovers, and industry insiders come together to talk about the stories we love and the impact they have. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into a cozy, candid conversation about books, writing, publishing, and the trends shaping the literary world. PLUS, every episode features book recommendations from some of your favorite online content creators. Book Lounge airs two seasons per year, along with special monthly episodes. Whether you're into sweeping romances, chilling thrillers, epic fantasies, or powerful memoirs, there's something in the Lounge for every reader. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and meet us in the Book Lounge. Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links  Brought to you by Libby, the library app.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO ·  BONUS

    Spring Into Reading: April 2026 Book Picks

    April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads! 🌸  In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by returning guest (and friend) Emma to talk through the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited to add to their TBR.   Together, they explore a wide range of upcoming titles—from highly anticipated bestsellers to under-the-radar gems—perfect for spring reading.  If you’re looking to refresh your reading list, discover new authors, or stay on top of the latest releases, this episode has you covered. Expect lively conversation, thoughtful picks, and plenty of bookish enthusiasm to inspire your next great read.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Emma’s Titles:   Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry   The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke  American Fantasy – Emma Straub   Mad Mabel – Sally Hepworth  The Paris Match – Kate Clayborn  Unbound- Peyton Corine  Go Gentle- Maria Semple   The Name Game – Beth O’ Leary   The Radiant Dark - Alexandra Oliva  Joe’s Titles: To Mention: We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune  Bodies of Work – Clay McLeod Chapman  The Escape Game – Marissa Meyer, Tamara Moss   The Subtle Art of Folding Space – John Chu  American Spirits – Anna Dorn  The Neverending Book – Naoki Matayoshi  Thrall – Rebecca Mahoney  Project V – Park Seolyeon  The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances – Glenn Dixon  Break Room – Miye Lee  And Joe’s horror round-up:   The Caretaker – Marcus Kliewer  Molka – Monika Kim  Odessa – Gabrielle Sher  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:15 Catching up with Emma 00:02:52 April 2026 Book Picks 01:13:19 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
  2. Lost Hollywood Satire & Audiobook Magic with Daniel Henning

    19 MAR ·  BONUS

    Lost Hollywood Satire & Audiobook Magic with Daniel Henning

    In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by a true multi-hyphenate talent—acclaimed audiobook narrator and producer Daniel Henning, whose voice you’ve almost certainly heard bringing stories to life.  Now, Daniel is stepping into the publishing world with his bold new imprint, Starshells of Madness, dedicated to reviving forgotten, unconventional, and culturally significant works. At the heart of this mission is his first release: Queer People by Carroll and Garrett Graham—a madcap, jazz age satire of Hollywood’s most scandalous eccentrics.  Joe and Daniel dive into:  The origins and vision behind Starshells of Madness  The rediscovery of Queer People  Why this novel still feels fresh, funny, and subversive today  Daniel’s journey from celebrated narrator to publisher  If you love audiobook storytelling, hidden literary gems, and juicy Old Hollywood drama, this conversation is not to be missed.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Here’s just some of Daniel’s work:  Queer People – Carroll and Garrett Graham  Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown  Bath Haus – PJ Vernon  The Body in the Back Garden – Mark Waddell  The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune  Somewhere Beyond the Sea – TJ Klune  In the Lives of Puppets – TJ Klune  Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! - TJ Klune  The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown – Jay Manuel  Follow Daniel & Starshells of Madness:   You can find Daniel Henning on Instagram  Check out the Starshells of Madness website and Starshells of Madness Instagram  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro 00:02:06 Catching up with Daniel Henning 00:14:46 Starshells of Maddness 00:21:07 Queer People  01:06:26 Outro   Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list of titles voiced by Daniel Henning!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 11min
  3. Meara's Best Witchy Books to Read 🔮 Cozy, Magical & Must-Read Witch Books

    12 MAR ·  BONUS

    Meara's Best Witchy Books to Read 🔮 Cozy, Magical & Must-Read Witch Books

    Witchy books have completely cast a spell on readers—and in this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to explore the magic behind the genre.  From cozy magical stories to darker tales of witchcraft and power, Meara shares how she first fell in love with witchy reads and why the genre keeps pulling readers back for more. Meara shares her hallmarks of a great witchy book: beloved tropes, magical vibes, found family, spellwork, atmospheric settings, and the storytelling elements that make these books so irresistible.  Along the way, she highlights some of her favorite witchy reads and offer plenty of book recommendations.  Whether you’re a longtime lover of witchy books or just looking for your next enchanting read, this episode is full of magical inspiration.  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 this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/meara-s-best-witchy-books-to-read-cozy-magical-must-read-witch-books-book-lounge-by-libby   Who’s in this episode:   Find Meara online here!  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:01:00 Witchy Q&A with Meara 00:41:57 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

    45 min

  4. 26 FEB ·  BONUS

    March 2026 Book Releases We’re Adding to Our TBR

    March is bringing the heat 🔥  In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast to talk about the March 2026 book releases they cannot wait to read.  From buzzy debuts to powerhouse authors returning with new stories, we’re breaking down the titles climbing to the top of our TBR piles. Whether you love literary fiction, thrillers, romance, or genre-bending surprises, this month is stacked.  Get your Libby tag ready — we’re giving you plenty of reasons to hit “borrow” and build out your holds list.  Looking for even more ideas? Browse Amy’s curated guides:  2026 Debut Books (43 Incredible Titles)  2026 New Releases (47 Book Ideas From Seasoned Voices)  Your March reading mood? Officially handled.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Amy’s Picks:   The Shock of the Light – Lori Inglis Hall   The Beheading Game – Rebecca Lehmann  The Fountain – Casey Scieszka   Where the Girls Were – Kate Schatz   Lady Tremaine – Rachel Hochhauser  Under Water – Tara Menon   That's What Friends Are For – Wade Rouse   The Truth About Ruby Cooper – Liz Nugent   The Night We Met – Abby Jimenez   Once and Again – Rebecca Serle  Joe’s Picks:   Now I Surrender – Álvaro Engrigue  200 Monas – Jan Saenz  The Disappointment – Scott Broker  Adult Braces – Lindy West  The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts – Kim Fu  You With the Sad Eyes – Christina Applegate  Strange Girls – Sarvat Hasin  Sisters in Yellow – Mieko Kawakami  Hooked – Asako Yuzuki  Wretch – Eric LaRocca    Who’s in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark – Links  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Check out How to Shoot a Ghost on Kanopy! 00:01:36 Title 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:30 Chatting with Amy Allen Clark 00:09:12 March 2026 Book Picks 01:17:47 Closing & 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
  5. Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and Talking with Ashley Hutson

    12 FEB ·  BONUS

    Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and Talking with Ashley Hutson

    On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re trying something a little different—and we’re very excited about it. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang podcast to dive deep into One’s Company by Ashley Hutson, a book Amy has been completely obsessed with.  We start with a breakdown of the book (mostly spoiler-free), unpacking what worked, what lingered, and why One’s Company gets under your skin in the best way. Then, at the 25-minute mark we do a quick spoiler breakdown, then we’re joined by Ashley Hutson herself for a spoiler-filled conversation about the book, her inspirations, the emotional core of the story, and what it was like bringing this unsettling, unforgettable novel to life.  📚 Spoiler warning: The author interview includes spoilers—so read One’s Company first, then come hang out with us.  If you love this book-club-style episode (or want us to do more like it with different books or formats), we want to hear from you! Email Joe at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com with your thoughts.  Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here!  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 this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/inside-one-s-company-obsession-isolation-and-talking-with-ashley-hutson-book-lounge-by-libby   Who’s in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark – Links   Find Book Gang on Patreon  Ashley Hutson - Website  Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here!  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:22 Intro 00:02:13 Talking One’s Company with Amy Allen Clark 00:25:55 Spoiler breakdown of One’s Company 00:30:12 Conversation with Ashley Hutson, author of One’s Company 01:19:55 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 24min

  6. 5 FEB ·  BONUS

    Becoming a Reader as an Adult

    Not everyone grows up a reader—and that’s okay.  In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe talks with his friend Sam about what it’s like when reading finally works for you. They dig into unlearning what reading is “supposed” to look like, finding joy without pressure, and how discovering books later in life can quietly change how you see yourself.  Along the way, Sam shares how becoming a reader also sparked the beginning of her journey as a writer. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt outside of reading culture—and is finding their way in.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Find Sam’s Bookstagram @worldwakerreads   Check out @lizabethanneauthor  Check out Forget Me Not  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:01:10 Becoming a Reader  00:46:46 Becoming an Author  01:06:03 Outro    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 10min

  7. 29 JAN ·  BONUS

    February 2026 Book Releases We’re Obsessed With

    New month, new books, and a very full TBR. 📖✨  In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to dive into the most exciting books releasing in February 2026. From buzzy new novels to under-the-radar gems, we’re breaking down what’s catching our attention, what we’re most hyped to read, and which releases are moving straight to the top of our TBRs.  If you love tracking upcoming book releases, planning your reading life, or just want to know what February’s literary lineup has in store, consider this your official February 2026 Book Release Radar.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Meara’s Picks:  A Little Buzzed – Alys Murray  The Sun and the Starmaker – Rachel Griffin  Greedy - Callie Kazumi  Books & Bewitchment - Isla Jewell  How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates - Shailee Thompson  Cruelty Free - Caroline Glenn  For Human Use - Sarah G Pierce    Weavingshaw – Heba Al-Wasity   The Hospital at the End of the World - Justin C. Key  The Forest on the Edge of Time – Jasmin Kirkbride   The Red Winter - Cameron Sullivan   Joe’s Picks:  Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman  Heap Earth Upon It – Chloe Michelle Howarth   Murder Bimbo – Rebecca Novack  Superfan – Jenny Tinghui Zhang  She Made Herself a Monster – Anna Kovatcheva  I am the Ghost Here – Kim Samek  Good People – Patmeena Sabit   The Jills – Karen Parkman   Dollface – Lindy Ryan  Language as Liberation – Toni Morrison   Who’s in this episode:   Meara - Links  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:22 Intro  00:01:02 Catching up with Meara  00:05:38 February 2026 Book Picks  01:08:35 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 12min
  8. Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes

    22 JAN ·  BONUS

    Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes

    Winter is a vibe—and so is the way we read during it.  In this episode, Joe is joined by Cece and Meara to talk all things winter reading vibes, from how mood reading works for us to whether TBRs ever stand a chance. We get honest about DNFing books (when we quit, why we quit, and how we make peace with it) and then wrap things up with book recommendations that feel just right for the colder months—think cozy, atmospheric, emotional, and immersive reads.  If your winter reading life looks nothing like your reading goals… you’re in good company.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Cece’s Picks:  The Boys in the Valley – Philip Fracassi  Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children series – Book 1 Every Heart a Doorway) – Seanan McGuire  The Forgotten Girl – India Hill Brown  Echo After Echo – A.R. Capetta   Meara’s Picks:  The Hush – Sara Foster  These Immortal Truths - R. Raeta  These Godly Lies – R. Raeta  Cold - Drew Hayden Taylor  One Dark Window - Rachel Gillig   Joe’s Picks:   Strange Pictures - Uketsu  Strange Houses - Uketsu   Bad Dolls – Rachel Harrison   The Writing Retreat – Julia Bartz   Breathe In, Bleed Out – Brian McAuley   The Staircase in the Woods – Chuck Wendig   Idle Grounds - Krystelle Bamford   Old Country by Matt & Harrison Query  The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson   Bochica – Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro   Play Nice – Rachel Harrison   The Apartment Across the Hall – Jack Dane   The Most – Jessica Anthony   The Three of Us – Ore Agbaje-Williams   Who’s in this episode:   Cece – Links  Meara - Links  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:01:13 Diving into winter vibes & mood reading with Cece & Meara!  00:16:05 Meara’s tracker spreadsheet & fixing a reading slump  00:20:33 Do TBRs exist anymore?   00:35:10 How do your reading habits change with the season?  00:38:41 DNF’ing books  00:48:41 Some recommended reads for the vibe  01:05:03 Wrap up and outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. 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 10min
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About

The Professional Book Nerds podcast is now, Book Lounge by Libby Book Lounge by Libby is the podcast where authors, book lovers, and industry insiders come together to talk about the stories we love and the impact they have. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into a cozy, candid conversation about books, writing, publishing, and the trends shaping the literary world. PLUS, every episode features book recommendations from some of your favorite online content creators. Book Lounge airs two seasons per year, along with special monthly episodes. Whether you're into sweeping romances, chilling thrillers, epic fantasies, or powerful memoirs, there's something in the Lounge for every reader. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and meet us in the Book Lounge. Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links  Brought to you by Libby, the library app.

Information

  • Creator
    Book Lounge by Libby
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    917
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved 2025

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