Book Lounge by Libby

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

    1D AGO

    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

    1h 7m

  2. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Douglas Stuart: “John of John” | Oprah’s Book Club from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast As part of the 30th anniversary of Oprah’s Book Club, Oprah picks her 123rd selection: John of John by celebrated Scottish author Douglas Stuart. His other novels include Young Mungo and Shuggie Bain which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 2020. John of John is set in a small, fictional farming and textile town, Falabay, on an isle off northern Scotland where everybody knows everyone’s business. The story centers around three generations living under the same roof: a father, his son and the son's grandmother. The central theme to this enthralling book is the secrets these three so desperately hold on to: secrets from each other, from their neighbors and from the church. A love story at its heart, Douglas Stuart tells Oprah how he spent six years writing this book, spending 16 weeks researching the Outer Hebrides Isles on the northwest coast of Scotland talking to local people who inspired his 26 supporting characters. Oprah and Douglas Stuart are joined by an audience in New York City who enthusiastically read the book and have questions for the author. BUY THE BOOK! https://groveatlantic.com/book/john-of-john/ 00:00:00 - Welcome Douglas Stuart, author of “John of John” 00:03:01 - The setting of the book 00:04:05 - Where he found this story 00:07:30 - What Douglas needed to learn to write “John of John” 00:09:20 - Douglas describes “John of John” 00:11:43 - Oprah compares the book to Heated Rivalry 00:13:30 - An unexpected love story 00:17:40 - The conflict between father and son 00:20:40 - His writing process 00:25:55 - Father and gay son on “John of John” 00:30:30 - How man found acceptance of his son 00:34:20 - Feeling seen in a novel 00:38:27 - What Douglas wants the reader to feel 00:44:50 - Masculinity and the patriarchy 00:46:10 - The experience of growing up gay 00:47:20 - The end of the novel Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: Instagram Facebook TikTok Listen to the full podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts #oprahsbookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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. Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh on Heritage, Identity & Storytelling

    4D AGO

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

    APR 30

    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

    1h 22m

  5. APR 29 ·  BONUS

    May 2026’s Hottest New Books (And Our Immediate Adds)

    Your TBR is about to get longer.  In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Rachel to break down the most exciting book releases coming in May 2026 by sharing what they’re adding to their to-be-read piles. From buzzy debuts and fan-favorite authors to under-the-radar titles you’ll want to grab early, they’re sorting through the chaos of new releases so you don’t have to.  Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of “place hold now” energy as they build their May reading lists.  Whether you’re planning your next great read or just love staying ahead of the book buzz, this episode is your go-to guide for what’s hitting shelves this May.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Rachel’s Titles:   Our Perfect Storm - Carley Fortune  A Parade of Horribles – Matt Dinniman  The Final Target – Nora Roberts  Caller Unknown – Gillian McAllister  The Shippers  - Katherine Center  Good Joy, Bad Joy – Mikki Brammer  The Last Page – Katie Holt  The Midnight Train – Matt Haig  Joe’s Titles:  Homebound – Portia Elan  Bromantasy – Maire Roche  Opting Out – Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar  Until Death – Mary Berman  Murder Most Delicious - Danielle Postel-Vinay  Landing in Place – Sherine Hamdy, art by Myra El Mir  Gay Mormon Dad – Chad Anderson  Body Count – Codie Crowley  Not Your Final Girl – Mikayla Randolph  Femme Feral – Sam Beckbessinger  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:48 A warm welcome to Rachel! 00:01:23 Breaking out of a bit of a slump 00:06:10 Our May 2026 Book Picks! 01:05:06 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
  6. Book Cover Design Secrets (From the People Who Make Them)

    APR 27

    Book Cover Design Secrets (From the People Who Make Them)

    In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe goes behind the scenes of one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing: book cover design.  In the first segment, Erin Fitzsimmons (Sourcebooks) and Karina Granda (Hachette Book Group) join Joe to talk about how they got their start in design, what their creative process looks like today, and how book covers have evolved alongside trends, formats, and reader expectations.  Then, in the second segment, Kathryn G. English (Blackstone Publishing) and Ryan Willwerscheid (Podium Audio) dive into how design shifts across formats, from print to audio, and share some of the biggest surprises that go into creating a cover that connects with readers.  From concept to final product, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the art, strategy, and collaboration behind the covers you can’t stop staring at.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Segment 1:  Erin Fitzsimmons - Instagram  Karina Granda – Instagram   Segment 2:   Kathryn G. English - Instagram  Ryan Willwerscheid – Instagram   Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro with Karina Granda and Erin Fitzsimmons 00:03:50 How did you get into this space?  00:09:09 What does on the job training look like for a cover designer?  00:27:54 When do you start desiging covers?  00:39:57 What is a trendy cover vs. A timeless cover?  00:47:07 Thank you to Karina and Erin! 00:47:19 Intro with Ryan Willwerscheid and Kathryn G. English 00:51:03 How do you approach cover design? 01:02:39 Where do you find inspiration when creating covers?  01:06:45 How often do you push comps and trends over author wants?  01:18:11 Do you ever have to change covers right before print? 01:37:50 What would you want people to take away from creating book covers? 01:39:46 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!  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

    1h 43m
  7. Must-Read Historical Fiction for Your TBR Right Now

    APR 23

    Must-Read Historical Fiction for Your TBR Right Now

    Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add to your TBR.  From immersive, character-driven stories to sweeping narratives that bring the past to life, this episode highlights books that will stick with you long after the final page. Amy brings her expertise in discovering buzzy and noteworthy titles, while Joe adds a few picks of his own—including one unexpected curveball.  Whether you’re a longtime historical fiction reader or just looking for a place to start, this episode is packed with compelling recommendations across time periods and styles.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks:  The Half Life - Rachel Beanland  Scandalous Women - Gill Paul  The Final Revival of Opal and Nev - Dawnie Walton  The Foursome - Christina Baker Kline  Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez  Joe’s Picks:  Let's Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen  Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell  The Hounding – Xenobe Purvis  Dead Eleven – Jimmy Juliano  Silver Nitrate – Silvia Moreno-Garcia  Flung out of Space – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer  Stage Dreams – Melanie Gillman  The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor  Parallel – Matthias Lehmann    Who’s in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – links  Articles referenced:   https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/   https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/   https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:53 Hello to Amy!  00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it?  00:04:28 Amy’s thoughts on Historical Fiction 00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations 01:07:28 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

    1h 11m

  8. APR 20

    Inside the World of Historical Fiction with Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis

    Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb and Lauren Tarshis join Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring appeal of historical fiction and why readers keep coming back for stories rooted in the past.  From immersive research to emotional storytelling, they explore how historical fiction brings real moments to life while still leaving room for imagination. The conversation also dives into the challenges of writing in difficult time periods, how authors maintain hope when their subject matter gets heavy and what it means to responsibly shape narratives based on real events.  Plus, each author shares insight into their creative process and how they build vivid, unforgettable worlds across genres and age group.  Whether you're a lifelong historical fiction reader or just starting to explore the genre, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the stories that help us better understand where we’ve been and where we’re going.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Christina Baker Kline  Website  The Foursome  Heather Webb  Website  The Hope Keeper  Lauren Tarshis  Website  I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935  I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 Graphic Novel  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Historical Fiction 00:01:08 Hello from Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis 00:05:07 Diving into the conversation – why historical fiction?  00:49:26 How do you balance the heaviness of historical with maintaining light in your life? 00:58:44 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

    1h 3m
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Book Lounge by Libby
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    930
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved 2026
  • Show Website
    Book Lounge by Libby

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