Books and Bites

Jessamine County Public Library

Books and Bites JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them.

  1. APR 10

    Small-Town Reads

    Give your reading a fresh start with the Spring Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge.   From now through June 30, 2026, keep track of books you read or listen to on the Spring Books & Bites Bingo Card. Complete all 9 squares for a chance to win a $50 Joseph-Beth gift card.  On this episode, we visit fictional small-towns from Mississippi to Northern Ireland.  Our picks include an emotional YA novel about close friendship; a tale of college football that will tackle you out the gate; and a dark comedy served with a side of curry chips. Our picks and pairings: Radio Silence by Alice Oseman paired with Crispy Waffles from Creams CafeMississippi Blue 42 by Eli Cranor paired with Mississippi Mud PieBig Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen paired with Chips and Curry Sauce

    24 min

  2. MAR 6

    The Forecast Calls for Books

    This month, we discuss books where the weather plays a major role, one of the prompts on the Winter Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. From hurricanes to snowstorms, this episode has all the major weather events covered! If you’re participating in Winter Books & Bites Bingo, don’t forget to turn in your bingo card by the end of March. Turn your card in at the Customer Service Desk to receive your bookmark or use the online entry form. Carrie's Pick Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale HurstonPairing: Mulatto rice, as it’s called in the book, now usually called red rice. Jacqueline's Pick Trapped by Michael NorthropPairing: Peach MocktailMichael's Pick The Water Knife by Paolo BacigalupiPairing: Horchata

    24 min

  3. FEB 6

    Books Set on Trains or Ships

    This month, we discuss books set on trains or ships, a prompt on the Winter Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge.  Travel the high seas with our recommendations: a graphic novel horror story about a mermaid-like creature; a lyrical, suspenseful novel about a woman following what might be the Arctic Tern’s final migration; and a YA novel about a young artist who is slowly disconnecting from reality and living a second life aboard a ship in the Mariana Trench. Prefer to stay on dry land? We also offer some brief suggestions for books set on trains. Michael's Pick Sea of Sorrows by Rich Douek and Alex CormackPairing: Creamy Seafood ChowderCarrie's Pick Migrations by Charlotte McConaghyPairing: Mashed Winter Vegetable StewJacqueline's Pick Challenger Deep by Neal ShustermanPairing: Rum Runner

    27 min

  4. JAN 9

    Audiobooks with Multiple Narrators

    We're kicking off the Winter Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge with audiobooks read by multiple narrators! These multi-voiced productions make audiobooks even more engaging.  Tune into our action-packed choices: a YA dystopian novel, a horror/thriller hybrid, and a sweeping, historical Western. Jacqueline's Pick The 5th Wave by Rick YanceyPairing: Homemade breadMichael's Pick Spider to the Fly by J.H. MarkertPairing: S'mores BrowniesCarrie's Pick The Cold Millions by Jess WalterPairing: Minestrone from An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler

    29 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Must-Read Books of 2025

    We're saying goodbye to 2025 with this episode, and with it our Summer-Fall Books & Bites bingo card! What better way to ring out the old year than with some of our favorite books published in 2025? Our picks include a darkly comic adventure story, a YA fantasy-mystery, and a novel that reinvents the werewolf story. Carrie's Pick So Far Gone by Jess WalterPairing: Turkey Pot PieJacqueline's Pick Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn CavalanciaPairing: Cranberry SalsaMichael's Pick When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat CassidyPairing: Harvest Moon cocktail

    23 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    Books with Dragons

    On this episode, we discuss books with dragons. It’s one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge.  Our picks include a slow-burn romantasy, a speculative fantasy that takes place during the 1950s and 1960s, and a YA sci-fi and fantasy mashup. Michael’s Pick Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon YangPairing: Dragon’s Milk Ice Cream FloatCarrie's Pick When Women Were Dragons by Kelly BarnhillPairing: Ultimate Vegan Grilled CheeseJacqueline's Pick The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott ReintgenPairing: Dragon Flame Meringue Cookies

    30 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    Discussing The Dark Library with Mary Anna Evans

    On this episode, we talk to Mary Anna Evans about her book, The Dark Library. Want to discuss the book in person? Join us at Book Club: The Dark Library on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 pm. The first 10 people to register may pick up a free copy of the book at the Customer Service Desk. Reading The Dark Library (or another book set in a library) is one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge.  Plus, if you read the book and 1) attend our Book Club discussion of it or 2) listen to the this episode of the Books & Bites podcast, you'll earn a free square of your choice! To download two recipes featured in The Dark Library, visit our website.

    23 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    Books by Hispanic-American Authors

    National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15-Oct. 15, so what better time to discuss books by Hispanic-American authors? It’s one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge! Michael's Pick Tiny Threads by Lilliam RiveraPairing: The mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail Jacqueline's Pick Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia SylvesterPairing: Aji Verde, a spicy Peruvian green sauceCarrie's Pick How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie CruzPairing: Dominican pastelitos

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Books and Bites JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessamine County Public Library
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Books and Bites