Book Lounge by Libby

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March 2026 Book Releases We’re Adding to Our TBR Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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!

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Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and Talking with Ashley Hutson Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

Becoming a Reader as an Adult Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

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

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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!

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February 2026 Book Releases We’re Obsessed With Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

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

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes - DNF Energy & Cozy Season Picks Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

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

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

2026 Book Release Radar: The new books we can’t wait to read Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

New year, new books, and SO many reasons to freak out (in the best way).

In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu and Meara to kick off 2026 with a full-on Book Release Radar—highlighting the upcoming titles they’re most excited to read this year.

From buzzy new releases to books that already feel like future favorites, they're sharing what’s climbing to the very top of the TBRs and why 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for readers. Consider this your official permission slip to start planning your holds early.

Season 3 is coming in April but make sure you’re following us so you don’t miss out on our monthly episodes while you wait!

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

Book recommendations:

Jananie’s Picks:

A Kiss of Crimson Ash – Anuja Varghese

We Dance Upon Demons – Vaishnavi Patel

TRAD WIFE – Saratoga Schaefer

The Rise of the Celestials – Kritika H. Rao

Read Between the Lies – Jesse Q. Sutanto

Aicha – Soraya Bouazzaoui

Burn the Sea – Mona Tewari

Seasons of Glass and Iron – Amal El-Mohtar

Meara’s Picks:

A Vow in Vengeance - Jaclyn Rodriguez

Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke

She Haunts Me Still - De Elizabeth

Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It – Brooke Averick

The Wretched Divine – Adalyn Grace

Clara & the Devil – Olivie Blake & Little Chmura

Dead Beat - Leigh Bardugo

Light Wielder - Rachel Schneider

Victorious – VE Schwab

Joe’s Picks:

Nothing Tastes as Good – Luke Dumas

Japanese Gothic – Kylie Lee Baker

We Burned so Bright – TJ Klune

Spoiled Milk – Avery Curran

Plastic, Prism, Void – Violet Allen

Fruitcake – Rex Ogle

Missing in Soho – Holly Stars

Lights! Camera! Frendo! - Adam Cesare

Who's in this episode:

Jananie K. Velu – Links

Meara - Links

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:23 Intro

00:01:55 Gettin’ chatty with Jananie & Meara

00:03:14 Relationships with book releases

00:07:54 2026 Book Release Radar

01:04:59 Final thoughts and outro

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

January 2026 Book Picks: New Year, New TBRs Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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 🎄📚

For our January 2026 Book Picks (and the final Book Lounge episode of 2025!), I'm joined by Madison to break down the new releases we cannot wait to snag in the new year. These are the books we’re placing holds and adding to notify me tags in Libby, lining up for holds, and mentally reading before the wrapping paper’s even recycled ✨

This episode is equal parts holiday sendoff and new year reading hype. We’re taking a short break, soaking up the season, and coming back in January 2026 with all-new episodes.

🎁 One last thing before the year ends!
Help shape the future of Book Lounge by completing our listener survey by January 5:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey

Happy holidays, happy reading, and may your holds come in early. ✨📖

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Madison’s picks:

Graceless Heart – Isabel Ibañez

The Midnight Carousel – Fiza Saeed McLynn

Silver & Blood – Jessie Mihalik

The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao

Women of a Promiscuous Nature – Donna Everhart

Dragon Cursed – Elise Kova

When Trees Testify – Beronda L. Montgomery

Joe’s picks:

Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy

Is This a Cry for Help? - Emily Austin

How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder – Nina McConigley

Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven

Fustuk – Robert Mgrdich Apelian

Gaslit – Megan Davidhizar

Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown

Check out Madison’s Bookstagram

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:01:07 Intro

00:07:33 January 2026 Book Picks with Madison!’

01:17:11 Outro

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

Our Favorite Reads of 2025 Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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 Club – Sonora Reyes

Jananie

Dust Settles North – Deena ElGenaidi

Immaculate Conception – Ling Ling Huang

Kayla

Julie Chan is Dead- Liann Zhang

The Compound- Aisling Rawle

Meara

Girl Dinner – Olivie Blake

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker

Joe

When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy

Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito

Hungerstone – Kat Dunn

Follow the guests & guest hosts:

Carmen – link

Cece - link

Jananie K. Velu – link

Kayla - link

Meara – link

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:01:07 Intro

00:03:54 Best Reads of 2025

00:03:22 The Summer Book on KANOPY

00:31:52 Best Reads of 2025

01:03:01 Outro

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

Festive Fiction: Talking Holiday Reads for Cozy Winter Nights Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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

Guest host recommendations:

Cece

Make My Wish Come True - Rachael Lippincott, Alyson Derrick

Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology - ed. Ellen Datlow

Jananie

A Little Holiday Fling – Farah Heron

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year – Ally Carter

Meara

The Afterlife of Holly Chase - Cynthia Hand

The Christmas Murder Game - Alexandra Benedict

Joe

You Better Watch Out – James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

Season of Love – Helena Greer

Follow the guests & guest hosts:

Segment 1:

Alexandra Benedict – Instagram

Jenny Bayliss - Instagram

Maisha Oso - Website

Matthew Norman – Website

Segment 2:

Cece - link

Jananie K. Velu – link

Meara - link

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:22 Intro

00:01:53 Writing for the Season with Alexandra Benedict, Jenny Bayliss, Maisha Oso & Matthew Norman!

01:01:29 BREAK – Some holiday reads from Kensington Books

01:04:22 Holiday Reads with Cece, Jananie & Meara!

01:41:22 Outro

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

Page to Screen Magic: Authors on Adaptations Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

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 Jones

The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

Meara

It’s Kind of a Funny Story – Ned Vizzini

Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion

The Long Walk - Stephen King as Richard Bachman

Joe

Mommie Dearest – Christina Crawford & With Love, Mommie Dearest - A. Ashley Hoff

Watch Mommie Dearest on Kanopy

Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer

Watch Into the Wild on Kanopy

Follow the guests & guest hosts:

Segment 1:

Louis Sachar - website

Danielle Valentine – website

Segment 2:

Jananie K. Velu – Links

Meara - Links

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:01:06 Intro

00:02:47 Louis Sachar on HOLES

00:42:47 Break!

00:44:11 Danielle Valentine on DELICATE CONDITION & AHS: DELICATE

01:33:15 Page to Screen Recs with Jananie K. Velu & Meara!

02:28:17 Outro

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

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

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