Book Lounge by Libby

Latest Episodes:

Drag & Murder with Holly Stars Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe is joined by the fabulous Holly Stars! 🎭 Holly dives into her debut queer crime fiction novel, Murder in the Dressing Room (out January 14 from Berkley), sharing the inspiration behind this thrilling whodunit. We also chat about her incredible work on the West End and her advice on embracing your inner drag queen. 💄 Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, the theater, or just love a little sparkle in your day, this episode is not to be missed! 🌈✨

Check out Holly online: Holly's Instagram & Holly's website

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! You can follow Libby on Instagram here!

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/!

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Big Changes Ahead: End-of-Year Updates from the Professional Book Nerds Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Big changes are coming to the Professional Book Nerds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, we’re sharing important updates about the future of the show that you won’t want to miss. Plus, Joe reflects on the final Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge and how he wrapped up the year of reading. Tune in for all the details and to celebrate the end of this chapter with us!

We hope you enjoy our last episode of the year this Monday, December 23 with drag queen Holly Stars! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we'll see you in the new year!

You can follow Libby on Instagram here!

Joe’s Titles:

A Genre you don’t normally read -
The Mars House – Natasha Pulley
A book with MCs a different age than you –
Why is This Night Different from All Other Nights – Lemony Snicket
A book on your TBR longer than 1 year -
Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
An audiobook (full cast or dramatized) -
The Golden Spoon – Jessa Maxwell
A book in translation –
Marigold Mind Laundry – Jungeun Yun
Reread a childhood favorite
Pure Dead Magic – Debi Gliori
Book with a dual POV
The Boyfriend – Freida McFadden
A book out of season
The Christmas Guest – Peter Swanson
Read a duology
The Dreamblood Duology – The Killing Moon & The Shadowed Sun – NK Jemisin
A book with a one-word title
Cher - Cher
A book from any bestseller list
Somewhere Beyond the Sea – TJ Klune
A book you heard about first on PBN
Diavola – Jennifer Thorne

Thank you to every one who participated in the 2024 PBN Reading Challenge and a shout out to the Queer Liberation Library for sending along their completed list! Check out Joe's episode with Kieran from QLL here.

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Exploring the World of Barbie with Renée Rosen Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Step into a world of pink, glamour, and storytelling in this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast! Joe chats with bestselling author Renée Rosen about her dazzling new novel Let’s Call Her Barbie (out January 21 from Penguin). They dive into Renee’s writing process, the inspiration behind the book, and their shared love of Barbie—from childhood memories to cherished collections.

If you’ve ever admired Barbie’s iconic style or dreamed of creating your own timeless stories, this episode is a must-listen! 💕

Check out Renée Rosen online: Follow her on Instagram, visit her website!

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh Pages for a Fresh Start: January 2025 Book Picks Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

Start the new year with a fresh stack of must-reads! In this episode, Joe is joined by Renee to share their most anticipated book releases for January 2025. From thrilling debuts to long-awaited sequels, they’ve got something for every reader to kick off the year right. Grab your TBR list and settle in for a cozy chat packed with exciting recommendations.

Ready to dive into 2025? Let’s turn the page together!

Titles mentioned in today's episode:

Author Interview Books Releasing this Month:

Murder in the Dressing Room – Holly Stars (1/14)
Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen (1/21)

Renee’s Titles:

I’ll Come To You – Rebecca Kauffman
She Doesn’t Have A Clue - Jenny Elder Moke
Ace, Marvel, Spy - Jenni L. Walsh
The Good Mother Myth - Nancy Reddy
Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working - Dan Heath
Beautiful Ugly - Alice Feeney
The Favorites - Layne Fargo
Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen
The Socialialites - Caroline Lamond
Simply Jamie – Jamie Oliver

Joe’s Titles:

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – Grady Hendrix
Wake Up and Open Your Eyes – Clay McLeod Chapman
Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue – Kate Pearsall
Water Moon – Samantha Sotto Yambao
Brewed with Love – Shelly Page
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King – Harry Trevaldwyn
Shattering Dawn – Jayne Ann Krentz
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage – Asia Mackay
The Harder I Fight the More I Love You – Neko chase
The Last Room on the Left – Leah Konen

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Audiobooks to Load Your Libby for the Holiday Season Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with audiobooks! In this special episode, Joe is joined by Hugo from Penguin Random House to share cozy, captivating, and downright delightful audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio that are perfect to Load Your Libby app.

Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods, taking a moment of peace from the holiday hustle, or simply looking to escape into a great story, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for recommendations to keep your holiday spirits bright and your shelves stacked with audio treasures!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for sponsoring the 2024 Check Our Your Library Fiction & Film tour.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Hugo’s Titles:

James - Percival Everett
We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
From Here to the Great Unknown - Lisa Marie Presley
Wandering Stars - Tommy Orange
Martyr! - Kaveh Akbar
Be Ready When Luck Happens - Ina Garten
Impossible Creatures - Katherine Rundell
All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker
Nexus - Yuval Noah Harari
The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt

Joe’s Titles:

Come and Get It - Kiley Reid
Lies and Weddings - Kevin Kwan
First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston
Funny Story - Emily Henry
Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty
Sonny Boy - Al Pacino
By Any other Name - Jodi Picoult
Heir - Sabaa Tahir
Blood at the Root - LaDarrion Williams
The God of the Woods - Liz Moore

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Best of 2024: Juvenile, Middle Grade & YA Reads Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible Juvenile, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books that shaped our reading journeys in 2024! 🎉📚

In this episode, Joe is joined by Andrea and Sarah to share their top picks—stories that made them laugh, cry, and think in new ways. From heartwarming middle grade adventures to gripping YA novels, join the conversation as they dive into all the books they couldn’t put down, offering their personal insights and reflections on the books that made 2024 such a great year for kidlit.

Tune in for the ultimate Best of 2024 list and find your next favorite read!

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Andrea’s Titles:

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
Fangirl, Vol. 4: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell and Gabi Nam
Snow Place Like Home by Christina Soontornvat
Eva's Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott
Bo's New Magical Friends by Rebecca Elliott

Sarah’s Titles:

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
Black Girl You are Atlas by Renee Watson
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart
Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

Joe’s Titles:

House of Elephants by Claribel A. Ortega
Youth Group by Jordan Morris (shouts out to Homebody by Theo Parish and Ghost Roast by Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs)
The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Final Chapter of 2024: December Book Picks Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

🎄📚 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for new books! Joe is joined by his friend and colleague Marissa to unwrap December 2024’s hottest new releases. From cozy holiday reads to thrilling page-turners, they’re sharing the books they’re most excited for as the year winds down. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone on this list. Tune in for a bookish sleigh ride! 🎁✨

Author Interviews for November & December:

Skyshade by Alex Aster
Shock Induction by Chuck Palaniuk
Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (Out in January, I’m sorry)
Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars (also out in January, I’m so sorry)

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Marissa’s Titles:

P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly
Love in Translation by Joss Wood
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison
The Mindful Mocktail by Natalie Battaglia
Rental House by Weike Wang
Private Rites by Julia Armfield
Knife Skills For Beginners by Orlando Murrin

Joe’s Titles:

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen
What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
The Party by Natasha Preston
Alter Ego by Alex Segura
Havoc by Christopher Bollen
Watch Your Back by Terri Parlato
A Series of Rooms by AJ Barlowe
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Chuck Palahniuk Talks Shock Induction, Writing Style & Boston Terriers Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe sits down with legendary author Chuck Palahniuk to discuss his latest novel, SHOCK INDUCTION (out now from Simon & Schuster). They dive into Chuck’s signature minimalist writing style and explore how it unites his body of work, creating stories that pack an unforgettable punch. Plus, in a heartwarming twist, Chuck and Joe’s Boston terriers make a special appearance over Zoom, bringing a dose of canine charm to the conversation. Don't miss this deep dive into storytelling with one of literature's most provocative voices!

Other titles by Chuck Palahniuk mentioned in this episode:

You can find and borrow these books and more of Chuck's books in Libby. Our librarian friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

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Cozy Reads & Cottage Core Vibes Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

It's fall, y'all 🍂 In this episode, Joe teams up with Claire and Kristin to share the ultimate list of cozy book recommendations. From charming cottage core tales to delightful cozy mysteries to graphic novels, these picks are perfect for your next warm and comforting reading escape. Your next cozy read awaits!

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Claire’s Titles:

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (new book next spring – A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping)
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (followed by The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, The Christmas Tree Farm and The Strawberry Patch Pancake House)
Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge
The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams (shout out to The Reading List)

Kristin’s Titles:

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuke
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Meet your Baker by Ellie Alexander
The Whispering Dead by Darcy Coates
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

Joe’s Titles:

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin (How to Seal Your Own Fate coming in April 2025!)
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
The Witch Boy Series by Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy, The Hidden Witch, The Midwinter Witch)
Tokyo These Days vol. 3 by Taiyo Matsumoto (Volume 1 and Volume 2)
Peking Duck and Cover by Vivien Chien

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skyshade and the Relentless Pursuit of Storytelling with Alex Aster Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Professional Book Nerds, Joe sits down with bestselling author Alex Aster to dive into the magic of SKYSHADE (out November 12 from Amulet Books), the thrilling third installment in the Lightlark Saga. Alex shares her extraordinary journey, from querying her first book at just 12 years old to becoming a relentless force in the writing world.

Discover the secrets behind Skyshade, the challenges Alex faced along the way, and how her unwavering determination has shaped her career. Whether you’re a die-hard Lightlark fan or an aspiring writer, this conversation will leave you inspired and eager for more!

Other Alex Aster titles: