Book Lounge by Libby

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

Looking for your next favorite author before they blow up? This episode is for you. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast, an expert in spotlighting debut authors, for a conversation that starts with a little podcast inside baseball. From prepping interviews to working with first-time authors, they dig into what makes debut conversations so special. Then, it’s all about the books. Joe and Amy share standout debut novels from 2022 through 2026 that completely delivered. These are the first books that don’t feel like first books: bold, buzzworthy, and absolutely worth adding to your TBR. If you loved the Dazzling Debuts conversation, this is your official reading list follow-up. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks: The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman Harvesting Rosewater by Paria Hassouri The Sign for Home by Blair Fell With Friends Like You by Amy Chozick If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett Joe’s Picks: Mayra – Nicky Gonzalez The Dallergut Dream Department Store – Miye Lee Cactus Country – Zoe Bossiere The September House – Carissa Orlando I Want You More – Swan Huntley The Compound – Aisling Rawle Julie Chan is Dead – Liann Zhang How to Survive a Horror Story – Mallory Arnold Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – Anais Flogny Fitting Indian – Jyoti Chand Homebody – Theo Parish Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro to Dazzling Debuts 00:05:00 Inside baseball – talking to debut authors and the art of the interview 00:25:35 Dazzling Debut Recommendations 01:19:35 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

Welcome to Season 3 of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with a celebration of debut authors; the moment when years of writing, revising, and hoping finally turn into a book on shelves. Joe is joined by Casey Scieszka, Katie Bernet, and Leia Ham to talk about what it really takes to publish a first novel. From early drafts and rejections to finding an agent, navigating edits, and seeing their books in the world for the first time, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the debut experience. They also dive into the emotional side of publishing: imposter syndrome, creative pressure, and the surreal moment of becoming a “published author.” Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just love discovering new voices, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at where every author’s journey begins. Make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss our next episode where we give you debut recommendations! Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Casey Scieszka - website The Fountain Katie Bernet - website Beth is Dead Leia Ham - website The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Updates for Season 3 00:02:26 Intro 00:10:13 Sharing your book with the world 00:28:15 Getting into book two 00:42:17 What do you want most for your first release? 00:48:35 Does being a published author feel different? 00:52:04 Lightning Round 00:59:43 Farewell to our debut guests 01:00:10 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

Kathleen, known online as KathleenIllustrated, joins Joe for a cozy, creativity-filled conversation. As an illustrator, thrifter, and passionate reader, Kathleen shares the early reading moments that shaped her, her deep love of libraries and Libby, and how storytelling influences her creative life. The episode also explores her passion for thrifting and sustainability, and the joy of discovering meaningful, unexpected finds. It’s a warm, relaxed chat about books, creativity, and building a life rooted in what inspires. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Find Kathleen online: YouTube - link Instagram – link Website- link Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 A brief interruption from Joe & Season 3 updates 00:04:46 Intro 00:05:20 Getting to know Kathleen 00:07:22 Creativity and Vision 00:36:14 Kathleen’s Reading Hot Takes 00:48:06 Not a Re-Reader 00:58:02 Recent Thrift Finds 00:59:28 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! 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

What really happens behind the scenes in publishing—and how does an editor make the leap to author? In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Emma Brodie—Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter and author of Into the Blue—for a conversation that blends industry insight with creative inspiration. In the first half, Emma pulls back the curtain on her career in publishing, sharing what a day in the life of an editor looks like, how the industry has evolved, and some tricks of the trade. Then, the conversation shifts to Emma’s own writing journey. She dives into the inspiration behind Into the Blue, her creative process, and how she balances editing with making space for her own storytelling. Along the way, Joe and Emma also bond over a certain iconic vampire saga. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Books by Emma Brodie: Songs in Ursa Major Into the Blue Who’s in this episode: Emma Brodie Instagram Website Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:14 Talking publishing & editing with Emma Brodie 00:20:24 Oops, Joe mentions Twilight 00:21:57 Tricks of the trade 00:29:19 Emma’s editing essentials 00:33:18 Making space for creativity 00:37:35 Into INTO THE BLUE 00:55:30 Lightning Round 00:57:49 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

What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. Together, they explore: The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection What’s next for this growing organization This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books: Brown Babies n’ Books website Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram Dessa Carroll’s Instagram Titles mentioned in this episode: Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman Saturday – Oge Mora The History of We – Nikkolas Smith Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 00:33:55 Making your own community groups 00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 00:45:12 Wrapping up & 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Comedian, writer, and foodie extraordinaire Mamrie Hart joins Joe in the Book Lounge to talk about her new cookbook All I Think About Is Food, her must-haves for holiday hosting, and why laughter really is the secret ingredient. Then, Carmen, Kevin Norman, and Meara pull up a chair to share the books they’re most thankful for this holiday season. A feast of laughs, stories, and reads you’ll want seconds of! 🦃📚 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/food-for-thought-holiday-feasts-mamrie-hart-and-the-books-we-re-thankful-for-book-lounge-by-libby-season-2-episode-8 Follow the guests & guest hosts: Segment 1: Mamrie Hart - Instagram , podcast: This Might Get Weird Segment 2: Carmen - link Kevin T. Norman – link Meara - link Guest host recommendations: Carmen Charlotte’s Web - E. B. White Signal to Noise - Silvia Moreno-Garcia Kevin Inferno’s Heir - Tiffany Wang Black Salt Queen – Samantha Bansil Meara Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Caitlin Doughty UnWind - Neal Shusterman Joe Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse - Kevin Henkes The Bad Beginning - Lemony Snicket Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging - Louise Rennison You – Caroline Kepnes Sailor Moon volume 1 – Naoko Takeuchi Cardcaptor Sakura volume 1 - CLAMP Tsubasa volume 1 - CLAMP Holic volume 1 - CLAMP I Think Our Son Is Gay volume 1 - Okura Sailor Moon volume 1 – Naoko Takeuchi Cardcaptor Sakura volume 1 - CLAMP Tsubasa volume 1 - CLAMP Holic volume 1 - CLAMP I Think Our Son Is Gay volume 1 - Okura The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune Witchlings - Claribel A. Ortega Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:01:20 Segment 1 with Mamrie Hart! 00:53:54 BREAK – check out these cozy Fall Reads from Kensington Books 00:56:08 Segment 2 with Carmen, Kevin Norman & Meara! 01:42:06 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