Podcast
Book Lounge by Libby
Hosted by Book Lounge by Libby · EN
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!
14episodes
Episodes
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Mystery & Thriller Book Recommendations with @CrimebytheBook
2w ago00:55:27Tap to summarizeIf your TBR is looking a little too well-behaved, consider this your official invitation to cause some chaos. Joe is joined by Abby from @crimebythebook to dive headfirst into a stack of mystery and thriller recommendations that are twisty, chilling, and completely unputdownable. From locked-room tension and atmospheric horror-leaning suspense to darkly clever whodunits and cult-favorite thrillers, this episode is packed with reads guaranteed to keep you guessing long after “just one more chapter.” If you’re searching for the best mystery books, psychological thrillers, dark academia vibes, or hidden gem crime fiction to add to your reading list, this episode is your next obsession. 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! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Abby’s Picks: Nightwatching – Tracy Sierra You Are Fatally Invited & The Library After Dark – Ande Pliego The Treasure Hunters Club – Tom Ryan The Anniversary – Alex Finlay Hide & Seek - Søren Sveistrup The Possession of Alba Díaz - Isabel Cañas Joe’s Picks: The Mill House Murders – Yukito Ayatsuji Dead & Breakfast & Summer Coven - Kat Hillis & Rosiee Thor (Aug. 25) Murder in the Dressing Room & Missing in Soho – Holly Stars (Jun. 2) With My Little Eye – Joshilyn Jackson The Sister Holiday Series (Book 1: Scorched Grace, Book 3: Divine Ruin) - Margot Douaihy Who’s in this episode: Abby (Crime by the Book) - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:44 Welcome to Abby from CrimebytheBook! 00:01:06 Getting to know Abby and Crime by the Book 00:11:11 Our Mystery & Mayhem Recommendations 00:51:54 Thanks to Abby 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
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The Anatomy of a Twist
2w ago01:01:02Tap to summarizeWhat makes readers gasp out loud at the end of a thriller? How do authors plant clues without giving everything away? And why do some plot twists stay with us forever? This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by three powerhouse thriller writers — Clare Mackintosh, Jo Piazza, and Lisa Gardner — for an exciting conversation all about The Anatomy of a Twist. Together, they unpack the art of suspense, the challenge of surprising modern readers, and the careful balance between foreshadowing and deception. From unreliable narrators and shocking endings to pacing, character secrets, and the emotional impact of a perfectly executed reveal, this episode is a must-listen for thriller readers, mystery lovers, and aspiring writers alike. The group also discusses some of their favorite twists in fiction, the pressure of “outsmarting” readers in the age of online theories, and what they believe makes psychological thrillers so addictive. If you love mystery books, crime fiction, suspense novels, plot twists, and behind-the-scenes conversations with bestselling authors, this episode delivers plenty of intrigue, insight, and mayhem. 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! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Who’s in this episode: Clare Mackintosh - website Jo Piazza - website Lisa Gardner - website Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:11 Get to know today’s guests 00:02:51 Writing by the seat of your pants 00:03:31 Figuring as you go vs. Planning 00:06:53 The Architect vs. The Builder 00:08:48 Working backwards 00:15:48 Do you want the reader to have the chance to figure out the mystery? 00:22:17 Twists at the top of the book 00:39:14 Do they track body bags? 00:42:33 Do readers want to be surprised? 00:50:10 How do you balance plot + pacing with your twist? 00:57:35 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! 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
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Books That Feel Like Falling Into Another World
3w ago00:57:37Tap to summarizeThis week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Meara for a celebration of all things adventure as they talk about adult books that perfectly capture the feeling of reading The Magic Tree House. Whether it’s characters being pulled into another time and place, epic quests across strange worlds, hidden mysteries, or stories filled with wonder and discovery, these are the books that recreate that unforgettable reading experience for grown-up readers. From fantasy adventures and historical twists to books that feel immersive, magical, and impossible to put down, Joe and Meara share the titles giving them major Magic Tree House energy and explain why these stories still tap into the same excitement that made so many readers fall in love with books in the first place. If you’ve ever wanted stories that make you feel like you’ve stepped through a portal into another world, this episode is for you. 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! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Book recommendations: Meara’s Picks: These Immortal Truths – R. Raeta How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America – Clint Smith The Keeper of Night - Kylie Lee Baker The Scarlet Throne - Amy Leow The Dead Cat Tail Assassins - P. Djèlí Clark In Universes - Emet North The Time Traveler’s Passport Collection Joe’s Picks: Vampires in the Lemon Grove – Karen Russell Found Audio – NJ Campbell Peaces – Helen Oyeyemi Under the Whispering Door – TJ Klune The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao Sheets – Brenna Thummler Who’s in this episode: Meara - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:50 Welcome Meara! 00:01:06 What was your relationship to the Magic Tree House? 00:02:11 Reading Magic Tree House as an adult 00:11:57 Instilling recognition of cultures 00:19:40 Do you see similarities between your regular reads and the MTH books you enjoyed? 00:24:09 Our reading recommendations! 00:53:58 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
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Inside The Magic Tree House with Mary Pope Osborne
3w ago01:03:53Tap to summarizeThis week, Joe sits down with legendary children’s author Mary Pope Osborne to celebrate the legacy of the Magic Tree House books and the generations of readers who grew up with Jack and Annie’s adventures. Together, they discuss the original spark that inspired the series, how the personalities of Jack and Annie developed over time and the early days of writing for young readers during the rise of early chapter books. Mary also shares behind-the-scenes stories about adapting the series into graphic novels, audiobooks, musicals, and animation, along with the process of designing some of the most recognizable covers in children’s literature. The conversation also explores Mary’s writing routine, the books that challenged her most creatively, the incredible memories she’s collected from readers over the years and what it means to see The Magic Tree House continue to connect with new generations of kids today. Filled with nostalgia, creativity, laughter, and heartfelt reflection, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and one of the most beloved children’s series of all time. 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! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Who’s in this episode: Mary Pope Osborne – YouTube, Website, Instagram Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:15 What was the spark that lead to the Magic Tree House? 00:03:48 The idea of writing for younger readers and inspiration in the classroom 00:07:35 How did Jack & Annie’s personalities take shape? 00:09:00 How has change happened over the years? 00:13:21 The start of Early Chapter Books 00:22:09 Animating the Magic Tree House 00:25:47 Designing the cover 00:30:25 The Magic Tree House Graphic Novels 00:35:30 What is your process for writing? 00:41:06 Kids informed titles and covers live! 00:42:48 Magic Tree House: History Heroes 00:47:25 What book pushed you most while writing? 00:50:00 Recording the Magic Tree House audiobooks 00:51:26 Magic Tree House Musicals 00:52:58 What memories over the years have truly stuck with you? 00:57:54 Lightning Round! 00:59:59 What do you hope your readers take with them? 01:00:10 What does the series mean to you now? 01:00:31 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
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Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recommendations with Jananie K. Velu
4w ago01:10:57Tap to summarizeContinuing our celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share some of their favorite books that center mental health, healing, growth, and emotional honesty. Together, they talk about the stories that stay with us, the comfort books can provide during difficult seasons and the powerful role reading can play in helping people feel understood and less alone. The conversation also explores Jananie’s Anti-Brain Rot reading challenge, the idea of mindful reading, and the challenge of staying intentional with our habits, goals, and attention spans in a world full of distractions. This episode is packed with recommendations, from emotional contemporary stories to hopeful, comforting reads, and the full episode description includes an even bigger list of titles that didn’t make it into the conversation. 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: (Includes picks not mentioned but picked for this episode) Jananie’s Picks: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen An Academy for Liars - Alexis Henderson Alone With You in the Ether - Olivie Blake Haldol and Hyacinths - Melody Moezzi An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman Darius the Great is Not Okay – Adib Khorram My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh Turtles All the Way Down - John Green What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo Evil Eye - Etaf Rum The Secret World of Briar Rose - Cindy Pham Between Friends and Lovers - Shirlene Obuobi Before I Let Go - Kennedy Ryan Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellors Big Swiss - Jen Beagin Joe’s Picks: Puzzled – Pan Cooke What’s Wrong? - Erin Williams Anxietyland – Gemma Correll Past Tense – Sacha Mardou Dear Scarlet – Teresa Wong In. - Will McPhail Everything is OK – Debbie Tung Verona Comics – Jennifer Dugan Sunflowers – Keezy Young Who’s in this episode: Jananie K. Velu - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:52 Catching up with Jananie & Mental Health Awareness Month 00:01:10 What role does reading play in your mental health journey? 00:02:15 Anti-Brain Rot Reading Challenge and Mindful Reading 00:04:48 When you’re going through it mentally, it’s hard to stick to goals and plans 00:07:36 Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recs 01:07:27 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
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Reading as Healing: Mental Health, Self-Care & the Power of Libraries
4w ago01:35:40Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading, emotional well-being, and community. Split into two thoughtful segments, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how books, libraries, and small daily habits can support healing, growth, and a sense of stability in an often-overwhelming world. In the first segment, Joe is joined by Monica Hobson (aka: @thebookeduptherapist), a therapist and licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on the role of reading in our healing journeys. Together, they explore the idea that distraction isn’t avoidance; it's a meaningful part of processing and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-care, how books can act as connectors between people and experiences, and how to quiet the pressure of “what should I read” in favor of what truly serves you. In the second segment, Joe speaks with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, about the broader impact of reading on both individuals and communities. Their conversation touches on personal and collective agency, building stability in uncertain times, and what Dr. Song wishes more people understood about mental health. She also shares why one of her first priorities in any new place is getting a library card and what that represents beyond just access to books. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider the role stories play in our lives; not just as entertainment, but as tools for connection, understanding, and healing. We hope this conversation offers a sense of comfort and possibility. You are not alone. If you are seeking support, please find a list of resources below: Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org Maternal Mental Health: call or text 1-833-852-6262 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations: call or text 1-800-985-5990 The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Segment 1: Monica Hobson – Instagram, Psychology Today Segment 2: Dr. Suzan Song – Website, Instagram, book: Why We Suffer and How We Heal Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro – Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 00:00:43 Segment 1 with Monica Hobson, LCSW 00:06:37 Distraction is an important part of our healing process 00:08:22 Making time and giving power to self-care 00:19:55 Books are a connector 00:35:39 What are the immediate benefits to reading for mental health? 00:38:30 How can you make a more stress-free reading life? 00:43:53 How can we contribute to our JOY while reading? 00:48:12 Segment 2 with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD 00:49:07 How does reading help heal communities? 00:52:58 Personal and collective agency 00:53:58 How can you build your own sense of agency? 00:57:48 Escapism versus alignment 00:59:05 What does Dr. Song wish more people understood about mental health? 01:05:46 Resilience is not just enduring 1:09:03 Book club is an experience of connection 01:11:16 We’re missing a lot of shared spaces 01:13:36 Getting a library card 01:14:15 Where do stories and reading fit within a healing journey? 01:15:26 Privatized suffering and healing 01:19:02 Thinking about death and dying 01:23:36 Through reading, we feel more safe and understood 01:27:17 How can someone start reflecting through the day (easily) 01:29:36 The emotional GPS 01:31:04 What’s a message you hope readers carry with them? 01:32:21 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
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Your AAPI Month TBR Starts Here | Must-Read Books with Jananie K. Velu
May 701:07:06Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh on Heritage, Identity & Storytelling
May 400:55:21Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Borrowed for the Cover: Books That Hooked Us at First Glance
Apr 3001:21:56Tap to summarizeBe 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
Transcribe →May 2026’s Hottest New Books (And Our Immediate Adds)
Apr 2901:08:58Tap to summarizeYour 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
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