Advertise on podcast: Book Lounge by Libby

What happens when the thing keeping you up at night becomes a movie? 👀  Horror author Josh Malerman is in the Book Lounge, and we're getting into the deliciously terrifying world of Incidents Around the House and its film adaptation, Other Mommy.  From the inspiration behind one of modern horror's creepiest stories to the creative process that brings nightmares to life, Josh joins Joe for a conversation about horror writing, storytelling, the things that scare us most and what happens when your imagination gets a little too good at its job.  Whether you discovered Josh through Bird Box, devoured Incidents Around the House or are gearing up to experience Other Mommy, this is your chance to get inside the mind of the author behind the nightmares.  Consider this your warning: you might want to leave a light on.  Welcome to Book Lounge by Libby, your favorite corner of the reading world. Powered by libraries. Made for readers.  Happy reading! (And, you know, maybe sleep with the closet door closed.)  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Josh Malerman - Instagram  Some books by Josh Malerman:   Incidents Around the House  Bird Box  Daphne  Pictures of You  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Welcome and Intro 00:02:10 What were you feeling seeing OTHER MOMMY 00:08:27 You can be shallow or deep within horror 00:16:05 What made you put us in a child’s POV 00:21:50 Writing soundscape 00:24:51 Changing the Title 00:30:29 Did Jessica Chastain’s portrayal change the story for you? 00:34:02 Comment Question 00:34:21 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us at https://www.instagram.com/bookloungepod/   Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing COLLIN GOSSELIN: The Real Story Behind One of America’s Most-Watched Families from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Collin Gosselin opens up about what it was really like growing up in the spotlight of Jon & Kate Plus 8, sharing his personal account of life behind the camera. He recounts his experiences with family isolation, allegations of physical abuse, time spent in a basement room, and his twenty-month stay in an institution he says he never needed to be in. Collin also details how a smuggled note led to a reunion with his father, how he is working to rebuild his life today, and why he is finally choosing to speak publicly about his past. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. Learn More. At https://chase.com/sapphirereserve JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Welcome To On Purpose And Disclaimer 01:43 Inside the Gosselin Household 03:50 Faking Reality On Camera 05:15 The Normalization Of Constant Filming 06:35 The Turning Point 09:06 Modern Child Exploitation 12:35 Pushing Back And Early On-Camera Resistance 17:02 Earliest Memories Of In-Home Abuse 20:37 Targeted Isolation And Homeschooling 25:21 Child Protective System Flaws 35:11 Advocacy In The Face Of Public Backlash 36:55 The Attempted Runaway 44:03 Institutionalization At Age 11 48:16 Twenty Months In Inpatient Confinement 53:53 The Official Admission Records 59:12 The Harsh Reality of Living in Isolation 01:04:45 The Smuggled Letter And Custody Battle 01:08:37 Reconnecting And Healing 01:11:26 Repairing The Father-Son Relationship 01:14:00 Turning Pain into Purpose 01:17:14 False Diagnoses & His Dream of Joining The Marines 01:24:41 Legal Defamation Threats 01:26:16 Where Does He Stand With His Siblings? 01:30:20 Who is Collin Today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

What happens when ancient myths meet modern perspectives? The stories we thought we knew get a whole new life.  This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with bestselling author Madeline Miller and poet and author Nikita Gill to explore the art of retelling mythology and ancient stories for modern readers. From reimagining legendary figures to finding new meaning in centuries-old tales, we’re diving into why these stories endure, whose voices deserve to be heard and what happens when we look at the ancient world through a contemporary lens.  Whether you love Greek mythology, mythological fiction, feminist retellings or discovering a fresh perspective on a familiar legend, this episode is for you.  Two incredible authors. Thousands of years of storytelling. So many reasons to revisit the classics.  Welcome to Book Lounge by Libby, your favorite corner of the reading world. Powered by libraries. Made for readers.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Madeline Miller - Links  Nikita Gill - Website  Some of our guests' books:  The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller  Circe – Madeline Miller   Galatea – Madeline Miller  Mestra – Madeline Miller  Hekate – Nikita Gill  Styx – Nikita Gill  Nyx – Nikita Gill  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Welcome to Segment 1 with Madeline Miller 00:01:30 What is your earliest memory with mythology? 00:19:35 Writing about mythology doesn’t have a responsibility to history 00:47:22 Storytelling and connecting to others 00:55:19 No one has to do homework before reading my books 01:01:11 Who would play Achilles? 01:03:28 Welcome Nikita Gill! 01:04:44 What was your introduction to mythology? 01:24:54 How do you tell your stories? 01:33:04 Americans can be so optimistic 01:41:30 Nikita’s advice to young writers 01:48:50 Comment question of the day 01:49:32 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41744   Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adventure isn’t dead. It’s just waiting for you on the next page.  Host Joe Skelley is joined by Amy Allen Clark (@momadvice) and creator Joe Zawada (@joezawadareads) to keep the adventure conversation going with a stack of adventure stories that bring the danger, drama, twists and absolutely zero respect for your bedtime.  From high stakes journeys to impossible odds and the kind of books that make “I’ll read one chapter” a hilarious lie, we’re sharing adventure book recommendations that will keep you reading all night.  If you’re looking for your next great adventure read, consider this your very official excuse to ignore your sleep schedule.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Amy Allen Clark - Links  Joe Zawada - Links  Book Recommendations:   Amy's Picks:  Runner - Ashton Lattimore  Castle of Water - Dane Huckelbridge  My Sister’s Going to Kill Me - Nina Simon  The Force of Such Beauty - Barbara Bourland  Fishbone Cinderella - Elizabeth Lim   Joe Z's Picks:   Taipei Story – RF Kuang   The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig  Sublimation - Isabel J. Kim  Destiny’s Edge - M.L. Wang  Tempest - Victoria Aveyard  Joe S's Picks:   The Girl from the Sea – Lee Knox Ostertag  Gumshoe – Brenna Thummler  Millie of the Manor - Karina Evans, Andrea Bell  438 Days – Jonathan Franklin  Lost in the Valley of Death – Harley Rustad  Canon – Paige Lewis  Honey in Her Veins – Ruth McKell  Project V – Park Seolyeon  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Welcome and Intro 00:02:44 What our guests think of when they hear Adventure Story 00:11:56 Adventure Recommendations 01:14:43 Comment Question 01:15:03 Thank you and Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41743   Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Witchlings series has reached its magical finale, and we’re celebrating with the author herself!  In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley sits down with Claribel A. Ortega to look back at the Witchlings series as a whole, from its magical world and unforgettable characters to friendship, identity, growing up and all the twists and turns along the way.  With the final Witchlings book releasing today, this conversation celebrates the journey to the series finale, what Witchlings has meant to Claribel and what it feels like to bring this magical story to an end.  Spoiler note: The first 16 minutes are spoiler-free. Light spoilers begin around 16:09, and we’ll give you a warning before discussing any major spoilers.  If you’ve read the Witchlings series, are finishing the finale or simply love magical middle grade fantasy, come hang out with us!  If YOU want the chance to win the complete Witchlings series, go enter to win on our Instagram @BookLoungePod   Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Claribel A. Ortega – Website, Instagram, Join the Witchlings Discord  Books by Claribel:  The Witchlings Series:  Witchlings  The Golden Frog Games  House of Elephants  Scepter of Memories  The Sea Witch Prophecy  Ghost Squad  Frizzy  The Girl and the Robobt – Oz Rodriguez, Claribel A. Ortega  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro and welcome to Claribel A. Ortega! 00:04:54 Writing the final book 00:10:09 Why five books felt right for Witchlings 00:11:40 What will Claribel miss most about the world of Witchlings 00:16:09 Spolier-light recap of the series 00:23:59 Monstruos mythology, identity and childhood storytelling 00:41:44 Spoiler discussion begins for book 5 00:55:12 The essence of Witchlings 00:55:43 A message to longtime readers 00:57:22 Comment question of the day! 00:57:32 GIVEAWAY DETAILS! 00:58:21 Thank you and farewell 00:59:39 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the classic adventure story dead, or has it simply gotten a serious makeover?  From treasure hunts and lost worlds to quests, monsters and impossible missions, adventure has always been one of the biggest reading pleasures around. But what happens when the genre collides with modern sci fi, fantasy and the wildest corners of contemporary storytelling?  Host Joe Skelley is joined by author John Scalzi to dig into why adventure books still have such a grip on readers, how the genre has transformed over time and why stories built around discovery, danger and a good old fashioned “let’s see what happens” continue to thrive.  We’re talking classic adventure, modern adventure books, science fiction, fantasy, quests, escapism and the enduring appeal of getting swept up in a story that refuses to sit still.  So grab your metaphorical map, pack some snacks and join us in the Book Lounge. Adventure isn’t dead. It just got weird.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Titles mentioned in this episode:  Starman Jones – Robert A. Heinlein  Hatchet – Gary Paulsen  Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir  Dungeon Crawler Carl – Matt Dinniman  A Winkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle  The Dark is Rising – Susan Cooper  The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins  Uglies – Scott Westerfeld  Old Man’s War – John Scalzi  Monsters of Ohio – John Scalzi  Agent to the Stars – John Scalzi  When the Moon Hits Your Eye – John Scalzi  Redshirts – John Scalzi  All Quiet on the Western Front – Erich Maria Remarque  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  John Scalzi – Website, Instagram  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Welcome and intro 00:01:30 The Adventure Stories that shaped us 00:07:42 How adventure evolved  00:19:06 The power of personal recommendations 00:33:55 Why adventure stories offer escape 00: 44:55 Why adventure isn’t dead 00:55:19 Comment question and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when readers get REALLY into a book? Sometimes… everyone starts reading it.  In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by authors whose books found huge audiences through book clubs, BookTok, Bookstagram and online reading communities. We’re talking about the very real power of readers to turn a great book into a full-blown phenomenon and what it’s like for an author to watch that happen.  How does a book become the one everyone is recommending? Why do some stories take off in book clubs? And what makes readers want to pass a book along to everyone they know?  Plus, we’re getting into the joy, chaos and occasionally unhinged energy of being part of a reading community.  Whether you’re a lifelong book club member, a solo reader who lives in the group chat or someone who has ever said “I HAVE to make you read this,” this one is for you.  If you're part of a book club, tell us about it! How big is your group? How often do you meet? What's the best book you've ever read together? And, perhaps most importantly, what's the book that nearly started a civil war?  Listen or watch now, and join the conversation with Book Lounge by Libby.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Heather Morris – Website, Instagram  Morgan Elizabeth – Website, Instagram  Patti C. Henry – Website, Instagram  Guest Books:  Some of Heather Morris' books:  The Tattooist of Auschwitz  Cilka’s Journey  Three Sisters  Sisters Under the Rising Sun  The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse  Morgan Elizabeth's traditionally published book:  Meet Cute Magic  Some of Patti C. Henry's books:  Losing the Moon  The Story She Left Behind  The Secret Book of Flora Lea  Becoming Mrs. Lewis  Once Upon a Wardrobe  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Welcome and Intro 00:01:24 When did you realize your book had become a book club hit?  00:11:56 Did a book club change the trajectory of your book? 00:26:35 What are some of the events that stick out to you? 00:36:18 What impact does reader response have on your writing? 00:46:00 The parasocial lines between author and reader 00:57:09 Thank you, comment question and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41711   Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October is here, and our TBR is looking positively haunted. 👻 Joe is joined by his coworker Nahomy to talk about the new books coming out in October 2026, from creepy haunted houses and witchy fantasy to vampires, horror graphic novels, dark mysteries and stories that will have you sleeping with the lights on.  Whether you're looking for your next spooky horror read, a magical fantasy adventure or a creepy thriller to curl up with this fall, we've got your October new book radar covered. Plus, we're sharing a few honorable mentions and unexpected picks to round out your reading list.  Find your next favorite read with Book Lounge by Libby, powered by libraries and made for readers.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Nahomy’s Picks:   The House Built on Alligator Bones – Sophia Huneycutt   Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel – Travis Baldree, adapted – Samuel Sattin, Illustrated – Shanti Rittgers and Sarah Webb  Peck & Peck – Bonnie Garmus  Until the Last Light Goes Out – Courtney Gould  A Court of Splintered Harmony – Sarah J. Maas  Look What the Cat Dragged In – Jason Rekulak  When the World Was Happy – Benjamin Alire Sáenz  Joe’s Picks:  Honorable mentions:  Stagtown vol. 1 – Punko   The Sea Witch Prophecy – Claribel A. Ortega   The Tarot Trials – Katee Robert   The Memory of Borrowed Books – Meg Anderson   Episode picks:   Solace House – Will Maclean  Carrying – Samantha Josephs  Bruja’s Nest – Brenda LaTorre  When the Night Comes Knocking – Katherine Daniel  The Chain House – JH Markert  Dive Bar at the End of the Road – Kelley Armstrong  Please Enjoy Your Stay – Tara Goedjen  Night of the Mallrats – Nicolina Torres  Fangs and All – Tas Mukanik  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Nahomy - Instagram  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro & Welcome 00:02:53 Joe’s Honorable Mentions list 00:05:41 Our October 2026 Book Picks 00:48:19 We want to hear from you! Comment Question 00:48:43 Thanks and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41715   Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What actually makes a book club GOOD? And how do you get people to come back month after month without turning it into homework?  This week on Book Lounge by Libby, we're going behind the scenes of the book club. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of Book Gang Podcast and book club, Dave McNally, Adult Services Supervisor at Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Meara of (@mearaisreading) to talk about what makes a great book club, how groups choose what to read, the biggest barriers that keep people from joining and what happens when a book club meeting goes completely off the rails.  We're talking book club tips, discussion drama, choosing books, reading outside your comfort zone, building community and, naturally, some very important book club gossip.  Whether you're already a devoted book club person, thinking about joining one or wondering if you should finally start your own, this conversation has something for you.  And yes, we get into the books that brought people together, the ones that divided them and the stories that have become legendary around the book club table.  If you're watching or listening on Spotify, comment and let us know: If you're part of a book club, tell us about it! How big is your group? How often do you meet? What's the best book you've ever read together? And, perhaps most importantly, what's the book that nearly started a civil war?  OR come comment on today's post over on Instagram at @bookloungepod.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte   Slaughterhouse-Five – Kurt Vonnegut   Heart the Lover – Lily King   Daughters of Shandong – Eve J. Chung   Woodworking – Emily St. James   The Rachel Incident – Caroline O’Donoghue   Sula – Toni Morrison   The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison  I See You’ve Called in Dead – John Kenney   Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer  Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer  The Art Thief – Michael Finkel  The Final Revival of Opal & Nev – Dawnie Walton  Big Swiss – Jen Beagin  Death in Her Hands – Ottessa Moshfegh  The End of Men – Christina Sweeney-Baird  Tuesdays With Morrie – Mitch Albom  Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky  The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins  Chain-Gang All-Stars – Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah  Guillotine – Delilah S. Dawson  Who’s in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark - Links  Meara - Links  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Welcome and intro 00:12:10 Different styles and sizes of Book Clubs 00:21:48 Preparing for Discussion 00:47:24 Do you always finish the book?  01:01:57 What should you know before you walk into book club the first time?  01:05:52 Comment Question and Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What REALLY happens behind the reference desk? On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by Becky Cameron and Kate Merlene from Cuyahoga County Public Library and Morgan Schultz from Lutheran West School for a very candid, very fun conversation about life as a librarian.   We're spilling the librarian tea on wild patron questions, unexpected library requests, book recommendations, overhyped authors, underrated reads and the services your library offers that you might not even know about.   Plus, we're getting into librarian superpowers, memorable library moments, favorite programs and the realities of working with readers of all ages.   Whether you're a lifelong library lover, a curious reader or someone who has ever wondered what librarians REALLY think, this is your invitation behind the scenes.   Get ready for library secrets, bookish hot takes, hilarious stories and plenty of reasons to visit your local library. Grab your library card and join the conversation!  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro 00:01:03 Getting to know our guests 00:05:12 Assumptions about librarians 00:15:55 The most checked-out authors 00:25:07 Let’s get shady 00:32:40 Strangest patron questions 00:55:06 What’s a favorite program or service? 00:59:27 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you let your local library surprise you? For the Season 4 premiere of Book Lounge by Libby, we're celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a little literary mystery, a few unexpected projects and a whole lot of library love.  Joe is joined by Meara (@mearaisreading) for a Blind Date with a (Library) Book! We each head to our local libraries with three missions: get a book recommendation from a librarian, choose a book from a library display and discover a third surprise in the form of a unique activity, craft or project.  Then we come back together to reveal our picks, share what we got up to and compare notes on our library adventures. Expect book recommendations, library discoveries, creative chaos and a lil vlog moment because apparently talking about books wasn't enough.  Whether you're a lifelong library lover or haven't stepped into your local branch in a while, this episode is your invitation to explore, get curious and let your library surprise you.  Grab your library card and come hang out in the Book Lounge!  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  We – Yevgeny Zamyatin  West with Giraffes – Lynda Rutledge  The Unfortunates – JK Chukwu  Checked Out – Katie Fricas  Who’s in this episode:   Meara - Links  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro 00:02:06 Vlogging to the Library 00:04:40 Diving into our library prompts and experience 01:04:41 What’s next and outro   Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What scares you? For bestselling author Jeneva Rose, the answer might be… literally anything. 👀  Jeneva joins Book Lounge by Libby to talk about her new horror collection, Sometimes I Scare Myself, a trio of twisted stories filled with séances gone wrong, creepy houses, cursed objects and the kind of decisions that make you want to yell at a character through the page.  We’re getting into what makes a horror story actually scary, why familiar settings can make the best nightmares and what happens when you take classic horror tropes and give them a Jeneva Rose twist. Plus, Jeneva reveals what scares her — because apparently even the person writing the nightmares has nightmares.  If you’re looking for your next horror book, spooky-season read or thriller to keep you up way too late, consider this your sign to add Sometimes I Scare Myself to your TBR.  Sometimes I Scare Myself is out September 22, 2026.  Book Lounge by Libby is your place for book conversations, recommendations and the people behind the stories. Grab your favorite drink, get cozy and meet us in the Lounge.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Jeneva Rose – links  Books by Jeneva:  Sometimes I Scare Myself (out September 22, 2026)  The Perfect Marriage  The Perfect Divorce  One of Us is Dead  You Shouldn’t Have Come Here  #CrimeTime  Home is Where the Bodies Are  The Girl I Was  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:07 Getting to know Jeneva Rose 00:02:01 Scaring Yourself 00:26:37 A trope you’re determined to reinvent 00:49:52 Horror Lightning Round 00:52:19 Outro   Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel.  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41555  Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virginia Woolf has inspired generations of readers, but what happens when you take one of her novels and bring it to a modern audience?   This week, Joe is joined by Justine Waddell, writer and producer of Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day, to talk about her love of Woolf, the process of adapting a classic novel and the changes that have to be made when bringing an older story into the present day.  They dig into what makes Woolf’s work so enduring, the challenges of translating a classic for contemporary audiences and the decisions that come with adapting a beloved novel while staying true to its spirit. And yes, there are spoilers! Spoilers begin around 26:10 and run through 32:36.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Night and Day – Virginia Woolf (ebook)  Night and Day – Virginia Woolf (audiobook)  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Welcome and Intro 00:00:45 Conversation with Justine Waddell 00:50:18 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September is bringing some SERIOUS TBR temptation. This week, Joe is joined by Madison (@simon.says.read) to dive into the September 2026 book releases they’re most excited to read.  From gothic romantasy and fantasy to thrillers, romance, historical fiction and spooky season reads, there are way too many new books fighting for a spot on the TBR. Plus, Joe and Madison reveal the books they’re already counting down the days to read, the titles they almost included and which September releases might become your next obsession.  What September 2026 book are you most excited to read? Add it to your TBR and let us know!  Book Lounge by Libby is your place for book conversations, recommendations and the people behind the stories.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Follow Madison on Instagram!  Books Recommendations:   Madison's Picks:   The Knave and the Moon – Rachel Gillig  Taipei Story – RF Kuang  The Thoroughbreds – Elin Hilderbrand  Grim Tidings – BK Borison  The Pirate Queen – Ariel Lawhon  Tempest – Victoria Aveyard  Threshing Day – Rebecca Yarros  The Witches of Cambridge – Alice Hoffman  A Time of Witches – Madeline Martin  Fallow – Sarah Anderson    Joe’s Picks: Honorable mentions:   The Most Dangerous Games – MrBeast, James Patterson  Building 903 – Lois Lowry  Hollywood, Ending – John Green  Incarnate – Alma Katsu  Sometimes I Scare Myself – Jeneva Rose    Kiss Slay Replay – Rachel Harrison  The Dating Game – Ally Zetterberg   Your Boyfriend Needs an Exorcist – Justine Pucella Winans  Scion – James Islington  Asmodeus – Rita Indiana (tr. Achy Obejas)  Mischief Girls – Aashna Avachat  Feeling Like an ADHD Alien – Pina Varnel  Pretty Evil – Rebekah McKendry, David Ian McKendry  The House of Gardenias – Isabel Cañas  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:05:51 Our September 2026 Book Picks 01:30:42 Outro   Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links   Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41379   Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you take the Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet approach to books? Absolute chaos.  Joe is joined by Meara to dig through reviews of books they love and discover what happens when readers have opinions. From hilarious hot takes to reviews that make absolutely no sense, this episode is full of laughs, nonsense and some truly unforgettable book commentary.  Want us to do this again? Tell us what books we should hunt for or send us random reviews to react to!  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Meara – link  Check out Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet here: https://www.beachtoosandy.com/  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:02:22 What’s your relationship with book reviews?  00:06:00 How do you write your reviews?  00:09:50 A conversation about negative reviews 00:13:50 We dive into reading reviews! 01:30:03 Wrapping up and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices