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Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add to your TBR.  From immersive, character-driven stories to sweeping narratives that bring the past to life, this episode highlights books that will stick with you long after the final page. Amy brings her expertise in discovering buzzy and noteworthy titles, while Joe adds a few picks of his own—including one unexpected curveball.  Whether you’re a longtime historical fiction reader or just looking for a place to start, this episode is packed with compelling recommendations across time periods and styles.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks:  The Half Life - Rachel Beanland  Scandalous Women - Gill Paul  The Final Revival of Opal and Nev - Dawnie Walton  The Foursome - Christina Baker Kline  Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez  Joe’s Picks:  Let's Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen  Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell  The Hounding – Xenobe Purvis  Dead Eleven – Jimmy Juliano  Silver Nitrate – Silvia Moreno-Garcia  Flung out of Space – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer  Stage Dreams – Melanie Gillman  The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor  Parallel – Matthias Lehmann    Who’s in this episode:   Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – links  Articles referenced:   https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/   https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/   https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:53 Hello to Amy!  00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it?  00:04:28 Amy’s thoughts on Historical Fiction 00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations 01:07:28 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 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 [email protected]. 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

Introducing Concrete Evidence (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE) from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. Follow the show: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories One evening in April 2006, a person sat at their kitchen table, frantically cutting up the page of a newspaper with some scissors. They were working on an important project, and it was almost done. They finished cutting the final letter from the page and pasted it onto a sheet of paper. Then they leaned back to read the message they’d assembled from the scraps. It was a warning. And they were sure it would have exactly the effect they were hoping for.   You can WATCH all new & exclusive MrBallen podcast episodes on my YouTube channel, just called "MrBallen" - https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBallen If you want to reach out to me, contact me on Instagram, Twitter or any other major social media platform, my username on all of them is @mrballen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. 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].

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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