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It is still a spooky season takeover of Reading Room Radio, and if you need a book to fill the void left by watching “Obsession” and wanting more, Esteban and Crystal have the horror manga (plus one short story) recs for you.   Title: Killing Stalking  Mangaka: Koogi  Reviewer: Crystal M.  Title: Blood on the Tracks  Mangaka: Shuzo Oshimi  Reviewer: Esteban S.   Short Story: “All the parts of you that won't easily burn” from Collection: This Skin Was Once Mine and Other Disturbances  Author: Eric LaRocca  Reviewer: Esteban S. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Got a kid that’s ready to graduate from Goosebumps? Horror in middle grade fiction is having a moment. Nikki is here with the recs:     Grin by D.W. Gillespie  I.R.L. by Jenny Goebel  It Came From the Trees by Ally Russell  Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez  The Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Kay Mejia  A Coven of Witches by Various Authors  Don’t Turn Out the Lights by Various Authors  Tales From Cabin 23 (series) by Various Authors   Check out Nikki's list on hcpl.net here: Graduated from Goosebumps? Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

What happens to the evidence after the verdict is read? Who keeps it, and why does it matter decades later? Welcome to Civic Curiosity, the podcast that takes an in-depth look at the people and agencies that keep county government running. In this episode we sit down with Rhonda Spinks, the criminal exhibit archive manager, to explore the work that happens behind the courtroom doors. Rhonda takes us through what it means to preserve the physical records of the justice system: how exhibits are cared for and why keeping them safe is essential to transparency, accountability, and public trust. If you've ever been curious about what government does and what departments it includes, this series is for you! Join us as we explore the important work happening inside one of the county's most vital offices. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Rival archaeologists, a secret expedition, and enough enemies-to-lovers tension to combust. Persis, Daisy, and Andrew share their review of this book's body count of white lies.  Title: Raiders of the Lost Heart Author: Jo Segura Reviewers: Daisy O., Persis H, Andrew P. A.  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

It's Gulf Coast Reads season! Every October since 2011, readers across the upper Texas Gulf Coast have read or listened to the same book together. Katelyn, Rachel, and Kaitlyn talk about the anticipation of this year's book and their favorite characters. Learn more about our Gulf Coast Reads events. Visit our Eventbrite page to join the author talk at West University Community Center: Gulf Coast Reads 2026: An Evening with Sherry Thomas Title: The Librarians Author: Sherry Thomas Reviewers: Kaitlyn R., Rachel W., Katelyn H. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Welcome to Civic Curiosity, the podcast where we take an in-depth look at the people and agencies that keep county government running. This week, we spoke with Aman Ahluwalia, Director of Government Affairs for the District Clerk's Office, an agency responsible for everything from safeguarding sensitive court records to coordinating juries for trials.  If you've ever been curious about what government does and what departments it includes, this series is for you! Join us as we explore the important work happening inside one of the county's most vital offices. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

What happens when your inheritance a supervillain business? Title: Starter Villain Author: John Scalzi Reviewer: Mary M. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Can you handle the truth, or something close to it?   Title: The Fort Bragg Cartel - Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces Author: Seth Harp Title: The Affair Author: Lee Child Reviewed by: Rachel W. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

The Good Spice, Bad Writing team give their "hot or not" take on Bride by Ali Hazelwood. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Welcome to Civic Curiosity, the podcast where we take an in-depth look at the people, and agencies that keep county government running. We begin this series with a conversation with Devonte Hill, Director of Communications and Engagement for the District Clerk's Office, an agency responsible for everything from safeguarding sensitive court records to coordinating juries for trials.  If you've ever been curious about what the government does, and what are all the departments within, we're the series for you! Join us as we explore the important work happening inside one of the county's most vital offices. Learn more with the library: www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

You may be experiencing AI-fatigue like us, but whether you use it or not it might be time to start reading up if you haven’t already. Here are some books that look at the relationship between technology and society, the historical developments of Artificial Intelligence, and the ethical implications of what advancements in AI mean for us all.   Books mentioned in this episode:   Title: Superintelligence  Author: Nick Bostrom  Reviewed by: Katelyn H.  Title: To Be a Machine  Author: Mark O’Connell  Reviewed by: Katelyn H.  Title: The Singularity is Nearer Author: Ray Kurzweil Reviewed by: Katelyn H.  Title: Code Dependent  Author: Madhumita Murgia  Reviewed by: Aleca J.  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

From sports to SciFi, romance travels across the genres, and August is Read a Romance month! Check out the list of subgenre reads recommended in this episode here: Reading Room Radio Recs Romance!  Recommendations from Nikki S., Esteban S., Crystal M., Anna W., and Mary M. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Percy, Daisy, and Aris are over the moon about this series.  Find out why. Titles: The Wolf King and The Night Prince Author: Lauren Palphreyman Reviewed by: Percy, Daisy, Aris  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

HCPL is a branded library card partner with the Laufey Book Club this year! Our limited edition library card design is being announced today, Friday, August 14th,  and online sign ups begin (and end) Sunday, August 23rd. Check hcpl.net for latest on this event! Books mentioned in this episode:   Title: My Antonia Author: Willa Cather Paired with “From the Start” Reviewed by: Esteban S. Title: Gogogogo-go-ghost! Mangaka: Miyako Hiruzuka Paired with “Let You Break My Heart Again” Reviewed by: Esteban S. Title: If He Had Been With Me Author: Laura Nowlin Paired with “Let You Break My Heart Again” Reviewed by: Alyssa M. Title: The Art Forger Author: B.A. Shapiro Paired with “Street by Street” Reviewed by: Kaitlyn R. Title: But How Are You, Really Author: Ella Dawson Paired with “Street by Street”  Reviewed by: Kaitlyn R.  Laufey song "Above the Chinese Restaurant" also mentioned. Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.

Unicorns two ways: choose your spicy adventure! Katelyn reviews two historical fantasies that share a folkloric thread.   Title: The Unicorn Hunters   Author: Katherine Arden  Title: Greenteeth   Author: Molly O'Neill  Reviewed by: Katelyn H.  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu.  In memory of Darcy Casavant.