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The pumpkins have been carved, the candy has been eaten, the costumes have been packed away, and just like that, it's November! If you're looking for something new to read, consider jumping on the Nonfiction November bandwagon. If the thought of reading nonfiction puts you to sleep, you haven't explored the variety of fascinating subgenres available on the shelves. There's truly something for everyone; biographies/autobiographies; memoirs; true crime; science; history; business; self-help; philosophy & social sciences; cookbooks & food writing; essays; investigative journalism, the list goes on and on. No matter how niche your interests might be, there's a nonfiction read to match your topic of choice. In today's conversation, Steph sits down with Kim and Shan to explore the wide range of nonfiction books they've enjoyed over the years. They'll even offer a librarians' perspective on the Dewey decimal system in modern libraries. Your mind will be buzzing after this conversation! Book Recommendations  The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Greene In Cold Blood by Truman Capote John Adams by David McCullough  The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls: A Memoir by T Kira Madden Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism-Understanding the Social Science of Cult Influence by Amanda Montell Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison III  Intro Music by nikitsan

It's the perfect time of year to grab a spooky read, and if you enjoy atmospheric horror, you simply won't want to miss Japanese Gothic by Kylie Kee Baker. This novel touches upon several themes common to gothic literature; such as, the past haunting the present, buried secrets and hidden curses, mental instability and dreams, claustrophobia and isolation, and folklore and the supernatural. In today's conversation, Stephanie, Christy, and Briana explore all these themes and more as they share their experience with this captivating novel. Japanese Gothic is one of those books that keeps the reader thinking long after they finish the last page. You may even need to read it twice to fully grasp each twist and turn!  Book Recommendations Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim Lone Women by Victor LaValle Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Intro Music by nikitsan

How well can you really know another person? Is it possible to live side by side for decades, sharing children, friends, and finances and yet still be strangers? In Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers, she offers an honest account of the collapse of her 20-year marriage. Since the release, Burden's memoir has been met with both praise and backlash. In today's conversation, Christy, Shan, and Cate discuss their experience reading Belle's story. They'll explore how privilege, societal expectations, and the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic created a layered and moving memoir.  Book Recommendations  Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden  Intro Music by nikitsan

There's no denying that Sarah J. Maas has created a whole new generation of fantasy and romantasy lovers. Through atmospheric world-building, she has enticed readers to delve deeper and deeper into the mythical and magical. The Maasverse, a name given by fans to encompass the interconnected multiverse, is made up of three unique series; Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. In today's conversation, Christy sits down with Briana, an avid reader of Maas's work, to discuss her experience engaging with these novels. Whether you're already a fan or simply considering the series, you won't want to miss this conversation!  Book Recommendations  by Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass (8 Book Series) A Court of Thorns and Roses (7 Book Series) Crescent City (3 Book Series) Intro Music by nikitsan

There's a reason why generations of high schoolers have been tasked with reading the classics. These books endure, not only because they're well-written, but because they help us better understand the human condition. The classics force us to think for ourselves; they encourage empathy and connect us to the struggles of those that came before us, struggles that may not be so different from the challenges we face in present day. The characters in classic literature are flawed, multi-dimensional, and sometimes contradictory, their stories make us feel something. So why do so many people resist these novels? Has the "required reading" element tainted the classics for generations of readers? In today's conversation, Briana, Kim, and Shan explore these questions and more, while also sharing their reasons for returning to these timeless tales.  Book Recommendations  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain  Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad  Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy  Intro Music by nikitsan

There's something beautiful about a summer read. When you're lying on the beach or sitting by the pool, you want a novel that draws in you without asking too much of you. Summer reads require a perfect blend of vivid settings, steamy romance, and effortless pacing; the reader should feel like they're on their own mini-vacation with each turn of the page. In today's episode, Shan sits down with Kim, Steph, and Cate to discuss an author who has mastered the summer-read recipe, Carley Fortune. They'll dive into character development, the power of place, and challenging plot lines. Before the season comes to a close, pick up one of Carley Fortune's novels and escape into a summer romance you won't soon forget! Book Recommendations  Every Summer After by Carley Fortune One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune  Intro Music by nikitsan

Choosing to engage with a book series is a personal decision every reader has to make. Some people easily commit to this type of reading experience because they value the guarantee of a next read. Many readers also appreciate the deeper character growth and world building that series reading provides. On the other hand, book series can frustrate readers when plots fall flat or drag on, not to mention, painfully long stretches between book releases. In today's conversation, Briana sits down with Dillon and Stephanie to discuss how they approach series reading. They'll explore topics; such as, pacing, character regression and growth, foreshadowing and more. By the end of this episode, you'll know what to look for before tackling your next series.  Book Recommendations  The Dungeon Crawler Carl Series by Matt Dinniman Bleach (Manga Series) by Tite Kubo The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All (Manga Series) by Sumiko Arai Wayward Children Series by Seanan McGuire Intro Music by nikitsan

The consumption of audiobooks continues to rise with each passing year. Originally created for visually impaired veterans, "talking books" are now enjoyed by a wide spectrum of readers. Tasks such as driving, cleaning, and exercising become significantly more engaging with the accompaniment of an audio book. In today's conversation, Cate sits down with Kim, Kate, and Dillon to discuss this growing trend among readers. They'll explore topics; such as, narrator quality, multi-tasking while listening, and stand-out audiobook experiences. They'll even answer the persistent question, "Do audiobooks really count as reading?". It's safe to say that librarians have strong feelings about this debate!  Audio Book Recommendations   The Wizards of Once Series by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant  Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (166 person cast of narrators)  The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien narrated by Rob Inglis and Andy Serkis  Intro Music by nikitsan

What price are you willing to pay for perfection? Who are you willing to sacrifice to create an enviable illusion? In the novel Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, "tradwife" influencer, Natalie Heller Mills, will stop at nothing to curate a flawless image for her millions of followers. But when Natalie mysteriously wakes up in the year 1855, she'll be forced to reckon with the life she claimed to be living. In today's conversation, Christy speaks with Shan, Briana, and Cate about this highly provocative read. They'll explore themes around misogyny, performative social media behavior, and societal expectations of motherhood. This is a story that will leave you pondering long after the last page is turned.  Book Club Read Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke https://russelllibrary.lcicatalog.org/search/card?id=6497e564-8042-55e0-999c-54be543177e9&entityType=FormatGroup Intro Music by nikitsan

If you're looking for a read that makes you feel all the feelings, look no further. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans weaves a rich tapestry of one woman's life. Sybil Van Antwerp is a sharp-witted and sharp-tongued retired lawyer in her 70s who anchors her days through letter writing. Her correspondence reaches a wide array of recipients; including, family and friends, authors, and even total strangers. This daily ritual allows Sybil to process grief, connect with the world, and ultimately find healing. In today's conversation, Christy, Shan, Kim, and Briana sit down for a book-club style conversation about this deeply moving novel. This book will change the way you view aging and remind you to keep living every, single day. Be warned, upon finishing this read you will likely experience a "book hangover". Rest assured, it is worth every bit of pain!  Book Club Read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans https://russelllibrary.lcicatalog.org/search/card?id=1d43dafd-e07a-5898-aa85-7785cfa45203&entityType=FormatGroup Intro Music by nikitsan

Are you first in line to pick up the latest "buzzy" book or do you steer clear of the hype? Buzzy books are the titles people simply can't stop talking about. These stories manage to spark widespread conversation, allowing readers to participate in a shared social experience. Some readers crave this social connection, while others prefer to keep their reading a solo experience. In today's conversation, Kim speaks with Kate, Christy, and Stephanie about the buzzy books they've recently read. They'll discuss their personal relationship with high-interest titles and introduce you to reads you won't want to miss! Whether you love the hype or avoid the fanfare, buzzy books are usually trending for a reason. Which one will grab your attention? Book Recommendations Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Yesteryear by Carol Claire Burke The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke & Tammi Hartung Intro Music by nikitsan

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and with it comes a plethora of fantastic reads! Celebrate the diverse voices and stories within the AANHPI community. Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, romance, horror, memoir, or fantasy, you'll find books written by AANHPI authors that you simply can't put down. In today's conversation, Briana chats with Christy and Stephanie about some of their favorite titles within the AANHPI diaspora. There's no doubt that readers are hungry for more representation in literature; the significant surge in AANHPI books published in 2026 is a hopeful indicator for the future.  Book Recommendations  Next Time Will Be Out Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker  https://www.oceanvuong.com/ Intro Music by nikitsan

It's no wonder that romantasy has become one of the fastest growing book genres among readers. These books beautifully blend intense romantic relationships with high stakes magical worlds. Unlike traditional fantasy novels, romantasy plotlines completely fall apart when you remove the romance. Many readers find the emotional experience involved in romantasy stories to be a welcome addition to the fantasy worlds they long to escape to. In today's episode, Stephanie chats with Briana, Shan, and Cate about their experience with this burgeoning genre. They'll discuss powerful female protagonists, engaging tropes, creative world-building, and the varying spice levels found in the books they've brought to the table. If you love traditional fantasy and/or romance novels, consider giving this genre a try. Romantasy holds the potential to offer the best of both worlds!  Books Recommendations Quicksilver by Callie Hart Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna Intro Music by nikitsan

Celebrities seem to exist in a world apart. Fame and fortune serve to separate them from the rest of society. Perhaps this is why celebrity memoirs captivate readers so fully; they give us a glimpse into the very human lives of these elusive individuals. Without the mask of money and glamour, we can see the real human vulnerability underneath. These stories allow the teller to control their own narrative and help the reader see a much fuller picture of the life behind the screen. In today's conversation, Christy chats with Stephanie, Shan, and Kim about some of their favorite female celebrity memoirs. Whether you're looking for  salacious gossip or raw truth-telling, these books will keep you coming back for more. It's time to pull back the veil, whose tale will you pull off the shelf?  Book Recommendations Yours Cruelly Elvira by Cassandra Peterson Just Kids by Patti Smith  Finding Me by Viola Davis  Intro Music by nikitsan

Have the traditional romance tropes started to feel a little stale to you? Are you looking for an escape from societal beauty standards and traditional relationship pressures? If so, monster romance might be the new genre for you! In today's conversation, Shan will chat with Briana, Kim, and Stephanie about their favorite titles. This romance subgenre connects humans and non-humans; love interests range from aliens, demons, and shifters to cryptids, tentacles, and mythological creatures. These unconventional pairings explore themes of acceptance, overcoming prejudice, and forbidden love. And if you're interested in a steamy story, look no further, this subgenre regularly includes some extra spice! Book Recommendations Mate by Ali Hazelwood My Roommate From Hell by Cale Dietrich Suitor Armor by Purpah Intro Music by nikitsan