Professional Book Nerds

Start the new year with a fresh stack of must-reads! In this episode, Joe is joined by Renee to share their most anticipated book releases for January 2025. From thrilling debuts to long-awaited sequels, they’ve got something for every reader to kick off the year right. Grab your TBR list and settle in for a cozy chat packed with exciting recommendations.Ready to dive into 2025? Let’s turn the page together!Titles mentioned in today's episode:Author Interview Books Releasing this Month:   Murder in the Dressing Room – Holly Stars (1/14)  Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen (1/21)  Renee’s Titles:   I’ll Come To You – Rebecca Kauffman  She Doesn’t Have A Clue - Jenny Elder Moke  Ace, Marvel, Spy - Jenni L. Walsh  The Good Mother Myth - Nancy Reddy  Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working - Dan Heath  Beautiful Ugly - Alice Feeney  The Favorites - Layne Fargo   Let’s Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen The Socialialites - Caroline Lamond  Simply Jamie – Jamie Oliver   Joe’s Titles:   Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – Grady Hendrix  Wake Up and Open Your Eyes – Clay McLeod Chapman   Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue – Kate Pearsall   Water Moon – Samantha Sotto Yambao   Brewed with Love – Shelly Page   The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King – Harry Trevaldwyn   Shattering Dawn – Jayne Ann Krentz  A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage – Asia Mackay   The Harder I Fight the More I Love You – Neko chase   The Last Room on the Left – Leah Konen   Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with audiobooks! In this special episode, Joe is joined by Hugo from Penguin Random House to share cozy, captivating, and downright delightful audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio that are perfect to Load Your Libby app.Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods, taking a moment of peace from the holiday hustle, or simply looking to escape into a great story, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for recommendations to keep your holiday spirits bright and your shelves stacked with audio treasures!Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for sponsoring the 2024 Check Our Your Library Fiction & Film tour.Titles mentioned in this episode:Hugo’s Titles:   James - Percival Everett   We Solve Murders - Richard Osman   From Here to the Great Unknown - Lisa Marie Presley   Wandering Stars - Tommy Orange   Martyr! - Kaveh Akbar   Be Ready When Luck Happens - Ina Garten   Impossible Creatures - Katherine Rundell   All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker   Nexus - Yuval Noah Harari   The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt    Joe’s Titles:  Come and Get It - Kiley Reid   Lies and Weddings - Kevin Kwan   First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston   Funny Story - Emily Henry   Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty   Sonny Boy - Al Pacino   By Any other Name - Jodi Picoult    Heir - Sabaa Tahir   Blood at the Root - LaDarrion Williams   The God of the Woods - Liz Moore    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible Juvenile, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books that shaped our reading journeys in 2024! 🎉📚In this episode, Joe is joined by Andrea and Sarah to share their top picks—stories that made them laugh, cry, and think in new ways. From heartwarming middle grade adventures to gripping YA novels, join the conversation as they dive into all the books they couldn’t put down, offering their personal insights and reflections on the books that made 2024 such a great year for kidlit.Tune in for the ultimate Best of 2024 list and find your next favorite read!Titles mentioned in this episode: Andrea’s Titles:   Wisteria by Adalyn Grace  Fangirl, Vol. 4: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell and Gabi Nam  Snow Place Like Home by Christina Soontornvat  Eva's Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott  Bo's New Magical Friends by Rebecca Elliott   Sarah’s Titles:   The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin  Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol  Black Girl You are Atlas by Renee Watson   Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell  Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart  Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo   Joe’s Titles:  House of Elephants by Claribel A. Ortega  Youth Group by Jordan Morris (shouts out to Homebody by Theo Parish and Ghost Roast by Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs)  The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington  Ruin Road by Lamar Giles  The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard  The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎄📚 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for new books! Joe is joined by his friend and colleague Marissa to unwrap December 2024’s hottest new releases. From cozy holiday reads to thrilling page-turners, they’re sharing the books they’re most excited for as the year winds down. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone on this list. Tune in for a bookish sleigh ride! 🎁✨Author Interviews for November & December:  Skyshade by Alex Aster  Shock Induction by Chuck Palaniuk  Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (Out in January, I’m sorry)  Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars (also out in January, I’m so sorry)  Titles mentioned in this episode: Marissa’s Titles:   P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly  Love in Translation by Joss Wood  Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao  Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison   The Mindful Mocktail by Natalie Battaglia  Rental House by Weike Wang  Private Rites by Julia Armfield  Knife Skills For Beginners by Orlando Murrin   Joe’s Titles: Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen  What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould  The Party by Natasha Preston  Alter Ego by Alex Segura  Havoc by Christopher Bollen  Watch Your Back by Terri Parlato  A Series of Rooms by AJ Barlowe  The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe sits down with legendary author Chuck Palahniuk to discuss his latest novel, SHOCK INDUCTION (out now from Simon & Schuster) . They dive into Chuck’s signature minimalist writing style and explore how it unites his body of work, creating stories that pack an unforgettable punch. Plus, in a heartwarming twist, Chuck and Joe’s Boston terriers make a special appearance over Zoom, bringing a dose of canine charm to the conversation. Don't miss this deep dive into storytelling with one of literature's most provocative voices!Other titles by Chuck Palahniuk mentioned in this episode: Not Forever but for Now Invisible Monsters Choke Haunted Rant Fight Club The Invention of Sound Make Something Up You can find and borrow these books and more of Chuck's books in Libby. Our librarian friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's fall, y'all 🍂 In this episode, Joe teams up with Claire and Kristin to share the ultimate list of cozy book recommendations. From charming cottage core tales to delightful cozy mysteries to graphic novels, these picks are perfect for your next warm and comforting reading escape. Your next cozy read awaits!Titles mentioned in this episode: Claire’s Titles:   The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (new book next spring – A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping)  The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (followed by The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, The Christmas Tree Farm and The Strawberry Patch Pancake House)  Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan  The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong   Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams (shout out to The Reading List)  Kristin’s Titles:  The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuke  Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst  Meet your Baker by Ellie Alexander  The Whispering Dead by Darcy Coates  The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan  Joe’s Titles:  How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin (How to Seal Your Own Fate coming in April 2025!)  Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford  Snapdragon by Kat Leyh  The Witch Boy Series by Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy, The Hidden Witch, The Midwinter Witch)  Tokyo These Days vol. 3 by Taiyo Matsumoto (Volume 1 and Volume 2)  Peking Duck and Cover by Vivien Chien Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Professional Book Nerds, Joe sits down with bestselling author Alex Aster to dive into the magic of SKYSHADE (out November 12 from Amulet Books), the thrilling third installment in the Lightlark Saga. Alex shares her extraordinary journey, from querying her first book at just 12 years old to becoming a relentless force in the writing world.Discover the secrets behind Skyshade, the challenges Alex faced along the way, and how her unwavering determination has shaped her career. Whether you’re a die-hard Lightlark fan or an aspiring writer, this conversation will leave you inspired and eager for more!Other Alex Aster titles: The Lightlark Saga Lightlark Nightbane Skyshade Summer in the City (publishing March 2025) Emblem Island Series Curse of the Night Witch Curse of the Forgotten City Check out Alex Aster online! Visit her website: https://www.asterverse.com/ or follow her on Instagram and TikTokReaders can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For those of you who love a thriller, a mystery or a bit of horror year-round, this one is for you. Today Joe is joined by Kara (@thebookkaravan) to talk about twisty, claustrophobic thrillers that will take you from fall into winter. They'll take you from Halloween through the dark nights of the new year!Titles mentioned in this episode:Kara’s Titles:   The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides  The Only One Left by Riley Sager  Cover Story by Susan Rigetti  The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen  Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll  The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena  Joe’s Titles:  Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson  Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong  Extended Stay by Juan Martinez  Bridge by Lauren Beukes  I Will Find You by Harlan Coben  Mister Magic by Kiersten White  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Halloween 🎃 Today, Joe is joined by fellow Scorpio Jill to talk through November 2024's biggest books! The nerds share what they're most looking forward to this fall.Titles mentioned in this episode:Jill’s Titles:   The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene  Box Office Poison by Tim Robey  Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White  Toto by A.J. Hackwith  Believe by Jeremy Egner  Others Like Me by Nicole Louie  Thorns, Lust, and Glory by Estelle Paranque  Sandwiches of History by Barry W. Enderwick  Joe’s Titles:  The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami   Kill Yours, Kill Mine by Katherine Kovacic  Master of Me by Keke Palmer  I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying by Youngmi Mayer  Is She Really Going Out With Him? By Sophie Cousens  I am the Dark that Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea  If You Can Hear This by Faith Gardner  When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we've got spooky stories for your nerves! Get ready for Halloween with these horror thrills! From classic slashers to supernatural creeps, Joe, Claire and Kristin have a recommendation for you!Titles mentioned in this episode:Claire’s Titles:   We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer  The White Guy Dies First edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker  Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson  Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona  The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister  Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen   Shout out to Graphic Novels: Loving, Ohio by Matthew Erman, The Low Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado, Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn, Over My Dead Body by Sweeney Boo Kristin’s Titles:  Pay the Piper by George A. Romero & Daniel Kraus  Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman  So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison  Never Whistle at Night Edited by Shane Hawk  The Pale House Devil by Richard Kadrey  This Cursed House by Del Sandeen  Just a quick shout out: The Fisherman by John Langan; The Haunted Forest Tour by Jeff Strand and James A. Moore  Joe’s Titles:  Universal Harvester by John Darnielle  The Black Girl Survives in This One edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell  Coup de Grâce by Sofia Ajram  Influencer by Adam Cesare  Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix Just a quick shout out: Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay and Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle Listen to: Joe's interview with Paul Tremblay and Joe’s interview with Chuck Tingle And on Kanopy, just have to mention that Rosemary’s Baby is streaming (along with so many others in the Kanopy Fright Fest)  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices