
Professional Book Nerds
We're not just book nerds. We're professional book nerds! We are staff librarians who work at OverDrive, the leading app for eBooks and audiobooks from public libraries and schools. It's our job to discuss books all day long so we thought, "Why not share the conversation!" Hear about the best books we've read, get recommendations, and learn about the hottest books coming out that we can't wait to dive into. Titles discussed are available to borrow through public libraries. Get started reading at overdrive.com and subscribe to our podcast today!
Latest episodes

Oct 21, 2024 • 48min
Being a Hot Mess with Jeff Kinney
In this episode of Professional Book Nerds, we’re diving into the world of Jeff Kinney, the mastermind behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! Join us as we chat about his latest release, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 19: Hot Mess (out October 22)!Get ready to laugh and learn as Jeff shares the inspiration behind his new book and the misadventures of Greg Heffley. We’ll also discuss the challenges of navigating the chaotic world of childhood, and how he turns those “hot mess” moments into relatable tales that resonate with readers of all ages.So, grab your snacks, and settle in for a fun-filled episode that promises to be anything but boring. You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear from the author who has kept kids—and adults—laughing for years. It’s time to get your diaries ready for a new chapter!Check out more from Jeff Kinney online... you can visit the Wimpy Kid website or follow on Instagram.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

Oct 17, 2024 • 47min
Celebrating Queer History with the Queer Liberation Library
Join Joe as he chats with Kieran Hickey - his friend and founder of the Queer Liberation Library! Kieran shares his inspiration behind creating the queer digital library, how you can become a member of the library, and all the ways you can support QLL. They also talk about the importance of Queer History Month and recommend a few gay books. You can follow QLL on Instagram!You can learn more about QLL here: https://www.queerliberationlibrary.org/find resources and access info here: https://www.queerliberationlibrary.org/resourcesbecome a member here: https://www.queerliberationlibrary.org/membersand, donate here: https://givebutter.com/J9nhcWTitles mentioned in this episode:
Paradise Rot by Jenny Hval
Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly
The Women's House of Detention by Hugh Ryan
Blackouts by Justin Torres
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

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 9min
Charting New Waters: TJ Klune & Daniel Henning Discuss SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA
Joe is joined by two of his favorite people, author TJ Klune and audiobook narrator Daniel Henning to talk about their work together on Somewhere Beyond the Sea (out now from Tor and Macmillan audio)! TJ shares how he channeled love, joy and rage into this book, why it's important to create safe spaces, and what you can expect from his writing in the future. Daniel shares his amazing process, work on creating new characters, channeling our existing favorites, and what it felt like to be on the NYT bestseller list for this audiobook!A huge thank you to TJ and Daniel for joining me today. You can follow TJ on Instagram here, and Daniel on Instagram here! Listen to my first episode with TJ and Daniel here!Check out the Cerulean Chronicles:
The House in the Cerulean Sea (ebook / audiobook)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea (ebook / audiobook)
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

Oct 12, 2024 • 38min
Introducing: Life In Seven Songs
On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from our friends at Life in Seven Songs, the new podcast from The San Francisco Standard that dives deep into the minds of some of today’s greatest visionaries.Named a top new show by both Apple Podcasts and The Guardian, Life in Seven Songs asks one simple question: What songs tell your life story? In each episode, extraordinary people share the music and moments that have shaped their lives. Each episode, host Sophie Bearman sits down with guests like London Breed, the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of San Francisco, D'Wayne Wiggins, the record producer who discovered Beyoncé and helped artists like Zendaya become superstars; and Jony Ive, the creative genius behind Apple's iPhone.In this episode, Sophie speaks with Daniel Handler—better known as Lemony Snicket, the writer of A Series of Unfortunate Events. In the episode, Sophie and Daniel discuss his various works, and unpack why his novels often depict terrible things happening to people.Listen to more episodes of Life in Seven Songs and follow the podcast!Thanks so much for checking out this bonus feed drop off the Professional Book Nerds podcast. 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

Oct 10, 2024 • 55min
Lynn Painter's Quest for Happily Ever After
Emma chats with Lynn Painter about returning to the story of Wes and Liz for Nothing Like the Movies! They also discuss how many versions of this story Lynn wrote, why Lynn doesn't like sequels, go-to coffee orders, the joy of meeting readers, reality tv obsessions, reading recommendations, and what the spirit of a "rom-com" means.Books mentioned in this episode:
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Betting on You by Lynn Painter
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter (middle grade debut!)
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive MarketplaceWe 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7, 2024 • 55min
Magic Unleashed! Chatting Witchlings 3: House of Elephants with Claribel A. Ortega
Join Joe for an enchanting conversation with Claribel A. Ortega as she delves into her latest book, Witchlings 3: House of Elephants (out 10/1 from Scholastic). Discover her writing process and the inspiration behind her captivating characters. Claribel shares insights into life on tour, the joys of connecting with readers, and her deep love for libraries as vital spaces for creativity and community. Whether you're a fan of her work or new to her magic, this episode is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of a beloved author!For more info on Claribel and her work visit her website & check out her Instagram. To find out what Witchlings coven you're in, go here!Check out the Witchlings Series:
Witchlings
The Golden Frog Games
House of Elephants
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

Oct 3, 2024 • 29min
Emma Says Goodbye to Pro Book Nerds
Emma says goodbye to the podcast and shares her favorite memories, plus some final book recs! Books mentioned in this episode:
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Bluebird Day by Megan Tady
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Cross My Heart by Megan Collins
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive MarketplaceWe 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2024 • 49min
Assassins, Dragon Riding Kings, and Immersive Worlds with Sarah A. Parker
Emma speaks to author Sarah A. Parker about her incredible first book in the Moonfall series, When the Moon Hatched. They also discuss Sarah's writing process, what motivates her main characters, worldbuilding, the power of the reader community, and so much more.Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive MarketplaceWe 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2024 • 60min
Must-Read October 2024 Book Releases!
Join us as we dive into some of our most anticipated book releases of October 2024! From gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, we’re sharing our top picks that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to update your TBR with the hottest new titles that are sure to spark your interest. Tune in and discover your next favorite read!Titles mentioned in this episode: Interviews:
House of Elephants by Claribel A. Ortega
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter (Sequel to Better Than the Movies)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune and Daniel Henning
Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney
Emma’s Picks:
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak (October 8)
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
Spectacular by Stephanie Garber
The Great When by Alan Moore
The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough
Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
Joe’s Picks:
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Model Home by Rivers Solomon
Memorials by Richard Chizmar
The Universe in Verse by Maria Popova
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski
The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai
Killer House Party by Lily Anderson
The Bitter End by Alexa Donne
Thief of the Heights by Son M and Robin Yao
The Terrifying Tales of Vivian Vance by Joshua Ulrich
Side Quest by Samuel Sattin and Steenz
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

Sep 23, 2024 • 57min
Spirits and Stories: Exploring A HAUNTED ROAD ATLAS with And That's Why We Drink
In this episode, Joe is an absolute fangirl over two of his favorite podcasters. Joe chats with Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, hosts of And That's Why We Drink, an award-winning comedy podcast, where the paranormal and true-crime meet.Em and Christine talk about their new book, A Haunted Road Atlas: NEXT STOP (out September 24), an amazing return to form following their first book, A Haunted Road Atlas. They talk about the inspiration behind their writing (and how different Em & Christine are in their processes), uncover some spine-tingling stories from their travels, and learn how they blend the paranormal and true-crime for their comedy gold. Buckle up - your next haunted road trip starts here!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
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