Professional Book Nerds

Marissa joins Joe today to talk about graphic memoirs, biographies and novels inspired by life events. They talk about the importance of sharing your story, how we can find community and a sense of self, and learn so much by listening to the stories of others. Come for the recommendations, stay for a full aside on The Salem Witch Trials. Article mentioned in our Salem Witch Trials aside: From New England Law Boston - The True Legal Horror Story of the Salem Witch Trials Titles mentioned in this episode: Marissa’s Titles:   Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol  Ducks by Kate Beaton  Messy Roots by Laura Gao  The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt by Andrea Wulf and Illustrated by Lillian Melcher  The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf Cheeky by Ariella Elovic  Joe’s Titles:   Talking to Strangers by Marianne Boucher  An Outbreak of Witchcraft by Debroah Noyes  Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe  Brave Face by Shawn David Hutchinson  Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder  Readers can sample and

On today's episode, Emma is joined by NYT bestselling author, Katherine Center, to chat about her newest book, The Rom-Commers. They also discuss the craft of writing a romance novel, reading from your heart, the impact of libraries, line dancing 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 Marketplace. 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, 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

Emma and Joe are joined by Andrea and Meghan to discuss a new era of vampire reads! We've seen a huge increase in books featuring vampires in the last few years and wanted to share some recent books and upcoming releases we're most excited about to usher in a new era. Emma’s Picks:   So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison We Love the Nightlife by Rachel Koller Croft   To You Shall All Flesh Come by Lumen Reese   Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro   Lucy Undying by Kiersten White    Joe’s Picks:   This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco and book 2 Court of Wanderers came out in April  The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland  My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine  The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix Andrea’s Picks:   The Scarlet Veil #2 by Shelby Mahurin  Book 1: The Scarlet Veil  The Madness by Dawn Kurtagich  Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen  Book 2: Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen  The Songbird & The Heart

In this episode, Joe sits down for a live conversation with Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket, for the release of his memoir And Then? And Then? What Else?, hosted at Cuyahoga County Public Library! Joe and Daniel talk about Tim Curry, sharing your personal life publicly, and what it's like being Lemony Snicket. Special thanks to Cuyahoga County Public Library for hosting this incredible event. The live event was hosted and recorded on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Parma-Snow Library Branch to a sold-out auditorium. 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to pro

Emma and Joe's monthly round-up of books is back with June picks! Grab a beverage and get ready for a long-list of summer-y picks! For Emma and Joe that usually means mystery and romance, but there's also a dash of cooking, graphic novels, YA, and family sagas. Author Interviews:   The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center  Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay    Joe’s Picks:   Middle of the Night by Riley Sager  Willie, Waylon, and the Boys by Brian Fairbanks  Birds Aren’t Real by Peter McIndoe, Connor Gaydos  Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller  The Salad Lab by Darlene Schrijver (TikTok Tie In)  Annie LeBlanc is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris  Hombrecito by Santiago Jose Sanchez  One Killer Problem by Justine Pucella Winans  Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kolsch  Brownstone by Samuel Teer  One of our Kind by Nicola Yoon    Emma’s Picks:   Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand  Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver  A Novel Love Story by Ashely Poston  A Talent for Murder by Peter

On today's episode, Emma sits down for a live conversation with the #1 New York Times bestselling author, Harlan Coben, for the release of Think Twice. Hosted at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Emma and Harlan chat about the writing process, his plans for Myron, being the "twist guy," his Netflix adaptations, Stephen King, and Queen Camilla. Special thanks to Cuyahoga County Public Library for hosting this amazing event. The live event was recorded on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Parma-Snow Library Branch to a sold-out auditorium of 400 fantastic readers. 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 Marketplace. 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to profession

Join us as we dive into the captivating world of cults! We're recommending both fiction and nonfiction titles that explore that mysterious and chilling allure... From gripping thrillers to eye-opening accounts, we've got recommendations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll wax poetic on cult dynamics and discuss the enduring fascination with these enigmatic communities. Titles mentioned in this episode: Jill’s Titles:   The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn  The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead  The Sullivanians by Alexander Stille  The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi  Joe’s Titles:  Member of the Family by Dianne Lake  Those Who Prey by Jennifer Moffett  The Project by Courtney Summers  Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones  Emma’s Titles:   The Girls by Emma Cline   Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose  The Lightness by Emily Temple  Heartbreaker by Claudia Dey   Meredith’s Titles:   Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life by Sarah Edmondson 

Emma and Joe welcome back Claire and Kristin to chat about modern gothic reads. They discuss the characteristics they enjoy in a modern gothic and share a wide variety of books to get your creepy, vibey, gothic fix! Emma’s Picks:   The Clinic by Cate Quinn  A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat  The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins   One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Sheperd King series)   Claire’s Picks:   Diavola by Jennifer Thorne  The Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste  A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock  Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk  Kristin’s Picks:   Bluebeard’s Castle by Anna Biller  The Black Tree Atop the Hill by Karla Yvette  House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson  When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen  Joe’s Picks:   Vampires of el Norte by Isabel Canas  House of Cotton by Monica Brashears  Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas  House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland  Check out our Botanical Books episode from 2023 here. Other books mentioned in this episode in

The mean girl gets murdered in this one (not a spoiler)! Dive into the mind of Cindy RX He as she delves deep into her debut title, Perfect Little Monsters. Find out why it's hard to trick thriller readers with your twists, what makes the queen bee so compelling, and where Cindy's inspiration came from for this story. 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. We’ve got merch! Check out our two shirts in The OverDrive Shop (all profits are donated to the ALA Literacy Clearinghouse). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega

Join Joe and Emma on this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast as they dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of the literary canon. They shine a spotlight on contemporary books that challenge traditional notions of what it means to be considered "canonical" and explore the complexities of defining literary greatness. Emma and Joe offer up some modern works and their potential to reshape our understanding of literature and join a new canon. From diverse voices to innovative storytelling techniques, they celebrate the richness and diversity of contemporary literature that deserves a place in the canon. Titles mentioned in this episode: Emma’s Titles:  Atonement by Ian McEwan  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins   The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon  A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan  The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas   Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn   Joe’s Titles:   The Brief Wondrous life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz  Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 

Emma is thrilled to welcome Carley Fortune to talk about her new book, This Summer Will Be Different. In this fun chat, you'll also hear about Carley's life-changing writing advice from Taylor Jenkins Reid, writing about different kinds of family dynamics and dreamy male leads, Anne of Green Gables, long-distance best friends, the power of libraries, and how romance books can and do save and change lives. Books mentioned in this episode: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune 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 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, Twit

Emma is joined by Sydney and Jane to discuss 1990s nostalgia, essential books of the 90s, and share a list of fresh books set in their favorite decade! This episode is packed full of book recommendations and waxing poetic about malls, layered tank tops, time travel, and revisiting our favorite decade from a 2024 perspective. Emma’s Picks:   Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid   This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub   The Mall by Megan McCafferty   Jane’s Picks:   How to Build a Girl - Caitlin Moran  Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison  Attachments by Rainbow Rowell  I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai  Sydney’s Picks:   The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides  Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott  The Crow Road by Iain Banks  If you want to listen to our conversation with Rainbow Rowell, you can listen here. If you want to listen to the conversation with Emma Straub, that's here. If you're a librarian and you're looking to shop more 90s reads in OverDr

It's that magical time again - Joe and Emma are sharing the books being released this May (2024) that they're most looking forward to. The Nerds talk about the eclipse, catch up, and have a silly, goofy time! Titles mentioned in this episode: Author Interviews for May:  This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune  Perfect Little Monsters by Cindy RX He  Think Twice by Harlan Coben   And Then? And Then? What Else? by Daniel Handler     Emma’s Titles:  You Never Know by Tom Selleck   The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren  The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton  Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown   When Among Crows by Veronica Roth  Very Bad Company by Emma Rosenblum  Evocation by S.T. Gibson   When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips  The Ballad of Darcy and Russell by Morgan Matson  Swiped by L.M. Chilton     Joe’s Titles:   Cunning Folk by Tabitha Stanmore  Keepers of the Stones and Stars by Michael Barakiva  The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Brad

Emma and Joe talk about some VERY specific reading moods and offer recommendations to match!  Emma’s moods & book picks:   A romance book that’s 10/10 and has Easter eggs a plenty   Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez  Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez  Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez   A cozy fantasy book that's equal parts wholesome and magical   Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree  The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields   The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst A memoir written by the cast member of a 2000s mega-sensation tv show   Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz   The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop   Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly   The Next Chapter by Jana Kramer  A book with a couple that are murders/serial killers/contract killers  My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing   Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver   Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver **  They Never Learn by Layne Fargo     Joe’s moods & book picks:   A secluded cabin in the woods or small town were something cr

Today on the pod, Joe is joined by Jane, Quinton and Sarah to chat coming of age stories. Today's recommendations run the gamut from middle grade through adult fiction, from graphic novels to fantasy. These character-driven narratives open our eyes to the many ways we all experience life. There's a story here for everyone, and we hope you enjoy! Titles mentioned in this episode: Quinton’s Titles:   The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card  Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher  The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi   Sarah’s Titles:   Tumble by Celia Perez   Huda F are You? By Huda Fahmy   Mid-Air Alicia D Williams   Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow  Jane’s Titles:   Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton  Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau  Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley  Joe’s Titles:  Chef’s Kiss by Jarrett Melendez  If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla  Damned by Chuck Palahniuk  What the Fi

On this episode, Joe talks with fellow Clevelander Douglas Westerbeke about his debut novel A Short Walk Through a Wide World (out April 2 from Avid Reader Press). They talk about writing an adventure story, the difficulties between writing strong "walk-on" characters versus writing your main character's whole life story, and of course, what the library means to Doug. 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 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. We’ve got merch! Check out our two shirts in The OverDrive Shop (all profits are donated to the A

Emma and Joe are back for their casual nerd chat. The nerds discuss what they've been reading, audiobook preferences, comfort reads, the upcoming solar eclipse, reading pauses, and live events at Cuyahoga County Public Library. Emma’s books:   Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez  Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez  Just for the Summer by Abby JImenez  House of Earth and Blood (GraphicAudio)   A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas  This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune  Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn  To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn Think Twice by Harlan Coben (Tickets for the CCPL event here) So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison Joe's books: Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin  The Long Walk by Stephen King The Running Man by Stephen King  The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh  The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul And Then? And Then? What Else? by Daniel Handler (Register for the CCPL event here) Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today'

Emma welcomes Abby Jimenez to the podcast to discuss her new book, Just for the Summer! In this casual chat, they also talk high standards, "if he wanted to he would, " drawing inspiration from pop culture, Easter eggs galore, how being a reader made Abby a writer, vanilla cappuccinos, book tour with baby goats, and so much more! Books mentioned in this episode: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez 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 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, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. We’ve got merch! Check out our two

Emma and Joe return for their monthly round up of books they're most looking forward to in the upcoming month! Settle in for a long list of great books due to release in April 2024. Author interviews:   Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke   Joe’s Picks:   A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon  Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee  The Black Girl Survives in This One Edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell  Women! In! Peril! by Jessie Ren Marshall  Ocean’s Godori by Elaine U. Cho  The Harrowing by Kristen Kiesling  Henry Henry by Allen Bratton  The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell  The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard  We’re Never Getting Home by Tracy Badua    Emma’s Picks:   Funny Story by Emily Henry   She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica   The Rule Book by Sarah Adams  How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang  The Husbands by Holly Gramazio  The Darkness Rises by Stacy Stokes  Darling

In this episode, Emma and Joe are joined by their coworker Katie to discuss their favorite new features of the Libby app. They talk about the evolution of Libby over the years and how user feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the app. They also highlight features like multi-library search, deep search, and notify me tags that make it easier for readers to find and access titles! Come and listen to hear this and so much more on today's episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh House of Earth and Blood (GraphicAudio Dramatization) by Sarah J. Maas Happiness Falls by Angie Kim Think Again by Adam Grant 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 subscri