Sinopsis
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. Every title discussed is available to borrow through public libraries. Get started reading at overdrive.com and subscribe to our podcast today!
Episodios
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Hot Reads, Cool Vibes: June 2025 Book Picks
29/05/2025 Duración: 01h15minJoe is joined by his colleague and friend Nahomy for a fresh stack of June 2025 book picks—perfect for summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or curled up in the AC, they’ve got something for every kind of reader. Nahomy shares queer coming-of-age tales, romantic comedies, twisty thrillers, and empowering debuts, while Joe's picks run the gamut from eerie horror to thoughtful sci-fi , with plenty of speculative fiction and heartwarming surprises along the way. Hit play and load up your Libby shelf with summer reads. Mark your calendars for June 12 when we debut the podcast rebrand! Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in this episode: Nahomy's Picks: Atmosphere - Taylor Jenkins Reid If We Survive This - Racquel Marie Sounds Like Love - Ashley Poston The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club - Gloria Chao The Summer We Ran - Audrey Ingram The Other Side of Now - Paige Harbison We C
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Fresh Reads, Spring Vibes and Big Book Energy: May 2025 Book Picks
24/04/2025 Duración: 01h07minSpring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss! Whether you're loading up your Libby shelf or just need help picking your next favorite read, we've got you covered with big book energy and plenty of laughs along the way.
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27/03/2025 Duración: 01h27min
April is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of must-read new books! Join Joe and Madison as they dive into the most exciting releases of the month. From long-awaited sequels to unexpected gems, our TBRs are taking us on quite the journey—just like the changing season! Whether you're in the mood for something light and breezy or deep and thought-provoking, we've got the perfect springtime read for you. Grab a cozy spot in the sunshine and let’s talk books!
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Surviving the Reaping: What to Read While You Wait
13/03/2025 Duración: 47minIn this episode, Joe is joined by Nahomy to recommend books for fans of The Hunger Games, whether you're eagerly awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping or need more dystopian reads after devouring it. From high-stakes competitions and oppressive regimes to survival in broken worlds, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for thrilling recommendations featuring deadly trials, futuristic rebellions, twisted social experiments, and resilient heroes fighting for freedom. Nahomy’s Titles: Scythe - Neal Shusterman The Selection - Kiera Cass The Grace Year - Kim Liggett Cinder - Marissa Meyer Joe’s Titles: Survive the Dome – Kosoko Jackson Together in a Broken World – Paul Michael Winters After the Fall – Ellen Parent The Art Thieves – Andrea L. Rogers 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
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Spring's Best New Books: March 2025 Picks
27/02/2025 Duración: 01h40minSpring is in the air, and so are a fresh batch of must-read books! In this episode, Joe is joined by Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com to dive into the most exciting new releases hitting shelves in March 2025. From highly anticipated fiction to captivating nonfiction, they’re sharing the books they can’t wait to read this month. Whether you’re looking for your next page-turner or adding to your never-ending TBR, this episode has something for every book lover. Tune in and get ready to update your reading list!
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The Wait for Scythe & Sparrow is On – Read These Next!
13/02/2025 Duración: 54minWaiting for Scythe & Sparrow to hit your shelf? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, Joe is joined by his colleague Meghan to share a list of must-read romances that will keep you hooked while you wait. These books capture the same vibes you love but each offers a unique journey of its own. Whether you’re craving heart-pounding twists, thought-provoking themes, or unforgettable characters, we’ve got the perfect recommendations to tide you over. Tune in and find your next great read! If you’d like to watch the video of this episode, check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in today’s episode: Meghan’s Titles: Desperate Measures by Katee Robert The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Suzane Valenti Beautiful Villain by Rebecca Kenney Truly, Madly, Deeply by LJ Shen Joe’s Titles: Lights Out – Navessa Allen The Hollow and the Haunted – Camilla Raines The Deer and the Dragon – Piper CJ My Funny Demon Valentine – Aurora Ascher Readers can sample and borrow the ti
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Love at First Chapter: February 2025 Book Picks
30/01/2025 Duración: 01h03minLove is in the air… and so are killer thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, out-of-this-world sci-fi, and so much more! Joe is joined by his friend and coworker Nahomy to chat about the most exciting books hitting shelves this February. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling horror, a heart-racing fantasy, a cozy graphic novel, or a memoir that stays with you, we’ve got your next great read covered. Looking for even more bookish fun? Follow Nahomy on Instagram at @nahomyslibrary and subscribe to her YouTube channel Nahomy’s Library for more amazing book recommendations! If you'd like to watch the video of this episode, check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in today's episode: Nahomy’s Titles: Listen to Your Sister - Neena Viel We All Live Here - Jojo Moyes Three Days in June -Anne Tyler The Bones Beneath My Skin - TJ Klune All Better Now - Neal Shusterman The History of Everything - Victoria Evans But Not Too Bold - Hache Pueyo Joe’s Titles: The Dollhouse Acad
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Drag & Murder with Holly Stars
23/12/2024 Duración: 54minThis week on the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe is joined by the fabulous Holly Stars!
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Big Changes Ahead: End-of-Year Updates from the Professional Book Nerds
19/12/2024 Duración: 30minBig changes are coming to the Professional Book Nerds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, we’re sharing important updates about the future of the show that you won’t want to miss. Plus, Joe reflects on the final Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge and how he wrapped up the year of reading. Tune in for all the details and to celebrate the end of this chapter with us! We hope you enjoy our last episode of the year this Monday, December 23 with drag queen Holly Stars! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we'll see you in the new year! You can follow Libby on Instagram here! Joe’s Titles: A Genre you don’t normally read - The Mars House – Natasha Pulley A book with MCs a different age than you – Why is This Night Different from All Other Nights – Lemony Snicket A book on your TBR longer than 1 year - Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn An audiobook (full cast or dramatized) - The Golden Spoon – Jessa Maxwell A book in translation – Marigold Mind Laundry – Jungeun Yun
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Exploring the World of Barbie with Renée Rosen
16/12/2024 Duración: 52minStep into a world of pink, glamour, and storytelling in this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast! Joe chats with bestselling author Renée Rosen about her dazzling new novel Let’s Call Her Barbie (out January 21 from Penguin). They dive into Renee’s writing process, the inspiration behind the book, and their shared love of Barbie—from childhood memories to cherished collections. If you’ve ever admired Barbie’s iconic style or dreamed of creating your own timeless stories, this episode is a must-listen!
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Fresh Pages for a Fresh Start: January 2025 Book Picks
12/12/2024 Duración: 01h02minStart 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:
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Audiobooks to Load Your Libby for the Holiday Season
09/12/2024 Duración: 01h17minGet 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 -
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Best of 2024: Juvenile, Middle Grade & YA Reads
05/12/2024 Duración: 54minAs 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!
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Chuck Palahniuk Talks Shock Induction, Writing Style & Boston Terriers
18/11/2024 Duración: 56minIn 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 Professi
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Skyshade and the Relentless Pursuit of Storytelling with Alex Aster
11/11/2024 Duración: 01h03minIn 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 TikTok Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libb
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Claustrophobia and Chill: Thrillers to Take You From Fall to Winter
07/11/2024 Duración: 40minFor 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 bo
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November 2024 Book Buzz: Top Releases to Add to Your Reading List
31/10/2024 Duración: 50minHappy Halloween