Book Lounge by Libby

What makes us want to be scared? Why do we keep coming back for more? And how do you get started with horror if you're not sure where to begin?  This Halloween season, we're opening the door to the wonderfully weird world of horror with authors Tiffany D. Jackson, Jonny Sims and Jonathan Edward Durham! We're talking about what first drew them to horror, what excites them about the genre today and what's next for horror readers. From the stories that get under our skin to the possibilities that keep horror fresh, this is a thoughtful, lively conversation about why we love to be scared.  Whether you're a seasoned horror reader or just testing the waters before spooky season gets into full swing, pull up a chair. Your next favorite kind of scary might be waiting.  Book Lounge by Libby is powered by libraries and made for readers. Find your next read for FREE with your library card and the Libby app.  Happy haunting, horror fans!  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Tiffany D. Jackson – Website, Instagram  Jonny Sims – Website, Instagram  Jonathan Durham – Website, Instagram  Some books by our guests:  The Weight of Blood – Tiffany D. Jackson  Ghost in the Night – Tiffany D. Jackson  Winterset Hollow – Jonathan Edward Durham  The Burn Line – Jonathan Sims  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro and Welcome 00:03:01 What was your earliest introduction to horror? 00:18:41 Reading horror vs watching horror 00:27:21 What does horror give us?  00:40:50 Horror recognized in publishing 00:58:00 How future generations will continue horror 01:00:07 Lightning Round 01:04:45 Comment Question 01:05:10 Thank you and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us at https://www.instagram.com/bookloungepod/   Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the thing keeping you up at night becomes a movie? đŸ‘€  Horror author Josh Malerman is in the Book Lounge, and we're getting into the deliciously terrifying world of Incidents Around the House and its film adaptation, Other Mommy.  From the inspiration behind one of modern horror's creepiest stories to the creative process that brings nightmares to life, Josh joins Joe for a conversation about horror writing, storytelling, the things that scare us most and what happens when your imagination gets a little too good at its job.  Whether you discovered Josh through Bird Box, devoured Incidents Around the House or are gearing up to experience Other Mommy, this is your chance to get inside the mind of the author behind the nightmares.  Consider this your warning: you might want to leave a light on.  Welcome to Book Lounge by Libby, your favorite corner of the reading world. Powered by libraries. Made for readers.  Happy reading! (And, you know, maybe sleep with the closet door closed.)  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Josh Malerman - Instagram  Some books by Josh Malerman:   Incidents Around the House  Bird Box  Daphne  Pictures of You  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Welcome and Intro 00:02:10 What were you feeling seeing OTHER MOMMY 00:08:27 You can be shallow or deep within horror 00:16:05 What made you put us in a child’s POV 00:21:50 Writing soundscape 00:24:51 Changing the Title 00:30:29 Did Jessica Chastain’s portrayal change the story for you? 00:34:02 Comment Question 00:34:21 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us at https://www.instagram.com/bookloungepod/   Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adventure isn’t dead. It’s just waiting for you on the next page.  Host Joe Skelley is joined by Amy Allen Clark (@momadvice) and creator Joe Zawada (@joezawadareads) to keep the adventure conversation going with a stack of adventure stories that bring the danger, drama, twists and absolutely zero respect for your bedtime.  From high stakes journeys to impossible odds and the kind of books that make “I’ll read one chapter” a hilarious lie, we’re sharing adventure book recommendations that will keep you reading all night.  If you’re looking for your next great adventure read, consider this your very official excuse to ignore your sleep schedule.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Amy Allen Clark - Links  Joe Zawada - Links  Book Recommendations:   Amy's Picks:  Runner - Ashton Lattimore  Castle of Water - Dane Huckelbridge  My Sister’s Going to Kill Me - Nina Simon  The Force of Such Beauty - Barbara Bourland  Fishbone Cinderella - Elizabeth Lim   Joe Z's Picks:   Taipei Story – RF Kuang   The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig  Sublimation - Isabel J. Kim  Destiny’s Edge - M.L. Wang  Tempest - Victoria Aveyard  Joe S's Picks:   The Girl from the Sea – Lee Knox Ostertag  Gumshoe – Brenna Thummler  Millie of the Manor - Karina Evans, Andrea Bell  438 Days – Jonathan Franklin  Lost in the Valley of Death – Harley Rustad  Canon – Paige Lewis  Honey in Her Veins – Ruth McKell  Project V – Park Seolyeon  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Welcome and Intro 00:02:44 What our guests think of when they hear Adventure Story 00:11:56 Adventure Recommendations 01:14:43 Comment Question 01:15:03 Thank you and Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41743   Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the classic adventure story dead, or has it simply gotten a serious makeover?  From treasure hunts and lost worlds to quests, monsters and impossible missions, adventure has always been one of the biggest reading pleasures around. But what happens when the genre collides with modern sci fi, fantasy and the wildest corners of contemporary storytelling?  Host Joe Skelley is joined by author John Scalzi to dig into why adventure books still have such a grip on readers, how the genre has transformed over time and why stories built around discovery, danger and a good old fashioned “let’s see what happens” continue to thrive.  We’re talking classic adventure, modern adventure books, science fiction, fantasy, quests, escapism and the enduring appeal of getting swept up in a story that refuses to sit still.  So grab your metaphorical map, pack some snacks and join us in the Book Lounge. Adventure isn’t dead. It just got weird.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Titles mentioned in this episode:  Starman Jones – Robert A. Heinlein  Hatchet – Gary Paulsen  Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir  Dungeon Crawler Carl – Matt Dinniman  A Winkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle  The Dark is Rising – Susan Cooper  The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins  Uglies – Scott Westerfeld  Old Man’s War – John Scalzi  Monsters of Ohio – John Scalzi  Agent to the Stars – John Scalzi  When the Moon Hits Your Eye – John Scalzi  Redshirts – John Scalzi  All Quiet on the Western Front – Erich Maria Remarque  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  John Scalzi – Website, Instagram  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Welcome and intro 00:01:30 The Adventure Stories that shaped us 00:07:42 How adventure evolved  00:19:06 The power of personal recommendations 00:33:55 Why adventure stories offer escape 00: 44:55 Why adventure isn’t dead 00:55:19 Comment question and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October is here, and our TBR is looking positively haunted. đŸ‘ť Joe is joined by his coworker Nahomy to talk about the new books coming out in October 2026, from creepy haunted houses and witchy fantasy to vampires, horror graphic novels, dark mysteries and stories that will have you sleeping with the lights on.  Whether you're looking for your next spooky horror read, a magical fantasy adventure or a creepy thriller to curl up with this fall, we've got your October new book radar covered. Plus, we're sharing a few honorable mentions and unexpected picks to round out your reading list.  Find your next favorite read with Book Lounge by Libby, powered by libraries and made for readers.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Book recommendations:  Nahomy’s Picks:   The House Built on Alligator Bones – Sophia Huneycutt   Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel – Travis Baldree, adapted – Samuel Sattin, Illustrated – Shanti Rittgers and Sarah Webb  Peck & Peck – Bonnie Garmus  Until the Last Light Goes Out – Courtney Gould  A Court of Splintered Harmony – Sarah J. Maas  Look What the Cat Dragged In – Jason Rekulak  When the World Was Happy – Benjamin Alire SĂĄenz  Joe’s Picks:  Honorable mentions:  Stagtown vol. 1 – Punko   The Sea Witch Prophecy – Claribel A. Ortega   The Tarot Trials – Katee Robert   The Memory of Borrowed Books – Meg Anderson   Episode picks:   Solace House – Will Maclean  Carrying – Samantha Josephs  Bruja’s Nest – Brenda LaTorre  When the Night Comes Knocking – Katherine Daniel  The Chain House – JH Markert  Dive Bar at the End of the Road – Kelley Armstrong  Please Enjoy Your Stay – Tara Goedjen  Night of the Mallrats – Nicolina Torres  Fangs and All – Tas Mukanik  Who’s in this episode:   Joe – Instagram  Nahomy - Instagram  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro & Welcome 00:02:53 Joe’s Honorable Mentions list 00:05:41 Our October 2026 Book Picks 00:48:19 We want to hear from you! Comment Question 00:48:43 Thanks and outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41715   Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What REALLY happens behind the reference desk? On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by Becky Cameron and Kate Merlene from Cuyahoga County Public Library and Morgan Schultz from Lutheran West School for a very candid, very fun conversation about life as a librarian.   We're spilling the librarian tea on wild patron questions, unexpected library requests, book recommendations, overhyped authors, underrated reads and the services your library offers that you might not even know about.   Plus, we're getting into librarian superpowers, memorable library moments, favorite programs and the realities of working with readers of all ages.   Whether you're a lifelong library lover, a curious reader or someone who has ever wondered what librarians REALLY think, this is your invitation behind the scenes.   Get ready for library secrets, bookish hot takes, hilarious stories and plenty of reasons to visit your local library. Grab your library card and join the conversation!  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:20 Intro 00:01:03 Getting to know our guests 00:05:12 Assumptions about librarians 00:15:55 The most checked-out authors 00:25:07 Let’s get shady 00:32:40 Strangest patron questions 00:55:06 What’s a favorite program or service? 00:59:27 Outro  Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What scares you? For bestselling author Jeneva Rose, the answer might be‌ literally anything. đŸ‘€  Jeneva joins Book Lounge by Libby to talk about her new horror collection, Sometimes I Scare Myself, a trio of twisted stories filled with sĂŠances gone wrong, creepy houses, cursed objects and the kind of decisions that make you want to yell at a character through the page.  We’re getting into what makes a horror story actually scary, why familiar settings can make the best nightmares and what happens when you take classic horror tropes and give them a Jeneva Rose twist. Plus, Jeneva reveals what scares her — because apparently even the person writing the nightmares has nightmares.  If you’re looking for your next horror book, spooky-season read or thriller to keep you up way too late, consider this your sign to add Sometimes I Scare Myself to your TBR.  Sometimes I Scare Myself is out September 22, 2026.  Book Lounge by Libby is your place for book conversations, recommendations and the people behind the stories. Grab your favorite drink, get cozy and meet us in the Lounge.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!  Who’s in this episode:   Jeneva Rose – links  Books by Jeneva:  Sometimes I Scare Myself (out September 22, 2026)  The Perfect Marriage  The Perfect Divorce  One of Us is Dead  You Shouldn’t Have Come Here  #CrimeTime  Home is Where the Bodies Are  The Girl I Was  Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:07 Getting to know Jeneva Rose 00:02:01 Scaring Yourself 00:26:37 A trope you’re determined to reinvent 00:49:52 Horror Lightning Round 00:52:19 Outro   Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel.  Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected].  Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.   Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.  Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378    Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41555  Happy Reading!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the art of bringing stories to life through audio. From developing character voices to recording emotional scenes, Saskia and Michael share what really goes into creating an unforgettable listening experience. Together, they explore the unique magic of audiobooks, the relationship between narrator and listener, and why hearing a story can feel so different from reading one on the page. Saskia Maarleveld has narrated more than 700 audiobooks and is known for her remarkable ability to perform a wide range of accents and characters across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and young adult literature. Listeners may recognize her work on bestselling titles like The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and The God of the Woods. Michael Crouch has recorded more than 500 audiobooks and is an AudioFile Golden Voice narrator whose work has earned Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and widespread acclaim from listeners and critics alike. He's particularly celebrated for his performances in young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and contemporary literary fiction. Whether you're a lifelong audiobook fan, a devoted Book Lounge listener, or someone who's been curious about trying audiobooks for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of publishing's most beloved formats. Celebrate Audiobook Month with us and discover why a great narrator can transform a great book into an unforgettable experience. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life! Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! Who’s in this episode: Michael Crouch - Website Saskia Maarleveld– Instagram Check out Saskia’s Medium article – The Voice in Your Ears Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:39 Welcome to Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch 00:03:05 What does it feel like to work on IP books vs. Original Content? 00:06:30 What does creative freedom look like to you in narration? 00:15:05 What brought you into audiobook work? 00:25:03 What genre feels like home? 00:30:08 How are people getting into narration today? 00:40:41 Is there a standard for what you’re paid for your work? 00:50:03 Working on pronunciations 00:53:32 Lightning Round 00:59:55 Thanks and Outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices