Book Lounge by Libby

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:  

Book Recommendations:  

Amy's Picks: 

Joe Z's Picks:  

Joe S's Picks:  

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!

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The Witchlings series has reached its magical finale, and we’re celebrating with the author herself! 

In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley sits down with Claribel A. Ortega to look back at the Witchlings series as a whole, from its magical world and unforgettable characters to friendship, identity, growing up and all the twists and turns along the way. 

With the final Witchlings book releasing today, this conversation celebrates the journey to the series finale, what Witchlings has meant to Claribel and what it feels like to bring this magical story to an end. 

Spoiler note: The first 16 minutes are spoiler-free. Light spoilers begin around 16:09, and we’ll give you a warning before discussing any major spoilers. 

If you’ve read the Witchlings series, are finishing the finale or simply love magical middle grade fantasy, come hang out with us! 

If YOU want the chance to win the complete Witchlings series, go enter to win on our Instagram @BookLoungePod  

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Books by Claribel: 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:20 Intro and welcome to Claribel A. Ortega! 
00:04:54 Writing the final book 
00:10:09 Why five books felt right for Witchlings 
00:11:40 What will Claribel miss most about the world of Witchlings 
00:16:09 Spolier-light recap of the series 
00:23:59 Monstruos mythology, identity and childhood storytelling 
00:41:44 Spoiler discussion begins for book 5 
00:55:12 The essence of Witchlings 
00:55:43 A message to longtime readers 
00:57:22 Comment question of the day! 
00:57:32 GIVEAWAY DETAILS! 
00:58:21 Thank you and farewell 
00:59:39 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!

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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: 

Who’s in this episode:  

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! 

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What happens when readers get REALLY into a book? Sometimes… everyone starts reading it. 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by authors whose books found huge audiences through book clubs, BookTok, Bookstagram and online reading communities. We’re talking about the very real power of readers to turn a great book into a full-blown phenomenon and what it’s like for an author to watch that happen. 

How does a book become the one everyone is recommending? Why do some stories take off in book clubs? And what makes readers want to pass a book along to everyone they know? 

Plus, we’re getting into the joy, chaos and occasionally unhinged energy of being part of a reading community. 

Whether you’re a lifelong book club member, a solo reader who lives in the group chat or someone who has ever said “I HAVE to make you read this,” this one is for you. 

If you're part of a book club, tell us about it! How big is your group? How often do you meet? What's the best book you've ever read together? And, perhaps most importantly, what's the book that nearly started a civil war? 

Listen or watch now, and join the conversation with Book Lounge by Libby. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Guest Books: 

Some of Heather Morris' books: 

Morgan Elizabeth's traditionally published book: 

Some of Patti C. Henry's books: 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:19 Welcome and Intro 
00:01:24 When did you realize your book had become a book club hit?  
00:11:56 Did a book club change the trajectory of your book? 
00:26:35 What are some of the events that stick out to you? 
00:36:18 What impact does reader response have on your writing? 
00:46:00 The parasocial lines between author and reader 
00:57:09 Thank you, 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  
Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41711  

Happy Reading! 

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October is here, and our TBR is looking positively haunted. 👻 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:  

Joe’s Picks: 

Honorable mentions: 

Episode picks:  

Who’s in this episode:  

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!

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What actually makes a book club GOOD? And how do you get people to come back month after month without turning it into homework? 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, we're going behind the scenes of the book club. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of Book Gang Podcast and book club, Dave McNally, Adult Services Supervisor at Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Meara of (@mearaisreading) to talk about what makes a great book club, how groups choose what to read, the biggest barriers that keep people from joining and what happens when a book club meeting goes completely off the rails. 

We're talking book club tips, discussion drama, choosing books, reading outside your comfort zone, building community and, naturally, some very important book club gossip. 

Whether you're already a devoted book club person, thinking about joining one or wondering if you should finally start your own, this conversation has something for you. 

And yes, we get into the books that brought people together, the ones that divided them and the stories that have become legendary around the book club table. 

If you're watching or listening on Spotify, comment and let us know: If you're part of a book club, tell us about it! How big is your group? How often do you meet? What's the best book you've ever read together? And, perhaps most importantly, what's the book that nearly started a civil war? 

OR come comment on today's post over on Instagram at @bookloungepod. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book recommendations: 

Who’s in this episode:  

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:19 Welcome and intro 
00:12:10 Different styles and sizes of Book Clubs 
00:21:48 Preparing for Discussion 
00:47:24 Do you always finish the book?  
01:01:57 What should you know before you walk into book club the first time?  
01:05:52 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! 

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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!

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What happens when you let your local library surprise you? For the Season 4 premiere of Book Lounge by Libby, we're celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a little literary mystery, a few unexpected projects and a whole lot of library love. 

Joe is joined by Meara (@mearaisreading) for a Blind Date with a (Library) Book! We each head to our local libraries with three missions: get a book recommendation from a librarian, choose a book from a library display and discover a third surprise in the form of a unique activity, craft or project. 

Then we come back together to reveal our picks, share what we got up to and compare notes on our library adventures. Expect book recommendations, library discoveries, creative chaos and a lil vlog moment because apparently talking about books wasn't enough. 

Whether you're a lifelong library lover or haven't stepped into your local branch in a while, this episode is your invitation to explore, get curious and let your library surprise you. 

Grab your library card and come hang out in the Book Lounge! 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book recommendations: 

Who’s in this episode:  

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:20 Intro 
00:02:06 Vlogging to the Library 
00:04:40 Diving into our library prompts and experience 
01:04:41 What’s next 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! 

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What scares you? For bestselling author Jeneva Rose, the answer might be… literally anything. 👀 

Jeneva joins Book Lounge by Libby to talk about her new horror collection, Sometimes I Scare Myself, a trio of twisted stories filled with séances 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:  

Books by Jeneva: 

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! 

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Virginia Woolf has inspired generations of readers, but what happens when you take one of her novels and bring it to a modern audience?  

This week, Joe is joined by Justine Waddell, writer and producer of Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day, to talk about her love of Woolf, the process of adapting a classic novel and the changes that have to be made when bringing an older story into the present day. 

They dig into what makes Woolf’s work so enduring, the challenges of translating a classic for contemporary audiences and the decisions that come with adapting a beloved novel while staying true to its spirit. And yes, there are spoilers! Spoilers begin around 26:10 and run through 32:36. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book recommendations: 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Welcome and Intro 
00:00:45 Conversation with Justine Waddell 
00:50:18 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! 

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