Be honest, how many books have you borrowed purely because the cover looked amazing? 

This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Bre for a very honest, slightly chaotic, and deeply relatable conversation about judging books by their covers. Before diving into our recommendations, we get into what Bre loves in a cover design. 

We also talk about the covers that live rent-free in for Bre, and how special editions have completely changed the way readers collect (and display) books. Plus, a love-filled detour into The Diviners series and why its design continues to stand out. 

Then, we get to recommending books we only read BECAUSE of the cover. 

We didn’t read the synopsis. 

We didn’t check reviews. 

We saw the cover… and that was enough. 

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

Book recommendations: 

Bre’s Picks: 

How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin 

The Jumbies - Tracey Baptiste  

To Steal a Throne - Gabi Burton 

On Sundays She Picked Flowers - Yah Yah Scholfield  

Joe’s Picks:  

Sky Daddy – Kate Folk 

Just Like Mother – Anne Heltzel 

Dollface – Lindy Ryan 

Butter – Asako Yuzuki 

 Who’s in this episode:  

Bre - Links 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:40 Welcome to Bre The Loc’d Booktician 
00:01:02 What are some of your favorite cover designs? 
00:05:56 Do you have a book cover that comes to mind when you think of a good design? 
00:06:57 Thoughts on special editions 
00:19:11 Here’s our recommendations! 
01:17:35 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, or this list for today’s episode! 

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

Your TBR is about to get longer. 

In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Rachel to break down the most exciting book releases coming in May 2026 by sharing what they’re adding to their to-be-read piles. From buzzy debuts and fan-favorite authors to under-the-radar titles you’ll want to grab early, they’re sorting through the chaos of new releases so you don’t have to. 

Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of “place hold now” energy as they build their May reading lists. 

Whether you’re planning your next great read or just love staying ahead of the book buzz, this episode is your go-to guide for what’s hitting shelves this May. 

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

Book recommendations: 

Rachel’s Titles:  

Our Perfect Storm - Carley Fortune 

A Parade of Horribles – Matt Dinniman 

The Final Target – Nora Roberts 

Caller Unknown – Gillian McAllister 

The Shippers  - Katherine Center 

Good Joy, Bad Joy – Mikki Brammer 

The Last Page – Katie Holt 

The Midnight Train – Matt Haig 

Joe’s Titles: 

Homebound – Portia Elan 

Bromantasy – Maire Roche 

Opting Out – Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar 

Until Death – Mary Berman 

Murder Most Delicious - Danielle Postel-Vinay 

Landing in Place – Sherine Hamdy, art by Myra El Mir 

Gay Mormon Dad – Chad Anderson 

Body Count – Codie Crowley 

Not Your Final Girl – Mikayla Randolph 

Femme Feral – Sam Beckbessinger 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:48 A warm welcome to Rachel! 
00:01:23 Breaking out of a bit of a slump 
00:06:10 Our May 2026 Book Picks! 
01:05:06 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, or this list for today’s episode! 

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

In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe goes behind the scenes of one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing: book cover design. 

In the first segment, Erin Fitzsimmons (Sourcebooks) and Karina Granda (Hachette Book Group) join Joe to talk about how they got their start in design, what their creative process looks like today, and how book covers have evolved alongside trends, formats, and reader expectations. 

Then, in the second segment, Kathryn G. English (Blackstone Publishing) and Ryan Willwerscheid (Podium Audio) dive into how design shifts across formats, from print to audio, and share some of the biggest surprises that go into creating a cover that connects with readers. 

From concept to final product, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the art, strategy, and collaboration behind the covers you can’t stop staring at. 

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

Who’s in this episode:  

Segment 1: 

Erin Fitzsimmons - Instagram 

Karina Granda – Instagram  

Segment 2:  

Kathryn G. English - Instagram 

Ryan Willwerscheid – Instagram  

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro with Karina Granda and Erin Fitzsimmons 
00:03:50 How did you get into this space?  
00:09:09 What does on the job training look like for a cover designer?  
00:27:54 When do you start desiging covers?  
00:39:57 What is a trendy cover vs. A timeless cover?  
00:47:07 Thank you to Karina and Erin! 
00:47:19 Intro with Ryan Willwerscheid and Kathryn G. English 
00:51:03 How do you approach cover design? 
01:02:39 Where do you find inspiration when creating covers?  
01:06:45 How often do you push comps and trends over author wants?  
01:18:11 Do you ever have to change covers right before print? 
01:37:50 What would you want people to take away from creating book covers? 
01:39:46 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! 

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

Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add to your TBR. 

From immersive, character-driven stories to sweeping narratives that bring the past to life, this episode highlights books that will stick with you long after the final page. Amy brings her expertise in discovering buzzy and noteworthy titles, while Joe adds a few picks of his own—including one unexpected curveball. 

Whether you’re a longtime historical fiction reader or just looking for a place to start, this episode is packed with compelling recommendations across time periods and styles. 

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

Book recommendations:

Amy’s Picks: 

The Half Life - Rachel Beanland 

Scandalous Women - Gill Paul 

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev - Dawnie Walton 

The Foursome - Christina Baker Kline 

Happy Land - Dolen Perkins-Valdez 

Joe’s Picks: 

Let's Call Her Barbie – Renée Rosen 

Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell 

The Hounding – Xenobe Purvis 

Dead Eleven – Jimmy Juliano 

Silver Nitrate – Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Flung out of Space – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer 

Stage Dreams – Melanie Gillman 

The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor 

Parallel – Matthias Lehmann 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – links 

Articles referenced:  

https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/  

https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/  

https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/ 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:53 Hello to Amy!  
00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it?  
00:04:28 Amy’s thoughts on Historical Fiction 
00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations 
01:07:28 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, or this list for today’s episode! 

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

Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb and Lauren Tarshis join Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring appeal of historical fiction and why readers keep coming back for stories rooted in the past. 

From immersive research to emotional storytelling, they explore how historical fiction brings real moments to life while still leaving room for imagination. The conversation also dives into the challenges of writing in difficult time periods, how authors maintain hope when their subject matter gets heavy and what it means to responsibly shape narratives based on real events. 

Plus, each author shares insight into their creative process and how they build vivid, unforgettable worlds across genres and age group. 

Whether you're a lifelong historical fiction reader or just starting to explore the genre, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the stories that help us better understand where we’ve been and where we’re going. 

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

Who’s in this episode:  

Christina Baker Kline 

Website 

The Foursome 

Heather Webb 

Website 

The Hope Keeper 

Lauren Tarshis 

Website 

I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 

I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 Graphic Novel 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro to Historical Fiction 
00:01:08 Hello from Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis 
00:05:07 Diving into the conversation – why historical fiction?  
00:49:26 How do you balance the heaviness of historical with maintaining light in your life?

00:58:44 Thank you 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

Looking for your next favorite author before they blow up? This episode is for you. 

Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast, an expert in spotlighting debut authors, for a conversation that starts with a little podcast inside baseball. From prepping interviews to working with first-time authors, they dig into what makes debut conversations so special. 

Then, it’s all about the books. 

Joe and Amy share standout debut novels from 2022 through 2026 that completely delivered. These are the first books that don’t feel like first books: bold, buzzworthy, and absolutely worth adding to your TBR. 

If you loved the Dazzling Debuts conversation, this is your official reading list follow-up. 

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

Book recommendations: 

Amy’s Picks: 

The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman 

Harvesting Rosewater by Paria Hassouri 

The Sign for Home by Blair Fell 

With Friends Like You by Amy Chozick 

If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett 

Joe’s Picks:  

Mayra – Nicky Gonzalez 

The Dallergut Dream Department Store – Miye Lee 

Cactus Country – Zoe Bossiere 

The September House – Carissa Orlando 

I Want You More – Swan Huntley 

The Compound – Aisling Rawle 

Julie Chan is Dead – Liann Zhang 

How to Survive a Horror Story – Mallory Arnold 

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – Anais Flogny  

Fitting Indian – Jyoti Chand 

Homebody – Theo Parish 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark – Links  

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro to Dazzling Debuts 
00:05:00 Inside baseball – talking to debut authors and the art of the interview 
00:25:35 Dazzling Debut Recommendations 
01:19:35 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, or this list for today’s episode! 

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

Welcome to Season 3 of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with a celebration of debut authors; the moment when years of writing, revising, and hoping finally turn into a book on shelves. 

Joe is joined by Casey Scieszka, Katie Bernet, and Leia Ham to talk about what it really takes to publish a first novel. From early drafts and rejections to finding an agent, navigating edits, and seeing their books in the world for the first time, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the debut experience. 

They also dive into the emotional side of publishing: imposter syndrome, creative pressure, and the surreal moment of becoming a “published author.” Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just love discovering new voices, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at where every author’s journey begins. 

Make sure you’re following the show so you don’t miss our next episode where we give you debut recommendations! 

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

Who’s in this episode:  

Casey Scieszka - website 

The Fountain 

Katie Bernet - website 

Beth is Dead 

Leia Ham - website 

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 

00:00:23 Updates for Season 3

00:02:26 Intro

00:10:13 Sharing your book with the world

00:28:15 Getting into book two

00:42:17 What do you want most for your first release?

00:48:35 Does being a published author feel different?

00:52:04 Lightning Round

00:59:43 Farewell to our debut guests

01:00:10 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

Kathleen, known online as KathleenIllustrated, joins Joe for a cozy, creativity-filled conversation. As an illustrator, thrifter, and passionate reader, Kathleen shares the early reading moments that shaped her, her deep love of libraries and Libby, and how storytelling influences her creative life. 

The episode also explores her passion for thrifting and sustainability, and the joy of discovering meaningful, unexpected finds. It’s a warm, relaxed chat about books, creativity, and building a life rooted in what inspires. 

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

Find Kathleen online:  

YouTube - link 

Instagram – link 

Website- link 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 A brief interruption from Joe & Season 3 updates 
00:04:46 Intro 
00:05:20 Getting to know Kathleen 
00:07:22 Creativity and Vision 
00:36:14 Kathleen’s Reading Hot Takes 
00:48:06 Not a Re-Reader 
00:58:02 Recent Thrift Finds 
00:59:28 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! 

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

What really happens behind the scenes in publishing—and how does an editor make the leap to author? 

In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with Emma Brodie—Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter and author of Into the Blue—for a conversation that blends industry insight with creative inspiration. 

In the first half, Emma pulls back the curtain on her career in publishing, sharing what a day in the life of an editor looks like, how the industry has evolved, and some tricks of the trade.  

Then, the conversation shifts to Emma’s own writing journey. She dives into the inspiration behind Into the Blue, her creative process, and how she balances editing with making space for her own storytelling. Along the way, Joe and Emma also bond over a certain iconic vampire saga. 

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

Books by Emma Brodie:  

Songs in Ursa Major 

Into the Blue 

Who’s in this episode:  

Emma Brodie  

Instagram 

Website 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:14 Talking publishing & editing with Emma Brodie 
00:20:24 Oops, Joe mentions Twilight 
00:21:57 Tricks of the trade 
00:29:19 Emma’s editing essentials 
00:33:18 Making space for creativity 
00:37:35 Into INTO THE BLUE 
00:55:30 Lightning Round 
00:57:49 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

What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. 

Together, they explore: 

The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books  

What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up  

Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers  

How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection  

What’s next for this growing organization  

This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives. 

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

Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books:  

Brown Babies n’ Books website 

Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram 

Dessa Carroll’s Instagram 

Titles mentioned in this episode: 

Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan 

Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman 

Saturday – Oge Mora 

The History of We – Nikkolas Smith 

Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla 

Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 
00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 
00:33:55 Making your own community groups 
00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 
00:45:12 Wrapping up & 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, or this list for today’s episode! 

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