Book Lounge by Libby

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

What should you read this Pride Month? 

In this Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share book recommendations that celebrate queer stories, queer joy, and the many ways LGBTQIA+ people find connection, community, and hope. 

As they discuss the books they're recommending this June, the conversation expands beyond reading lists to explore what it means to live Pride every day of the year. Together, Joe and Jananie reflect on the importance of making space for joy, remembrance, rest, and reflection, and how books can help us better understand ourselves and each other. 

Whether you're looking to discover new LGBTQIA+ authors, add more queer stories to your TBR, or simply find your next great read, this episode offers thoughtful recommendations and meaningful conversation about the power of reading during Pride Month and beyond. 

From stories that celebrate queer futures to books that honor the past, this is a conversation about reading, identity, community, and the many ways Pride can live on long after June ends. 

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! 

Book recommendations: 

Jananie’s Picks: 

Comedic Timing – Upasna Barath 

Tall Water – SJ Sindu 

Meeting Millie – Clare Ashton 

Honey Girl – Morgan Roges 

Perfume and Pain – Anna Dorn 

Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis 

Big Swiss – Jen Beagin 

Local Heavens – K. M. Fajardo 

Devil of the Deep – Falencia Jean Francois 

House of Hunger - Alexis Henderson 

Joe’s Picks: 

Stag Dance & Detransition Baby – Torrey Peters 

Tell Me I’m Worthless – Alison Rumfitt 

Northranger – Rey Terciero 

Jackson Alone – Jose Ando 

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous – Autumn K. England 

We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune 

Patricia Wants to Cuddle – Samantha Allen 

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human – Andrew Joseph White 

Who’s in this episode:  

Jananie K. Velu – Links  

Glad Day Lit, Toronto - website 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:54 Welcome to Jananie K. Velu 
00:01:26 What are your pride practices?  
00:07:50 Our Pride Reading Recommendations 
01:00:10 Thanks to Jananie 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, 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

Pride Month is a celebration, but it's also a reminder of the journeys so many LGBTQ+ people take to find acceptance, belonging, and hope. 

In this special Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Kody Keplinger, Ryan Collett, and TJ Alexander for honest, heartfelt conversations about identity, community and the power of seeing yourself reflected in stories. 

In the first half of the episode, Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett discuss the isolation and shame that many queer people experience, the importance of finding your people and how books can help readers feel less alone. Together, they explore the transformative power of connection, representation, and hope. 

In the second half, TJ Alexander joins Joe for a conversation about queer joy, love stories, and the importance of imagining futures where LGBTQIA+ people aren't simply surviving, they're thriving. From romance and community to the possibilities of a more inclusive world, this discussion celebrates the beauty and power of queer storytelling. 

This episode is a reminder that none of us are meant to navigate life alone. 

Book Lounge by Libby is a podcast for readers, book lovers, and anyone searching for their next great read. 

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:  

Segment 1: 

Kody Keplinger – Website, WHERE LOST GIRLS GO 

Ryan Collett – Website, GEORGE FALLS THROUGH TIME 

Segment 2:  

TJ Alexander – Website, A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:41 Segment 1 with Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett 
00:45:06 Segment 2 with TJ Alexander 
01:28:04 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

June is STACKED with incredible new releases, and this month’s Book Picks episode is here to help you build your summer TBR. Joe is joined by Kieran, founder of the Queer Liberation Library, to talk about the most exciting June 2026 book releases across genres — from buzzy literary fiction and swoony romances to twisty thrillers, queer stories, fantasy adventures, and everything in between. 

Along the way, Kieran also shares more about the mission behind the Queer Liberation Library, a digital library working to increase access to LGBTQIA+ books for readers across the United States. If you’re looking for more queer stories to add to your reading life, it’s an incredible resource worth exploring. 

Whether you’re planning beach reads, book club picks, or simply trying to stay ahead of the biggest releases of the month, this episode is packed with recommendations to keep your TBR thriving all summer long. 

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

Who’s in this episode:  

Check out the Queer Liberation Library (website)! You can show your support with a donation here (donation link) or just by supporting them on social media (Instagram). 

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)! 

Book recommendations: 

Kieran’s Picks:  

Honorable Mention: The Fake Divination Offense – Sara Raasch 

Puck – Samantha Allen 

25 Days in Athens – Jack Strange 

Supergay! - Frankie Grande 

Double Dutch Fuss – Phill Branch 

Red X – David Demchuk  

Tillinghast – Clare Cavenagh 

Grief Eater – Emma Osborne  

 Joe’s Picks:  

Slasher Summer – E.L. Chen 

Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel – Kiersten White, Illustrated by Veronica & Andy Fish 

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency – Lev AC Rosen 

The Disco at the End of the World – Nathan Tavares 

We Hexed the Moon – Mollyhall Seeley 

Girl’s Girl – Sonia Feldman 

Valley of the Moms – Hannah Selinger 

Marion – Leah Rowan 

I am not a Vampire (Anymore) - Darcy Miller 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:03 Welcome Kieran and the Queer Liberation Library 
00:01:27 What is the Queer Liberation Library (QLL)?  
00:03:24 Supporting QLL and the Pride month donation drive 
00:04:44 June 2026 Book Picks 
00:58:48 Thanks to Kieran 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, 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

If your TBR is looking a little too well-behaved, consider this your official invitation to cause some chaos. 

Joe is joined by Abby from @crimebythebook to dive headfirst into a stack of mystery and thriller recommendations that are twisty, chilling, and completely unputdownable. From locked-room tension and atmospheric horror-leaning suspense to darkly clever whodunits and cult-favorite thrillers, this episode is packed with reads guaranteed to keep you guessing long after “just one more chapter.” 

If you’re searching for the best mystery books, psychological thrillers, dark academia vibes, or hidden gem crime fiction to add to your reading list, this episode is your next obsession.  

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)! 

Book recommendations: 

Abby’s Picks:  

Nightwatching – Tracy Sierra 

You Are Fatally Invited  & The Library After Dark  – Ande Pliego 

The Treasure Hunters Club – Tom Ryan  

The Anniversary – Alex Finlay  

Hide & Seek - Søren Sveistrup  

The Possession of Alba Díaz - Isabel Cañas  

 Joe’s Picks:  

The Mill House Murders – Yukito Ayatsuji 

Dead & Breakfast & Summer Coven  - Kat Hillis & Rosiee Thor (Aug. 25) 

Murder in the Dressing Room & Missing in Soho – Holly Stars (Jun. 2) 

With My Little Eye – Joshilyn Jackson 

The Sister Holiday Series (Book 1: Scorched Grace, Book 3: Divine Ruin) - Margot Douaihy 

Who’s in this episode:  

Abby (Crime by the Book) - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:44 Welcome to Abby from CrimebytheBook! 
00:01:06 Getting to know Abby and Crime by the Book 
00:11:11 Our Mystery & Mayhem Recommendations 
00:51:54 Thanks to Abby 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, 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

What makes readers gasp out loud at the end of a thriller? How do authors plant clues without giving everything away? And why do some plot twists stay with us forever? 

This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by three powerhouse thriller writers — Clare Mackintosh, Jo Piazza, and Lisa Gardner — for an exciting conversation all about The Anatomy of a Twist. Together, they unpack the art of suspense, the challenge of surprising modern readers, and the careful balance between foreshadowing and deception. 

From unreliable narrators and shocking endings to pacing, character secrets, and the emotional impact of a perfectly executed reveal, this episode is a must-listen for thriller readers, mystery lovers, and aspiring writers alike. The group also discusses some of their favorite twists in fiction, the pressure of “outsmarting” readers in the age of online theories, and what they believe makes psychological thrillers so addictive. 

If you love mystery books, crime fiction, suspense novels, plot twists, and behind-the-scenes conversations with bestselling authors, this episode delivers plenty of intrigue, insight, and mayhem. 

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)! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Clare Mackintosh - website 
Jo Piazza - website 
Lisa Gardner - website 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:11 Get to know today’s guests 
00:02:51 Writing by the seat of your pants 
00:03:31 Figuring as you go vs. Planning 
00:06:53 The Architect vs. The Builder 
00:08:48 Working backwards 
00:15:48 Do you want the reader to have the chance to figure out the mystery?  
00:22:17 Twists at the top of the book 
00:39:14 Do they track body bags?  
00:42:33 Do readers want to be surprised?  
00:50:10 How do you balance plot + pacing with your twist?  
00:57:35 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! 

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

This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Meara for a celebration of all things adventure as they talk about adult books that perfectly capture the feeling of reading The Magic Tree House. Whether it’s characters being pulled into another time and place, epic quests across strange worlds, hidden mysteries, or stories filled with wonder and discovery, these are the books that recreate that unforgettable reading experience for grown-up readers. 

From fantasy adventures and historical twists to books that feel immersive, magical, and impossible to put down, Joe and Meara share the titles giving them major Magic Tree House energy and explain why these stories still tap into the same excitement that made so many readers fall in love with books in the first place. If you’ve ever wanted stories that make you feel like you’ve stepped through a portal into another world, this episode is for you. 

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)! 

Book recommendations: 

Meara’s Picks: 

These Immortal Truths – R. Raeta 

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America – Clint Smith 

The Keeper of Night - Kylie Lee Baker 

The Scarlet Throne - Amy Leow 

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins - P. Djèlí Clark 

In Universes - Emet North 

The Time Traveler’s Passport Collection 

Joe’s Picks: 

Vampires in the Lemon Grove – Karen Russell 

Found Audio – NJ Campbell 

Peaces – Helen Oyeyemi  

Under the Whispering Door – TJ Klune 

The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao 

Sheets – Brenna Thummler 

Who’s in this episode:  

Meara - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:50 Welcome Meara! 
00:01:06 What was your relationship to the Magic Tree House? 
00:02:11 Reading Magic Tree House as an adult 
00:11:57 Instilling recognition of cultures 
00:19:40 Do you see similarities between your regular reads and the MTH books you enjoyed?  
00:24:09 Our reading recommendations! 
00:53:58 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

This week, Joe sits down with legendary children’s author Mary Pope Osborne to celebrate the legacy of the Magic Tree House books and the generations of readers who grew up with Jack and Annie’s adventures. 

Together, they discuss the original spark that inspired the series, how the personalities of Jack and Annie developed over time and the early days of writing for young readers during the rise of early chapter books. Mary also shares behind-the-scenes stories about adapting the series into graphic novels, audiobooks, musicals, and animation, along with the process of designing some of the most recognizable covers in children’s literature. 

The conversation also explores Mary’s writing routine, the books that challenged her most creatively, the incredible memories she’s collected from readers over the years and what it means to see The Magic Tree House continue to connect with new generations of kids today. 

Filled with nostalgia, creativity, laughter, and heartfelt reflection, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and one of the most beloved children’s series of all time. 

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)! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Mary Pope Osborne – YouTube, Website, Instagram 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:15 What was the spark that lead to the Magic Tree House?  
00:03:48 The idea of writing for younger readers and inspiration in the classroom 
00:07:35 How did Jack & Annie’s personalities take shape?  
00:09:00 How has change happened over the years?  
00:13:21 The start of Early Chapter Books 
00:22:09 Animating the Magic Tree House 
00:25:47 Designing the cover 
00:30:25 The Magic Tree House Graphic Novels 
00:35:30 What is your process for writing? 
00:41:06 Kids informed titles and covers live! 
00:42:48 Magic Tree House: History Heroes  
00:47:25 What book pushed you most while writing?  
00:50:00 Recording the Magic Tree House audiobooks 
00:51:26 Magic Tree House Musicals 
00:52:58 What memories over the years have truly stuck with you?  
00:57:54 Lightning Round! 
00:59:59 What do you hope your readers take with them?  
01:00:10 What does the series mean to you now?  
01:00:31 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

Continuing our celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month episode, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share some of their favorite books that center mental health, healing, growth, and emotional honesty. 

Together, they talk about the stories that stay with us, the comfort books can provide during difficult seasons and the powerful role reading can play in helping people feel understood and less alone. The conversation also explores Jananie’s Anti-Brain Rot reading challenge, the idea of mindful reading, and the challenge of staying intentional with our habits, goals, and attention spans in a world full of distractions. 

This episode is packed with recommendations, from emotional contemporary stories to hopeful, comforting reads, and the full episode description includes an even bigger list of titles that didn’t make it into the conversation. 

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!  

Book recommendations: 

(Includes picks not mentioned but picked for this episode) 

Jananie’s Picks:  

Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead - Mai Nguyen 

An Academy for Liars - Alexis Henderson 

Alone With You in the Ether - Olivie Blake 

Haldol and Hyacinths -  Melody Moezzi 

An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison 

How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis  

Challenger Deep - Neal Shusterman 

Darius the Great is Not Okay – Adib Khorram 
My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh 

Turtles All the Way Down - John Green 

What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo 

Evil Eye - Etaf Rum 

The Secret World of Briar Rose - Cindy Pham 

Between Friends and Lovers - Shirlene Obuobi 

Before I Let Go - Kennedy Ryan 

Cleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco Mellors 

Big Swiss - Jen Beagin 

Joe’s Picks: 

Puzzled – Pan Cooke 

What’s Wrong? - Erin Williams 

Anxietyland – Gemma Correll 

Past Tense – Sacha Mardou  

Dear Scarlet – Teresa Wong  

In. - Will McPhail  

Everything is OK – Debbie Tung  

Verona Comics – Jennifer Dugan 

Sunflowers – Keezy Young 

Who’s in this episode:  

Jananie K. Velu - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:52 Catching up with Jananie & Mental Health Awareness Month 
00:01:10 What role does reading play in your mental health journey?  
00:02:15 Anti-Brain Rot Reading Challenge and Mindful Reading 
00:04:48 When you’re going through it mentally, it’s hard to stick to goals and plans 
00:07:36 Mental Health Awareness Month Reading Recs 
01:07:27 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

This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading, emotional well-being, and community. 

Split into two thoughtful segments, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how books, libraries, and small daily habits can support healing, growth, and a sense of stability in an often-overwhelming world. 

In the first segment, Joe is joined by Monica Hobson (aka: @thebookeduptherapist), a therapist and licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on the role of reading in our healing journeys. Together, they explore the idea that distraction isn’t avoidance; it's a meaningful part of processing and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-care, how books can act as connectors between people and experiences, and how to quiet the pressure of “what should I read” in favor of what truly serves you. 

In the second segment, Joe speaks with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, about the broader impact of reading on both individuals and communities. Their conversation touches on personal and collective agency, building stability in uncertain times, and what Dr. Song wishes more people understood about mental health. She also shares why one of her first priorities in any new place is getting a library card and what that represents beyond just access to books. 

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider the role stories play in our lives; not just as entertainment, but as tools for connection, understanding, and healing. 

We hope this conversation offers a sense of comfort and possibility. You are not alone. 

If you are seeking support, please find a list of resources below: 

Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org 

Maternal Mental Health: call or text 1-833-852-6262 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations: call or text 1-800-985-5990 

The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 

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

Who’s in this episode:  

Segment 1: 

Monica Hobson – Instagram, Psychology Today 

Segment 2:  

Dr. Suzan Song – Website, Instagram, book: Why We Suffer and How We Heal 

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)! 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro – Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 
00:00:43 Segment 1 with Monica Hobson, LCSW 
00:06:37 Distraction is an important part of our healing process 
00:08:22 Making time and giving power to self-care 
00:19:55 Books are a connector 
00:35:39 What are the immediate benefits to reading for mental health?  
00:38:30 How can you make a more stress-free reading life?  
00:43:53 How can we contribute to our JOY while reading?  
00:48:12 Segment 2 with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD 
00:49:07 How does reading help heal communities?  
00:52:58 Personal and collective agency  
00:53:58 How can you build your own sense of agency? 
00:57:48 Escapism versus alignment 
00:59:05 What does Dr. Song wish more people understood about mental health? 
01:05:46 Resilience is not just enduring 
1:09:03 Book club is an experience of connection 
01:11:16 We’re missing a lot of shared spaces 
01:13:36 Getting a library card 
01:14:15 Where do stories and reading fit within a healing journey? 
01:15:26 Privatized suffering and healing 
01:19:02 Thinking about death and dying 
01:23:36 Through reading, we feel more safe and understood 
01:27:17 How can someone start reflecting through the day (easily) 
01:29:36 The emotional GPS 
01:31:04 What’s a message you hope readers carry with them?  
01:32:21 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! 

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