Professional Book Nerds
We're not just book nerds. We're professional book nerds! We are staff librarians who work at OverDrive, the leading app for eBooks and audiobooks from public libraries and schools. It's our job to discuss books all day long so we thought, "Why not share the conversation!" Hear about the best books we've read, get recommendations, and learn about the hottest books coming out that we can't wait to dive into. Titles discussed are available to borrow through public libraries. Get started reading at overdrive.com and subscribe to our podcast today!
Episodes
April 25, 2024 • 45 mins
It's that magical time again - Joe and Emma are sharing the books being released this May (2024) that they're most looking forward to. The Nerds talk about the eclipse, catch up, and have a silly, goofy time!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Author Interviews for May:
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Perfect Little Monsters by Cindy RX He
Think Twice by Harlan Coben
And Then? And Then? What Else? by Da...
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April 18, 2024 • 60 mins
Emma and Joe talk about some VERY specific reading moods and offer recommendations to match!
Emma’s moods & book picks:
A romance book that’s 10/10 and has Easter eggs a plenty
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
A cozy fantasy book that's equal parts wholesome and magical
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
...
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April 11, 2024 • 79 mins
Today on the pod, Joe is joined by Jane, Quinton and Sarah to chat coming of age stories. Today's recommendations run the gamut from middle grade through adult fiction, from graphic novels to fantasy. These character-driven narratives open our eyes to the many ways we all experience life. There's a story here for everyone, and we hope you enjoy!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Quinton’s Titles:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
...
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April 8, 2024 • 47 mins
On this episode, Joe talks with fellow Clevelander Douglas Westerbeke about his debut novel A Short Walk Through a Wide World (out April 2 from Avid Reader Press).
They talk about writing an adventure story, the difficulties between writing strong "walk-on" characters versus writing your main character's whole life story, and of course, what the library means to Doug.
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s e...
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April 4, 2024 • 45 mins
Emma and Joe are back for their casual nerd chat. The nerds discuss what they've been reading, audiobook preferences, comfort reads, the upcoming solar eclipse, reading pauses, and live events at Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Emma’s books:
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Just for the Summer by Abby JImenez
House of Earth and Blood (GraphicAudio)
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J ...
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April 1, 2024 • 48 mins
Emma welcomes Abby Jimenez to the podcast to discuss her new book, Just for the Summer! In this casual chat, they also talk high standards, "if he wanted to he would, " drawing inspiration from pop culture, Easter eggs galore, how being a reader made Abby a writer, vanilla cappuccinos, book tour with baby goats, and so much more!
Books mentioned in this episode:
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
...
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March 28, 2024 • 53 mins
Emma and Joe return for their monthly round up of books they're most looking forward to in the upcoming month! Settle in for a long list of great books due to release in April 2024.
Author interviews:
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Joe’s Picks:
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee
The Black Girl Survives in This One Edite...
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March 21, 2024 • 54 mins
In this episode, Emma and Joe are joined by their coworker Katie to discuss their favorite new features of the Libby app. They talk about the evolution of Libby over the years and how user feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the app. They also highlight features like multi-library search, deep search, and notify me tags that make it easier for readers to find and access titles! Come and listen to hear this and so much mor...
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March 18, 2024 • 50 mins
Joe is joined by Natasha Pulley to talk about her new book, The Mars House (out March 19). Natasha shares how her high school astronomy class inspired her first dive into Sci-Fi writing, writing a marriage of convenience plot to save a character's political aspirations, her deep love of science and doing your own calculations (even if they might be wrong). Come and hear how Natasha's experiences in life, academia and travel shaped ...
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March 14, 2024 • 39 mins
On this episode, Joe and Emma play a little game of Borrow, Buy, Bin, a bookish take on the infamous game, Snog, Marry, Avoid. They've provided each other with authors to choose from, but without knowing what the books will be, Emma and Joe have to decide if they're going to Borrow the book for a little bit, Buy it to add to the collection at home, or put it in the donate Bin!
Titles in this game:
Sarah J Maas
A Court of Thorns a...
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March 11, 2024 • 35 mins
Emma catches up with Tarryn Fisher to discuss her new book, Good Half Gone. Tarryn also shares the inspiration behind the story, her fascination with siblings and the dynamic between twins, how women nurture in different ways, her friendship with Colleen Hoover, and being BOLD.
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marke...
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March 7, 2024 • 49 mins
Today on the podcast, Joe and Emma talk with their reading pals Andrea, Melissa and Shannon about how they set reading goals for the year to keep motivation and celebration high while also battling the reading slump. Join us for different ways to inspire how you view your year in books!
Don’t forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune i...
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March 4, 2024 • 47 mins
Emma and Joe are back with another casual, chatty episode! They discuss Joe's Frieda McFadden reading marathon, Emma's thoughts on House of Flame and Shadow, and share candle recommendations, craft updates, recent book mail, and answer some questions from an AMA. Don't forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune in on YouTube or Facebook...
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February 29, 2024 • 54 mins
It's that time again - time for Emma and Joe to look at the upcoming month's releases and share what they're most excited for! So many books, so little time... To make sure we're keeping things fresh, we've excluded titles included in our Most Anticipated Books of 2024 episode.
Don't forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune in on YouT...
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February 22, 2024 • 53 mins
Joe and Emma are joined by their colleague, Tiffany, to chat about seasonal reading! They chat about how they "plan" out their reading year, if the seasons influence what books they read and when, and recommend some of their favorites along the way. The group also realize what their reading "patterns" or schedules say about their tastes and preferences!
Books mentioned in this episode:
You series by Caroline Kepnes
The Hunger ...
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February 19, 2024 • 36 mins
On this episode, Joe is joined by Hafsah Faizal to discuss her new book A Tempest of Tea (out February 20). Hafsah is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the Sands of Arawiya series, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and owner of IceyDesigns.
They talk about finding their favorite teas, Victorian blood dens in tea rooms, and planning the perfect heist.
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s epi...
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February 15, 2024 • 39 mins
Romance readers, assemble! This episode is for you. Emma chats with Dominique Raccah, Publisher and CEO, of Sourcebooks, the publisher behind some of your favorite romance reads at Sourcebooks Casablanca and Bloom Books imprints. They’re joined by Paula Amendolara (Senior Vice President of Sales), Mary Altman (Assistant Editorial Director), Molly Waxman (Executive Director of Marketing), Deb Werksman (Executive Editor), and Pamela ...
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February 8, 2024 • 62 mins
On this episode, Joe is joined by return guests Claire and Kristin to talk all about cozy mysteries! Whether you're looking for quoziess, foodie titles, bookish mysteries or the like, this episode is for you. Joe also introduces Claire and Kristin to the PokéRap.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Claire’s Titles:
The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
Grave Expectations by Alice Bell
Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel ...
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February 5, 2024 • 43 mins
Emma is joined by bestselling author, Ali Hazelwood, to discuss her new paranormal romance, Bride. Emma and Ali also manage to discuss fated mates, the writing process, Ali's next release and what's been on her TikTok FYP lately.
Ali's chess book, Check & Mate, released last fall.
Not in Love comes out later this year.
Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friend...
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February 1, 2024 • 51 mins
Emma and Joe try something new in this chatty, casual episode. They discuss some recent life updates, new hobbies, books they've been reading lately, mood reading, and more.
Joe’s recent reads:
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Released by Gypsy Rose Blanchard
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
#CrimeTime by Jeneva Rose & Drew Pine
The Coworker by Freida McFadde...
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