Book Lounge by Libby
Book Lounge by Libby is your cozy reading corner of the internet. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into candid and thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing and the trends shaping what we read (plus reading recommendations you won't want to miss). Brought to you by Libby, the library app. Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links Book Lounge airs year-round, with two 10-week seasons each year, featuring publishing conversations on Mondays and paired book recommendations on Thursdays- plus monthly Book Release Radar episodes. We release 1–3 episodes per month between seasons. Reach out to us at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Happy Reading!
Episodes
May 7, 2026 • 67 mins
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu of thisstoryaintover to celebrate AAPI Month with a stack of incredible Asian lit you’ll want to add to your TBR immediately.
Together, they dive into a wide range of must-read books highlighting stories that span genres, perspectives, and lived experiences. From deeply personal narratives to sweeping, unforgettable storytelling, this conversation is all ab...
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May 4, 2026 • 55 mins
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe celebrates Asian Heritage Month by spotlighting the global impact of Asian voices in storytelling. Joined by bestselling authors Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh, the conversation explores how heritage, identity, and lived experience shape the stories we read and why those stories resonate far beyond any one place or perspective.
From the influence of cultural traditions to the responsibilit...
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April 30, 2026 • 81 mins
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 ch...
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April 29, 2026 • 68 mins
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...
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April 27, 2026 • 103 mins
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....
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April 23, 2026 • 71 mins
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...
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April 20, 2026 • 62 mins
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 difficul...
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April 16, 2026 • 83 mins
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 standou...
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April 13, 2026 • 63 mins
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 t...
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April 9, 2026 • 62 mins
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’...
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April 7, 2026 • 61 mins
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 e...
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April 2, 2026 • 49 mins
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 grou...
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March 26, 2026 • 71 mins
April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads! 🌸
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by returning guest (and friend) Emma to talk through the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited to add to their TBR.
Together, they explore a wide range of upcoming titles—from highly anticipated bestsellers to under-the-radar gems—perfect for spring reading.
If you’re looking to refresh you...
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March 19, 2026 • 70 mins
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by a true multi-hyphenate talent—acclaimed audiobook narrator and producer Daniel Henning, whose voice you’ve almost certainly heard bringing stories to life.
Now, Daniel is stepping into the publishing world with his bold new imprint, Starshells of Madness, dedicated to reviving forgotten, unconventional, and culturally significant works. At the heart of this mission is his ...
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March 12, 2026 • 45 mins
Witchy books have completely cast a spell on readers—and in this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to explore the magic behind the genre.
From cozy magical stories to darker tales of witchcraft and power, Meara shares how she first fell in love with witchy reads and why the genre keeps pulling readers back for more. Meara shares her hallmarks of a great witchy book: beloved tropes, magical vibes, found famil...
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February 26, 2026 • 82 mins
March is bringing the heat 🔥
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark of the Book Gang Podcast to talk about the March 2026 book releases they cannot wait to read.
From buzzy debuts to powerhouse authors returning with new stories, we’re breaking down the titles climbing to the top of our TBR piles. Whether you love literary fiction, thrillers, romance, or genre-bending surprises, this month is...
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February 12, 2026 • 83 mins
On this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re trying something a little different—and we’re very excited about it. Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark from the Book Gang podcast to dive deep into One’s Company by Ashley Hutson, a book Amy has been completely obsessed with.
We start with a breakdown of the book (mostly spoiler-free), unpacking what worked, what lingered, and why One’s Company gets under your skin in the best way. ...
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February 5, 2026 • 69 mins
Not everyone grows up a reader—and that’s okay.
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe talks with his friend Sam about what it’s like when reading finally works for you. They dig into unlearning what reading is “supposed” to look like, finding joy without pressure, and how discovering books later in life can quietly change how you see yourself.
Along the way, Sam shares how becoming a reader also sparked the beginning of ...
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January 29, 2026 • 72 mins
New month, new books, and a very full TBR. 📖✨
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Meara to dive into the most exciting books releasing in February 2026. From buzzy new novels to under-the-radar gems, we’re breaking down what’s catching our attention, what we’re most hyped to read, and which releases are moving straight to the top of our TBRs.
If you love tracking upcoming book releases, planning your read...
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January 22, 2026 • 69 mins
Winter is a vibe—and so is the way we read during it.
In this episode, Joe is joined by Cece and Meara to talk all things winter reading vibes, from how mood reading works for us to whether TBRs ever stand a chance. We get honest about DNFing books (when we quit, why we quit, and how we make peace with it) and then wrap things up with book recommendations that feel just right for the colder months—think cozy, atmospheric, emotion...
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