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 24, 2025 • 67 mins
Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss!
Whether you're ...
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March 27, 2025 • 87 mins
April is here, and with it comes a fresh lineup of must-read new books! Join Joe and Madison as they dive into the most exciting releases of the month. From long-awaited sequels to unexpected gems, our TBRs are taking us on quite the journey—just like the changing season!
Whether you're in the mood for something light and breezy or deep and thought-provoking, we've got the perfect springtime read for you. Grab a cozy spot in the ...
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March 13, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode, Joe is joined by Nahomy to recommend books for fans of The Hunger Games, whether you're eagerly awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping or need more dystopian reads after devouring it.
From high-stakes competitions and oppressive regimes to survival in broken worlds, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for thrilling recommendations featuring deadly trials, futuristic rebellions, twisted social exp...
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February 27, 2025 • 101 mins
Spring is in the air, and so are a fresh batch of must-read books! In this episode, Joe is joined by Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com to dive into the most exciting new releases hitting shelves in March 2025.
From highly anticipated fiction to captivating nonfiction, they’re sharing the books they can’t wait to read this month. Whether you’re looking for your next page-turner or adding to your never-ending TBR, this episode has somet...
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February 13, 2025 • 55 mins
Waiting for Scythe & Sparrow to hit your shelf? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, Joe is joined by his colleague Meghan to share a list of must-read romances that will keep you hooked while you wait.
These books capture the same vibes you love but each offers a unique journey of its own. Whether you’re craving heart-pounding twists, thought-provoking themes, or unforgettable characters, we’ve got the perfect recommendations...
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February 4, 2025 • 120 mins
The nominees are in! 🎉 Joe is joined by his coworker Gabi to unveil the 2025 Libby Book Awards nominees, including some exciting new categories. From the book club books to the hidden gems readers can’t stop raving about, we’re breaking down the top picks of the year. Who made the list? Tune in to find out!
Check out the nominees on our Libby Life Blog: https://www.libbylife.com/2025-01-29-announcing-the-finalists-for-the-2025-li...
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January 30, 2025 • 64 mins
Love is in the air… and so are killer thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, out-of-this-world sci-fi, and so much more! Joe is joined by his friend and coworker Nahomy to chat about the most exciting books hitting shelves this February. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling horror, a heart-racing fantasy, a cozy graphic novel, or a memoir that stays with you, we’ve got your next great read covered.
Looking for even more bookish fu...
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December 23, 2024 • 55 mins
This week on the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe is joined by the fabulous Holly Stars! 🎭 Holly dives into her debut queer crime fiction novel, Murder in the Dressing Room (out January 14 from Berkley), sharing the inspiration behind this thrilling whodunit. We also chat about her incredible work on the West End and her advice on embracing your inner drag queen. 💄 Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, the theater, or just l...
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December 19, 2024 • 30 mins
Big changes are coming to the Professional Book Nerds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, we’re sharing important updates about the future of the show that you won’t want to miss. Plus, Joe reflects on the final Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge and how he wrapped up the year of reading. Tune in for all the details and to celebrate the end of this chapter with us!
We hope you enjoy our last episode of the year thi...
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December 16, 2024 • 53 mins
Step into a world of pink, glamour, and storytelling in this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast! Joe chats with bestselling author Renée Rosen about her dazzling new novel Let’s Call Her Barbie (out January 21 from Penguin). They dive into Renee’s writing process, the inspiration behind the book, and their shared love of Barbie—from childhood memories to cherished collections.
If you’ve ever admired Barbie’s iconic styl...
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December 12, 2024 • 63 mins
Start the new year with a fresh stack of must-reads! In this episode, Joe is joined by Renee to share their most anticipated book releases for January 2025. From thrilling debuts to long-awaited sequels, they’ve got something for every reader to kick off the year right. Grab your TBR list and settle in for a cozy chat packed with exciting recommendations.
Ready to dive into 2025? Let’s turn the page together!
Titles mentioned in to...
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December 9, 2024 • 77 mins
Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with audiobooks! In this special episode, Joe is joined by Hugo from Penguin Random House to share cozy, captivating, and downright delightful audiobooks from Penguin Random House Audio that are perfect to Load Your Libby app.
Whether you’re traveling over the river and through the woods, taking a moment of peace from the holiday hustle, or simply looking to escape into a great story, we’ve go...
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December 5, 2024 • 54 mins
As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible Juvenile, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books that shaped our reading journeys in 2024! 🎉📚
In this episode, Joe is joined by Andrea and Sarah to share their top picks—stories that made them laugh, cry, and think in new ways. From heartwarming middle grade adventures to gripping YA novels, join the conversation as they dive into all the books they couldn’t put down, ...
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November 21, 2024 • 60 mins
🎄📚 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for new books! Joe is joined by his friend and colleague Marissa to unwrap December 2024’s hottest new releases. From cozy holiday reads to thrilling page-turners, they’re sharing the books they’re most excited for as the year winds down. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone on this list. Tune in for a bookish sleigh ride! 🎁✨
Author In...
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November 18, 2024 • 57 mins
In this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe sits down with legendary author Chuck Palahniuk to discuss his latest novel, SHOCK INDUCTION (out now from Simon & Schuster) . They dive into Chuck’s signature minimalist writing style and explore how it unites his body of work, creating stories that pack an unforgettable punch. Plus, in a heartwarming twist, Chuck and Joe’s Boston terriers make a special appearance over Z...
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November 14, 2024 • 60 mins
It's fall, y'all 🍂 In this episode, Joe teams up with Claire and Kristin to share the ultimate list of cozy book recommendations. From charming cottage core tales to delightful cozy mysteries to graphic novels, these picks are perfect for your next warm and comforting reading escape. Your next cozy read awaits!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Claire’s Titles:
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (n...
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November 11, 2024 • 63 mins
In this episode of The Professional Book Nerds, Joe sits down with bestselling author Alex Aster to dive into the magic of SKYSHADE (out November 12 from Amulet Books), the thrilling third installment in the Lightlark Saga. Alex shares her extraordinary journey, from querying her first book at just 12 years old to becoming a relentless force in the writing world.
Discover the secrets behind Skyshade, the challenges Alex faced along...
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November 7, 2024 • 41 mins
For those of you who love a thriller, a mystery or a bit of horror year-round, this one is for you. Today Joe is joined by Kara (@thebookkaravan) to talk about twisty, claustrophobic thrillers that will take you from fall into winter. They'll take you from Halloween through the dark nights of the new year!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Kara’s Titles:
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Only One Left by Riley Sage...
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October 31, 2024 • 51 mins
Happy Halloween 🎃 Today, Joe is joined by fellow Scorpio Jill to talk through November 2024's biggest books! The nerds share what they're most looking forward to this fall.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Jill’s Titles:
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene
Box Office Poison by Tim Robey
Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White
Toto by A.J. Hackwith
Believe by Jeremy Egner
Others Like Me by Nicole Louie
Thorns...
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October 24, 2024 • 61 mins
On this episode, we've got spooky stories for your nerves! Get ready for Halloween with these horror thrills! From classic slashers to supernatural creeps, Joe, Claire and Kristin have a recommendation for you!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
Claire’s Titles:
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
The White Guy Dies First edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker
Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
Midnight on Beacon Street by Em...
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