• March 2026 Book Releases We’re Adding to Our TBR
    Feb 26 2026
    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 stacked. Get your Libby tag ready — we’re giving you plenty of reasons to hit “borrow” and build out your holds list. Looking for even more ideas? Browse Amy’s curated guides: 2026 Debut Books (43 Incredible Titles) 2026 New Releases (47 Book Ideas From Seasoned Voices) Your March reading mood? Officially handled. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks: The Shock of the Light – Lori Inglis Hall The Beheading Game – Rebecca Lehmann The Fountain – Casey Scieszka Where the Girls Were – Kate Schatz Lady Tremaine – Rachel Hochhauser Under Water – Tara Menon That's What Friends Are For – Wade Rouse The Truth About Ruby Cooper – Liz Nugent The Night We Met – Abby Jimenez Once and Again – Rebecca Serle Joe’s Picks: Now I Surrender – Álvaro Engrigue 200 Monas – Jan Saenz The Disappointment – Scott Broker Adult Braces – Lindy West The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts – Kim Fu You With the Sad Eyes – Christina Applegate Strange Girls – Sarvat Hasin Sisters in Yellow – Mieko Kawakami Hooked – Asako Yuzuki Wretch – Eric LaRocca Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Check out How to Shoot a Ghost on Kanopy! 00:01:36 Title 00:02:00 Intro 00:02:30 Chatting with Amy Allen Clark 00:09:12 March 2026 Book Picks 01:17:47 Closing & 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Inside One’s Company: Obsession, Isolation, and Talking with Ashley Hutson
    Feb 12 2026
    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. Then, at the 25-minute mark we do a quick spoiler breakdown, then we’re joined by Ashley Hutson herself for a spoiler-filled conversation about the book, her inspirations, the emotional core of the story, and what it was like bringing this unsettling, unforgettable novel to life. 📚 Spoiler warning: The author interview includes spoilers—so read One’s Company first, then come hang out with us. If you love this book-club-style episode (or want us to do more like it with different books or formats), we want to hear from you! Email Joe at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com with your thoughts. Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here! 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 this episode here: https://www.libbylife.com/blog/inside-one-s-company-obsession-isolation-and-talking-with-ashley-hutson-book-lounge-by-libby Who’s in this episode: Amy Allen Clark – Links Find Book Gang on Patreon Ashley Hutson - Website Check out Ashley’s recent publication “Our Whole History” here! Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:02:13 Talking One’s Company with Amy Allen Clark 00:25:55 Spoiler breakdown of One’s Company 00:30:12 Conversation with Ashley Hutson, author of One’s Company 01:19:55 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Becoming a Reader as an Adult
    Feb 5 2026
    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 her journey as a writer. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt outside of reading culture—and is finding their way in. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Who’s in this episode: Find Sam’s Bookstagram @worldwakerreads Check out @lizabethanneauthor Check out Forget Me Not Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:10 Becoming a Reader 00:46:46 Becoming an Author 01:06:03 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • February 2026 Book Releases We’re Obsessed With
    Jan 29 2026
    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 reading life, or just want to know what February’s literary lineup has in store, consider this your official February 2026 Book Release Radar. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Meara’s Picks: A Little Buzzed – Alys Murray The Sun and the Starmaker – Rachel Griffin Greedy - Callie Kazumi Books & Bewitchment - Isla Jewell How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates - Shailee Thompson Cruelty Free - Caroline Glenn For Human Use - Sarah G Pierce Weavingshaw – Heba Al-Wasity The Hospital at the End of the World - Justin C. Key The Forest on the Edge of Time – Jasmin Kirkbride The Red Winter - Cameron Sullivan Joe’s Picks: Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman Heap Earth Upon It – Chloe Michelle Howarth Murder Bimbo – Rebecca Novack Superfan – Jenny Tinghui Zhang She Made Herself a Monster – Anna Kovatcheva I am the Ghost Here – Kim Samek Good People – Patmeena Sabit The Jills – Karen Parkman Dollface – Lindy Ryan Language as Liberation – Toni Morrison Who’s in this episode: Meara - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:22 Intro 00:01:02 Catching up with Meara 00:05:38 February 2026 Book Picks 01:08:35 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Mood Reading & Our Winter Reading Vibes - DNF Energy & Cozy Season Picks
    Jan 22 2026
    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, emotional, and immersive reads. If your winter reading life looks nothing like your reading goals… you’re in good company. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Cece’s Picks: The Boys in the Valley – Philip Fracassi Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children series – Book 1 Every Heart a Doorway) – Seanan McGuire The Forgotten Girl – India Hill Brown Echo After Echo – A.R. Capetta Meara’s Picks: The Hush – Sara Foster These Immortal Truths - R. Raeta These Godly Lies – R. Raeta Cold - Drew Hayden Taylor One Dark Window - Rachel Gillig Joe’s Picks: Strange Pictures - Uketsu Strange Houses - Uketsu Bad Dolls – Rachel Harrison The Writing Retreat – Julia Bartz Breathe In, Bleed Out – Brian McAuley The Staircase in the Woods – Chuck Wendig Idle Grounds - Krystelle Bamford Old Country by Matt & Harrison Query The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson Bochica – Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro Play Nice – Rachel Harrison The Apartment Across the Hall – Jack Dane The Most – Jessica Anthony The Three of Us – Ore Agbaje-Williams Who’s in this episode: Cece – Links Meara - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:13 Diving into winter vibes & mood reading with Cece & Meara! 00:16:05 Meara’s tracker spreadsheet & fixing a reading slump 00:20:33 Do TBRs exist anymore? 00:35:10 How do your reading habits change with the season? 00:38:41 DNF’ing books 00:48:41 Some recommended reads for the vibe 01:05:03 Wrap up 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 2026 Book Release Radar: The new books we can’t wait to read
    Jan 15 2026
    New year, new books, and SO many reasons to freak out (in the best way). In this bonus episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu and Meara to kick off 2026 with a full-on Book Release Radar—highlighting the upcoming titles they’re most excited to read this year. From buzzy new releases to books that already feel like future favorites, they're sharing what’s climbing to the very top of the TBRs and why 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for readers. Consider this your official permission slip to start planning your holds early. Season 3 is coming in April but make sure you’re following us so you don’t miss out on our monthly episodes while you wait! Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Book recommendations: Jananie’s Picks: A Kiss of Crimson Ash – Anuja Varghese We Dance Upon Demons – Vaishnavi Patel TRAD WIFE – Saratoga Schaefer The Rise of the Celestials – Kritika H. Rao Read Between the Lies – Jesse Q. Sutanto Aicha – Soraya Bouazzaoui Burn the Sea – Mona Tewari Seasons of Glass and Iron – Amal El-Mohtar Meara’s Picks: A Vow in Vengeance - Jaclyn Rodriguez Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke She Haunts Me Still - De Elizabeth Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It – Brooke Averick The Wretched Divine – Adalyn Grace Clara & the Devil – Olivie Blake & Little Chmura Dead Beat - Leigh Bardugo Light Wielder - Rachel Schneider Victorious – VE Schwab Joe’s Picks: Nothing Tastes as Good – Luke Dumas Japanese Gothic – Kylie Lee Baker We Burned so Bright – TJ Klune Spoiled Milk – Avery Curran Plastic, Prism, Void – Violet Allen Fruitcake – Rex Ogle Missing in Soho – Holly Stars Lights! Camera! Frendo! - Adam Cesare Who's in this episode: Jananie K. Velu – Links Meara - Links Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:55 Gettin’ chatty with Jananie & Meara 00:03:14 Relationships with book releases 00:07:54 2026 Book Release Radar 01:04:59 Final thoughts 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • January 2026 Book Picks: New Year, New TBRs
    Dec 18 2025
    As we head into the holiday season, we’re already looking ahead—because nothing pairs better with cocoa and cozy time off than planning your next year’s TBR 🎄📚 For our January 2026 Book Picks (and the final Book Lounge episode of 2025!), I'm joined by Madison to break down the new releases we cannot wait to snag in the new year. These are the books we’re placing holds and adding to notify me tags in Libby, lining up for holds, and mentally reading before the wrapping paper’s even recycled ✨ This episode is equal parts holiday sendoff and new year reading hype. We’re taking a short break, soaking up the season, and coming back in January 2026 with all-new episodes. 🎁 One last thing before the year ends! Help shape the future of Book Lounge by completing our listener survey by January 5: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey Happy holidays, happy reading, and may your holds come in early. ✨📖 Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Titles mentioned in this episode: Madison’s picks: Graceless Heart – Isabel Ibañez The Midnight Carousel – Fiza Saeed McLynn Silver & Blood – Jessie Mihalik The Elsewhere Express – Samantha Sotto Yambao Women of a Promiscuous Nature – Donna Everhart Dragon Cursed – Elise Kova When Trees Testify – Beronda L. Montgomery Joe’s picks: Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy Is This a Cry for Help? - Emily Austin How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder – Nina McConigley Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven Fustuk – Robert Mgrdich Apelian Gaslit – Megan Davidhizar Better the Devil – Erik J. Brown Check out Madison’s Bookstagram Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:01:07 Intro 00:07:33 January 2026 Book Picks with Madison!’ 01:17:11 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Our Favorite Reads of 2025
    Dec 11 2025
    We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists. Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season. ✨ Don’t forget to take our podcast survey! Running now through January 5. We want to hear from you! Survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Guest host recommendations: Carmen Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings - Myriam Gurba The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas Cece Listen to Your Sister – Neena Viel The Luis Ortega Survival Club – Sonora Reyes Jananie Dust Settles North – Deena ElGenaidi Immaculate Conception – Ling Ling Huang Kayla Julie Chan is Dead- Liann Zhang The Compound- Aisling Rawle Meara Girl Dinner – Olivie Blake Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker Joe When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito Hungerstone – Kat Dunn Follow the guests & guest hosts: Carmen – link Cece - link Jananie K. Velu – link Kayla - link Meara – link Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:01:07 Intro 00:03:54 Best Reads of 2025 00:03:22 The Summer Book on KANOPY 00:31:52 Best Reads of 2025 01:03:01 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 bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. 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
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    1 hr and 6 mins