Professional Book Nerds
821 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 302 ratingsWe'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!
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Episodes
Joe Reads a Big Romance
August 24, 2023 07:00 - 52 minutesThe day has finally arrived - Emma has convinced Joe to read a popular romance title! Join the nerds as they talk about Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. They talk about what Joe loved (and maybe didn't love) most about the book, key romance tropes, if Joe would read another romance, and of course vibes ✨ 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 Marketplace. Looking for more book...
Hope and Healing with Kennedy Ryan
August 21, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutesEmma speaks with award-winning author, Kennedy Ryan, about her books, The Kingmaker, and Long Shot, to celebrate the Bloom Books editions in print. They also discuss Kennedy's research that goes into her writing, centering women, writing with conviction, belief, her journalism background, motherhood, romance, allllll the tropes, and so much more. CONTENT WARNINGS: Long Shot discusses issues that may be sensitive to readers. Please read all content warnings about the book beforehand. Kennedy d...
Highest and Lowest Rated Titles on our TBR
August 17, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourToday Emma and Joe are sharing the top 5 highest rated and 5 lowest rated titles from their TBR. They discuss reviewing a title before the book is out, review bombing, and the different ways they keep track of books they want to read. Share how you track your TBR with us on social media - we're @probooknerds on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok! Emma's Titles: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson Leg...
The One Where We Talk About Final Girls
August 10, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutesJoe and Emma chat about the "final girl" trope and share some general book recommendations that everyone should read if they're looking for a good "final girl" pick. They share their personal picks that touch on that trope. This episode is filled with book recommendations galore, but they also chat about Tuesday the 17th, Psych, the Y2K panic, Blockbuster, Stephen Graham Jones and his chat with Jill, and so much more. Books mentioned in this episode: General recs: Final Girls by Riley Sager...
The Stories You've Never Heard Before with Sarah Pekkanen
August 07, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutesOn today's episode, Emma is joined by the #1 NYT bestselling author, Sarah Pekkanen, to discuss her new book, Gone Tonight, out on August 1st. Sarah dives into how much this book was a gift to write, the tightknit author community she's a part of, her connection to Colleen Hoover, the ideal writing setup, the audiobook's narrator, Kate Mara, the working title of her next book, and so much more. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby....
Summer Camp Reads
August 03, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutesToday Emma, Joe and Kristin are taking you to summer camp! Whether you want to make friendship bracelets, lay out by the dock, or run from the serial killer through the mess hall, they've got the recommendations for you. Want to know which of us went to summer camp? Listen to this ep and find out the answer plus catch a great list of summer camp books and books that match the summertime vibes. Kristin’s Titles: You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron Really Truly by Heather...
A Five-Star Conversation with Elin Hilderbrand
July 31, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutesQueen of the beach read, Elin Hilderbrand, speaks with Emma about her newest release, The Five-Star Weekend. They also discuss Elin's retirement, her new 2-book deal with her daughter, what readers can expect from Swan Song, TikTok recipes, social media, her new podcast, and her return to Cleveland, Ohio! Books mentioned in this episode: The Perfect Couple The Blue Bistro 28 Summers Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Libr...
August Book Picks
July 27, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutesIn this episode, Emma and Joe share another big ole list of books they're most excited for in August 2023. Come and catch the vibe for their end of summer picks! Titles mentioned in this episode: Emma’s Titles: Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner Under the Influence by Noelle Crooks Tom Lake by Ann Patchett The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Foxglove by Adalyn Grace Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace ...
Taking a Glimpse into the Future with Christopher Hartland
July 24, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutesJoe is joined by Christopher Hartland to talk about his debut novel Against the Stars, an LGBTQIA+, young adult, science fiction romance. Joe and Chris also talk about Dungeons & Dragons, Musicals, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. 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 Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the Profess...
Big Library Read Interview with Sierra Godfrey, author of A Very Typical Family
July 20, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutesEmma and Joe are joined by author, Sierra Godfrey, to chat about her book A Very Typical Family, which is our latest Big Library Read (BLR) pick. From July 13-27, the ebook and audiobook of A Very Typical Family will be available to readers all over the world without waitlists or holds. Sierra shares more about the inspiration behind the book, being a young docent in a marine lab, how Santa Cruz feels like home, the joy of a perfect croissant, and what she's working on next! Check out Sierra'...
PBN Reading Challenge 2023 Midyear Check-in
July 13, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutesJoe and Emma share suggested books to complete your PBN 2023 reading challenge! They also discuss how they rate books (mostly based on vibes and mood) and how they can't resist an eye-catching book cover. Books mentioned in this episode: Book with a map The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Book with a bilingual character/Popular YA series One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus Friend’s favorite book A Vis...
A Forget Me Not Summer with Julie Soto
July 10, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutesEmma welcomes debut author, Julie Soto, to the podcast to discuss her novel, Forget Me Not. They also discuss the importance of hometowns, redefining failure, the grumpy sunshine trope, Julie's transition from writing fanfiction to novels, Sacramento, and so much more. 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 Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog...
July Book Picks
June 29, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourEmma and Joe share a huge list of books they're most excited for in July 2023. Today's picks fit the peak summer reading vibes, so grab a snack and a cold drink and buckle in for this ep! Titles mentioned in this episode: Joe’s Picks: Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena A Song of Salvation by Alechia Dow Overemotional by David Fenne (UK Only) Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington Silver Nitrate by Silvia...
GUESS THAT CLASSIC - Beach Read Edition
June 22, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutesToday we're returning to everyone's favorite game: GUESS THAT CLASSIC: Beach Read Edition! After writing plot summaries of classic novels as gossip, we wanted to try a new approach. This time, we rewrote classic descriptions as buzzy Beach Read descriptions and quizzed each other! Guess along with Joe and Emma, and get ready for your next, great beach read. (To avoid spoilers, titles for the game are not included) Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode on Over...
A Gothic Renaissance with Riley Sager
June 19, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutesPBN favorite, Riley Sager, returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, The Only One Left. Emma and Riley also discuss Duran Duran, "twist overkill," why he set the book in the 1980s, his intense writing schedule, the writer's strike in Hollywood, and some BREAKING NEWS for the next book that's still being written. 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 Marketplace. We hope you e...
Hunger Games Retrospective Part 3: Mockingjay!
June 15, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourJoe, Emma, and Jill chat all things Mockingjay in the conclusion to the Hunger Games retrospective series. They share their feelings on the final installment, whether they're happy with the ending, the characters they loved and lost, and some bonus hot takes on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes! 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 Marketplace. We hope you enjoy this episode of ...
Trusting the Creative Process with Claire Legrand
June 12, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutesEmma welcomes back author, Claire Legrand, to chat about A Crown of Ivy and Glass, writing unlikeable characters, the ballet inspiration behind the story, believing in your creative process, Crimson Peak era Tom Hiddleston, writing romance scenes, and so much more! Books mentioned in this episode: A Crown of Ivy and Glass audiobook Circe by Madeline Miller Piranesi by Susanna Clarke The Secret History by Donna Tartt Kristin Cashore Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today...
2023 Pride Read Recommendations
June 08, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutesGrab your water bottles and sunscreen- today, Joe and Holly are sharing some recommended reads for Pride month 🌈 From rom-coms to memoirs, light to deep, these titles are sure to add to your Pride reflections and celebrations. Titles mentioned in this episode: Holly's Titles: The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture by Grace Perry Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (Bright Falls, #2) by Ashley Herring Blake Girls Can Kiss Now: Essays by Jill Gutowitz Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour The Song...
Vices, Coffee Orders, and Superstitions with Santino Fontana
June 01, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutesToday's guest is a DREAM come true! It's audiobook narrator, actor, performer, and all around talent, Santino Fontana. Emma and Joe have a lively chat about For You and Only You (and the rest of the You series), killing superstitions, trenta coffee orders, keeping it different, Cleveland love, and more! Audiobooks mentioned in this episode: You by Caroline Kepnes For You and Only You by Caroline Kepnes The Institute by Stephen King Election by Tom Perrotta Wheelmen by Reed Albergotti and Van...
June Book Picks
May 25, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourEmma and Joe share a big list of books they're most excited about for June. They also chat about vacation, book mail, the cultural impact of "Juno," fake dating, barn moms, and what types of books they like to read the most during the summer season. Emma’s Picks: The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand Unfortunately, Yours by Tessa Bailey Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood The Whispers by Ashley Audrain My Murder by Katie Williams Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Br...
Kanopy Returns to PBN
May 18, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutesGrab the popcorn and join Joe and Rachel as Christian from Kanopy returns to share more films to add to your watch list! Come for the films, stay for the book recs in this double-trouble for your TBR episode of Professional Book Nerds! Titles mentioned in this episode: The Phantom of the Opera (1925) The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Ruinsong by Julia Ember Soaked in Bleach (2015) Come At You Are by Michael Azerrad Serving the Servant by Danny G...
Talking Complex Relationships with Ore Agbaje-Williams, author of The Three of Us
May 15, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourToday, Joe chats with Ore Agbaje-Williams about her debut title, The Three of Us (out May 16). Ore shares about her work as an editor and her creative process. Ore and Joe talk about writing what you think will sell versus what you enjoy, NaNoWriMo, and of course Twilight. 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 Marketplace here. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby ...
Romantasy Reads
May 11, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutesEmma, Joe, and Maria chat about Romantic Fantasy aka "Romantasy," Queen Sarah J. Maas, reading things when they're trendy or not, and share a bunch of recommendations. Book's Mentioned: Emma’s Picks: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross Maria’s Picks: Throne of Glass series by SJM The Bright and Breaking Sea and A Swift and Savage Tide by Chloe Neill The Foxglove King by Hannah Witten A Taste o...
Turning into a Teenage Monster with Chloe Spencer
May 08, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutesToday on the pod, Joe is joined by Chloe Spencer, author of Monstersona. They talk about writing road trip stories, unpacking grief, parental backstories, and Supernatural. Books mentioned in this episode: Against the Stars by Christopher Hartland Out of Character by Jenna Miller 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 Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ...
Big Library Read interview with Grace M. Cho, author of Tastes Like War
May 04, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutesToday Joe is joined by author Grace M. Cho to chat about her book Tastes Like War, which is our latest Big Library Read (BLR) pick. From May 3-17, the ebook and audiobook of Tastes Like War will be available to readers all over the world without waitlists or holds. In Tastes Like War, Grace shares stories of her and her mother's lives, the impact of food, small town life, war, and mental illness. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Lib...
May's Biggest Books
April 27, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutesEmma and Joe chat with podcast regular guest, Kristin, about their most anticipated releases for May 2023! They also discuss Little Mermaid retellings, their book buzzwords that signal immediate interest in a title, Jessica Fletcher, mall kid nostalgia, urban legends, the Winchester brothers, and more. Books mentioned in this episode: Emma’s picks: The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul The True Love...
Conquering the World with Emily Henry & Julia Whelan
April 24, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourEmma is delighted to welcome back Emily Henry and Julia Whelan to the podcast today to discuss their involvement with Happy Place, out on April 25th! They have lively conversation about the book, their favorite romance tropes, conquering every industry, their happy places, and more. Books mentioned in today's episode: Beach Read by Emily Henry (audiobook here) People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (audiobook here) Book Lovers by Emily Henry (audiobook here) My Oxford Year by Julia Whe...
Hunger Games Retrospective Part 2: Catching Fire
April 20, 2023 07:00 - 1 hourIn today's episode, Jill returns for the second part in our Hunger Games retrospective. This time, the trio discusses Catching Fire. From fake weddings to very real relationships, new alliances, and more, it's no wonder Catching Fire is PBN's favorite book in the series. 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 Marketplace. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerd...
Rewriting History with Caroline Kepnes
April 17, 2023 07:00 - 58 minutesEmma and Joe chat with Caroline Kepnes about FOR YOU AND ONLY YOU. They also chat about Joe Goldberg's character growth, how dreamy Santino Fontana's narration is, what Caroline's go-to coffee order is at Dunkin' and Starbucks, and so much more. Books mentioned in this episode: You by Caroline Kepnes Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes For You and Only You by Caroline Kepnes Providence by Caroline Kepnes What Kind of Mother by Clay McCleod Chapman Readers c...
Bending Reality with Magical Realism Reads
April 13, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutesToday on the pod, Emma and Joe are joined by Marissa to talk about one of Joe and Marissa's favorite genres - magical realism. They chat about the history of the genre, what they love most about it, and the CW hit, Jane the Virgin. Books mentioned in this episode: Vapor by Amanda Filipacchi The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Marissa’s Titles: Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani Notes F...
The Revival of Romantic Comedies with Curtis Sittenfeld
April 10, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutesEmma chat with Curtis Sittenfeld about her newest book and the latest Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Romantic Comedy, and the inspiration behind it, including Saturday Night Live, and the hope that this book would be lighthearted and fun. Spoiler alert: It is! They also chat about how personal Google search history can be, how the book acknowledges the unattractive elements of life and dating, "The Danny Horst Rule," and the design process for the cover art in the US and the UK. Books ment...
PBN's Favorite Libby Features
April 06, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutesJoe and Emma mix things up this week and share their favorite features in Libby, the library reading app. There's a lot to enjoy about Libby, but some of their favorite features include: Tags Navigation bar labels Multi-library search Deep search Notify Me tags Customizing your notifications Sending to Kindle (US only) Filter cloud Patrons can sign up for a Libby training with Joe and Marissa here. Watch our Libby how-to videos here. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentione...
Talking Breakfast Pastries with Megan Miranda
April 03, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutesToday Emma and Joe are joined by Megan Miranda, author of The Only Survivors. They talk about finding missing cell phones in the sand, crafting strong casts of characters, setting stories in small towns, and what Pop Tart flavors are key to Megan's writing process. 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 Marketplace. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podca...
April's Biggest Books
March 30, 2023 07:00 - 49 minutesJoe and Emma are back to share the books they're most looking forward to in April 2023. From misleading covers, to West Side Story (the 60s version ONLY), to adding to your never-ending TBR, this episode has it all! Books mentioned in this episode: Joe’s Titles: With My Little Eye by Joshilyn Jackson Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina We Love to Entertain by Sarah Strohmeyer Chita: A Memoir by Chita ...
Ch-Ch-Changes
March 23, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutesIt's the end of an era as Jill has decided to retire from PBN (but don't worry, she's not leaving OverDrive so you'll still hear her voice on some episodes!). Emma and Joe announce some big and exciting changes to the podcast! This episode also contains some nostalgia, reflection, and book recommendations based on what they've read recently. Emma’s recent reads: The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Joe’s recent reads: The Haunting of Alejan...
Food Obsessions with Dan Ahdoot, author of Undercooked
March 20, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutesToday on the podcast Joe is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Dan Ahdoot to talk about his new book Undercooked: How I let Food Become My Life Navigator and How Maybe That's a Dumb Way to Live. They talk about what cuisine Dan would live off of for the rest of his life, pitch podcast ideas to Shark Tank, and discuss what it's like to meet your word count when you thought you were already finished writing. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive....
Young Adult Botanical Books
March 16, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutesJill is joined by OverDrive librarian, Claire, to chat about all things delicate and dangerous with this botanical cover trend. While the floral trend has been around for awhile, there's been an uptick in covers that have botanical elements that look more alluring and dangerous. They discuss what is it about these covers, what genres seem to use this style, and a whole host of book recs if you've been meaning to check out something creepy and covered in flowers. Emma was unable to join but Ji...
Getting educated on The Teachers with Alexandra Robbins
March 13, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutesOn today's episode, Jill is joined by investigative journalist Alexandra Robbins to discuss her new book The Teachers. Told over the course of one school year, The Teachers follows three teachers from across the United States as they navigate the classroom. Alexandra discusses the challenges face in the classroom -- and speaks from her own experience as a substitute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greek Myth Retellings
March 09, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutesLooking for ideas for the "Greek Myth Retellings" category of the Professional Book Nerds 2023 Reading Challenge? Emma, Joe, and Jill share their recommendations if you're in the mood for a classic Greek myth with a twist. They also chat about Sailor Moon, Hadestown, the influence of BookTok, the Clytemnestra fire, and more. Emma’s Picks: Atalanta by Jennifer Saint The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Hollywood Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie ...
GUESS THAT CLASSIC
March 02, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutesOn today's episode, we're trying something new. Join us for everyone's favorite game, GUESS THAT CLASSIC! We wrote up descriptions of classic literature in modern day gossip, and then we quizzed each other. Guess along with us or sit back and enjoy the hot tea! (To avoid spoilers, titles are not included in the episode description) 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 Marketplac...
Craft and Complex Characters with Samantha Shannon
February 27, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourEmma chats with returning guest, Samantha Shannon, to talk about A Day of Fallen Night, returning to the Roots of Chaos world, crafting complex female characters, immortality, dragons, and Katniss Everdeen. Books mentioned in this episode: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon Inferno by Catherine Cho The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today...
March's Biggest Books
February 23, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutesJoe, Emma, and Jill are back to share the books they're most looking forward to in March 2023. They chat about witch trials, séances, and of course, quote Twilight. Come for the books, stay for the silly goofy moods. Books Mentioned in This Episode: Emma’s Picks: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten Paris by Paris Hilton Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lu...
Final Girls, Sequels, and Slasher Films with Stephen Graham Jones
February 20, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutesOn today's episode, horror writer Stephen Graham Jones comes on to discuss his latest book Don't Fear the Reaper, the sequel to My Heart is a Chainsaw. Stephen and Jill discuss the important role sequels play in a trilogy, the SCREAM film franchise, final girls, and, of course, his iconic character Jade Daniels. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Pro...
Books We Can't Stop Recommending
February 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourWhen you think about it, we all have a list of books at the ready to recommend. Very often, these are the same books to new people. Today, we've checked our Goodreads lists, Libby Borrowed Smart Tag, and most recent texts with book buds, and we’re ready to share the books we ALWAYS share when someone asks what they should read next. Books mentioned in this episode: Marissa’s Titles: The Transall Saga by Gary Paulson Endurance by Alfred Lansing The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Peri...
Hot Girl Con Artists with Rachel Koller Croft
February 13, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutesEmma is joined by Rachel Koller Croft to discuss her debut novel, Stone Cold Fox! They also chat about villains as main characters, the 1%, found family, and the difference between writing for the screen and writing for the page. SPOILER NOTE: Emma does ask Rachel a MAJOR spoiler at the 20 minute mark. If you haven't read the book yet and don't want to know, skip ahead to 22:35! Books mentioned in this episode: Mean Baby by Selma Blair The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian The Marriage Portrait b...
Diving Into Dystopian Reads
February 09, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutesToday on the pod, the Nerds are offering up some Dystopian Reads to tickle your fancy. Whether you're brand new to the genre or you've already survived a Hunger Games (or two), there are picks here for everyone! Titles Mentioned in this Episode: Joe’s Titles: Wanderers by Chuck Wendig Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn Want by Cindy Pon Uglies by Scott Westerfeld Jill’s Titles: The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton The Giver by Lois Lowry The Grace Year by Kim Liggett Oryx & C...
The Hunger Games Retrospective (Part 1)
February 02, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourNew year, new retrospective! We are back with another deep-dive into a favorite series of the past, starting with Book 1 of the Hunger Games trilogy. Joe, Emma, and Jill answer important questions such as Where would Cleveland be located in Panem? and, of course, Who would you choose: Gale versus Peeta? They discuss differences between the book and movie, favorite scenes, and more. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ...
Astral Projecting with Mike Albo, author of Another Dimension of Us
January 30, 2023 08:00 - 56 minutesToday on the pod, Joe talks with Mike Albo about his new book Another Dimension of Us (out January 17). They dive into Mike's process, what it was like growing up in the 80s, feedback from his authenticity readers, the excitement around his audiobook, and of course- curating a new age bookshelf. 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 Marketplace. We hope you enjoy this episode of t...
February's Biggest Books
January 26, 2023 03:00 - 1 hourEmma, Joe, and Jill are back for the monthly round up of books they're most excited for coming out this month! In this episode, they also chat about gothic ghost stories, an obsession with the tv show, Supernatural, the 90s, Uggs vs. Crocs, preview some upcoming author interviews, and talk about their favorite tropes. Emma’s Picks: Radiant Sin by Katee Robert The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz Arch-Conspirator by Veronica Roth Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft Immortality b...
Finding the Funny with Monica Heisey
January 23, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutesEmma chats with Monica Heisey about her novel, Really Good, Actually. They also discuss divorce at a young age, the triumph of oat milk, writing for television versus writing fiction, the best advice, Toronto Public Library's reading challenge, and how to find the funny in writing and life. Books mentioned: Birds of America by Lorrie Moore Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Garbielle Zevin Georgia Nicolson series How Should a Person Be? By Sheila Heti We hope you enjoy this episode of...