Ep. #463 - On today's episode, Adam interviews debut author Alexis Henderson about her buzzy new book The Year of the Witching. They discuss how horror novels and movies help her deal with her anxiety, portraying witches in various mediums, and the line between extreme religions and cults. Today's episode is sponsored by Freshly. Visit http://freshly.com/probooknerds to get $40 off your first two orders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 20, 2020•44 min
Ep. #462 - Jill is joined by her friends Kate and Lauryn from the Generation BSC podcast to talk all things Baby-Sitters Club! From the beloved books they all grew up reading to the recent Netflix television adaptation, the women discuss why the books are still cherished so many years later, which of the BSC members they most identify with, and more. Follow Generation BSC on Twitter and Instagram @generationbsc and find them on all podcast platforms. Today’s episode is sponsored by Literati. Use...
Jul 16, 2020•51 min
Ep. #461 - On today's episode, Adam sits down with bestselling author David Nicholls about his new novel Sweet Sorrow. They also discuss the difference between screen writing and writing novels, what he prefers, and his love for Shakespeare, and writing about nostalgia. Register to join our Social Justice online event with Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal: https://company.overdrive.com/2020/07/09/register-for-our-virtual-social-justice-conversation-with-kimberly-jones-and-gilly-segal/ Buy PBN or L...
Jul 13, 2020•29 min
Ep. #460 - On today's episode, Jill and Adam share some of their favorite musicals and book recommendations based off those productions. Yes, it's obviously based off of Hamilton being out last weekend. Register to join our Social Justice Zoom event with Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal - https://overdrive.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GAPg11U0SMq6kz9iKqOgkA Buy a PBN t-shirt and support libraries - https://stores.inksoft.com/the_overdrive_store/shop/home Books mentioned in this episode (by show) Ha...
Jul 09, 2020•48 min
Ep: #459 - On today's episode, Adam interview debut author Kalynn Bayron about her new young adult dark fantasy, Cinderella is Dead. Kalynn wrote this story because, as a BIPOC author, she never saw characters who looked like herself in the tales she adored growing up and wrote a new narrative. They also discuss how music and theater inspire her, living life in a military family, and Hamilton, obviously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 06, 2020•41 min
Ep. #458 - On today's episode, Andrea and Abbey return to join the nerds for a classic virtual book recommendation smorgasbord. The group dishes out a surprisingly amount of Jack the Ripper suggestions but also several thrillers, some historical fiction, and a few apocalypse-y books. Want a Professional Book Nerds t-shirt or some Libby apparel? Check out shop.overdrive.com! Books mentioned in this episode Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin Being Lo...
Jul 02, 2020•41 min
Ep. #457 - On today's episode, Adam and Jill are joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Connie Schultz to talk about her debut novel, The Daughters of Erietown. They discuss Connie's inspiration for the book, working class America in the 1960s and now, and the state of journalism in 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 29, 2020•46 min
Ep. #456 - On today's episode, Jill and Adam share the books they're most excited about reading that are coming out in July. They also talk about OverDrive's new Black Lives Matter Community Read program. There are so many exceptional books coming our way in July. Keep supporting diverse voices and BIPOC authors, and keep lending your voice to those in your community that need it. Read about the BLM Community Read program: https://company.overdrive.com/2020/06/22/now-available-free-to-libraries-...
Jun 25, 2020•36 min
Ep. #455 - On today's episode, Adam has a Zoom chat with Gene Luen Yang, Alex Sanchez, and Laurie Halse Anderson about their new comics and graphic novels from DC Comics. Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang You Brought Me The Ocean by Alex Sanchez Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson Each of these stories focuses on important topics like racism, child trafficking, and American idealism, as well as a coming out story. This conversation is full of behind the scenes informa...
Jun 22, 2020•43 min
Ep. #454 - Today's episode is sponsored by Candlewick Press and all about their wonderful Camp Candlewick titles. These make a perfect reading list for students of all ages this summer. We open the podcast discussing some additional important collections being made available by OverDrive see the link below: OverDrive Blog to learn more about the COVID response collections and the new Black Lives Matter Community Read program: https://company.overdrive.com/blogs/library-blog/ Get your very own Pr...
Jun 18, 2020•44 min
Ep. #453 - On today's episode, Adam chats with Robyn Schneider about her life as a writer, the journey she took from writing to the medical field, and back to science, and so much more. They discuss writing stories in the aftermath of tragedy, how their college experiences shaped their adulthood, writing sexually diverse stories, and so much more. Her new book, You Don't Live Here, is beyond moving and a must-read. We're excited to share that you can now buy a fancy Professional Book Nerds t-shi...
Jun 15, 2020•46 min
Ep. #452- On today's episode, Jill and Adam are celebrating #PRIDE Month by highlighting some wonderful books by Trans authors. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary identities are valid. These authors deserve your attention not just in June but all year long. For more information about how you can support LGBTQ members of your community and beyond visit The Trevor Project. Books mentioned on today's podcast: All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders If I Was Your Girl by Me...
Jun 11, 2020•27 min
Ep. #451 - On today's episode, Janet Skeslien Charles sits down with Adam to discuss her new book The Paris Library. This astonishing true story is set in World War II France and the American Library in Paris. Literature has long brought people together and this book shows how words on pages are so much more than just stories to entertain and inform. Sometimes, they also help save us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 08, 2020•34 min
Ep. #450 - On today's episode, Jill and Adam share a list of antiracism books written by black authors. These books are meant to inform and educate readers about the ongoing experience of Black Americans including racial profiling, police brutality, abuse, and more. *Note: The titles selected lean more in the adult and young adult levels. If you're looking for titles more appropriate for young children, email us at professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com and we'll provide you additional suggestions....
Jun 04, 2020•38 min
Episode #449 - Adam interviews Alex Aster, debut LatinX author of Emblem Island, Curse of the Night Witch. They discuss the joy she experiences of turning the stories she heard growing up into novels, her writing process, her experience as a debut author, and much more. This chat from back in January was a delight and her book is fabulous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 01, 2020•33 min
Episode #448 - We highlight the new books coming out in June that we are most excited about. We also share what we think about the news that a sequel to the Labyrinth is being released. Dance magic dance! Books mentioned in this episode: Burn by Patrick Ness Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Home Before Dark by Riley Sager Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid Heroes by Stephen Fry The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison Conventionally Yours by Annabe...
May 28, 2020•39 min
On today's episode, Adam sits down with Mikel Jollett to discuss his debut novel, Hollywood Park. Mikel grew up in the infamous Synanon Cult and is now the lead singer of one of Adam's all-time favorite bands The Airborne Toxic Event. They discuss how Mikel crafted his memoir through introspection, research, and magical realism. They also discuss how our brains work through childhood trauma, literary influences, and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 25, 2020•42 min
In today's episode, Jill is joined by her friends Sydney and Tiffany! Along with talking about some of the books they have been reading, they also discuss how difficult it can be to read during the pandemic and what television shows and movies they are watching instead. Books mentioned in this episode: Crisis in the Red Zone by Richard Preston The Hot Zone by Richard Preston To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer Fifty Shade...
May 21, 2020•44 min
Today's episode is an interview Jill did at ALA Midwinter with bestselling author Emma Straub. Along with discussing her new book ALL ADULTS HERE, Jill and Emma talk Miss Piggy and Gilmore Girls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 18, 2020•29 min
Today’s episode is sponsored by Literati. Use https://literati.com/probooknerds to get 25% off your first two orders On today's episode, we're doing another round table of book recommendations with Maria and Regis. Before that, though, Maria tells us about her amazing cereal bracket she's doing with her fiance. Maria's Instagram to follow the Golden Bowl: @feszml Books mentioned in this episode (Recommendations start at 9:00 mark) Family Meal by Penguin Random House Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth ...
May 14, 2020•54 min
PBN legend Brad Meltzer returns to chat with Adam about his latest book, The Lincoln Conspiracy. They get into how Brad and his family are handling the Stay At Home order, the creative ways they've been entertaining themselves, and a whole bunch of interesting stuff about Abraham Lincoln. There's nothing better than catching up with Brad and the new book is wonderful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 11, 2020•46 min
We're still here, in our respective homes, dishing out reading recommendations for all the fellow book nerds of the world. Join us as we bring it back to the beginning of the #SocialDistance reading odyssey by having Andrea and Abbey join us to discuss what they've been reading these some 7 odd weeks. Books mentioned in this episode Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby Hidden Valley Road ...
May 07, 2020•46 min
On today's episode, Adam sits down with Francesca Serritella to discuss her first-ever solo novel The Ghost of Harvard! Francesca has been writing bestselling books for years with her mother, Lisa Scottoline, but this is quite the dark departure from their normal work. It's a mystery and a ghost story and an exploration of mental health all wrapped up into one fantastic story. You're going to love it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 04, 2020•30 min
On today's episode we're diving into the books coming out in May we can't wait to read! But first, Jill shares an incredible story about her newly adopted kitties. It's must-listen content! Books mentioned on today's episode (recommendations start at 11:30 mark) Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner Officer Clemmons by Dr. François S. Clemmons Katheryn Howard, the Scandalous Queen by Alison Weir All Adults Here by Emma Straub The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer & J...
Apr 30, 2020•53 min
On today's episode, Adam interviews Deborah Wiles about her powerful new book Kent State. This quick read looks at the horrific events of May 4th, 1970 on Kent State's campus when the National Guard opened fire on student protestors, killing four and wounding several others. Adam's parents were students at Kent State at the time and were on campus during these events, so this story very much struck home with him. They get into the details that lead up to this awful moment in history as well as t...
Apr 27, 2020•36 min
What has quickly become our new Thursday tradition is back as two new coworkers join us (Katie and Regis!) to do a round table of recommendations! Donate and help us find a cure for Blood Cancer: https://pages.lls.org/mwoy/noh/cle20/pbooknerds Buy some Libby swag and support libraries: https://stores.inksoft.com/the_overdrive_store/shop/home Today's episode is sponsored by Literati. Use https://literati.com/probooknerds to get 25% off your first two orders Books mentioned in today's episode A Fo...
Apr 23, 2020•50 min
On today's episode, we Zoom chat with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle! Her new book This Boy is out now and must-read contemporary young adult book. We discuss the strange life we're all living in quarantine, writing teenage characters into her stories while having teenagers herself, and staying productive in a time when it's a bit hard to focus. This is a wonderful conversation for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
Apr 20, 2020•54 min
On today's episode, we bring in some coworkers, their kiddos, and a kitty to offer up book recommendations perfect for cozying up in your favorite reading nook. Let's keep staying safe at home and do some reading, y'all, Books mentioned in this episode Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Sadie by Courtney Summers Deacon King Kong by James McBride Broken Faith by Mitch Weiss & Holbrook Mohr A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara The Return by Rachel Harrison Rust by Eliese Colette Goldbach Janesville by Amy G...
Apr 16, 2020•48 min
On today's episode, Adam Zoom chats with Louisa Morgan about her new book The Age of Witches. They talk about being a novelist during this time of quarantine, how her career as an opera singer helped her in her character building, Guilded Age New York, and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 13, 2020•41 min
On today's episode, Adam and Jill are joined by Emma and Maria to share some book picks for another Professional Book Nerds Reading Challenge task. We're sharing some books with unique formats including oral histories, mixed format, unique narrators, diaries, and much more. This was a blast. Jill’s Picks Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris The Last One by Alexandra Oliva Emma’s Picks The Princ...
Apr 09, 2020•46 min
