Jill 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 Jill ...
Mar 16, 2023•39 min
On 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
Mar 13, 2023•32 min
Looking 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 McCauley Joe’s...
Mar 09, 2023•41 min
On 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 Marketplace. We...
Mar 02, 2023•55 min
Emma 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's epi...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Joe, 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 Lucas The God of Endings by...
Feb 23, 2023•58 min
On 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 Profes...
Feb 20, 2023•43 min
When 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 Period Repair Man...
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 20 min
Emma 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 by Magg...
Feb 13, 2023•45 min
Today 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 & Crake by Margaret A...
Feb 09, 2023•44 min
New 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 App...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Today 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 the P...
Jan 30, 2023•57 min
Emma, 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 by Dana Schwartz Th...
Jan 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Emma 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 the P...
Jan 23, 2023•40 min
Starting the new year off right with our MOST anticipated books of 2023! This list was so hard to narrow down and we're surely missing a lot of releases, but here are some of the titles we cannot wait to read this year. Emma, Joe, and Jill also chat about our undying love for Santino Fontana, the struggle in pronouncing character names from fantasy books aloud, a term we're coining "murder-coms," Joe's chat with Grady Hendrix, MLMs, gothic stories and manifesting the release of the next Crescent...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 15 min
Join Joe for a conversation with Grady Hendrix! They talk about his new book, How to Sell a Haunted House, writing structure, Lemony Snicket, and just what it takes to empty out the clutter of a life gone by. 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 podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts,...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 5 min
On today's episode of the podcast, the Professional Book Nerds are here to share the prompts for 2023's reading challenge! We read some completed entries from last year's challenge, share the prompts for this year, and tell you what prompt we're most excited about. This episode marks an important milestone for Emma and Joe, too! :) This year's challenge includes: Greek myth retelling A popular YA series Book you ONLY picked for the cover Book with a map Audiobook narrated by the author The highe...
Jan 12, 2023•20 min
Today on the pod, Joe chats with Ana Reyes about her debut title (and Reese's Book Club January pick) The House in the Pines. They talk about writing twists, researching in your hometown, and why she thought TS Elliot was her mother's enemy! 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 podcast. Be sure to rate, review...
Jan 09, 2023•54 min
In today's episode, Jill is joined by Sydney and Jane to share juvenile and young adult titles that showcase body diversity. They share what (if any) representation they saw when they were kids, discuss of these types of books for young readers, and even offer some romance novels with fat bodies for those adults looking for something to read. Books mentioned in this episode: Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder Starfish by Lisa Fipps 45 Lbs (More or Less) by Kelly Barson Taking Up Space by Alysen Gerb...
Jan 05, 2023•57 min
Aubrey Gordon, co-host of Maintenance Phase, comes on the Professional Book Nerds to talk about her new book "You Just Need to Lose Weight!" and 19 other myths about fat people. She and Jill discuss some of the myths contained in her book, Taylor Swift's "Anti Hero" music video, and ways to break free from yet again setting a diet-related New Year resolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 2 min
2023 is almost here, and with it comes a new month of amazing books we can't wait to read! Emma’s Picks Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo The Villa by Rachel Hawkins Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert Jill’s Picks You Just Need to Lose Weight by Aubrey Gordon Regrets Only by Kieran Scott The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz Age of Vic...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Emma chats with Scarlett St. Clair about her new book, Queen of Myth and Monsters! They discuss where the action picks up with Adrian and Isolde after King of Battle and Blood, morally grey characters, what growth we might see for these characters in this world in future books, Grimm retellings, how librarians helped Scarlett enjoy reading romance, and more. Note: We had some audio difficulties with this episode. We don't think it impacts the conversation, but we apologize that it isn't the best...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Emma, Joe, and Jill discuss the best books they read this year! Join for a lively conversation about the books the nerds loved the most. We loved these books so much that Joe refers to "before" and "after" this book, Jill loves a title so much she'd marry it if she could, and Emma owns five print copies (soon to be seven) of one of these titles. Let us know what books YOU loved this much by sending us an email or a comment on social media. Emma’s Picks A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Such Sharp ...
Dec 15, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Today's guest is Evette Dion, author of the new book Weightless. Jill and Evette discuss navigating the world in a fat body, medical fatphobia, reality TV, and Evette recommends some books about body positivity and fat liberation. Books mentioned in this episode: Landwhale by Jes Baker Hunger by Roxane Gay Bad Fat Black Girl by Sesali Bowen anything by Marianne Kirby Belly of the Beast by Da'Shaun Harrison Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
Dec 12, 2022•46 min
Robin from AudioFile is back again to share some of the best audiobooks of the year! Visit AudioFile's website for the full list of best audiobooks of 2022. Books mentioned in this episode The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell Life Between the Tides by Adam Nicolson Inside Voice by Lake Bell Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino Finding Me by Viola Davis ...
Dec 08, 2022•47 min
Today on the podcast, Joe talks with Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com. Amy shares about her career as a blogger, her book club, and her brand-new podcast- Book Gang. Then, Amy and Joe recommend some wintry titles to curl up with as the season gets a bit more biting. Books Mentioned in This Episode: Amy’s Titles: The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian Miller A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant Fingersmith by Sarah Waters Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 2 min
December is upon us, and with that are many amazing releases (most on the same day)! Join Emma, Jill and Joe as they share their December books to watch out for. Books Mentioned in This Episode: Emma’s Picks: Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlet St. Clair Screaming on the Inside: the Unsustainability of American Motherhood by Jessica Grose The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne Jill’s Picks: Witcha Gonna Do by Avery flynn...
Dec 01, 2022•50 min
In today's episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast, Joe talks with Chuck Wendig about his new book Wayward (book two in the world of Wanderers). Chuck shares what it was like to write about a pandemic pre-pandemic, tackling his first major bout of writer's block, and what it's like introducing his child to Stranger Things. 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...
Nov 28, 2022•51 min
Emma welcomes back some familiar voices to PBN! Maria, Kristin, Holly, and Jane discuss their favorite books that they read in 2022. They also discuss books that make you laugh while crying, the "one bed" romance trope, Goodreads Choice Awards, character-driven plots, using the chili pepper spice rating scale, and their undying devotion to Emily Henry's Book Lovers. Maria’s Picks: Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian Krist...
Nov 21, 2022•58 min
Emma, Joe, and Jill are joined by Anji and Colleen from GraphicAudio to discuss their incredible, dramatized productions available from GraphicAudio. Anji is the VP and General Manager at GraphicAudio and Colleen is a Director/Script Adaptor for many productions, but particularly notable, are the adaptations she's done for A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. We ask them what the production process is like, what's coming soon from GraphicAudio, and so much more! Books mentioned in this ...
Nov 17, 2022•50 min
