Queen 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. Library friend...
Jul 31, 2023•43 min
In 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 Joe’s Titles: ...
Jul 27, 2023•48 min
Joe 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 Profes...
Jul 24, 2023•47 min
Emma 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's u...
Jul 20, 2023•48 min
Joe 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 Visit from the Goon Sq...
Jul 13, 2023•33 min
Emma 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! W...
Jul 10, 2023•54 min
Emma 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 Moreno-Garci...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Today 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 OverDrive...
Jun 22, 2023•29 min
PBN 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 enjo...
Jun 19, 2023•45 min
Joe, 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 the ...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Emma 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's ep...
Jun 12, 2023•56 min
Grab 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 of Achilles ...
Jun 08, 2023•39 min
Today'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 Vanessa...
Jun 01, 2023•48 min
Emma 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 Brazier Everything’s Fin...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Grab 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 Goldberg Fat...
May 18, 2023•51 min
Today, 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 Lif...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Emma, 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 of Gold and Iron by Alexa...
May 11, 2023•51 min
Today 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 Libby L...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Today 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 Libby. ...
May 04, 2023•48 min
Emma 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 Experiment by C...
Apr 27, 2023•55 min
Emma 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 Whelan (au...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 11 min
In 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 Nerds po...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Emma 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 can sample a...
Apr 17, 2023•59 min
Today 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 From My Captivit...
Apr 13, 2023•51 min
Emma 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 mention...
Apr 10, 2023•52 min
Joe 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 mentioned in today's ...
Apr 06, 2023•32 min
Today 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 podcast....
Apr 03, 2023•54 min
Joe 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 Rivera The Big R...
Mar 30, 2023•50 min
It'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 Alejandra by V. Cast...
Mar 23, 2023•41 min
Today 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.com ...
Mar 20, 2023•55 min
