Join Joe and Emma on this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast as they dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of the literary canon. They shine a spotlight on contemporary books that challenge traditional notions of what it means to be considered "canonical" and explore the complexities of defining literary greatness. Emma and Joe offer up some modern works and their potential to reshape our understanding of literature and join a new canon. From diverse voices to innovative storyte...
May 09, 2024•59 min
Emma is thrilled to welcome Carley Fortune to talk about her new book, This Summer Will Be Different. In this fun chat, you'll also hear about Carley's life-changing writing advice from Taylor Jenkins Reid, writing about different kinds of family dynamics and dreamy male leads, Anne of Green Gables, long-distance best friends, the power of libraries, and how romance books can and do save and change lives. Books mentioned in this episode: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Every Summ...
May 06, 2024•56 min
Emma is joined by Sydney and Jane to discuss 1990s nostalgia, essential books of the 90s, and share a list of fresh books set in their favorite decade! This episode is packed full of book recommendations and waxing poetic about malls, layered tank tops, time travel, and revisiting our favorite decade from a 2024 perspective. Emma’s Picks: Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub The Mall by Megan McCafferty Jane’s Picks: How to Build a Girl - Caitlin Moran Ang...
May 02, 2024•1 hr
It's that magical time again - Joe and Emma are sharing the books being released this May (2024) that they're most looking forward to. The Nerds talk about the eclipse, catch up, and have a silly, goofy time! Titles mentioned in this episode: Author Interviews for May: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Perfect Little Monsters by Cindy RX He Think Twice by Harlan Coben And Then? And Then? What Else? by Daniel Handler Emma’s Titles: You Never Know by Tom Selleck The Paradise Problem ...
Apr 25, 2024•47 min
Emma and Joe talk about some VERY specific reading moods and offer recommendations to match! Emma’s moods & book picks: A romance book that’s 10/10 and has Easter eggs a plenty Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez A cozy fantasy book that's equal parts wholesome and magical Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst A memoir written by the cast member of a 2000s me...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Today on the pod, Joe is joined by Jane, Quinton and Sarah to chat coming of age stories. Today's recommendations run the gamut from middle grade through adult fiction, from graphic novels to fantasy. These character-driven narratives open our eyes to the many ways we all experience life. There's a story here for everyone, and we hope you enjoy! Titles mentioned in this episode: Quinton’s Titles: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher The ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 21 min
On this episode, Joe talks with fellow Clevelander Douglas Westerbeke about his debut novel A Short Walk Through a Wide World (out April 2 from Avid Reader Press). They talk about writing an adventure story, the difficulties between writing strong "walk-on" characters versus writing your main character's whole life story, and of course, what the library means to Doug. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop thes...
Apr 08, 2024•48 min
Emma and Joe are back for their casual nerd chat. The nerds discuss what they've been reading, audiobook preferences, comfort reads, the upcoming solar eclipse, reading pauses, and live events at Cuyahoga County Public Library. Emma’s books: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Just for the Summer by Abby JImenez House of Earth and Blood (GraphicAudio) A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Romancing Mister Bridgerton b...
Apr 04, 2024•46 min
Emma welcomes Abby Jimenez to the podcast to discuss her new book, Just for the Summer! In this casual chat, they also talk high standards, "if he wanted to he would, " drawing inspiration from pop culture, Easter eggs galore, how being a reader made Abby a writer, vanilla cappuccinos, book tour with baby goats, and so much more! Books mentioned in this episode: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on...
Apr 01, 2024•49 min
Emma and Joe return for their monthly round up of books they're most looking forward to in the upcoming month! Settle in for a long list of great books due to release in April 2024. Author interviews: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke Joe’s Picks: A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee The Black Girl Survives in This One Edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell Women! In! Peril! by Jessie Ren Mars...
Mar 28, 2024•54 min
In this episode, Emma and Joe are joined by their coworker Katie to discuss their favorite new features of the Libby app. They talk about the evolution of Libby over the years and how user feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the app. They also highlight features like multi-library search, deep search, and notify me tags that make it easier for readers to find and access titles! Come and listen to hear this and so much more on today's episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Titl...
Mar 21, 2024•55 min
Joe is joined by Natasha Pulley to talk about her new book, The Mars House (out March 19). Natasha shares how her high school astronomy class inspired her first dive into Sci-Fi writing, writing a marriage of convenience plot to save a character's political aspirations, her deep love of science and doing your own calculations (even if they might be wrong). Come and hear how Natasha's experiences in life, academia and travel shaped her writing of this work. Readers can sample and borrow the title...
Mar 18, 2024•51 min
On this episode, Joe and Emma play a little game of Borrow, Buy, Bin, a bookish take on the infamous game, Snog, Marry, Avoid. They've provided each other with authors to choose from, but without knowing what the books will be, Emma and Joe have to decide if they're going to Borrow the book for a little bit, Buy it to add to the collection at home, or put it in the donate Bin! Titles in this game: Sarah J Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses House of Earth and Blood Throne of Glass Stephenie Meyer N...
Mar 14, 2024•40 min
Emma catches up with Tarryn Fisher to discuss her new book, Good Half Gone. Tarryn also shares the inspiration behind the story, her fascination with siblings and the dynamic between twins, how women nurture in different ways, her friendship with Colleen Hoover, and being BOLD. 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 N...
Mar 11, 2024•37 min
Today on the podcast, Joe and Emma talk with their reading pals Andrea, Melissa and Shannon about how they set reading goals for the year to keep motivation and celebration high while also battling the reading slump. Join us for different ways to inspire how you view your year in books! Don’t forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune in on YouTube or Facebook Live. What Everyone's Reading Right Now:...
Mar 07, 2024•51 min
Emma and Joe are back with another casual, chatty episode! They discuss Joe's Frieda McFadden reading marathon, Emma's thoughts on House of Flame and Shadow, and share candle recommendations, craft updates, recent book mail, and answer some questions from an AMA. Don't forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune in on YouTube or Facebook Live. Books mentioned in this episode: Book Lovers by Emily Henr...
Mar 04, 2024•49 min
It's that time again - time for Emma and Joe to look at the upcoming month's releases and share what they're most excited for! So many books, so little time... To make sure we're keeping things fresh, we've excluded titles included in our Most Anticipated Books of 2024 episode. Don't forget to Register to watch the virtual Libby Book Awards ceremony presented by us, your very own Professional Book Nerds via Zoom, or tune in on YouTube or Facebook Live. Books mentioned in this episode: Author Int...
Feb 29, 2024•55 min
Joe and Emma are joined by their colleague, Tiffany, to chat about seasonal reading! They chat about how they "plan" out their reading year, if the seasons influence what books they read and when, and recommend some of their favorites along the way. The group also realize what their reading "patterns" or schedules say about their tastes and preferences! Books mentioned in this episode: You series by Caroline Kepnes The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Will They Escape? by Daniel Huiet Howl’s Movi...
Feb 22, 2024•55 min
On this episode, Joe is joined by Hafsah Faizal to discuss her new book A Tempest of Tea (out February 20). Hafsah is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the Sands of Arawiya series, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and owner of IceyDesigns. They talk about finding their favorite teas, Victorian blood dens in tea rooms, and planning the perfect heist. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these...
Feb 19, 2024•37 min
Romance readers, assemble! This episode is for you. Emma chats with Dominique Raccah, Publisher and CEO, of Sourcebooks, the publisher behind some of your favorite romance reads at Sourcebooks Casablanca and Bloom Books imprints. They’re joined by Paula Amendolara (Senior Vice President of Sales), Mary Altman (Assistant Editorial Director), Molly Waxman (Executive Director of Marketing), Deb Werksman (Executive Editor), and Pamela Jaffee (Sr. Director Publicity/Brand Marketing), just some of the...
Feb 15, 2024•40 min
On this episode, Joe is joined by return guests Claire and Kristin to talk all about cozy mysteries! Whether you're looking for quoziess, foodie titles, bookish mysteries or the like, this episode is for you. Joe also introduces Claire and Kristin to the PokéRap. Titles mentioned in this episode: Claire’s Titles: The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy Grave Expectations by Alice Bell Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes Fifty-Four Pigs by Philipp Schott Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chi...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Emma is joined by bestselling author, Ali Hazelwood, to discuss her new paranormal romance, Bride. Emma and Ali also manage to discuss fated mates, the writing process, Ali's next release and what's been on her TikTok FYP lately. Ali's chess book, Check & Mate, released last fall. Not in Love comes out later this year. 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...
Feb 05, 2024•44 min
Emma and Joe try something new in this chatty, casual episode. They discuss some recent life updates, new hobbies, books they've been reading lately, mood reading, and more. Joe’s recent reads: All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson Released by Gypsy Rose Blanchard The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell #CrimeTime by Jeneva Rose & Drew Pine The Coworker by Freida McFadden – Emma’s recent reads: Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas (inspired by @newlynov...
Feb 01, 2024•52 min
It's that magical time again - let's see what books Emma and Joe are most looking forward to in February 2024. Join the Nerds as they talk about the cold weather, the February blahs, and of course, eagerly awaited reads. Titles mentioned in this episode: Emma’s Titles: The Women by Kristin Hannah The Teacher by Freida McFadden The Guest by B.A. Paris A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen At First Spite by Oiivia Dade A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams The Warm Hands of Ghosts by K...
Jan 25, 2024•49 min
Emma chats with Saara El-Arifi about her new book, Faebound. They also chat about world-building, writing sex scenes, the book's original title, the plan for this new trilogy, fated mates, enemies to lovers, 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. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe o...
Jan 22, 2024•48 min
Emma and Joe are back for their first recorded episode of 2024 and it's a BIG one. They share their most anticipated books of the year (as they know it so far). Grab a drink, a snack, and get your reading tracker of choice ready to write down some amazing releases coming out this year. Emma’s picks: Faebound by Saara El-Arifi Funny Story by Emily Henry This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas The Book of Love by Kelly Link So Thirsty by Rachel Har...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Today Joe chats with Madeline Pendleton about her new book I Survived Capitalism and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt (out Jan. 16)! They chat about how Madeline's life experiences shaped her path forward, the importance of found family, releasing grief and odd relationships with money and forging a unique company like Tunnel Vision. They also chat about living full on a small grocery budget, spray painting found furniture, and the importance of a sturdy board in an old couch. Readers can sample...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Following the fun of Joe Reads a Big Romance and Emma Reads a Horror, on this episode Joe reads Book Lovers by Emily Henry! Emma and Joe talk about their loves in the genre, misconceptions Joe had to break down when thinking romance, and so much more. Have a suggestion for our next installment? Send your suggestions to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com or comment on the post for this episode on Instagram @probooknerds. Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode on Ov...
Jan 11, 2024•40 min
Emma and Joe talk with fellow OverDrive book lovers about which bookish fandoms they love to love! Morgan, Sydney, Christina, Laura, Sarah, and Andrea share their passion for Sherlock, Emily Henry, Fourth Wing, Star Wars, Serpent & Dove, and more in this very chatty episode. Books mentioned in this episode: Sherlock Holmes series Emily Henry Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Star Wars series Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mah...
Jan 04, 2024•57 min
New Year, New Reads! Join Joe and Emma as they discuss the books they're most looking forward to in January 2024 🎉 We hope you're enjoying this holiday season and that this episode can keep you company while wrapping, baking, prepping, or just enjoying the chilly weather under a warm and cozy blanket. Books mentioned in this episode: Emma’s Titles: House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas The Fury by Alex Michaelides The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberly and Austin Siegemund-Broka Come and Get I...
Dec 21, 2023•49 min
