Borrowed for the Cover: Books That Hooked Us at First Glance

Lisa See & Zoulfa Katouh on Heritage, Identity & Storytelling

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe celebrates Asian Heritage Month by spotlighting the global impact of Asian voices in storytelling. Joined by bestselling authors Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh, the conversation explores how heritage, identity, and lived experience shape the stories we read and why those stories resonate far beyond any one place or perspective.  From the influence of cultural traditions to the responsibility of telling stories rooted in personal and collective history, Lisa and Zoulfa share how their backgrounds inform their writing and connect with readers around the world. This episode highlights the power of global storytelling, the importance of representation in literature, and the way deeply personal narratives can feel universal.  If you’re looking to celebrate Asian Heritage Month through books, discover globally resonant stories, or better understand how culture shapes the stories that stay with us, this conversation is a meaningful place to start.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKeUE2dXko&list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0]!  Who’s in this episode:   Lisa See - Website [https://lisasee.com/]  Daughters of the Sun and Moon [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12449831] – coming June 9, 2026  Lady Tan’s Circle of Women [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/9311354]    Zoulfa Katouh - Website [https://www.zoulfakatouh.com/]  The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12449076] - coming June 2, 2026  As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/8557821]  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:00:57 Welcome to Lisa See and Zoulfa Katouh  00:02:22 A conversation on Asian heritage, culture and the impact on writing  00:23:41 Being Authentic and Intentional  00:29:02 Lisa See reflects on conversations about racism with her father  00:40:47 What does home mean to you in your work?   00:47:07 What do you hope readers take with you from your work?   00:51:51 Thank you and outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800] for the whole season!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog [https://www.libbylife.com/]!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7m5gs3dP0L2IouApKubGtj?si=c7d5999e6f4640fd], or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0&si=EO6i_iOcTHazp17k]. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/libby.app/]!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com [bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge [http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge]!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Borrowed for the Cover: Books That Hooked Us at First Glance

Be honest, how many books have you borrowed purely because the cover looked amazing?  This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Bre for a very honest, slightly chaotic, and deeply relatable conversation about judging books by their covers. Before diving into our recommendations, we get into what Bre loves in a cover design.  We also talk about the covers that live rent-free in for Bre, and how special editions have completely changed the way readers collect (and display) books. Plus, a love-filled detour into The Diviners series and why its design continues to stand out.  Then, we get to recommending books we only read BECAUSE of the cover.  We didn’t read the synopsis.  We didn’t check reviews.  We saw the cover… and that was enough.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKeUE2dXko&list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0]!  Book recommendations:  Bre’s Picks:  * How to Solve Your Own Murder [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/9953309] – Kristen Perrin  * The Jumbies [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/2180358] - Tracey Baptiste   * To Steal a Throne [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12114031] - Gabi Burton  * On Sundays She Picked Flowers [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12007121] - Yah Yah Scholfield   Joe’s Picks:   * Sky Daddy [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11012099] – Kate Folk  * Just Like Mother [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/6477276] – Anne Heltzel  * Dollface [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11842369] – Lindy Ryan  * Butter [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/9852731] – Asako Yuzuki   Who’s in this episode:   * Bre - Links [https://locdbooktician.carrd.co/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac9iqR2mQTZyUAYTrpmVrwLTd4zCj32lcWtjNWww0449c5hGoXIGmTw0PdRIQ_aem_ekDgZxrYgmfMDVv52w8quA]  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:00:40 Welcome to Bre The Loc’d Booktician  00:01:02 What are some of your favorite cover designs?  00:05:56 Do you have a book cover that comes to mind when you think of a good design?  00:06:57 Thoughts on special editions  00:19:11 Here’s our recommendations!  01:17:35 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800] for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39753]!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog [https://www.libbylife.com/]!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7m5gs3dP0L2IouApKubGtj?si=c7d5999e6f4640fd], or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0&si=EO6i_iOcTHazp17k]. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/libby.app/]!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com [bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge [http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge]!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

May 2026’s Hottest New Books (And Our Immediate Adds)

Your TBR is about to get longer.  In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe is joined by Rachel to break down the most exciting book releases coming in May 2026 by sharing what they’re adding to their to-be-read piles. From buzzy debuts and fan-favorite authors to under-the-radar titles you’ll want to grab early, they’re sorting through the chaos of new releases so you don’t have to.  Expect strong opinions, a few surprises, and plenty of “place hold now” energy as they build their May reading lists.  Whether you’re planning your next great read or just love staying ahead of the book buzz, this episode is your go-to guide for what’s hitting shelves this May.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKeUE2dXko&list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0]!  Book recommendations:  Rachel’s Titles:   * Our Perfect Storm [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12228120] - Carley Fortune  * A Parade of Horribles [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228928465-a-parade-of-horribles] – Matt Dinniman  * The Final Target [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12213282] – Nora Roberts  * Caller Unknown [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11960120] – Gillian McAllister  * The Shippers [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12213404]  - Katherine Center  * Good Joy, Bad Joy [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12212857] – Mikki Brammer  * The Last Page [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12004367] – Katie Holt  * The Midnight Train [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12403934] – Matt Haig  Joe’s Titles:  * Homebound [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12523874] – Portia Elan  * Bromantasy [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12297479] – Maire Roche  * Opting Out [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12159472] – Maia Kobabe, Lucky Srikumar  * Until Death [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12270191] – Mary Berman  * Murder Most Delicious [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12270596] - Danielle Postel-Vinay  * Landing in Place [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12233202] – Sherine Hamdy, art by Myra El Mir  * Gay Mormon Dad [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12382968] – Chad Anderson  * Body Count [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12778327] – Codie Crowley  * Not Your Final Girl [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12863606] – Mikayla Randolph  * Femme Feral [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12207265] – Sam Beckbessinger  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:00:48 A warm welcome to Rachel!  00:01:23 Breaking out of a bit of a slump  00:06:10 Our May 2026 Book Picks!  01:05:06 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800] for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39803]!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog [https://www.libbylife.com/]!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7m5gs3dP0L2IouApKubGtj?si=c7d5999e6f4640fd], or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0&si=EO6i_iOcTHazp17k]. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/libby.app/]!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com [bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge [http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge]!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Book Cover Design Secrets (From the People Who Make Them)

In this episode of Book Lounge, Joe goes behind the scenes of one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing: book cover design.  In the first segment, Erin Fitzsimmons (Sourcebooks) and Karina Granda (Hachette Book Group) join Joe to talk about how they got their start in design, what their creative process looks like today, and how book covers have evolved alongside trends, formats, and reader expectations.  Then, in the second segment, Kathryn G. English (Blackstone Publishing) and Ryan Willwerscheid (Podium Audio) dive into how design shifts across formats, from print to audio, and share some of the biggest surprises that go into creating a cover that connects with readers.  From concept to final product, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the art, strategy, and collaboration behind the covers you can’t stop staring at.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKeUE2dXko&list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0]!  Who’s in this episode:   Segment 1:  * Erin Fitzsimmons - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/booktypography/]  * Karina Granda – Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/karinamakesbooks/]   Segment 2:   * Kathryn G. English - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kgedesignsbooks/]  * Ryan Willwerscheid – Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/r_willwerscheid/]   Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro with Karina Granda and Erin Fitzsimmons  00:03:50 How did you get into this space?   00:09:09 What does on the job training look like for a cover designer?   00:27:54 When do you start desiging covers?   00:39:57 What is a trendy cover vs. A timeless cover?   00:47:07 Thank you to Karina and Erin!  00:47:19 Intro with Ryan Willwerscheid and Kathryn G. English  00:51:03 How do you approach cover design?  01:02:39 Where do you find inspiration when creating covers?   01:06:45 How often do you push comps and trends over author wants?   01:18:11 Do you ever have to change covers right before print?  01:37:50 What would you want people to take away from creating book covers?  01:39:46 Outro  Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800]!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog [https://www.libbylife.com/]!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7m5gs3dP0L2IouApKubGtj?si=c7d5999e6f4640fd], or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0&si=EO6i_iOcTHazp17k]. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/libby.app/]!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com [bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge [http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge]!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Must-Read Historical Fiction for Your TBR Right Now

Looking for your next great historical fiction read? Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the Book Gang Podcast, to share standout historical fiction recommendations to add to your TBR.  From immersive, character-driven stories to sweeping narratives that bring the past to life, this episode highlights books that will stick with you long after the final page. Amy brings her expertise in discovering buzzy and noteworthy titles, while Joe adds a few picks of his own—including one unexpected curveball.  Whether you’re a longtime historical fiction reader or just looking for a place to start, this episode is packed with compelling recommendations across time periods and styles.  Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKeUE2dXko&list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0]!  Book recommendations: Amy’s Picks:  * The Half Life [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12451079] - Rachel Beanland  * Scandalous Women [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/10295268] - Gill Paul  * The Final Revival of Opal and Nev [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/5588756] - Dawnie Walton  * The Foursome [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/12207351] - Christina Baker Kline  * Happy Land [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11011791] - Dolen Perkins-Valdez  Joe’s Picks:  * Let's Call Her Barbie [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/10682200] – Renée Rosen  * Disco Witches of Fire Island [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11078099] – Blair Fell  * The Hounding [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/11091368] – Xenobe Purvis  * Dead Eleven [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/9322822] – Jimmy Juliano  * Silver Nitrate [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/9322957] – Silvia Moreno-Garcia  * Flung out of Space [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/6080770] – Grace Ellis & Hannah Templer  * Stage Dreams [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/4843047] – Melanie Gillman  * The Legend of Auntie Po [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/5654391] – Shing Yin Khor  * Parallel [https://share.libbyapp.com/title/10101069] – Matthias Lehmann    Who’s in this episode:   * Amy Allen Clark, Book Gang Podcast – links [https://linktr.ee/momadvice?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacoxbW-hpDCbUhmIl6yQQ3wFP1N7vcDT2SWC4CzScadOp2DTwd202y1SCue7Q_aem_eabiEM4AqMxRP6fwyrq11g]  Articles referenced:   * https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/ [https://bookriot.com/what-makes-a-book-historical-fiction/]   * https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/ [https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-historical-fiction/]   * https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/ [https://historicalnovelsociety.org/defining-the-genre-2/]  Time stamps:  00:00:00 Title  00:00:23 Intro  00:00:53 Hello to Amy!   00:01:30 What is Historical Fiction, and what defines it?   00:04:28 Amy’s thoughts on Historical Fiction  00:12:11 Historical Fiction Recommendations  01:07:28 Outro    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby [https://libbyapp.com/]. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/35800] for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode [https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/39686]!  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog [https://www.libbylife.com/]!  We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/professional-book-nerds/id1065515588], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7m5gs3dP0L2IouApKubGtj?si=c7d5999e6f4640fd], or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6c9lTef62t5SqHLk2ddVw2ba2M6ieSr0&si=EO6i_iOcTHazp17k]. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/libby.app/]!   Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com [bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge [http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge]!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]