We’re not just book nerds, we’re Professional Book Nerds®
With over a half million downloads, readers, and librarians turn to us for book recommendations, author interviews, and all things books.
All Episodes
Jack the Ripper recs, dog interruptions, and living in a library!
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Interview with Connie Shultz, Author of The Daughters of Erietown
Professional Book Nerds
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.
July's biggest new books and the Black Lives Matter Community Read
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Read and support Trans authors
Professional Book Nerds
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.
An Antiracist Reading List
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Interview with Alex Aster, author of Emblem Island: Curse of the Night Witch
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Mikel Jollett, author and lead singer of The Airborne Toxic Event
Professional Book Nerds
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.
What we're reading and what we're not reading (and what we're watching instead!)
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Serious about Cereal (and book recommendations)
Professional Book Nerds
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
Brad Meltzer is Back!
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Bonus Episode! Reading Glasses and The Professional Book Nerds recommend...
Professional Book Nerds
It was written in the stars that someday we'd join forces with the Reading Glasses gals and create the nerdiest book event ever. Here it is. An hour of live book recommendations done over Zoom. If you missed out and would like us to do this again, reach out to us via twitter or email and let us know!
Creatively named quarantine book recommendations episode
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Francesca Serritella
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Deborah Wiles
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Louisa Morgan
Professional Book Nerds
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.
Previewing April's biggest books (and practicing social distancing)
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, we're looking at the books we can't wait to read in April while our respective homes. We hope you're self quarantining as well and staying safe. These books are a great way to pass the time during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Emily St. John Mandel
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews Emily St. John Mandel about her new book The Glass Hotel. The briefly discuss Station Eleven, her massively popular title based around a pandemic but, as this interview was recorded in January, the current Covid-19 pandemic isn't discussed.
Big Library Read interview with Michael McCreary, author of Funny, You Don't Look Autistic
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam and Jill interview Michael McCreary, comedian and author of Funny, You Don't Look Autistic. Michael's book was chosen as the next Big Library Read title. From March 30th through April 13th you can borrow it on the reading app Libby without any wait lists or holds.
Interview with Sharon Cameron, author of The Light in Hidden Places
Professional Book Nerds
Today's episode is an interview Jill did with Sharon Cameron about her new book The Light in Hidden Places. This historical fiction novel tells the remarkable story of Stefania Podgórska, who hid several Jews in her Nazi-occupied home. For the interview, Sharon and Jill were joined by Stefania's son, Ed.
Stephanie Wrobel
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews Stephanie Wrobel, debut author of Darling Rose Gold, a thrilling family mystery about Munchausen By Proxy that is equal parts dark and haunting. Adam and Stephanie talk about why this subject interested her, the psychology of the illness, and playing with timelines in writing.
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi & Jason Reynolds
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, we have National Book Award-winning author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Dr. Kendi and Jason have collaborated on Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, & You a remixed version of Dr. Kendio's NBA-winning Stamped from the Beginning.
Bonus Episode! Colum McCann, National Book Award-winning author of Apeirogon
Professional Book Nerds
Surprise! We have a Saturday episode for you because we just had to share this conversation with Colum McCann. Adam sat down with Colum for a live event at Cuyahoga County Public Library where they discussed his new book Apeirogon, cultural appropriation vs. cultural celebration, his nonprofit Narrative 4, and why sharing stories is so important. His book is a masterpiece and you'll love this conversation.
Breaking down the Audie Award Winners with Robin Whitten of AudioFile Magazine
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Robin Whitten from AudioFIle joins Adam to dive into all the major Audie Award winners for the best audiobooks of 2019! They talk about the Audie Award gala and how the awards are selected before breaking down some of the biggest categories.
Cassandra Clare
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews YA Queen Cassandra Clare! They discuss her new Shadowhunter novel Chain of Gold, her research into Edwardian England, and they have a long conversation about tattoos. Her friend (and previous PBN guest) Holly Black naturally comes up as well.
March's Biggest Books
Professional Book Nerds
Spring has... just kidding, it's dark and dreary here in Nerd land but thankfully March is jampacked with a ton of amazing new books to keep us company while we wait for the sun to come out. Listen in to hear the new books coming out this month that we're most excited about.
Elizabeth Little
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews mystery author Elizabeth Little in Philadelphia about her new novel Pretty as a Picture. They breakdown the storytelling aspects of writing a murder mystery, surprising herself as a writer, and they have a lengthy discussion about their favorite films.
Together We Read U.S. with Pat Simmons
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews Pat Simmons, the Together We Read digital book club selected author about her latest novel, Lean on Me. Pat has written 30+ novels and her latest is available to U.S. library cardholders with no waitlists or holds on Libby. Adam and Pat talk about the life of a caregiver, trying to care for parents who are sick, and take a deep dive into genealogy!
All that Jazz - Books set in the 1920s
Professional Book Nerds
We've entered the 2020s so we thought it'd be fun to take a look at some wonderful books set a hundred years ago in the famed Roaring 20s. We're talking flapper girls, prohibition New York, Old Hollywood, lost libraries, and so much more!
Kate Racculia, author of Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghost
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews Kate Racculia, author of the award-winning Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts. They chat about Edgar Allan Poe, Kate's many exceptional past jobs, her experience working in a library and so much more wonderful nerdery. Take a listen!
Holly Black, author of The Queen of Nothing
Professional Book Nerds
This week, the final book in Holly Black's wildly popular "Folk of the Air" series, The Queen of Nothing, came out and Holly stopped by to chat! Adam and Holly get into the creation of the world of Elfhame, the relationship between Jude and Cardan, and so much more.
Books for Aspiring Writers: Surviving and Thriving during #NaNoWriMo
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Jill and Adam dive into National Novel Writing Month, how they're approaching this monumental task, and offer up loads of books to help you get through #NaNoWriMo. Need help? We've got your back.
Michael Connelly LIVE!
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam sits down for a live interview with Michael Connelly, creator of the legendary and wildly popular Harry Bosch series of books. His latest book, The Night Fire is out now and reconnects Bosch and Ballard and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Elvis Duran!
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam and Jill sit down with Elvis Duran in front of a soldout audience to discuss his new memoir Where Do I Begin?, the future of radio, and life in general. This was such a wonderful event to be a part of and you're going to love this conversation.
Daemons & Dust: The importance of His Dark Materials
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam breaks down why His Dark Materials his essential in society for readers of all ages. He discusses the connection to spiritualism and religion and how the origins of the story can be traced to Paradise Lost.
What we're reading and motherhood misconceptions with Nefertiti Austin
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam & Jill discuss the books they've been enjoying recently before Adam sits down with Nefertiti Austin to talk about her book Motherhood So White. Nefertiti's book breaks down all the misconceptions about adoption and being a single parent as an African American.
October's biggest new book releases!
Professional Book Nerds
Happy Spooky SZN y'all! We're breaking down the books we're most excited about that will be coming out in October. We've got horror books, memoirs, young adult, and yep more horror! There's something for everyone though, whether you love scary books or not. This might be our largest list yet.
Kat Cho, Author of Wicked Fox
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam sits down with Kat Cho, debut YA author of the splendid and fantastical Wicked Fox! They discuss how Kat realized her story and heritage were interesting to others, how K-Dramas relate to Young Adult literature, and the power of having a positive writing group.
Interview with Daniel Silva
Professional Book Nerds
Today on the podcast, Jill has an interview with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. His new book The New Girl is out now. Daniel shares the real-life kidnapping that inspired the book and why he decided to get rid of the first 200 pages and start over.
All About Audiobooks!
Professional Book Nerds
Get your headphones ready because today Jill and I are offering up a big pile of audiobook recommendations! A cool new update in Libby that just came out lets you enjoy your audiobooks through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so it's perfect timing! Enjoy!
Cadwell Turnbull, Author of The Lesson
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam chats with Cadwell Turnbull about his novel The Lesson, which comes out June 18th. This story about an advanced race of aliens coming to The U.S. Virgin Islands explore colonialism and the history of an oft-overlooked part of the world.
Interview with Bestselling Author Jennifer Weiner!
Professional Book Nerds
Today's interview is one Jill did with the immensely popular author, Jennifer Weiner about her new book MRS EVERYTHING. The book covers multiple decades and the pair discuss Jennifer's research process, the idea of "chick lit" and how Jennifer's mom inspired this book.
Ali Benjamin, National Book Award finalist and International bestselling author
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam chats with Ali Benjamin about her latest novel, The Next Great Paulie Fink. The book is all about how storytelling can shape an individual, how we experience stories, and how we relate them to others.
Recent Reads and How Books Helped Me Fight Depression
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam chats about his recent book festival travels before discussing the books he's enjoyed recently. Then, he gets into how he overcame depression last year by focusing on stories in the books he was reading.
Alafair Burke
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam chats with Alafair Burke who was in town for a library event! They discuss her latest thriller The Better Sister, how she uses tension from the criminal justice system to up the stakes for family dramas, and what it's like getting to work with Mary Higgins Clark.
Chill with the return of our Summer Reading Program
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam returns from LA to chat with Christina about the upcoming OverDrive Summer Reading Program! She breaks down the awesome collection available to our school and library partners and then dives into the titles she's most excited about.
There Were Never Such Devoted Sister Books
Professional Book Nerds
Christina and Rickie are back, this time joining Jill to discuss books featuring sisters! From going into hell to save your sister's soul to helping your sister cover up multiple murders to fighting your sister over the King of England, there's a little something for everyone in this list.
Charlaine Harris (!!) and announcing the PBN 2019 Reading Challenge
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Jill and Adam interview the great Charlaine Harris, well known author of the Sookie Stackhouse Chronicles, The Aurora Teagarden series, and the Midnight, Texas series, all of which have been turned into television adaptations.
Kari Lynn Dell, author of Mistletoe in Texas
Professional Book Nerds
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sourcebooks and Sourcebooks Casablanca and features a conversation with romance suspense writer Kari Lynn Dell whose contemporary western romance series Texas Rodeo includes Reckless in Texas, Tangled in Texas, Tougher in Texas, Fearless in Texas and the new holiday special Mistletoe in Texas.
What OverDrive is Reading for Read an Ebook Day!
Professional Book Nerds
Tuesday, September 18th is Read an Ebook Day! OverDrive's own holiday which celebrates a love for digital reading and for today's episode, Adam and Jill talk to some of their coworkers to find out what books they'll be reading.
Kami Garcia!
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam interviews Kami Garcia, bestselling co-author of the wildly popular Beautiful Creatures and Dangerous Creatures series as well as the new Broken Beautiful Hearts, The X-Files YA origin book Agent of Chaos and numerous other wonderful books.
Tricia Levenseller, author of the Daughter of the Pirate King duology
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam bonds with YA fantasy author Tricia Levenseller over their shared loved of pirates and vikings while getting into the incredible world she's created in both Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen.
Jane Yolen, Children's Literature legend!
Professional Book Nerds
No matter what your age, chances are you grew up reading Jane Yolen's books. She is a children's literature institution who has been compared to Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen and countless generations learned to read through her stories
Chris Ferrie, author of Quantum Physics for Babies!
Professional Book Nerds
Today's episode is sponsored by Sourcebooks. We'll be interviewing children's author Chris Ferrie and if you're looking for more children's books for your library or personal collection be sure to check out these great Sourcebooks selections
Kerri Maniscalco, New York Times bestselling author of Hunting Prince Dracula
Professional Book Nerds
On Today's episode, Jill and Adam talk about their Halloween plans and mutual love of classic candy before getting into a conversation Adam had with two-time New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco.
YA Horror picks to prepare for Halloween! AND the return of Dawn Kurtagich
Professional Book Nerds
We're getting spooky on today's episode as Adam first chats with Andrea and Christina in the office about their YA Horror recommendations before calling the queen of YA Horror, Dawn Kurtagich, to get her picks.
Dav Pilkey, Creator of Captain Underpants
Professional Book Nerds
Tra la Laaa! Today's episode is a chat with legendary children's author and illustrator Dav Pilkey! Dav is best known for creating Captain Underpants which has been read by millions of children around the world and is responsible for countless people falling in love with reading.
ALA Recap! Interviews, Books, and Chicago, Oh My
Professional Book Nerds
Last weekend, Adam and Jill were in Chicago for the American Library Association. Along with getting to meet some of our library partners, podcast listeners, publishing company friends, they also got to interview some incredible authors and Jill, at least, got to do some sightseeing in the Windy City.
Wonder Women: the 10 most bad ass female writers
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam and Jill unveil their top 10 most bad ass female writers working today. Inspired by Wonder Woman, they decide to share this list of incredible ladies in the hopes that you'll discover some authors you may not have known about or never considered reading.
Interview with Brad Ricca
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode, Adam is left all by his lonesome for a sleep-deprived introduction where he talks about a local theater production he saw the night before and begs you to give us a 5-star rating before getting into the actual important part of the show, an interview with the awesome Brad Ricca.
Interview with Elise Parsley, picture book author and illustrator
Professional Book Nerds
The main portion of this episode is a conversation Adam had with children’s author and illustrator Elise Parsley who is known for her bestselling “If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! series of gorgeous picture books.
Big Library Read is back and we're talking Pie with Kate McDermott
Professional Book Nerds
On today's episode Adam and Jill are celebrating the upcoming launch of the latest Big Library Read event by chatting with Kate McDermott, author of Art of the Pie, which was selected as the eBook readers around the world will be reading at the same time starting March 16th as part of the largest digital book club on earth.
Jill In a Recording Studio With a Microphone
Professional Book Nerds
So in this very off the cuff episode, Jill talks about all the ways you can keep track of the books you read and also goes over the books she has read thus far in 2017 as well as what she's currently reading (and listening to because audiobooks totally count).
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, Part I
Professional Book Nerds
Like most book nerds, we love the website Book Riot and their annual Read Harder Challenge. But sometimes it's hard to know where to find titles that fit the categories if they are a little outside of your reading comfort zone so we decided to offer some suggestions throughout the year.
LIfestyle books, cookbooks, and party planning, oh my!
Professional Book Nerds
Today is Thanksgiving in the United States and the OverDrive staff are off with family and friends. But with the holiday season now officially starting, they decided to talk about some of their favorite "lifestyle" books, including cookbooks and party planning.
Interview with Marissa Meyer, NYT bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles and Heartless
Professional Book Nerds
In today's episode, Jill gets to talk to one of her personal favorite authors, Marissa Meyer, who is the New York Times bestselling writer behind The Lunar Chronicles and the brand-new Heartless, which is a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Interview with Kyle Mills
Professional Book Nerds
Jill and Adam sit down with bestselling author Kyle Mills who not only created his own geopolitical mysteries but he also has taken up the mantel of the wildly popular Mitch Rapp novels for Vince Flynn and he's written in the Robert Ludlun Covert-One series.
Horror Reads for Adults
Professional Book Nerds
This week Jill is not only back from her witchy work visit to Massachusetts, she's sitting down with Rachel K. and Quinton to discuss some of their favorite horror novels (and she tries her hardest to not spend the entire episode mentioning Stephen King).
Live interview with James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner
Professional Book Nerds
Our first ever live episode! Jill and Adam sat down with #1 New York Times bestselling author James Dashner, of Maze Runner fame, in front of a large crowd of his adoring fans at the main branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Big Library Read Interview with Marieke Nijkamp, author of This Is Where It Ends
Professional Book Nerds
Multiple times a year, OverDrive offers users an opportunity to take part in a global ebook club through their library and this time the book choice is This is Where It Ends and we are thrilled to have author Marieke Nijkamp back on our podcast!
Musical Memoirs & Rock Biographies
Professional Book Nerds
The OverDrive staff librarians come from a wide range of backgrounds and two of our librarians -- Liz and Rachel K. -- come from music library backgrounds. So we decided to use their collective knowledge and reading backgrounds to discuss musical memoirs and rock biographies!
Interview with Duane Swierczynski, Author of Revolver
Professional Book Nerds
In this episode Jill returns for our intro with Adam! The actual episode is an interview with Duane Swierczynski, author of the crime novel, Revolver, which is about the murder of two cops and their family efforts to solve the mystery.
Muggles, Magic, McGonagall, and More!
Professional Book Nerds
Today, June 23, 2016, marks the start of the American Library Association's Annual Conference, which is being held in Orlando this year. Since so many librarians and library fans will be taking advantage of the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park while there, we decided to do another Harry Potter themed episode!
Interview with Jewell Parker Rhodes
Professional Book Nerds
In today's episode, Adam sits down with writer Jewell Parker Rhodes, an author who is familiar writing for both adults and juveniles/YA. Her forthcoming book, Towers Falling, is all about teaching the story of the 9/11 attacks to children who weren't born when it happened.
Interview with Matthew Quick, bestselling author of Silver Linings Playbook
Professional Book Nerds
This week we are back with another author interview, this time with bestselling author Matthew Quick, the man behind the popular The Silver Linings Playbook which was also adapted into the Academy Award nominated film.
Big Library Read interview with Taya Kyle, author of American Wife and widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle
Professional Book Nerds
Big Library Read officially kicks off March 17th and in anticipation of the event, Adam sat down with Chris Kyle's widow Taya Kyle, who has written her own memoir, American Wife.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Professional Book Nerds
In our ninth episode we are talking all things science fiction and fantasy! If you're not familiar with either genre that's okay because some of the recent reads that Jill, Quinton, and Rachel K. mention include some non-genre picks as well before discussing the differences between science fiction and fantasy.
Interview With Sunil Yapa, author of Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist
Professional Book Nerds
In our second author interview, Adam interviews Sunil Yapa, author of Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist, which takes place over one day during the 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle.
All Things Romance
Professional Book Nerds
Valentine's Day is just around the corner so the staff librarians here at OverDrive decided to dedicate an episode to the Romance genre. But because we are all such well-rounded readers, we cover more than just your typical "bodice rippers," discussing some young adult titles and Amish romances, but also titles perfect for Galentine's Day and those single on this particular holiday.
