The Books We Loved

Today the ladies share their recent reads, which cover a broad (and bizarre?) expanse of topics.  Books discussed: Dinner with King Tut: how rogue archaeologists are recreating the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of lost civilizations, Kean Into the Blue, Brodie Let’s Make Bread: a comic book cookbook, Becan & Forkish Lucy Knisley graphic novels Sunlight Finds You, Moriarty The Briar Club, Quinn Butt or Face? (series), Lavalle My Family and Other Animals, Durell Podcast mentioned: The Good Hang with Amy Poehler (with Anne Lamott)

It's pretty much what you'd expect! In this bonus episode, four TPL librarians review the life and legacy of the Queen of Country, our Lady of Literacy, the Chieftess of Charitable Giving, our beloved Dolly Parton. 

Today the gals celebrate 100 years of that silly, old bear, Winnie-the-Pooh! Learn about the real-life inspiration, a little about A.A. Milne, and hear some lovely quotes from this timeless classic!  Materials @TPL: Finding Winnie: the true story of the world's most famous bear, Mattick, illus. by Blackall Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear, Brandreth Who Was A.A. Milne? Winnie-the-Pooh books/movies Articles/websites mentioned: "90 Weird and Wonderful Facts About Winnie-the-Pooh" (CBC article) "The True Story of the Real-Life Winnie-the-Pooh" (History.com article) Britannica's "Winnie-the-Pooh"  "The Adventures of the REAL Winnie-the-Pooh" (NYPL website) 

On today's quick episode, the girls share what books they're reading as summer wraps up! Titles covered include: The Midnight Train, Haig The Charity Shop Detective Agency, Boland The Take, Yang Famesick: a memoir, Dunham Democracy Awakening: notes on the state of America, Cox Richardson  American Rambler: walking the trail of Johnny Appleseed, Fitzgerald

Today the ladies discuss the wonderfully funny and cheeky children's classic, Matilda, by Roald Dahl. So, get your hair tonic, your hat, and your chocolate cake, and settle in for a silly conversation.   Matilda at TPL: Book formats Blu-ray DVD 

Today the girls field a request from Eliza, focusing specifically on "hidden gems." Titles discussed in today's episode include: KIDS: Orris and Timble, DiCamillo The Questioneers series, Beaty: Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote Ada Twist and the Disappearing Dogs Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake Lila Greer and the Shrieking Shadow Bunny & Clyde, McDonald The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class, various authors A Game of Noctis, Fagan How to Train Your Dad, Paulsen One Big Open Sky, Cline-Ransome Brown Girl Dreaming, Woodson ADULT: Wash Day Diaries, Rowser The Shame, Goodman Cape May, Cheek Sigh, Gone: a misfit's memoir of great books, punk rock, and the fight to fit in, Tran 

Today the gals review the upcoming movie, The End of Oak Street, starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. 

Today the gals give recommendations for every reader, based on Zodiac signs! In the order discussed: AQUARIUS:  Homebound, Elan Truly Devious, Johnson  LEO: Half Drowned King, Hartsuyker Harriet Tubman: the road to freedom, Clinton PISCES:  Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: a therapist, HER therapist, and our lives revealed, Gottlieb Evening, Minot VIRGO: The Maid, Prose The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown ARIES: Best Offer Wins, Kashino All the Other Mothers Hate Me, Harmon LIBRA: The Fortune Men, Mohammad March (Trilogy -- link is to book 1), Lewis TAURUS:  The Marlow Murder Club, Thorogood Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, Mandanna SCORPIO:  My Sister the Serial Killer, Braithwaite Family of Spies: a World War II story of Nazi espionage, betrayal, and the secret history behind Pearl Harbor, Kuehn  GEMINI:  My Education, Choi The Book Club for Troublesome Women, Bostwick SAGITARIUS: Gilead, Robinson Travels with Charley, Steinbeck  CANCER: Strangers, Burden Heart the Lover, King CAPRICORN:  The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde Titan: the life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., Chernow  

Today the girls are joined by repeat-guest, Angie, to discuss Jane Austen's classic, Emma.  Books Angie recommended during the episode include: Book of Doors, Gareth Brown Wild Reverence: a novel, Rebecca Ross The Midnight Library, Matt Haig

Today the gals chat about a podcast favorite, Ann Patchett, and her newest novel: Whistler.  A couple readalikes Olivia shared: Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng Anything by Liane Moriarty The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett

Today the ladies make recommendations based on two patron requests. Titles discussed are below: Station Eleven, Emily St. John Mandel Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro  This Is How You Lose the Time War, Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin Circe, Madeline Miller Babel, R.F. Kuang Mistborn: The Final Empire, Brandon Sanderson A Rover’s Story, Jasmine Warga Anything by Gordon Korman  The Second Life of Snap, Erin Entrada Kelly When You Reach Me, Rebecca Stead Pax, Sara Pennypacker Stranded, Probst Mob Squad, Dawson City of Ember series, DuPrau Hatchet, Paulsen The Last Kids on Earth series, Brallier Anything by Margaret Peterson Haddix 

Today the ladies take on C.S. Lewis' beloved 1950 classic, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as part of their Summer Book Club series. Shoot the girls a message if you'd like tailored book recommendations. 

Today the ladies share a few titles of books they've recently read, or are currently enjoying. Titles included: James, Everett A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping, Mandanna Here Lies the Librarian, Peck Villa Coco, Greer Adult Braces: driving myself sane, West Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About: a memoir, Klee Go Gentle, Semple

Today Olivia and Manda are joined by Cassie, for a trip to the past, as the ladies discuss Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved, Little House on the Prairie series.   SOURCES: Various PBS articles The Pioneer Girl Art Project, South Dakota Historical Society Press The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum website A Kids Britannica biography "The Little House Books: a historical slap upside the head," article from the blog, "A Bestiary of Books: Odds and Interesting Children’s Novels, 1900 – 1975” Several Minnesota Public Radio articles https://pioneergirlproject.org/2023/08/30/helen-sewell-the-first-little-house-illustrator/ https://lauraingallswilderhome.com/ "Where the Wilder Things are: the Laura Ingalls Wilder roadtrip  

Today the ladies are joined by local picture book connoisseur, Ben, for a chat about summer-themed picture books your family will love! To check out Ben's picture book recommendations, he can be found on Substack or Instagram  .  Titles discussed include: Big Mama's, Donald Crews Blueberries for Sal, Robert McCloskey  It Began with Lemonade, Gideon Sterer Summer is for Cousins, Rajani LaRocca I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean, Kevin Sherry Jabari Jumps (and it's sequel, Jabari Tries), Gaia Cornwall Walking Trees, Marie-Louise Gay Fireworks, Matthew Burgess Flotsam, David Wiesner

Today the gals discuss author, Margaret Wise Brown, creator of the beloved classic, Goodnight Moon, and many other books.  Recommended reads: Kids: The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown, Mac Barnett Adults:  Margaret Wise Brown: awakened by the moon, Leonard Marcus In the Great Green Room: the brilliant and bold life of Margaret Wise Brown, Gary Sources: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art The Traditional and Fine Arts Organization Online exhibits on several of the illustrators discussed, taken from the University of Minnesota Libraries MOMA’s website https://www.esphyrslobodkina.org/ Encyclopedia Britannica online An article titled: “Margaret Wise Brown’s Celebration of the Seasons,” by Danielle Ridolfi which was featured on Washington University’s library website 2026 article titled, “The Tao of Margaret Wise Brown,” which was featured in the Brooklyn Downtown Star

Today Olivia and Manda share their thoughts on The Correspondent by Virginia Evans; a 2025 release that continues to appear in the New York Times Best Sellers list (Hardcover Fiction).  Also, in case you couldn't jot it down, Olivia announced this year's Summer Reading list, aka the Brit Lit edition, and titles are as follows: June: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis July: Emma, Jane Austen August: Matilda, Roald Dahl

A speedy episode where each of the ladies share two titles apiece. Books recommended: Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March, Lynda Blackmon Lowery How to Read a Book, Monica Wood A Woman of No Importance: the untold story of the American spy who helped win World War II, Sonia Purnell This Story Might Save Your Life, Tiffany Crum

Today the gals racked their brains and came up with recommendations of books they think would be a great choice for your Book Club! Books discussed: Death of the Author, Nnedi Okorafor Survive the Night, Riley Sager The Rachel Incident, Caroline O'Donoghue  Belonging, Nora Krug Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano Daughter of Fortune, Isabel Allende 

Today's epsiodes is full of shenanigans, silly quizzes, weird questions, and a little backstory on your hosts. Thank you for helping us make it to 4yrs! 

A short and sweet ep -- the ladies each share three recent reads worth checking out: Best Offer Wins, Kashino The Merge, Walker  The Road to Tender Hearts, Hartnett  The Small and the Mighty: twelve unsung Americans who changed the course of history, from the founding to the civil rights movement, McMahon  The Names, Knapp Heart the Lover, King   

Today the gals take a break from chatting books, and share funny stories from their years being librarians. Sit back and enjoy as the gals spill the tea! 

Today the gals count down the top 12 most requested titles (here at TPL) for the first quarter of 2026. Hopefully you'll get as many good recs as they did! List of titles below: 12. My Husband’s Wife, Alice Feeney 11. James: a novel, Percival Everett 10. The Women, Kristin Hannah 9. The Secret of Secrets, Dan Brown 8. Fourth Wing, Yarros 7. The First Time I Saw Him, Dave 6. Twice, Mitch Albom 5. My Friends, Backman 4. Broken Country, Clare Leslie Hall  3. Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid 2. The Correspondent, Virginia Evans 1. The Widow, Grisham

Today the gals take on Garth Williams. Williams was an American author and illustrator, known for his gorgeous illustrations in such classics as: Charlotte's Web; the Little House on the Prairie series; The Cricket in Times Square, and many more beloved books. 

Today the gals celebrate National Poetry Month by sharing bits and bobs from some of their favs.  Poetry titles shared today: “Wild Geese” – Mary Oliver “Mountain Dew Commercial Disguised as a Love Poem” – Matthew Olzmann “A Primer” – Bob Hicock “Dirtbag” – Leigh Lucas “How to Like It” – Stephen Dobyns “What I Didn’t Know Before” – Ada Limon “Unchopping a Tree” – W.S. Merwin “Digging” – Seamus Heaney “I Sing the Body Electric” – Walt Whitman “Darkling I Listen” – Adam Clay “Funeral Blues” – W.H. Auden “Try to Praise the Mutilated World” – Adam Zagajewski “Nostalgia” – Billy Collins “Feet” – Ross Gay “Maple Valley Branch Library, 1967”

Today the gals share some ideas about how to break your reading slump, and offer up some titles that helped them get back into reading.

Olivia and Manda discuss their recent reads during today's episode. Remember, if you're looking for personalized recs, send an email to: [email protected]  

Today the gals host Danielle (from Digital Services) for a robust discussion about the inspiring and controversial photographer, Sally Mann, and her 2025 book, Art Work: on the creative life.    

A girl and her pig, a spider, and so many more memorable characters are up for discussion today, as Olivia and Manda chat about the beloved children's classic, Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White. Did it hold up to the test of time for our discerning librarians? You'll just have to listen and see! 

Today the gals and Keegan (from Youth Services), will tell you how ardently they admire and love Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice! Happy (belated) 250th, Jane! 

Today Olivia and Manda chat with local author, Tina Battle, about her newest children's book, Adventures in Troy with Betty and Buddy Beaver. The book celebrates all things Troy, following protagonists Betty & Buddy as they waddle their way to many local attractions, including the LIBRARY! Copies are available for purchase locally at 86 Plastic or on Amazon. For signed copies of the book, email Tina at: [email protected] 

Olivia and Manda are joined by Community Engagement's, Hannah and Kit, today for a discussion of Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel (now a major motion picture), Hamnet. Buckle up, buttercups, because you're in for a chat featuring the plague, Willy Shakes, and more!

Today the gals share their thoughts on the new film adaptation of Emily Bronte's, Wuthering Heights, as well as dig into some of their literary dislikes. It's the confessional episode, and they hope they don't yuck anybody's yum. 

Join the gals today as they do an author spotlight on kids author and illustrator, Grace Lin. Books mentioned in the show today include: Story Telling Math series including, The Last Marshmallow (board books) The Ugly Vegetables (picture book) Dim Sum for Everyone! (picture book) A Big Mooncake for Little Star (*Manda misspoke and said "little sister"; picture book) Once Upon a Book (picture book) Ling & Ting (early reader series) Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (book 1 of series; tween/middle grade) Chinese Menu: the history, myths, and legends behind your favorite foods (nonfiction)

Today the gal pals share their recent and current reads (and a couple of streaming shows). Below are all titles discussed: Books discussed: The God of the Woods, Moore Bog Queen, North (Manda mentioned, The Windeby Puzzle, Lowry, as a kids readalike to this title) Four Eyes (sequel is, Pizza Face), Ogle The Secret Astronomers, Walker We Fell Apart (We Were Liars series, #3), e. lockhart Fly On the Wall, e. lockhart (title from Olivia’s story about her Teen Librarian days) The People We Hate at the Wedding, Ginder Replaceable You: adventures in human anatomy, Roach Dolores Claiborne, Stephen King TV shows discussed: Arrested Development Pluribus

Today the ladies discussed readalikes for the show (and book!) everyone is talking about: Heated Rivalry. Titles discussed include: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Prospects of KT Hoffman The Long Run by James Acker Check, Please!: Book 1, Hockey (and it’s sequel, Check Please: Book 2, Sticks and Scones), Ngozi Ukazu  Like Real People Do: a novel, E.L. Massey Him (book 1), Us (book 2), Epic (book 2.5), Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy  All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey, Kit Rosewater Rookie Move (Brooklyn Bruisers #1), Sarina Bowen

Due to the recent success of the film, K-Pop Demon Hunters, the gals thought it was high time to offer our listeners some K-Pop inspired reading recs! Buckle up, buttercups, and be prepared to impress your friends (and, dare we say, kids) with this K-Pop inspired reading list!  Titles discussed today: K-pop Confidential, Stephan Lee I’ll Be the One, Lyla Lee XOXO, Axie Oh  Somewhere Only We Know, Mauren Goo I'll love you forever: notes from a K-pop fan, Giaae Kwon Skylar and the K-Pop Principal, Luan Goldie  Make a Move, Sunny Park!, Jessica Kim Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (trilogy), Grace Lin Meesh the Bad Demon, Michelle Lam When You Trap a Tiger, Tae Keller BTS: K-pop's biggest headliners, Leslie Holleran

The girls round out the year by sharing their personal favorite reads of 2025. See below for the booklist.  Olivia's recs: Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid Heart the Lover, Lily King  The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran Desai All the Way to the River, Elizabeth Gilbert This American Woman, Zarna Garg Death of the Author, Nnedi Okorafor  Back After This, Linda Holmes Swept Away, Beth O’Leary Manda's recs: No More Chairs, Gill Everyday Bean (Tiny Bean's Big Adventures, Book #1), Graegin Frank’s Red Hat, Avery Max in the Land of Spies (book 1); Max in the Land of Lies (book 2), Gidwitz We Were Liars (book 1), Family of Liars (book 2), We Fell Apart (book 3), E. Lockhart The Only One Left, Sager I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: one woman’s obsessive search for the Golden State Killer, McNamara The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (book 1), The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse, and the Storm (book 2), Charlie Mackesy

Today Olivia and Manda reflect on the cinematic gifts left to the world by the genius, Rob Reiner. Along with each movie mentioned, the girls offer book recs for your reading delight (list below). Happy Holidays!  When Harry Met Sally: Heartburn, Nora Ephron The People We Meet on Vacation, Henry (really any Emily Henry book) Normal People, Rooney Rachel Incident, O’Donoghue Eleanor and Park, Rowell One Day, Nicholls   Misery Dolores Claiborne, Stephen King Dream Girl, Laura Lippman Notes on a Scandal, Heller Tender, McKeon   Stand By Me Something Wicked This Way Comes, Bradbury The Night Circus, Morgenstern The Outsiders, Hinton Okay For Now, Gary D. Schmidt Pop AND Schooled (both were mentioned, but really any Gordon Korman book)   This is Spinal Tap A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap Spinal Tap 2: the end continues (movie rec) AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll: The Ultimate Story of the World’s Greatest Rock-and-Roll Band, Engelheart I am Ozzy, Osbourne Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, Davis The Life of Brian (movie rec) Monty Python bios/memoirs: Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography, Eric Idle So, anyway…, John Cleese The Pythons Autobiography, The Pythons French Exit, deWitt The Princess Bride Tress of the Emerald Seas, Sanderson Kill the Farm Boy, Dawson As you wish: inconceivable tales from the making of the Princess Bride, Elwes Magicians, Grossman

Today the gals are joined by fellow TPL staffer, Hannah, for a discussion of every high school's favorite assigned book, The Great Gatsby. O

Looking for some great gift ideas? You've come to the right place! The girls share ideas for all ages, babies to adults. In case you were walking/driving/jogging and couldn't write down the titles, the gals discussed:  When Pigs Fly: a song for dreamers, Sandra Boynton The Book of Candles: eight poems for Hanukkah Laurel Snyder, illus. by Leanne Hatch The 13th Day of Christmas, Adam Rex Once Upon a Kwanzaa, Nyasha Williams The Amazing Generation, Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price The Stolen Songbird Judith Eagle Brownstone, Samuel Teer and Mar Julia This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir, Zarna Garg The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, Emma Knight  Turning to Birds: the power and beauty of noticing, Lili Taylor Lifeform, Jenny Slate The Third Gilmore Girl: a memoir, Kelly Bishop

Today the gals dig into Agatha Christie's novel, The Body in the Library--the second book to feature beloved sleuth extraordinaire, Ms. Marple! 

Today's quick episode is in response to a request from our listener, Eliza. Don't forget, if you would like us to give you recommendations, shoot us an email at: [email protected] If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving, by Chris Newell, illustrated by Winona Nelson Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story, written by indigenous authors: Danielle Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag), Anthony Perry (Chickasaw), Alexis Bunten (Unangan/Yup'ik), and illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe) Thank You, Sarah: the woman who saved Thanksgiving, by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner Balloons over Broadway: the inspiring true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, written and illustrated by Melissa Stewart Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist, by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, by Chris Barton, illustrated by Don Tate Dancing Through Space: Dr. Mae Jemison soars to new heights, by Lydia Lukidis, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud Saving American Beach: the biography of African American environmentalist MaVynee Betsch, by Heidi Tyline King, illustrated by Ekua Holmes A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa, by Caroline McAllister illustrated by Jamie Green Kahoʻolawe : the true story of an island and her people, by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Harinani Orme Fairytales/Folktales native to a culture!

Fellow TPL staffer, Kit, will be joining the girls today to discuss Alison Bechdel's, Fun Home: a family tragicomic, a graphic memoir. 

In honor of Halloween, the gals are joined by Director, Emily Dumas, to discuss 1999's The Mummy starring Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weiss. Enjoy this spoooooky episode!

Whether you're a Swiftie or not, Olivia and Manda will provide you with loads of great book recommendations inspired by each of Taylor Swift's albums. So get your Swiftie swag on, and hunker down for an episode that will give you all the good vibes. 

Be prerpared to learn about beauty standards, Adirondak chairs, and more, as the gals discuss John Green's newest nonfic title, Everything is Tuberculosis, with Keegan from Youth Services.

Join Olivia and Manda as they go through some of their fall favorites, titles that will get you ready for shorter days and longer nights! 

A cozy mystery, safe enough for your Gran;  WWII-era Alan Gratz; Kate Beaton for all ages--today's show has something for everybody! Buckle up Buttercups, because the gals are here to share loads of book recs! 

Today Olivia and Manda tackle Willa Cather's, My Antonia, a story set in the American Midwest during the late 19th/early 20th century. This book was the final installment of our summer 2025 book club; if you missed the other books covered, go back and listen to: Summer Book Club: The Joy Luck Club Summer Book Club: The Color Purple