The Books We Loved

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   

Cassie (from the Adult Dept.) joins Olivia and Manda today for a discussion of books that take place at boarding schools. Many of the books discussed appear on this list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/boarding-school 

The ladies are joined by TPL Director, Emily Dumas, to share some great back-to-school picture books. As promised in the episode: Chrysanthemum, Kevin Henkes Wemberly Worried, Kevin Henkes The Invisible Boy, Ludwig Each Kindness, Woodson On the Day You Begin, Woodson The Pigeon Must Go to School, Mo Willems Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?, Vernick We Don't Eat our Classmates, Higgins If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School — DON'T!, Parsley Fish Don't Go to School, Pilutti Yeti is Not Ready for School, Carter Kitty vs. Kindergarten, Freeman

Today Olivia and Manda tackle Amy Tan's, The Joy Luck Club, a story focusing on themes of mothers and daughters, the immigrant experience, and hope. Don't forget to read Willa Cather's, My Antonia, in preparation for next month's final installment of TBWL's Summer Reading series! 

Olivia and Manda are joined by Hannah (from Community Engagement), for a rousing conversation about nonfiction books that are so fascinating that they read like fiction. Books chatted about today include: Stiff: the Curious Life of Human Cadavers, Mary Roach Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist, Jasmin Graham Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery Unbroken: a World War II story of survival, resilience, and redemption, Laura Hillenbrand Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, Bess Kalb Lab Girl, Hope Jahren Good Talk, Mira Jacob Fun Home, Alison Bechdel  Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi The Devil in the White City, Eric Larson The Poisoner's Handbook, Deborah Blum The Ghost Map, Steven Johnson Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

Today Manda and Karen (from Adult Services) discuss Lois Duncan's 1970s teen thriller, and the 1997 movie adaptation, of I Know What You Did Last Summer. This episode might have you looking over your shoulder, or into the trunk of your car...

Join Olivia and Manda as they celebrate the beloved classic movie, Back to the Future, in honor of it's 40th anniversary this summer. 

Today Olivia and Manda share their favorite books featuring exotic (or not too far flung) locales. We'll spin the globe, and where it stops, nobody knows!

Olivia and Manda are joined by repeat guest, Angie, for a robust discussion of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, as part of the podcast's Summer Reading series. Be sure to read or listen to, The Joy Luck Club, in preparation for July's Summer Reading title! 

We sit down with author Kayla Ancrum to ask her about her writing, her life, and her writing life.  Learn more about Kayla and her most recent book, The Corruption of Hollis Brown, by visiting her website.    K. Ancrum, is an author of award winning contemporary YA notably THE WICKER KING, DARLING and the critically acclaimed ICARUS. K. is a Chicago native passionate about diversity and representation in young adult fiction. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Chicago Art Institute.

Today the ladies talk about beloved author, and honorary Midwesterner, John Green! They'll discuss his books, especially Looking for Alaska (no spoilers!)--as it turns 20 y.o.--and his cultural impact. 

We ask author Katie Spina five questions about her writing life, the books that shaped her, and the library memories she holds dear.  Ms. Katie is an award-winning kidlit author who writes stories for kids where finding your fit means trusting in who you are. She's an avid reader that loves to talk about all sorts of books to kids of different interests. Learn more at her website, katiespina.com.   

Be prepared to jot down all of the summer themed recommendations the girls are throwing your way today! Olivia and Manda will also reveal a timely secret you won't want to miss! 

Today Olivia and Manda do an author/illustrator spotlight on the much loved, Eric Carle!

Today Olivia and Manda celebrate three years of the podcast w stats, quizzes, book recs, and lots of laughs. 

Mariel and Olivia welcome author Daniel Lavery to the studio to talk about Daphne Dumaurier's Rebecca.    Read more about Daniel and his recent novel, Women's Hotel (available at TPL and wherever you acquire books) here. 

Today Olivia and Manda will be having a tuff discussion about Greasers, Socs, and S.E. Hinton's timeless classic, The Outsiders.

Olivia and Manda are joined by Karen (Adult) for a second look at Bridget Jones. If you haven't already listened to our episode: "Bridget Jones's Diary," from April 2024, you might want to go back and give that a listen first! Today the ladies cover the latest movie released in the Bridget Jones-verse (as well as the book version of), Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy.

Cassie (from Adult) joins Olivia and Manda to share some recent reads. Looking for a book rec? We got you covered!

Today Olivia and Manda cover a slew of topics, and as always, share what they've been reading. Buckle up, Buttercup! 

Pin on your Elven cloak, pack your lembas bread, and join Olivia and Manda as they journey into Middle Earth. The ladies do an author spotlight of J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as share  facts about Tolkien's books and the LOTR movie trilogy! We hope you find this episode as "precious" as we do...