Professional Book Nerds

On today's episode, Joe is joined by multidisciplinary artist and writer Akwaeke Emezi, to talk about their debut romance title, You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, out May 24 from Atria Books. They talk about selling film rights (and the slowness of the Hollywood machine), creating art AND book jackets, their TikTok For You Pages, and Abbott Elementary! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow, Fri. May 20, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars returns! And today, Joe and Jill share nonfiction and fiction books with drag queens. They also discuss their recent opportunity to see Alyssa Edwards (S5, All Stars 2) live, favorite Drag Race seasons and Queens, and who they are rooting for to take the crown in All Stars 7!  If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It – Lil Miss Hot Mess Reverie by Ryan La Sala Life as a Unicorn – Amrou Al-Kadhi Middle School’s a Drag by Greg Howard Life’s a Drag – Janie Millman The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara  Queering Drag – Meredith Heller   Diary of a Drag Queen by Crystal Rasmussen (with Tom Rasmussen)  Legends of Drag – Queens of a Certain Age – Harry James Hanson (June 2022 release) Why Drag? By Magnus Hastings  Drag Teen – Jeffery Self GuRu by RuPaul  RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Shifting Visibility of Drag Culture – Niall Brennan  Queer Nuns by Melissa M. Wilcox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the pod, Joe is joined by Evan Ross Katz, to talk about his new book, Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born. A true Buffy historian, Evan shares what makes this show so special and how it still holds up today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the Professional Book Nerds are trying something new - breaking down a monumental YA series - The Twilight Saga. Emma, Jill, and Joe wax poetic on Team Edward vs. Team Jacob marketing, give some stream of consciousness thoughts and descriptions, and try to figure out where the hell loca has been. Part 1 covers Twilight and New Moon. We hope you enjoy our silly, goofy time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Emma is joined by Jennifer Weiner to discuss her new book, The Summer Place.  Jennifer discusses the conclusion of her summer book series, lobster cobb salad, how the pandemic changed everything, motherhood, and Sutton Foster!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Emma FANGIRLS over Emily Henry and her latest novel, Book Lovers. They also chat about their favorite romance tropes, Hallmark movies, bright pink book jackets, book hangovers, the impact of TikTok, the magic of iced coffee, and a kayak scene that didn’t make the cut. Oh, and Oscar Isaac. Check out the audiobook version of Book Lovers here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast, Emma chats with Holly Black about her new novel, Book of Night. Emma and Holly discuss the transition to writing for adults, if we'll see these characters again, what the writing process was like, The Home Edit, and how great coffee is for any occasion.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of the podcast, Emma, Joe, and Jill chat about the books they can't wait to read in May. Books mentioned in this episode: Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson When Women Were Dragons – Kelly Barnhill Book of Night by Holly Black Trust by Hernan Diaz You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty – Akwaeke Emezi Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey Elektra by Jennifer Saint The Agathas – Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson The Cook You Want to Be by Andy Baraghani Siren Queen by Nghi Vo Hidden Pictures – Jason Rekulak Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber Hide by Kiersten White Mean Baby – Selma Blair Apple Crush – Lucy Knisley The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast, Joe is joined by Michelle Huneven to discuss her new book Search (coming April 26)! Michelle talks about how her years in food service and restaurant critique shaped her relationship with food. She also talks about receiving the call to writing, and what it was like smashing coconuts on her driveway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Joe, Emma, and Jill are joined by Christina to answer the question - Would We Survive? The group looked at a handful of series titles and tried to figure out if they would make it through the series. We want to hear from you - let us know what series we should include the next time we ask Would We Survive? Email your suggestions to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Titles Survived (or not) in this episode: Harry Potter Series The Hunger Games Trilogy A Court of Thorns and Roses Series The Twilight Saga The Lord of the Rings Series The Jane Austen Literary Universe The Outlander Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast, Joe is joined by Christine Lynn Herman to discuss their new book, The Drowning Summer (coming April 19). Christine and Joe hit it off and dive into supernatural experiences, Dungeons & Dragons, Christine's history with writing, Diana Wynne Jones, and what she's likely to order for delivery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Emma, Jill, and Joe spill the royalTEA on their favorite monarchy-inspired reads. Their suggestions cover all topics, from the Tudors all the way to the House of Windsor, and mention some great fiction titles simply inspired by royalty. They also chat Diana's iconic style, the notion of "heir and a spare", and America's fascination with the royal family over the centuries. Titles mentioned in this episode: Emma’s Picks: HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan The Windsor Diaries by Alathea Fitzalan Howard The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand Jill’s picks: The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory Before the Crown by Flora Harding A Queen from the North by Erin Mcrae and Racheline Maltese The Gown by Jennifer Robson The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconnor Royal Sisters by Anne Edwards Joe’

Today on the podcast, Joe and Jill talk about tarot- from non-fiction titles to help you on your journey, to fiction titles to entice and intrigue you, to their own experiences with the cards. If you want to tell Joe and Jill about your experiences with tarot, share the first deck you ever purchased/received, or even your favorite deck, reach out to the Nerds on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok @probooknerds or send them an email: professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com! Books mentioned in this episode: Kitchen Table Tarot – Melissa Cynova The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings by Brigit Esselmont The Castle of Crossed Destinies – Italo Calvino  WTF is Tarot? By Bakara Wintner The City of Lost Fortunes – Bryan Camp The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler Andromeda Klein – Frank Portman The Death of Mrs. Westway by Ruth Ware The White Magic Five and Dime – Steve Hockensmith The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King A Magic Steeped in Poison – Judy I. Lin Tarot & Tequila – David A. Ross Manga Mentions: JoJo’

On today's episode, Emma is joined by Emily J. Taylor to discuss her debut novel, Hotel Magnifique. Emily shares the inspiration for her Belle-Époque inspired YA fantasy, the writing habits that got her to this point, and what we can expect from her upcoming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Joe and Emma are in silly, goofy moods as they share the titles they're most excited to read that hit shelves in April 2022. Books mentioned in this episode: Housebreaking by Colleen Hubbard The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell Drop Dead Gorgeous by Rachel Gibson The Great Stewardess Rebellion by Nell McShane Wulfhart The Palace Papers by Tina Brown  Year on Fire by Julie Buxbaum Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor True Biz by Sara Novic The No-Show by Beth O’Leary Blood to Poison by Mary Watson Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus  Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse Search by Michelle Huneven The Candy House by Jennifer Egan  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Joe is joined by Kristin and Quinton to talk about some of their favorite comics, graphic novels, and manga. From classics to upcoming releases, they're talking about it all! If you've ever been curious to dive into the illustrated format, there's a genre and and age-range for you! Books mentioned in this episode: Bingo Love by Tee Franklin  Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series by James Tynion IV The House of Lost Horizons by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson Batgirl: Year One by Chuck Dixon  The Dresden Files Series by Jim Butcher Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami Shiver by Junji Ito  Trigun by Yasuhiro Nightow The Way of the Househusband by Kousuke Oono March: Book One by John Lewis  The Powerpuff Girls by Troy Little, The Powerpuff Girls Classics by Craig McCracken Deadpool Samurai (Vol. 1) by Sanshiro Kasama Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley Garlic and the Witch (also: Garlic and the Vampire) by Bree Paulsen,  White Sand by Brandon Sanderson Witch Watch by Kenta Shinohara Learn more about

On today's episode, Rosie Walsh comes on to discuss her new book, The Love of My Life. She shares her immersive approach to researching her characters' occupations and living spaces, she shares her experience of having a child during a global pandemic, and convinces Joe that everyone needs a garden shed to escape into! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Emma and Jill are joined by Jane to talk about all the books that TikTok inspired them to read, purchase, or move up their TBR lists. From popular titles to uncut gems you might not have heard of without TikTok, they have a great book-ish chat inspired by that addicting clock app. Books mentioned in this episode: These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard Neon Gods by Katee Roberts Electric Idol by Katee Roberts Wicked Beauty by Katee Roberts Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir  The Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Verity by Colleen Hoover Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Beach Read by Emily Henry Book Lovers

Today on the podcast, Joe is joined by Simone St. James, to discuss her new book, The Book of Cold Cases (coming March 15). Simone talks about what started her writing journey, how she creates stories and characters, and what she's likely to order at the sushi restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Joe is joined by Jenna to talk about books with folklore and mythology at their heart. From titles inspired by Greek mythology to the Yokai of Japan, to supernatural stories inspired by urban legends, these books will surely give you something to change up your to-be-read list. Whether you're looking for a one-off title or a new series to get into, this episode has recommendations for you! Today's episode is sponsored by Headspace. Go to Headspace.com/PBN and get one month free of their entire mindfulness library. Books mentioned in this episode: Gods of Jade and Shadow – Silvia Moreno-Garcia  The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker  The Deep – Rivers Solomon  Greek Mythology – Liv Albert  Half World – Hiromi Goto  Wicked Fox – Kat Cho  A Song of Wraiths and Ruin – Roseanne A. Brown  Lore Olympus – Rachel Smythe  Wicked As You Wish – Rin Chupeco  Daughter of the Moon Goddess – Sue Lynn Tan  Rules for Vanishing – Kate Alice Marshall  The Poppy War – R. F. Kuang  Empress of all Seasons – Emi