On this episode, we discuss books about chosen or found family, one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. According to library database NoveList, books with this theme focus on families "formed by choice, rather than birth." Close friends, nontraditional families, and people who bond over their circumstances can a…

On this episode, we discuss Southern Gothic books, one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Southern Gothic is a sub-genre of Gothic fiction--or, as Michael says, it's "Gothic with a twang." According to Book Riot, some of the characteristics of Southern Gothic include, “eccentric, flawed characters, sinister eve…

On this episode, we discuss books with kings and queens, one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Our picks include a page-turning history of the Magna Carta; a novel about Mary, Queen of Scots; and a YA novel that imagines an American royal family. Michael's Pick Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty by Dan Jones Da…

On this episode, we discuss books that are hybrids of at least two genres, one of the prompts on the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Jacqueline's favorite romantasy novels are a good example. They combine elements of romance and fantasy. Other books mash up elements of science fiction and horror or, in the case of both Michael's …

July is Disability Pride Month! Learn more about the history, experiences, and contributions of the disabled community by reading books by authors with disabilities. On this episode, we also introduce the Summer-Fall Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Teens and adults, from now through December 30, 2024, keep track of books you read or listen t…

No matter the genre, when you read a book with a map, you're in for an adventure. This month, we share a YA historical fiction meets fantasy novel; a mystery set in 1920s Bangalore; and a dystopian novel set during a future American Civil War. Don't forget to turn in your bingo sheets for the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge…

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with books by AAPI authors! It's one of the prompts on the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. Our suggestions include an action-packed adventure tale, a YA romance, and a comic but realistic immigration story. Michael's Pick The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Li…

On this episode, we discuss books set in or about the outdoors, one of the prompts on the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. We recommend a memoir by a teenage naturalist and environmental activist; a popular YA dystopian novel; and a horror novel set in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Carrie's Pick Diary of a Young Naturalist i…

On this episode, we celebrate Women's History Month with fiction and nonfiction about women's history, one of the prompts on the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. From a graphic novel about Soviet women fighter pilots to a page-turning book about the evolution of female bodies, we'll show you that there's nothing dull about …

On this episode, we discuss romance novels, one of the prompts on the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge. This popular book genre has something for everyone, even the horror fans among us! Jacqueline's Pick Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a young adult fantasy novel. Seventeen year old Evangeline had loving par…

On this episode, we ring in the New Year with the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge! From now through June 30, 2024, keep track of books you read or listen to by writing the title and author in the matching bingo square. Complete all 25 squares for a chance to win a $100 Joseph-Beth gift card or an Amazon Kindle. You’ll also …

This month, we discuss books with magic, our final prompt from the 2023 Books and Bites Bingo Reading Challenge. Our picks include an anthology of witchy tales; a novel about the magic of sourdough starter, robot arms, and the human who works with both; and a YA fairytale set in contemporary times. If you’re participating in Books & Bites Bingo, do…

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, we discuss books by Indigenous authors, one of the prompts on the Books and Bites Bingo Reading Challenge. Our picks are as varied as ever, with a ghost story set in a bookstore, a teen mystery, and, of course, horror! Jacqueline's Pick Firekeeper's Daughter is a young adult mystery by Angeline B…

For October, we discuss Gothic fiction, one of the prompts on the Books and Bites Bingo Reading Challenge. Our picks have all the creepy mansions, women in the attic, and brooding characters you could possibly want. Not to mention fungi! Carrie's Pick O Caledonia is a little-known classic that, according to the publisher, “has been compared to the …

This month, we discuss books about music or musicians, one of the prompts on the Books and Bites Bingo Reading Challenge. From mixtapes to AI, music memoirs to YA novels, we share our thoughts on both music and books. Michael's Pick Michael recommends The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl. This memoir describes the passion that Gro…

This month, we discuss adventure stories, one of the prompts on the Books and Bites Bingo Reading Challenge. Choose your own adventure, whether it's with a group of teens on a road trip, on top of Mount Everest, or on a pirate ship! Jacqueline's Pick Jacqueline enjoyed Five Survive by New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson. Red Kenny is on…

In honor of this year's summer learning theme, Dig In, we're digging into some authors we already know with the Books and Bites Bingo prompt, read another book by an author you love. Carrie's Pick Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, a coming of age story that satirizes Gothic novels. Seventeen year-old Catherine Morland visits Bath with family friends…

On this episode, we discuss books by LGBTQIA+ authors, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. We've got a diverse group of characters and settings for you, including a Splatterpunk novel set in 1990s New Orleans, a Booker Prize-winning novel set in the United Kingdom, and a YA novel set in 1987 El Paso, Texas. Michael's Pick Michael read Exqui…

On this episode, we discuss books set in or about a place you want to visit, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Join us as we travel to Mexico City, Paris, and the English countryside--all with the help of some good books! Jacqueline's Pick If you dream of the City of Light, Jacqueline recommends The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor. T…

On this episode, we discuss books set in or about Appalachia, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Collection Access Associate John David Hurley, who is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky, joins Michael, Carrie, and Jacqueline to share some favorite books about Appalachia. John David recommends a Books & Bites favorite, Elizabeth Catte’s What You A…

On this episode, we discuss epistolary books, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Epistolary novels are told primarily through letters, but they can also include diaries, emails, instant messages, transcripts, and even post-it notes. Prefer to read nonfiction? Collections of letters count for this prompt, too. Carrie shares some of her favo…

This month, we discuss the Afrofuturism/Afrofantasy square from Books & Bites Bingo. As Michael pointed out on the podcast, “Afrofuturism and Afrofantasy are sub-genres of science fiction and fantasy that are rooted in African cultures, myth, folklore, and the overall Black experience.” Jacqueline enjoyed Raybearer by Jordon Ifeuko. This debut YA A…

We're starting the New Year with a new Books and Bites reading challenge, Books and Bites Bingo! You'll have more prompts to choose from, and more chances to win prizes. Plus, every time you get a bingo, you'll earn a fun, book-themed sticker. Complete a blackout of all the squares, and you'll earn your very own enamel Books and Bites pin! We'll di…

If you’re participating in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, it’s time to wrap up your reading! On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the books we read for the twelfth and final prompt, read whatever you want. If you’ve completed ten of the reading challenge prompts, turn your entry forms in at the library or online for a chance to w…

On this episode, we discuss the eleventh prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a nonfiction book about something you’re curious about. We hope we can pique your interest with books about octopuses, Sherlock Holmes, and cults! Book Notes Carrie recommends The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousne…

On this episode, we discuss the tenth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, read a manga! Manga are comics or graphic novels that began in Japan. Since you read them from right to left instead of left to right, they can be challenging at first. But thanks to the wide variety of subject matter, you should be able to find something yo…

On this episode, we celebrate the freedom to read with the ninth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, read a banned or challenged book. Dr. Ron Critchfield, JCPL's Executive Director, joins us to discuss the importance of intellectual freedom, the role of parents in helping their children choose books, the problems with censorship,…

On this episode, we discuss the eighth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, novellas. These short novels of 200 pages or less are just the right size for reading in one sitting or trying something new. We’ve got something for everyone with cozy SciFi, a creature feature, and a dark fairy tale that both teens and adults will enjoy. …

On this episode, we welcome our new co-host Jacqueline Cooper and discuss the seventh prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books that take place near the ocean. To celebrate our summer learning theme, we have an ocean of possible reads for you, including horror, cozy mystery, and fantasy. Book Notes Michael recommends The Fisherman…

On this episode, we discuss the sixth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books that include Black joy. These books celebrate the richness and fullness of Black lives. Book Notes Michael recommends Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby. Shantel recommends Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Carrie recommends Mr. Loverman by Bernardine …

On this episode, we discuss the fifth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a book published in the decade you were born. We're covering the hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s—brought to you by WJCPL! Book Notes Michael recommends Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Carrie enjoyed Pet Sematary's direct opposite, the memoir All Creatures Grea…

Books and Bites Podcast, Ep. 64 JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them. On this episode, we discuss the fourth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a biography or autobiography. You may be surprised to find biographies and autobiographies come in varied formats and style…

On this episode, we discuss the third prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books recommended by young people. Young is a subjective term, so feel free to define it by whatever seems young to you! Reference Librarian Mycah Sylvain kindly fills in for Michael, who is busy welcoming a new young person into his family. Book Notes Carri…

On this episode, we discuss the second prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, inclusive and diverse award winners. Our Teen Librarian Jacqueline Cooper stops by to talk about the Global Reads for Teens challenge. [Content warning: the books we discuss describe abuse and racism.] Book Notes Adam recommends The Bridge Home by Padma Ven…

Book Notes Adam recommends: Can’t Stop Cursing You with art by Natsuko Uruma and story by Kensuke Koba Michael recommends: Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy Carrie recommends: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams Bite Notes In the duplicitous spirit of Can't Stop Cursing You, savor the sweet, fireside smell of Yaki Imo while you and …

Book Notes Michael recommends Furious Hours : Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey N. Cep Carrie recommends Ivory Shoals by John Brandon Bite Notes Pair Furious Hours with Harper Lee's satirical recipe for Crackling Cornbread. Swamp Cabbage Stew makes a satisfying meal when you're roughing it on the Florida frontier.…

Book Notes Carrie recommends: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin Michael recommends: Haunted Nights : a Horror Writers Association Anthology edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton Adam recommends: Witch Hat Atelier, by Kamome Shirahama Bite Notes Complement Early Morning Riser’s Taco Tuesda…

Book Notes Michael recommends: The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward Adam recommends: Dragon Goes House Hunting, written by Kawo Tankui and art by Coco Aya Carrie recommends: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Bite Notes Saddle up to the bar with a Vampire’s Kiss M…

Book Notes Michael recommends: The Everything Ghost Hunting Book: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Exploring the Supernatural World by Melissa Ellis Narconomics: How to Run a Drug Cartel by Tom Wainwright How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley Carrie recommends: How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Ode…

Book Notes Adam recommends: Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky The Ballad of Yaya, Book 1: Fugue by Jeanne-Marie Omont, Charlotte Girard, and Golo Zhao Michael recommends: Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones Carrie recommends: The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon I Capture the Castle by Dodie Sm…

Book Notes Michael recommends: In the Valley of the Sun by Andy Davidson No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy The Thicket by Joe R. Landsdale Carrie recommends: Outlawed by Anna North True Grit by Charles Portis News of the World by Paulette Giles Hearts of Horses by Molly Glass The Compton Cowboys: The New Generation of Cowboys in America's U…

Book Notes Adam Recommends Flamer by Mike Curato Ever After by Olivia Vieweg Michael Recommends The Troop by Nick Cutter The Night Will Find Us by Matthew Lyons Carrie Recommends The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam Bite Notes Tasty Campfire Apples in Tinfoil contain the best parts of a…

Book Notes Carrie recommends the first issue of DC Comics' digital series, Represent!: It's a Bird by Christian Cooper and Alitha Martinez. Carrie also recommends The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary. Michael sleuthed out American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan. Michael also recommends Ring…

Michael Recommends The Apocalyptic Mannequin by Stephanie M. Wytovitch WWJD and Other Poems by Savannah Sipple Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words of Race and Hope by Kwame Alexander Carrie Recommends Monument by Natasha Trethewey Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay Fanny Says by Nickole Brown Adam Recommends The Mermaid’s Voice Ret…

Book Notes Adam enjoyed the novel-in-verse Black Flamingo by Dean Atta. Carrie recommends the award-winning parable-in-poems Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky. Michael suggests The Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded: Poemsby Molly McCully Brown. Bite Notes Accompany Black Flamingo with Mahalepi, a cool, firm Cyprian pudding. Find th…

Michael Recommends: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White Alice by Christina Henry Usher’s Passing by Robert R. McCammon Carrie Recommends: Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi The Beekeeper's Apprenticeby Laurie R. King Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal Longbourn by Jo Baker Adam Recommends: The Princ…

We're changing the Books and Bites format up a little bit with this episode and dividing this month's discussion into two separate episodes. Today we'll each give a detailed review of one book, and then in a couple weeks we'll air another episode with some brief recommendations from each of us. Book Notes Carrie enjoyed The Mere Wife by Maria Dhava…

Book Notes Michael recommends: The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey Redshirts by John Scalzi Salvation Day by Kali Wallace Adam recommends: Wires and Nerve v. 1, written by Marissa Meyer; illustrated by Doug Holgate Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon by Takeuchi, Naoko; translated by William Flanagan Land of the Lustr…

Book Notes Carrie recommends: Still Life by Louise Penny Autumn by Ali Smith The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith Michael recommends: Agents of Dreamland by Caitlin R. Kiernan Nevernight by Jay Kristoff Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse Adam recommends: Quincre…

Book Notes Adam and Michael recommend: Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan Michael also recommends: Matty Matheson: Home Style Cookery by Matty Matheson Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, With Recipes by Ronni Lundy The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann Adam also recommends: The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill The Drunken Botanistby Amy Ste…