The Books We Loved

What we're reading this spring

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Living a creative life

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today the gals host Danielle (from Digital Services) for a robust discussion about the inspiring and controversial photographer, Sally Mann, and her 2...

Charlotte's Web

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ardently admiring and loving Pride and Prejudice

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 (b...

Five Questions with an author: Tina Battle

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Hamnet -- to be or not to be

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 pic...

Ardently admiring and loving Pride and Prejudice

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

BONUS: Wuthering Heights and other unpopular opinions

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 dislik...

Author Spotlight: Grace Lin

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Telli...

What We're Reading - January 26

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Heated Rivalries Readlikes!

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today the ladies discussed readalikes for the show (and book!) everyone is talking about: Heated Rivalries. Titles discussed include: Aristotle and D...

BONUS: K-Pop Demon Hunters inspired reads

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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!...

So long, 2025--these were our favs!

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The girls round out the year by sharing their personal favorite reads of 2025. See below for the booklist.  Olivia's recs: Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkin...

BONUS: Rob Reiner remembered

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bo...

The Great(?) Gatsby

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Gift giving recs

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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/driv...

Agatha Christie's The Body in the Library

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

BONUS: reader recs just in time for turkey!

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Fun Home

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

BONUS: 1999's The Mummy

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Taylor Swift -- reading through the eras

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Everything is Tuberculosis?

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Be prerpared to learn about beauty standards, Adirondak chairs, and more, as the gals discuss John Green's newest nonfic title, Everything is Tubercul...

Fall themed titles

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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! 

What we're reading now

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Butter...

Summer Book Club: My Antonia

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Boarding School Books

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Back-to-School Picture Books

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The ladies are joined by TPL Director, Emily Dumas, to share some great back-to-school picture books. As promised in the episode: Chrysanthemum, Kevi...

Summer Book Club: The Joy Luck Club

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. D...

Nonfiction that reads like Fiction

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Olivia and Manda are joined by Hannah (from Community Engagement), for a rousing conversation about nonfiction books that are so fascinating that they...

I Know What You Did Last Summer

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Summ...

BONUS: GREAT SCOTT! Back to the Future turns 40!

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

The other globetrotters

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 kn...

Summer Book Club: The Color Purple

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Readi...

Five Questions With... Author Kayla Ancrum

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Don't forget to be Awesome!

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today the ladies talk about beloved author, and honorary Midwesterner, John Green! They'll discuss his books, especially Looking for Alaska (no spoil...

Five Questions With... Katie Spina

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Summer recs and a surprise!

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sec...

The caterpillar and his creator

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

BONUS!: 3 Year Anniversary Special

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Rebecca (w/author Daniel Lavery)

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mariel and Olivia welcome author Daniel Lavery to the studio to talk about Daphne Dumaurier's Rebecca.    Read more about Daniel and his recent nove...

Stay gold, Ponyboy

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Mad about Bridget Jones

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Diar...

March Madness

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Full-cast audiobooks, Mel Robbins, and more!

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

The episode to rule them all!

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What we're reading

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From ugly-crying moments in Wicked to the Manhattan Project, today Olivia and Manda weave across mediums and decades, while they share their thoughts ...

Talking 'bout Tomie

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Get your overflowing pot of pasta, and hunker down while Olivia and Manda discuss the famous and beloved children author and illustrator, Tomie dePaol...

Biographia Literaria

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us to figure out what Biographia Literaria is, and what is included on Olivia's and Manda's lists. What's on your list? (This is a moldy-oldy epi...

Goodbye 2024

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Olivia and Manda as they say hello to 2025 by sharing their favorite books from 2024. We ended the old year grateful for all of our listeners, an...

"Harry--yer a wizard."

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Holidays! We're gifting you this bonus episode! So, get your wand, broom, and owl ready for today's discussion of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer'...

Serialized Sci-Fi story "Black Box"

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mary from Circ joins us for a discussion about Jennifer Egan's 2012 serialized Sci-Fi story, "Black Box." We put on our college-y English lit thinking...

Holiday Gift Giving Recs 2024

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for unique gifts for your best guys, gals, and pals? Olivia and Manda are here with a list of great books to gift your friends and loved ones ...

Take a listen -- audiobooks ftw

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join hosts, Olivia and Manda, as they talk all things audiobooks. 

Halloween Special: Stephen King

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Manda, Emily, and Olivia gather 'round the cauldron to stir up some spooky conversation about Stephen King and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. 

The most Gen X writer?

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Olivia and Manda welcome TPL patron, Lisa, for a discussion of David Sedaris' book, Me Talk Pretty One Day. Join us and decide for yourself, if ...

A character study

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"It begins with a character, all I can do is trot along behind him trying to put down what he says and does.” -William Faulkner Today it's just Oliv...

BONUS Reader Requests -- all the fantasy

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're rewarding you with a BONUS EPISODE! We're here to deliver lots of book recs for our listener Eliza. If you'd like personalized recommendat...

Rolling with Roald

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Avoid the Trunchbull; commune with insects; step into a famous chocolate factory, and more! Today we're joined by TPL patron and member of TPL's Books...

Bridge to Terabithia

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we're feeling all the feels as we delve into this kids' classic with our buddy (and repeat guest!), Cassie. 

Summer Reads 2024

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your doting hosts Manda and Olivia (and every other librarian on the planet) are very busy during the summer, so the podcasts are coming sporadically ...

Author Spotlight: Gyo Fujikawa

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we explore the life and works of the awesome author, illustrator, and advocate, Gyo Fujikawa. If you've never heard of her, you've come to ...

Baby-Sitters Club

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready for some tween drama, listeners-- this episode, we're revisiting the Baby-Sitters Club franchise! Emily, Library Director, and Lauren, Head ...

Author Spotlight: Richard Scarry

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jump in your pickle-shaped car and drive down to the busy, busy podcast platform of your choice to hear us talk about the life and books of Richard Sc...

The Books We're Reading (April 2024)

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Need some reading recommendations? Your friendly personal librarians have you covered. This is what we're reading in April 2024! .   Click here for a...

Bridget Jones's Diary

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Friends, whether you're in the mood for a turkey curry buffet or a piping hot bowl of blue soup, we have you covered! Today we're talking all things B...

Author Spotlight: Virginia Lee Burton

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this first installment of a brand-new series, we're looking at the life and art of Virginia Lee Burton! Burton was a popular picture book author an...

The Books We're Reading (Feb 2024)

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this freewheelin' discussion, Manda and Olivia talk about the books they're reading and loving right now.    Click here for a list of books discu...

Fraud Stories

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fraudsters, hucksters, thieves, and rogues! Today we're talking about all the anti-heroes who fascinate us, looking at books and documentaries such as...

Retellings (That Aren't Retellings)

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Homage, reimaginings, retellings that aren’t quite retellings. Whatever you call it, we’re talking about it today on the podcast with Mariel from ...

The Count of Monte Cristo (w/Scott from Altair)

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Daring escapes, complex revenge plots, swashbuckling adventurers, France! This week, we're discussing The Count of Monte Cristo. Special guests Keegan...

The Books that Shaped Us

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we dive into the new year, Manda and Olivia look back on the three books that had the biggest impact on their lives. Which books would you choose? ...

Best Books of 2023

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An objective and all-inclusive list of the best books of 2023, chosen by Manda and Olivia! Nothing is missing and every book is perfect.  Here's to a...

Best Books to Gift

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Books make the best gifts, and librarians Manda and Olivia are here to recommend some winners for your loved ones this holiday season. Settle into you...

Encore: Daisy Jones & the Six

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we take a break for the holidays, we thought this would be a good time to revisit one of our favorite episodes-- Daisy Jones & the Six.  See y...

Hot Reads: Lessons in Chemistry

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your beaker, your spatula, and your talking dog-- today we're talking about the hit book and TV series, Lessons in Chemistry! Do our hosts think ...

Halloween Special: Neil Gaiman

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your black cat, adjust your witch hat, and make sure your button eyes are securely sewn into place-- in honor of Halloween, we're discussing all ...

Hot Reads: Killers of the Flower Moon

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of the movie's release, Kate from Youth Services joins our hosts to look at David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and t...

Made in Michigan (w/Andrew Collard)

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your Faygo pop and your Better Made chips-- today we're talking about all of our favorite Michigan-made-media!  Our guest today is local author ...

Principals and Picture Books

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shari Pawlus, Principal of Hill Elementary, and Stephan Henning, Assistant Principal at Larson Middle School, join Manda and Olivia to talk about all ...

Community Theater (w/The Ridgedale Players)

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your stage makeup, your character shoes, and your copy of the Scottish Play-- today we're talking about all things community theater with our fri...

Dear Librarians: Don’t Bum Me Out

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manda and Olivia are back with some more recommendations for our listeners! Pull up a chair and take notes, darling listeners-- it's time to add some ...

Hot Reads: Paris Hilton’s Memoir

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your low-rise jeans, your sliving gloves, and the nearest chihuahua-- today we're talking about Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton! Elizabeth, Man...

Paradise Lost (w/Dr. Dipesh Navsaria)

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Dipesh Navsaria--a pediatrician, public health professional, and cohost of the Reach Out and Read podcast-- joins our hosts to revisit Paradise Lo...

Hot Reads: Two Degrees by Alan Gratz

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the very first Hot Reads episode, where we dive into a book that reflects a timely issue in the culture. This week, we're discussing Two De...

Dear Librarians: No Bodice-Rippers, Please

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Manda and Olivia are responding to listener requests! Our hosts will be sharing their favorite reads with their favorite listeners, from ik...

Twin Peaks (w/Mariel from Youth Services)

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your psychic log and a hot cup of diner coffee-- today we're revisiting Twin Peaks with Mariel from Youth Services!    Further Reading Olivia m...

Parable of the Sower (w/Jeff from Friends of TPL)

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Marraccini, Chief Information Security Officer at Altair and member of the Friends of the Troy Public Library Board, joins our hosts to revisit O...

American Born Chinese (w/Tenny from Youth Services)

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your magic action figure and your coolest new hoodie-- today we're talking about the hit graphic novel/TV series, American Born Chinese! Spoiler ...

Bonus Ep: What to Read Next? (w/Manda and Olivia)

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manda and Olivia are back to tell you what to read! We don't call it bossy, we call it "public librarianship," and it's going to blow your mind.  Cli...

Wall Street (w/Scott from Walsh College)

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Succession has wrapped up, we're getting nostalgic for some old-school high-stakes finance stories. So grab your Rolodex, your briefcase, and...

Center Stage

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Set fire to your pointe shoes, my friends, we're talking about the 2000 dance movie, Center Stage! Library Director Emily Dumas returns, this time wit...

Judy Blume

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we revisit the literary legacy of the one, the only, Judy Blume. Karen from Adult Services visits to dissect classics such as Freckle Juice...

Listener Requests!

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our very first requests-only episode is here! Listeners asked for book recommendations, and we came through. Tune in to add some new books to your TBR...

Star Wars

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

May the force be with you as you embark upon our Star Wars episode featuring library patron and Star Wars expert, Michael! Tune in to learn about ever...

M*A*S*H

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Blair from Digital Services joins our hosts to revisit M*A*S*H! Tune in to hear them discuss the popular film, the even more popular TV show, and the ...

All Creatures Great and Small

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gather round with your favorite farm animals to listen to Vicki from Kiwanis in Troy revisit All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. Our hosts...

Daisy Jones and the Six

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we discuss Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid! Elizabeth joins our hosts to talk about the book, the TV show, and our favorite ...

Vampire Academy (& All the Movies We Love to Hate)

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sweet sassy molassy, we're talking about the 2014 film Vampire Academy! Eric and Cassie from Adult Services join Manda and Olivia to dissect this crit...

Holes

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your favorite digging shovel and get your lizard-repellant ready-- this week, we're talking about Holes by Louis Sachar! April, president of the ...

Valentine’s Day BONUS Episode!

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listen up, lovers-- it's the Valentine's Special! In this bonus episode, Manda and Olivia share their favorite books in these four swoony categories: ...