What happens when readers get REALLY into a book? Sometimes… everyone starts reading it.
In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, host Joe Skelley is joined by authors whose books found huge audiences through book clubs, BookTok, Bookstagram and online reading communities. We’re talking about the very real power of readers to turn a great book into a full-blown phenomenon and what it’s like for an author to watch that happen.
How does a book become the one everyone is recommending? Why do some stories take off in book clubs? And what makes readers want to pass a book along to everyone they know?
Plus, we’re getting into the joy, chaos and occasionally unhinged energy of being part of a reading community.
Whether you’re a lifelong book club member, a solo reader who lives in the group chat or someone who has ever said “I HAVE to make you read this,” this one is for you.
If you're part of a book club, tell us about it! How big is your group? How often do you meet? What's the best book you've ever read together? And, perhaps most importantly, what's the book that nearly started a civil war?
Listen or watch now, and join the conversation with Book Lounge by Libby.
Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!
Who’s in this episode:
Joe – Instagram
Heather Morris – Website, Instagram
Morgan Elizabeth – Website, Instagram
Patti C. Henry – Website, Instagram
Guest Books:
Some of Heather Morris' books:
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Cilka’s Journey
Three Sisters
Sisters Under the Rising Sun
The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse
Morgan Elizabeth's traditionally published book:
Meet Cute Magic
Some of Patti C. Henry's books:
Losing the Moon
The Story She Left Behind
The Secret Book of Flora Lea
Becoming Mrs. Lewis
Once Upon a Wardrobe
Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:19 Welcome and Intro 00:01:24 When did you realize your book had become a book club hit? 00:11:56 Did a book club change the trajectory of your book? 00:26:35 What are some of the events that stick out to you? 00:36:18 What impact does reader response have on your writing? 00:46:00 The parasocial lines between author and reader 00:57:09 Thank you, comment question and outro
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Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com.
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Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace.
Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378 Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41711
Happy Reading!
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