What makes a book the perfect beach read? In this sunny episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and Sara Hamdan for a lively conversation about the art of crafting a summer page-turner. From thrillers to romances and everything in between, they unpack what “beach read” really means, how they keep readers hooked, and—crucially—their go-to writing snacks.

Then in segment two, Amy, Bre, Cece, Jananie, and Kayla stop by with top-tier book recommendations to toss in your tote bag, whether you're headed to the coast or just catching rays on your lunch break.

Pack your sunscreen and press play!

Guest Host Recommendations:

Amy Allen Clark

Sister, Sinner by Claire Hoffman (biography)

Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje

Bre

The Oath – TM Richardson

The Wishing Pool – Tananarive Due

Jananie

Never Been Better – Leanne Toshiko Simpson

The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff

Cece

Cleat Cute – Meryl Wilsner

Guillotine – Delilah S. Dawson

Drowning – TJ Newman

Kayla

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack

Sweethand- N.G. Peltier

A House on the Bottom of the Lake – Josh Mallerman

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

Segment 1

Clémence Michallon - Website

Jonathan Parks-Ramage - Website

Megan Miranda - Website

Sara Hamdan - Website

Segment 2

Amy Allen Clark - Links

Bre - Links

Cece - Links

Jananie K. Velu - Links

Kayla - Links

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:16 Intro

00:08:18 Segment 1 - Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, Sara Hamdan

00:54:57 BREAK – Check out Plot Threads Shop!

00:56:10 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Amy, Bre and Jananie!

01:30:24 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Cece and Kayla!

01:44:46 Outro

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode!

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!