The Books We Loved

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

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.R. Tolkien, as well as share  facts about Tolkien's books and the LOTR movie trilogy! We hope you find this episode as "precious" as we do... 

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

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

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 episode from a year ago, that somehow missed posting). 

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, and wish you all a very safe and happy new year full of books! 

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's Stone. Olivia and Manda are joined by OG listener, Angie, for a discussion of both the first book and film in the Harry Potter franchise. 

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 caps, and try to determine what makes something literary fiction, and if the story is a metaphor about something other than spies! 

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 this holiday season. Happy Holidays! 

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

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

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 Sedaris really is the most Gen X writer out there.  Looking for book recommendations? Go to troypl.org/podcast and scroll down to submit your request. We will feature suggestions on an upcoming episode. 

"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 Olivia and Manda as they delve into favorite characters they've met in books.

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 recommendations for yourself or someone you love be sure to visit troypl.org/podcast to submit a request. And as always, happy reading. 

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 & Brews Book Club , Cassie, for a discussion of all things Roald Dahl.  TPL catalog -- Roald Dahl materials for checkout/hold "Yes, Roald Dahl was a bigot. But that’s no excuse to re-write his books" by Francine Prose   "Roald Dahl’s Books Are R...

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

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 at best! Thanks for your patience with us, dear readers, as we take a break to attend to our other librarianly duties. In the meantime, here's a little check-in from us where we discuss some of the books we're reading and enjoying this season. xo! 

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 the right place.  The biography we mention on the show is It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad. 

Get ready for some tween drama, listeners-- this episode, we're revisiting the Baby-Sitters Club franchise! Emily, Library Director, and Lauren, Head of Digital Services, join Manda and Olivia to determine whether or not the series holds up.    Click here for a list of books discussed on the show.    Want your own personalized book recommendations? Submit your request here , and Manda & Olivia...

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 Scarry! 

Need some reading recommendations? Your friendly personal librarians have you covered. This is what we're reading in April 2024! .   Click here for a list of books discussed on the show.    Want your own personalized recommendations? Submit your request here , and Manda & Olivia will pick some books just for you in a future episode.    Happy reading!     

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 Bridget Jones. Tune in to hear what our hosts made of the book, the movie, and the incomparable character who made us all want to start a diary.   

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 and illustrator. Tune in to learn more about her and the Arts & Crafts movement that inspired her art.   

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 discussed on the show.     

Fraudsters, hucksters, thieves, and rogues! Today we're talking about all the anti-heroes who fascinate us, looking at books and documentaries such as The Big Short, My Friend Anna, Bad Blood, The Tinder Swindler, and more.  Joining us is Scott Wyckoff from Walsh College and Claire Mahler from 86 Plastic .  Stay sharp out there!