"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 Rewritten to Cut Potentially Offensive Language" by Derrick Bryson Taylor   "A Rosier View of Roald Dahl" by Alexandra Jacobs

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 will pick some great reads just for you in a future episode.

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!

Homage, reimaginings, retellings that aren’t quite retellings. Whatever you call it, we’re talking about it today on the podcast with Mariel from Youth Services.  Click here for a list of books discussed on the show.    Writing in the Shadow of a Masterpiece: On Homage by Margot Livesy

Daring escapes, complex revenge plots, swashbuckling adventurers, France! This week, we're discussing The Count of Monte Cristo. Special guests Keegan (Head of Youth Services) and Scott from Altair join us to revisit this thrilling classic.    Scoop about an upcoming series.

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? Send your titles in to podcast@troypl.org-- we'd love to hear from you.

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 bookish and beautiful 2024!

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 your favorite armchair with a lovely cup of tea and tune in to hear about some fab reads.

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 you in a couple of weeks with new bookish holiday content. Dream big, little bird!

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 it's worth the hype? Tune in to find out.