Sun, Sand & Stories: Authors on Crafting the Perfect Summer Read | Book Lounge Season 1 Episode 5

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! 

Article mentioned in the intro:

What Makes a Book a Beach Read?

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!