Spring Into Reading: April 2026 Book Picks | Book Lounge by Libby

April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of incredible new reads! 🌸 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by returning guest (and friend) Emma to talk through the April 2026 book releases they’re most excited to add to their TBR. Together, they explore a wide range of upcoming titles—from highly anticipated bestsellers to under-the-radar gems—perfect for spring reading. 

If you’re looking to refresh your reading list, discover new authors, or stay on top of the latest releases, this episode has you covered. Expect lively conversation, thoughtful picks, and plenty of bookish enthusiasm to inspire your next great read. 

Book recommendations: 

Emma’s Titles: 

• Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry 
• The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke
• American Fantasy – Emma Straub 
• Shy Girl - Mia Ballard 
• Mad Mabel – Sally Hepworth
• The Paris Match – Kate Clayborn
• Unbound- Peyton Corine
• Go Gentle- Maria Semple 
• The Name Game – Beth O’ Leary 
• The Radiant Dark - Alexandra Oliva

Joe’s Titles:
To Mention: We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune 

• Bodies of Work – Clay McLeod Chapman
• The Escape Game – Marissa Meyer, Tamara Moss 
• The Subtle Art of Folding Space – John Chu
• American Spirits – Anna Dorn
• The Neverending Book – Naoki Matayoshi
• Thrall – Rebecca Mahoney
• Project V – Park Seolyeon
• The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances – Glenn Dixon
• Break Room – Miye Lee

And Joe’s horror round-up:  

• The Caretaker – Marcus Kliewer
• Molka – Monika Kim
• Odessa – Gabrielle Sher

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title
00:00:23 Intro
00:01:15 Catching up with Emma
00:02:52 April 2026 Book Picks
01:13:19 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! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

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!