The Books We Loved
The Books We Loved is a podcast about revisiting old favorites with an open mind and a new perspective. Despite the title, we won’t be limiting ourselves to books-- movies, music, TV shows, and other aspects of pop culture will be up for discussion. Hosts and TPL Librarians Manda and Olivia (alongside some special guests from the Troy community!) will be asking themselves: does this book hold up? Tune in to revisit your old favorites while adding some new titles to your TBR list.
Listen on:
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
Today the gals share some ideas about how to break your reading slump, and offer up some titles that helped them get back into reading.
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Olivia and Manda discuss their recent reads during today's episode. Remember, if you're looking for personalized recs, send an email to: podcast@troypl.org
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Today the gals host Danielle (from Digital Services) for a robust discussion about the inspiring and controversial photographer, Sally Mann, and her 2025 book, Art Work: on the creative life.
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
A girl and her pig, a spider, and so many more memorable characters are up for discussion today, as Olivia and Manda chat about the beloved children's classic, Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White. Did it hold up to the test of time for our discerning librarians? You'll just have to listen and see!
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Today the gals and Keegan (from Youth Services), will tell you how ardently they admire and love Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice! Happy (belated) 250th, Jane!
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026
Today Olivia and Manda chat with local author, Tina Battle, about her newest children's book, Adventures in Troy with Betty and Buddy Beaver. The book celebrates all things Troy, following protagonists Betty & Buddy as they waddle their way to many local attractions, including the LIBRARY!
Copies are available for purchase locally at 86 Plastic or on Amazon. For signed copies of the book, email Tina at: tinambattle@gmail.com
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Olivia and Manda are joined by Community Engagement's, Hannah and Kit, today for a discussion of Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel (now a major motion picture), Hamnet. Buckle up, buttercups, because you're in for a chat featuring the plague, Willy Shakes, and more!
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Today the gals share their thoughts on the new film adaptation of Emily Bronte's, Wuthering Heights, as well as dig into some of their literary dislikes. It's the confessional episode, and they hope they don't yuck anybody's yum.
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Join the gals today as they do an author spotlight on kids author and illustrator, Grace Lin. Books mentioned in the show today include:
Story Telling Math series including, The Last Marshmallow (board books)
The Ugly Vegetables (picture book)
Dim Sum for Everyone! (picture book)
A Big Mooncake for Little Star (*Manda misspoke and said "little sister"; picture book)
Once Upon a Book (picture book)
Ling & Ting (early reader series)
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (book 1 of series; tween/middle grade)
Chinese Menu: the history, myths, and legends behind your favorite foods (nonfiction)
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Today the gal pals share their recent and current reads (and a couple of streaming shows). Below are all titles discussed:
Books discussed:
The God of the Woods, Moore
Bog Queen, North (Manda mentioned, The Windeby Puzzle, Lowry, as a kids readalike to this title)
Four Eyes (sequel is, Pizza Face), Ogle
The Secret Astronomers, Walker
We Fell Apart (We Were Liars series, #3), e. lockhart
Fly On the Wall, e. lockhart (title from Olivia’s story about her Teen Librarian days)
The People We Hate at the Wedding, Ginder
Replaceable You: adventures in human anatomy, Roach
Dolores Claiborne, Stephen King
TV shows discussed:
Arrested Development
Pluribus