Episode Details

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the art of bringing stories to life through audio. 

From developing character voices to recording emotional scenes, Saskia and Michael share what really goes into creating an unforgettable listening experience. Together, they explore the unique magic of audiobooks, the relationship between narrator and listener, and why hearing a story can feel so different from reading one on the page. 

Saskia Maarleveld has narrated more than 700 audiobooks and is known for her remarkable ability to perform a wide range of accents and characters across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and young adult literature. Listeners may recognize her work on bestselling titles like The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and The God of the Woods.  

Michael Crouch has recorded more than 500 audiobooks and is an AudioFile Golden Voice narrator whose work has earned Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and widespread acclaim from listeners and critics alike. He's particularly celebrated for his performances in young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and contemporary literary fiction.  

Whether you're a lifelong audiobook fan, a devoted Book Lounge listener, or someone who's been curious about trying audiobooks for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of publishing's most beloved formats. 

Celebrate Audiobook Month with us and discover why a great narrator can transform a great book into an unforgettable experience. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Michael Crouch - Website 

Saskia Maarleveld– Instagram 
Check out Saskia’s Medium article – The Voice in Your Ears 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:39 Welcome to Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch 
00:03:05 What does it feel like to work on IP books vs. Original Content?  
00:06:30 What does creative freedom look like to you in narration?  
00:15:05 What brought you into audiobook work?  
00:25:03 What genre feels like home?  
00:30:08 How are people getting into narration today?  
00:40:41 Is there a standard for what you’re paid for your work?  
00:50:03 Working on pronunciations 
00:53:32 Lightning Round 
00:59:55 Thanks and 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! 

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