What Should I Read Next? (Anne Bogel)

Today Anne chats with Amy Johnson, who grew up in a big family in a small town in rural Colorado. (Amy says there were literally more books in her home than people in her town.) These days, Amy lives in Salt Lake City with her family, and describes herself as an ISTJ Type A Upholder. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Amy should read next! Connect with Amy: Blog | Instagram | Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Bethany Armstrong, a lifelong reader who describes herself as the kind of kid who always had a book in her hand. After studying literature in college, Bethany suffered through a period of bookish burnout. But a surprising thing re-invigorated Bethany’s reading experience... you'll have to listen to find out what it was.  Today Bethany’s reading life is thriving, and in this episode she and Anne dive into the specifics—they talk about how it’s alllllll about the story, and why it’s important to Bethany to keep the balance in her reading life. And when Bethany shares the book she hates … well, she's sure some of you will want to come after her with pitchforks when you find out what it is. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles and articles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Bethany should read next! Connect with Bethany: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Promoting literacy is a both a paycheck and a free-time passion for today's guest. Emily Kinard comes from a family where it’s completely normal for her grandmother and mom to give her book recommendations, and for her to return the favor. And if she sees you a reading a book she loves on the plane, she won’t hesitate to strike up a conversation about it—because there’s nothing like a good book for bringing people together. In today's episode, Anne and Emily discuss the etiquette of writing in books, #SlowReaderProblems, bonding with strangers over a good book, reading the book before you watch the movie, and more.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Emily should read next! Connect with Emily: Twitter | Goodreads Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne chats with Brian Sztabnik, an English teacher, basketball coach, and podcaster who lives on Long Island with his wife and two sons. Anne and Brian discuss great literary fiction, books about creative pursuits, reading with others, and high school English. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Brian should read next! Connect with Brian: Website | Podcast |Twitter |Instagram Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Tuesday, and time for a new episode of What Should I Read Next! Our guest today is Tiffany King, a dear friend you might know from her food blog, Eat At Home. Tiffany is a busy woman -- a homeschool mom for 19 years, and the creator of her own business -- so when she reads, she craves something cozy and comforting. "“I don’t tend to go really deep with my fiction," she says, "and I don’t feel bad about that." If you love comforting fiction with mouth-watering culinary themes, today's episode is just for you. Grab a snack and join us!  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Tiffany should read next! Connect with Tiffany: Eat At Home | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne chats with Jamie Golden about books that provoke visceral reactions, books that inspire blissful crying jags and sleepless nights, and what books she should read next. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Jamie should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Re-reading is a practice fits into every reader's life in a different way, and today's guest has embarked on a unique reading challenge that brings a fresh perspective to her re-reading. Sarah Swarbrick joins Anne today from the outskirts of Sydney, Australia, to talk about the special project she's crafted in advance of her 53rd birthday. With her responsibilities shifting and her kids getting older, Sarah's finding more time for reading lately, and she's excited about having extra space to approach her books with a different kind of thoughtfulness and intention. Sarah's decided to re-read a selection of her favorite books from childhood, and she's also trying to pair each childhood favorite with a more recent release. She's looking for books that have a lot to say to each other, that can really be in conversation with each other, and not just in the ways that are obvious on the surface. She and Anne discuss Sarah's project so far, and explore some unpaired re-reads to discover which new-to-her titles Sarah might enjoy matching with her long-standing favorites. See the list of titles discussed today and leave your suggestions for Sarah on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/470. Our What Should I Read Next Patreon community makes a very real difference in our ability to do the work we do: as a way to say thank you for that ongoing financial support, we share weekly bonus episodes and invite our community members to join us for special events, like our upcoming Summer Reading Guide live unboxing. Thanks to everyone who is already a part of our Patreon community, we are so appreciative. If you would like to come join us, get the details at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Shaney Swift, a massage therapist and social justice advocate from Chicago, Illinois. If you’ve been around What Should I Read Next for a while, you know Anne can be a bit of a personality-type geek, and Shaney shares that enthusiasm -- so prepare for a lot of nerding out! Today Anne and Shaney discuss scanning and deep-diving reading styles, books that help us understand our differences, and what to read next when you feel like your life is in limbo.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Shaney should read next! Connect with Shaney: Twitter | Instagram! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Anne chats with Meredith Schwartz, a self-described Type A, INFJ, and unapologetic listmaker who is trying desperately (and a big compulsively) to hold together all the crazy aspects of her life. There's nothing vanilla about Meredith: she has strong opinions about her reading, which makes for a fabulous conversation.   Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Meredith should read next! Connect with Meredith: Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Ana Salazar. Ana is a Columbian who’s now living in Peru, and she’s been, as she says, "absolutely obsessed” with reading for her whole life, so much so that her parents had to physically drag her away from bookstores when she was growing up. Anne and Ana discuss the joys and challenges of reading across borders, unpack Ana's love for the genre she's been loving recently, and explore why a Kindle is an absolutely magical device for international readers.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Ana should read next! Connect with Ana: Blog | Twitter | Instagram Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest this week is Danielle Mayfield. Danielle lives in Portland, OR with her husband and two small children. You may know her as the author of Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith,a book of essays that was recently released by HarperOne. Danielle often writes about heavy hitting topics like refugees, theology, and downward mobility, but today she and Anne are running away from the heavy stuff and are searching for good comfort reads instead. They're chatting about literary baby names, the wildly differing opinions people have about what makes a book "escapist", and book scenes so jarring they had to set them aside... forever.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Danielle should read next! Connect with Danielle: Website | Twitter | Facebook Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're kicking off 2025 with a special episode: today Anne is joined by her husband Will Bogel to discuss Anne's best books of the past year. Every week here on the show, we take a personal approach to the reading life, really digging into what readers love, what they don't, and why. Our conversations are about individual readers and their individual taste, so it's not often Anne shines a spotlight on what she loves and why. But Anne doesn't work in a vacuum: her own reading life plays a role in her recommendations, and today she's sharing some insights into her taste as she shares the books that she loved most last year, and why she loved them. Find the list of the titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/460, where we'd love to hear from you in the comments section, too. Our Spring Book Preview is just around the corner, on January 16th at 8:30 PM EST. This is an annual event that invites our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and Patreon members to join us: we've also got a la carte tickets on sale if you're not currently part of one of those communities. There are so many incredible titles coming out this season, and Anne will be talking about her most anticipated selections with all of you. Find out more and sign up to join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/sbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For today’s bonus episode we have a very special guest: Anne chats with her 8-year-old daughter Lucy. Lucy lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her parents and her three siblings. She’s a third grader who loves music, sports, and all kinds of animals, and her picks today are going to remind you about all the books that made YOU first fall in love with reading. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Lucy should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're happy to welcome reader and podcaster Sarah Stewart Holland to the show. You may already know Sarah from her blog Bluegrass Redhead or her show, Pantsuit Politics. Sarah is drawn to nonfiction and wants to read more fiction, but tends to grab what's new and hot in fiction for fear of missing out, instead of intentionally selecting it. One of her big strengths is "input," and she loves reading about all kinds of topics to scratch that informational itch. And she's obsessed with Hamilton, so of course we go there. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Sarah should read next! Connect with Sarah:  Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Check out Pantsuit Politics: Website | Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a special episode: we're revisiting seven guests from previous episodes of the show to find out what they actually did read next. What are they reading now? What did they love? And what did they, uh, not love as much? Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode. What book recommendations YOU have picked up after listening to the show! Did you love them? Hate them? Let Anne know in the comments on the podcast site. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest has a common readerly dilemma: what to do when reading tastes change? In her submission to join Anne on the show, Philadelphia dweller and avid book thrifter Phoebe Mellinger shared that she'd had pretty consistent reading tastes for her whole life, until last year when she noticed that her taste suddenly and vastly changed. Her go-to genres just were't working any more. This experience led Phoebe to embark on a year of discovery: she read a bunch of books in a range of genres, but she's not really sure where to go from here. While Phoebe is getting a better feel for what she enjoys and understanding how to talk about what she's looking for with more clarity, she's also picked up quite a few books based on enthusiastic recommendations, only to find they weren't her cup of tea. Today she's here to get Anne's help in figuring out how to discern the difference between what simply sounds good and what may actually be a good fit for her. Anne has ideas, of course! Please let us know if you have recommendations for Phoebe by leaving a comment over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/467, where we've also collected the list of all the titles mentioned today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne chats with Aaron White, a runner, content developer, INTJ, and married father of two who lives in Minnesota. Aaron's lifetime favorite book will make some of you jump up and cheer, and maybe make some of you yell back at your podcast player (and not in a happy way). Anne and Aaron discuss that AWFUL FEELING when you’ve read what feels like a bunch of underwhelming books in a row, nostalgic fantasy favorites, and how adding a book to your permanent collection can be a Very Big Deal. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Aaron should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Day 4 of our special Reading For A Lifetime series on WSIRN, and if our comment section has made one thing known, it's this: Adults LOVE Kid Lit. Not just for kids, not just in a theoretical sense, but in honest-to-goodness, just-for-the-joy-of-it, everyday-reading-life practice. The guest here to chat with Anne about reading KidLit for fun? The beloved and oft-requested Gretchen Rubin! You all know her as the author of The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and Better than Before, but what you mightnot know is Gretchen is a voracious reader of children's literature who is a member of THREE book clubs dedicated solely to children's lit! In this episode, Gretchen and Anne explore how Kid Lit transcends age group, why you should giving yourself permission to indulge in books written for children, how to find other adults with the same passion, and then they drop a blue million great book recommendations on you. Ready your TBRs, readers.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what kidlit titles you have loved reading as an adult! Connect with Gretchen: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world feels heavy, many of us look to books for distraction, inspiration, or reassurance. Today's guest has a unique spin on what she's seeking and would love Anne's help in figuring out how the types of reads she wants right now fit into her existing to-be-read (TBR) system. Émilie Weidl lives in Wales, where she's taken a year off before starting her PhD. When she's not reading or volunteering, you'll likely find her out for a walk or a hike, exploring the beautiful country around her. Émilie has always had a good grasp on her reading tastes, but lately she's found that the historical fiction she's always loved isn't working well for her. She's also having a hard time reading nonfiction because the topics she's been drawn to in the past feel harrowing right now. Plus, she's found that the TBR management system she's relied on for ages isn't work as well as it used to. Émilie's looking for absolutely gut-wrenching books that will distract her from her real-world worries, and a system that will help her tee up books she'll really enjoy reading right now. Anne has ideas for Émilie, as you'll hear today. Suggest gut-wrenching reads you think Émilie might enjoy and see the full list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/473. We always have exciting things on the horizon in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, and right now is no exception. Next week, we're going to learn all about Commonplace Books: what they are, and how to keep one, also why you might want to. When you join the club, you get immediate access to this class and all of our past events, along with our 2025 Summer Reading Guide which is coming out in May. Join us for a month or longer and experience the reading buffet book club has to offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Anne chats with Rikki and Michaela, two Seattle area friends and serious book lovers who knew each other for YEARS before they discovered they shared a love of reading. In today’s episode Anne, Rikki, and Michaela discuss what it means to live a literary lifestyle, why they believe in reading with the seasons, and how scary it can be to recommend your favorite book to your best friend. They also explore how they create meaningful, interactive experiences to bring favorite books to life, like their literary dinner parties.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Rikki and Michaela should read together next! Connect with Rikki & Michaela at The Ardent Biblio: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Anne's book Reading People: How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything released September 19! This is the story of how her long journey digging into 7 popular personality frameworks changed my life for the better, and how you can put those frameworks to work for yourself to make real, lasting change in your life, in your work, and in your relationships without going through quite so many hard knocks yourself. Pick up your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, your local indie, or wherever books are sold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Elise Blaha Cripe, who you may know as the creative professional behind the Get to Work Book planner, or the host of podcast Elise Gets Crafty. Most importantly, Elise is one of those people who can’t NOT talk about books—who loves to be reading, and loves to share what she reads. Today we talk about Elise’s love of big, thick books, the three places she gets her book recommendations, and how the true sign of a great book is if it makes Elise forget she has a phone. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Elise should read next! Connect with Elise: Website | Instagram | Goodreads. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for something a bit different - in today's "from the mailbag" episode, Anne discusses the myriad ways readers track their book lives, from Goodreads, to bullet journals, to excel spreadsheets, to #bookstagram. Fifteen WSIRN listeners' favorite recording techniques are highlighted, and Anne shares a little bit about her own favorite tracking strategies.  For pictures from our listeners and even more info, visit the corresponding blog post on Modern Mrs. Darcy. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're delighted to welcome Jessie Weaver on the show for episode 70! Jessie is a married mother of two who loves to read, which sounds pretty normal, right? She lives in the Chattanooga area with her family... AND a gaggle of teenage boys in a private school dorm. Anne and Jessie talk about this very different "lifestyle", how being a dorm parent changes Jessie's reading life, and the brave topic of lifetime favorites. Plus, last year Jessie got most of her book recommendations from the internet and KNOWS she isn’t the only one. What has this meant for her reading life? You'll just have to listen to find out.  About that title: Anne didn't realize until she listened through the final edit that she had inadvertently recommended (okay, gushed about) the same book in three of the last five episodes. Do you know which one it is? She hopes so!  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Jessie should read next! Connect with Jessie: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads  Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne chats with Anissa Davis, a family physician who lives with her family in California. She likes smart, funny, contemporary fiction with diverse protagonists, and she wants to be blown away by more books. Many of you will relate when Anissa says sometimes finding great fiction feels like kissing a lot of frogs before you find your prince.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Anissa should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is That-Reader-Who-Is-Impossible-To-Recommend-Books-To... because it seems she's read it EVERYTHING! Claire Diaz Ortiz has a very specific favorite genre that makes her go "crazy with excitement", and Anne faces a real challenge finding any titles under that umbrella that Claire hasn't already devoured.  In this episode, Claire and Anne discuss what it means to be an "obsessive reader" and how to spot others out in the wild, the way our personalities influence how we read, the feeling of hating a book that you know isn't BAD but nevertheless isn't for you, and of course we dive into the genre that makes Claire's heart sing.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Claire should read next! Connect with Claire: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If YOU have ever dreamed of opening your own bookstore, you’re about to learn exactly how another reader is making that dream come true. Meet Alison Frenzel, a reader from Waco Texas who is in the process of bringing her bookish business idea into the real world!  Alison and Anne discuss their nostalgic reading habits, what books and chocolate cake have in common, and the extroverted reader's perspective. And when it's time to talk bookshop, Alison has some solid business advice for Anne's favorite fictional bookshop owner, Kathleen Kelly. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Alison should read next! Follow Alison's future-bookshop, Fabled: Website | Instagram  Check out Readerly: Shop | Instagram  Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne chats with Caroline Starr Rose. Caroline is a mom, former teacher, and children's author of the novels May B. and Blue Birds. Caroline is based in New Mexico.  Anne and Caroline discuss reading and empathy, Caroline's very favorite genre, why Caroline is so reluctant to talk about books she doesn't like, and her snob-free approach to reading.    Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Caroline should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Anne chats with Janssen Bradshaw, creator of the blog Everyday Reading, former children's librarian, and modern mother who's raising her three kids to be readers. In this episode Anne and Janssen talk about how Janssen reads books like other people watch television, why Janssen's in danger of having her "real reader" badge taken away, and books with strong narrative drive and excellent plotting. They discuss happy books, books that require three boxes of Kleenex, and everything in between. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Janssen should read next! Connect with Janssen: Blog | Instagram | Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a very special episode: Anne is chatting again with seven guests from the first twenty-three episodes of the show to find out what they actually did read next. What books did they read? What did they love? What did they hate? (Because yeah, that happened.)  This episode is tons of fun—I hope you enjoy it as much we enjoyed making it.  Previous episodes we're circling back to:  • Ep 11: What's going on beneath the surface with Meredith Schwarz • Ep 13: Memoir, creativity, talent, and more memoir with Ed Cyzewski • Ep 14: A snob-free approach to reading with Caroline Starr Rose • Ep 16: Fascinating premises in dystopian fiction with Grace Martin • Ep 17: Smart, slightly eccentric, diverse books with Andi Cumbo-Floyd • Ep 18: Compelling, character-driven books steeped in time and place with Jessica Turner • Ep 23: Honeymoon reading with Mallory Rees Also mentioned in this episode: • How to take a reading vacation. • For an adult reader, the possible verdicts are five. • Find out more about Read Savannah with Liane Moriarty (and me!) right here Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past few years, today's guest has been on a journey of self-discovery. Florida reader Casey has been working on coming to terms with her perfectionism and along the way, she's been noticing what it means for her reading life. Casey's noticed she tends to save highly anticipated books for later: some uncertain time down the road when circumstances make the timing at long last completely perfect to pick up that book she's really been wanting to read. But Casey knows firsthand that our time is limited, and it is a certainty she'll run out of time to read everything she wants to. So, how to decide what should she read right now, and how can she prompt herself to actually read those books? Today, she and Anne explore these readerly struggles, with special emphasis on finding backlist titles that are a little bit weird, a little bit whimsical, and that just might take Casey by surprise. Find the list of titles mentioned today and leave your suggestions for Casey over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/471. Many of Patreon Community members enjoy the flexibility of Patreon, which lets them tune in to Bonus Episodes and other features on their own schedule. When you join us on Patreon, you'll get our weekly bonuses right in your podcast feed just like our Tuesday morning episodes, and all our live events are recorded so you can take part on your schedule. Patreon is also a tangible way to support everything we do here at What Should I Read Next?. Find out more and join us at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 2017, listeners! We have a DYNAMIC episode to kick off the WSIRN New Year. Today’s guest is Melissa Joulwan. If you already know Melissa, it’s probably as the author of her popular cookbooks (and Bogel Family favorites) Well Fed, Well Fed 2, and Well Fed Weeknights. But that’s just the beginning of her bio, which is one of the most interesting you'll ever read. She’s a retired Roller Girl. Prague is her favorite city. Duran Duran is her favorite band. And her life is also made better by her husband Dave, sports movies, leopard print, lousy truck stop (decaf) coffee, bear crawl, and Jane Eyre.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Melissa should read next! Connect with Melissa: Website | Twitter | Instagram Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest pointed out that we haven’t talked to an abundance of East Coast readers, and today we’re making amends. Karen Weiss is a nurse practitioner in Maine who gets many of her best book recommendations from her teenage patients, and she returns the favor — it's rare for a patient of any age to leave her office without a book recommendation. Karen loves chatting books so much she talked herself into a job at her local independent bookstore, so of course I needed to find out her secret. We also discuss Karen's take on the book—or books—she hates, stunning writers, well-written mysteries, and the awful feeling when a bestseller betrays you. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Karen should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we meet a indie bookstore owner and kindred bookish spirit, Annie Jones. In this episode, Anne and Annie talk about her wildly unlikely path to bookstore ownership, her love of dysfunctional family literature, and the way meeting an author in person can change the way you experience a book. And unlike a lot of WSIRN guests -- Annie is not afraid to say she hates a book (or... a lot of books.)  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Annie should read next! Connect with Annie: Website | Instagram Check out Annie's bookshop The Bookshelf and her podcast From The Front Porch. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're likely familiar with the work of today's guest: literary agent Elisabeth Weed, of the boutique literary agency The Book Group. Elisabeth has had a hand in bringing you many recent popular titles, and today she and Anne talking about the current literary landscape. From the trends Elisabeth is seeing (and what they mean for readers and writers) to how TikTok continues to influence the book trade, they cover a lot of ground in today's conversation. Elisabeth also shares her predictions for 2024 and a few of the titles she’s most excited about for late 2023 and early 2024. Listen in for a good behind-the-scenes look at the factors shaping today’s literary offerings, plus a few choice book recommendations on titles you might otherwise miss. Find the full list of books mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/413. Our big Spring Book Preview is happening Thursday January 25 at 8:30pm EST. Access this fun live event by becoming a Patron, joining our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, or purchasing your a la carte ticket at modernmrsdarcy.com/sbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest reached out seeking help with a specific reading dilemma. We loved her request, and we’re sure it's something many readers have experienced. Amy's joining Anne on the show today from her Vermont home on 11 acres where she homeschools her teenager, works as a part-time sustainability consultant, and cares for an eclectic collection of pets! Amy has always loved to read, but recently, her family’s budget has shifted. She's always been a library user, but lately she's looking for new perspectives on what her financial change means for her reading life. Anne and Amy talk about reframing Amy's reading selections so she doesn’t feel like she’s missing out when she can’t read a new release right away. And, Anne shares some suggestions on how Amy can turn this unplanned for-reality into a lovely limitation. Find the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page, and while you're there, let us know if you have suggestions for Amy, too: that's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/414. Our Spring Book Preview, one of our signature bookish experiences, is happening January 25, and there are three ways to experience it yourself: join us on Patreon with a monthly or annual pledge, become a member of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, or purchase an a la carte ticket. Find out more and select the best option for you at modernmrsdarcy.com/sbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Nava's guest submission caught our team's eye as a particularly timely topic for January: she was eager to talk to Anne about reading as it relates to wintering, burnout, and recovery.  After a decade of working in social advocacy, Natalie realized back in 2020 that she was dealing with serious burnout. One of the clues that something needed to change was Natalie's realization that, despite being an avid reader, she'd barely read any books in a few years. Natalie decided it was time to act: she quit her job and moved to Portland, and since then, she's reclaimed reading as one of her favorite pastimes. We know many readers might see themselves in Natalie's story, and today she and Anne are talking about the techniques that Natalie used to recover from her serious burnout. Anne also adds titles to Natalie's winter reading queue, including suggestions for the genres Natalie's excited to explore in the year ahead.  Find the full list of titles mentioned today and connect with Natalie on Goodreads. We have all of those links on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/415, where we'd love to see your recommendations for Natalie in our comments section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's conversation, Anne helps Reagan Jackson find compelling reads that tell good stories. Reagan is a Seattle-based journalist and co-executive director of Young Women Empowered. She’s also the author of the forthcoming book, Still True: The Evolution of a Reluctant Journalist, which tells stories of Seattle's Black and intersectional community. Today, Reagan and I talk her recent sabbatical travels as well as what's happening lately in her reading life. From her search for emotionally honest romance to the popular classic she hates and the memoirs she can’t put down, Reagan's excited to find some fresh discoveries in the genres she loves and those she's just started to explore, like graphic novels. Anne gives Reagen suggestions for the types of stories she’s eager to explore right now. Find the full list of titles mentioned today and leave your suggestions for Reagan on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/416. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wintry books and seasonally inspired reads are a common passion for readers worldwide, whether you're currently in our northern hemisphere winter, or you're experiencing another season right now. Today's guest has a deep love for all things hygge and winter, and this is absolutely reflected in the pages of her favorite reads. Sarah Butler is joining Anne today from her home in Brooklyn, where she works at the library in a dream job for a book lover. Sarah's always loved winter, but after discovering the Scandinavian approach to the cold and dark months, she has embraced the season even more in her life and in her reading life. Today Anne and Sarah talk about books that deliver on that wintry feeling, and Anne recommends a stack of wintry books Sarah can really burrow into this snowy season. Find that full list of titles over on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/417. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Rohn joins Anne to talk about literal literary matchmaking: the ups and downs of her life as a reader in search of real-life romance. We’re exploring what she looks for in a partner, whether they’re a reader or not, and truly baffling stories from her attempts at talking to men on dating apps about books. Plus, we discuss Amy's newfound love affair with nonfiction after a lifetime of sticking to fantastical fiction, bookstore architecture, stylish prose, the book she had a huge grudge against in middle school. Of course, Anne plays matchmaker herself, recommending three titles Amy may enjoy reading next! Today's conversation, which you may have heard when it originally aired in 2020 as Episode 221,  is just as good the second time around. If you think you're Amy's book twin or you have recommendations for her or readers with similar tastes, please let us know in the comments section over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/418. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest Farrah Rochon is passionate about the romance genre, Disney, and the city of New Orleans (among other things), and today Farrah and Anne dive into all of the juicy details. Farrah is a prolific romance author with 45 books to her name, so you may be as surprised as we were to learn that she never intended to write in this genre in the first place. Obviously, that's changed, and today she and Anne chat about what drew her to this particular genre, what she's learned over the years, and her current writing process as an obsessive plotter.  They also get into the state of the industry and what it means for Farrah's writing life these days. Find the full list of the titles we discussed today, including Farrah's two forthcoming books, on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/419. We'd love it if you'd leave a comment suggesting a romance novel you've loved lately. Finally, if you've heard a few small changes in recent episodes, that's because we’ve recently made the change to the Airwave Media network. We share more about this at the top of today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Anne talks with Courtney Dezahd about discovering themes in her reading and finding novels that will stick with her long after she turns the last page.  Courtney is a marketing professional and a mom whose reading tastes range from World War I history to outdoor survival stories and beyond. But lately, she's really honed in on themes she always finds satisfying, like stories of unrequited love and the triumph of the human spirit. Courtney's looking to find more books that will stick with her for years, if not decades, and deliver soul-changing reading experiences. Anne has recommendations that speak to Courtney's bookish quest. We've collected the full list of those titles on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/420. In today's episode, you'll also hear a brief update about our recent change to the Airwave Media Podcast Network. If you'd like to share your opinions to help inform our future partnerships with advertisers, we'd be grateful for your time and input. There's a short survey at this link, and it would be a big help to us.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest's love of reading was reignited in late 2022 when she found a path into the bookish zeitgeist by reading a super-popular series. Around the same time, Julie Van Huizen found herself surrounded by her friends' end-of-year reading wrap-ups, which left her feeling inspired, intimidated, challenged, and curious. That curiosity led Julie to declare 2023 her year of intentional reading, and it ended up being an exceptional experience that she and Anne talk about today. Julie and Anne explore the monthly reading formula that works for Julie, and what makes for a satisfying reading "diet". They also talk about the power of getting plugged into what Julie calls “the book people network” and why she’s so excited about being part of the literary and pop culture conversations. Anne's recommendations today are full of all of the ingredients Julie loves on her shelf. If you have ideas for Julie, we'd love to hear your recommendations: please leave a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of all the titles we discussed in today's show. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/421. If you’d like more book talk without having to join BookTok, you'll love our Patreon community! Patrons enjoy a whole range of bonus episodes and special events, while also playing a huge part in bringing this show to your listening ears each week. If you’re already a patron, THANK YOU so much. If you’re not, it might be just the book community you’re looking for. Find out more at our Patreon site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's bookish goal: finding the right books to fuel a reader's wanderlust. Georgia-based Joy has traveled extensively and even lived abroad, but now that she's not on the road, she's looking to load up her bookshelf with titles that will take her vicariously to places she can't get to right now in real life.  Joy know what she loves when she reads it, but she's struggled with finding a good system when it comes to selecting her travel reads in the first place. Today, she and Anne explore that struggle. After closely examining Joy's loves, as well as a title or two that hasn't worked so well for her, Anne adds both fiction and nonfiction travel narratives to Joy's to-be-read stack that she will actually enjoy reading next.  See the full list of titles mentioned and add your suggestions for Joy by leaving a comment on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/422. Keep up with upcoming bookish events, like Anne's upcoming appearances at literary festivals this spring, by visiting ​our events page​. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Susan Meissner, a historical fiction author based in the Pacific Northwest. You might know Susan from books like Only the Beautiful and The Nature of Fragile Things: Susan is also a reader and listener and today she's here to talk with Anne about her readerly dilemma. Susan writes character-driven, historical fiction: sometimes books like hers are described as “quiet” and she’s okay with that. Susan knows what she loves to write and what she loves to read. But lately, there have been whispers in the industry that this kind of “quieter” historical fiction is not what readers want right now. Instead, today’s readers are seeking out short, snappy, and plotty books. At least, that’s the conventional industry wisdom these days. So what does that mean for Susan and everyone else loves to read and write "quiet" books? As a lover of these types of books herself, Anne's been mulling over Susan's query, and in today's conversation, they unpack the quiet novel and discuss its place in today’s literary landscape. They dive into questions like what it even means to call a book “quiet” and whether readers have indeed lost their appetite for them, before sharing titles that are highly character-driven while also offering incredibly compelling plots. Whether you know you like quiet books or aren't quite sure, today's show is sure to pique your curiosity. Find the full list of titles discussed today and share your thoughts (and book recommendations) with Susan on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/423. Stay up to date with What Should I Read Next events and happenings, like the upcoming book festivals Anne is speaking at this season. Subscribe to our email newsletter and you’ll receive all the essential information: sign up at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recovering from a reading slump can be challenging, and today's guest credits a book subscription box for saving her reading life.  In today's episode, Anne Bogel is chatting with Tiffany Vicars, a pharmacist, mom and State Fair prize-winning paper crafter in Louisville, Kentucky. Tiffany knows reading is her highest form of self-care, but the past few years have been disruptive to her reading life in both good and challenging ways. Tiffany tried a few approaches to re-boot her reading life, but nothing stuck until she tried out a book subscription box and figured out a way to make its promised combination of curation and discovery work for her.  These days, Tiffany is thrilled with her overflowing, never-ending TBR, but she'd also like to make sure she's not just reaching for what she calls the new and glittery books. Today, she and Anne talk about which of the titles on Tiffany's TBR deserve to be bumped to the top of her current reading priority list. Find the full list of the titles discussed today and leave your recommendations for Tiffany on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/424. Join Anne to celebrate Indie Bookstore Week at ​The Bookshelf​ in Thomasville, GA on Thursday, April 25. Anne will be joining Bookshelf owner Annie B. Jones to talk about summer reading. Tickets are on sale on the Bookshelf's website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent career shift has opened up more reading time for today's guest, and Tara Bañuelos is looking to make the most of this abundance by exploring new-to-her genres and overlooked backlist titles. Tara lives in Washington, D.C., where she practices law. In the past, she's relied on reading for her preferred form of stress management. But with her recent career shift, Tara's finally able to read for pleasure again, and not just anxiety relief. Tara's been loving what this has meant for her reading selections, and she's not suffering for choice: Tara's access to the regional library system in her area means she has a whopping total of 15 library cards, which she primarily uses for ebook access. Tara's not sad about this, but she needs a better system to manage her multiple library holds that often come in all at once. Today, she and Anne identify patterns, hone in on Tara's reading taste and create a plan for moving forward.  Leave your recommendations for Tara and see the list of titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/425. We're only weeks away from releasing our 13th annual Summer Reading Guide. This is our team's marquee event for the year, and we are so excited for what's in store for 2024. We celebrate the start of the season with a huge book party, and you're invited. Learn more, save your seat, and pre-order your guide at our Summer Reading Guide page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When big changes happened in Caleb Wilson-Johnson's life, his reading life shifted, too. Today, he's eager for Anne's suggestions after two exciting changes derailed his previous strategy of choosing his next read. Caleb used to love planning his entire reading year in advance, and especially enjoyed pairing books with the season—sometimes down to the specific month or even day. But Caleb recently got married and moved across the state to live with his new husband. Both of these joyful events shook up his previous reading routine. Caleb's interested in exploring what a new path forward might look like as he enjoys these other new starts in his life. Today, Caleb and Anne explore how Caleb can bring a fresh outlook to planning his upcoming reads, and Anne recommends a handful of engaging and plotty books that will keep Caleb reading until the last page. Find all of the titles we discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/426 Our 13th annual Summer Reading Guide is only a few weeks away from landing in inboxes, and we'd love to invite you to join us for this year's book party. We'll be hosting two live events, both on May 16th, and you're invited. Get all of the details and find out how to get your guide at our at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connecting with authors is always a treat, and today we're bringing you a recent conversation between Anne and author Thao Thai. Thao joined us in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club last year to discuss her debut novel Banyan Moon, a juicy family drama that explores what makes a home, the secrets we keep, inheritance and immigrant stories, and so much more. In today's episode, Thao and Anne talk about how this unique story came to be and the story behind the book's striking cover, and Thao answers a variety of questions from our Book Club members. We also hear about Thao’s forthcoming rom-com, Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour—which she is releasing under the pen name Nora Nyguen. Whether or not you’ve read Banyan Moon, we think you’ll love listening in to today’s spoiler-free conversation, which we've lightly edited from the original live Book Club Event. Find the full list of titles mentioned in today's conversation at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/427 If you loved today's episode, you'll find more conversations like these in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community. When you sign up this week, your first month of membership will also include our 2024 Summer Reading Guide and unboxing book party. We’d love to have you join us—find out more at modernmrsdarcy.com/club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne takes you behind the scenes of how her book Reading People came into being. Guided by questions from newsletter subscribers, we're delving into the intricacies of how the book was made, from working with agents and editors, to how the book got matched up with a publisher, to how the cover was designed. Anne also gets personal with an exploration of her writing habits, what she learned along the way, and even where the initial idea came from. Get your copy now at your local indie, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, wherever books are sold. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  If you want to chime in for future episodes like this, you can—just sign up for the newsletter at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest enjoys tackling heavy topics in her reading, but today she's here for Anne's help to bring more levity to her reading rotation. As a South African of Indian descent, Natasha Govender appreciates reading real life stories from authors across the globe. These stories help her connect with the human experiences behind the pages, but she'd love to balance these emotional stories with titles that are just plain fun. Natasha's especially interested in discovering Brown voices writing stories that feel joyful and celebratory. If these books come from the fantasy, thriller, or middle grade shelves, even better. And, because Natasha loves to reread the books she loves best, she and Anne focus on finding titles to add to Natasha's to-be-read list that she'll connect with on the first read, and love enough to read again and again. Find the full list of titles discussed in today's episode and leave your recommendations for Natasha at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/428. Our summer merch shop is open! Pair your stack of summer reads with a cozy t-shirt, a tote that's perfect for library hauls, bookish stickers, and more. Explore our latest merch selections at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne recently attended Tallahassee’s recent Word of South Festival of Literature and Music, and today we're sharing her live conversation about all things reading with Festival Director Sara Marchessault and Kati Schardl. Book festivals offer so much potential for discovery, by connecting readers with writers they already love, new authors to experience, and often, books that capture the spirit of the region. Today, Sara, Kati and Anne talk about the books they've been reading lately, the titles they can’t stop recommending to others, the epic fails when these recommendations fall flat, and what they learn about themselves and other readers in the process. They wrap up with some great conversation on summer reading moods, and Anne recommends a handful of titles they can add to their summer reading stacks. Find that list of the titles mentioned in today's conversation at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/429. For more live book talk with our great community, join us for our thirteenth annual Summer Reading Guide launch party. Listen in as Anne takes you through 42 hand-selected reads to pair with your summer adventures and activities. Join us on May 16th - find out more, save your seat, and pre-order your guide right here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is all about summer reading, because our 2024 Summer Reading Guide is out this Thursday! Our Summer Reading Guide is one of the highlights of our year. Anne spends months reading and vetting both anticipated new releases and under-the-radar gems, resulting in the guide's list of 42 titles with something for every reader.  Joining Anne today in sharing our excitement for the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing is our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community manager, Ginger Horton. Ginger and Anne have talked summer books before and that conversation was a delight, so we can't wait for you to listen in to today's conversation. They explore this year's Summer Reading Guide theme, give you a sneak peak at a title (or two) on this year's list, and share other favorite summer reads across the years. As always, you'll find a list of the titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/430. There's still time to pre-order your guide and join us for the live Unboxing party on May 16th. To get all of the details, visit modernmrsdarcy.com/srg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us today for the second in a series of three live events! While Anne was on the road recently, she had the opportunity to stop by fantastic independent bookstore The Bookshelf, in Thomasville, Georgia, for the first time since 2018.  During this live event, Anne spoke with host and owner Annie B. Jones about summer reading alongside a crowd of friendly and enthusiastic readers. Annie and Anne discussed perennial summer favorites and newer titles that took them by surprise. Plus, Anne shares a bit about what goes into creating our annual Summer Reading Guide that came out last week. Their conversation today will whet your appetite for summer reading of any flavor. Find the list of titles mentioned today and links to connect with The Bookshelf at our show notes page: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/431. If today's conversation has you even more excited for summer reading, grab yourself a copy of our 2024 Summer Reading Guide!Get your guide today at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Anne today in a live conversation from the recent Word of South festival is listener favorite Lauren Groff! This conversation happened in the midst of a big moment for Lauren: she was recently recognized on the Time 100 list, and her new bookstore, The Lynx, just opened in Gainesville, Florida. Lauren and Anne talk about what led Lauren to open The Lynx and her goals for this new independent bookstore. Their discussion explores a range of readerly topics, like Lauren's love for short stories, her writing process, the intersection of music and writing, and exploring stereotypes in real life and on the page. They also touch on the connection between Lauren, Florence Welch, and the Taylor Swift song, Florida!, and Lauren shares the book she's recommending lately. Chime in with the books you'd love to buy from The Lynx in the comments section of our show notes page, where we've also compiled the full list of titles discussed today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/432. If you love being among book people, you'll love our Patreon community, where we create weekly bonus episodes that keep our patrons close to the pulse of what's happening in the book world. This month, we're sharing bonus episodes that augment our Summer Reading Guide, like great books Anne didn't include in the guide and why, and a dedicated mini matchmaking session that pairs patrons with their perfect Summer Reading Guide titles. We're so grateful for our patrons and their support of our show. If you're curious, come and check out our Patreon community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audiobook lovers, today's conversation will help you make the most of your audiobook credits, whether you love short or long listens. Stephanie Van Parys is a devoted gardener in Decatur, Georgia, where she loves to pair audiobooks with working in the dirt. Since she discovered this way of merging her two passions back in 2020, she's never looked back: these days almost all her reading is done in audio format. Today, Anne and Stephanie talk about the audiobooks that keep Stephanie weeding, and the fresh perspectives she'd love to bring into her listening routine. Stephanie would especially love to discover new-to-her authors from places other than the US or the UK, which you will hear more about in today's show. Anne has suggestions to keep Stephanie's summer reading in bloom. Visit our show notes page to see how you can connect with Stephanie, and view the full list of titles mentioned in today's conversation. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/433. Shop summer merch and check out our assortment of fun bookish items, like our Book Camp shirts, new stickers (we especially love the Read! pennant sticker), links to all of Anne's books, our archive of seasonal reading guides, and more. See what catches your eye at modernmrsdarcy.com.shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reading offers a wide range of vicarious experiences, and today's guest is looking for books that make her feel warmly welcome. Adrianne Carnes is a bookseller and marketing director for a local independent bookstore in Texas, where she loves to create an inviting space for the readers who frequent her shop. Adrianne's interest in hospitality started in her youth, when she traveled often with her parents and was charmed by her experiences. These days, Adrianne enjoys finding inviting books as well as stories set in a hotel or restaurant, but finding the right titles feels overwhelming. Today Anne helps Adrianne navigate the massive availability of interesting books and discuss how to know she's found a title that feels worth spending time on. Anne closes with recommendations of books that offer a sense of hospitality and welcome. Find the full list of titles mentioned today and share your recommendations for Adrianne on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/434. What Should I Read Next? is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is a native Parisian who is planning a road trip this summer to the northern Alps of Italy to escape the Summer Olympics. Corinne Yan is here today to get Anne's help in discovering great audiobooks to pair with this long drive. But before diving into recommendations, Anne and Corinne chat about Corinne's dreamy book job: she works as a book restorer at the oldest French public library, the Bibliothèque Mazarine. Corinne's work allows her to restore a wide range of documents, from 78 CE papyri to Middle Age religious manuscripts to 19th century Napoleon caricatures. In addition to crafting Corinne's summer audiobook list, she and Anne chat about Corinne's To Be Read list, which has more than 1,700 titles on it right now. Anne has ideas for how Corinne might be able to balance the occasional reread of beloved books with the intentional pursuit of new-to-her reading experiences as she strikes some titles off of this massive list. Find the full list of titles mentioned today and connect with Corinne at the link in our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/435. If you're still planning your summer reading, there's still time to get your 2024 Summer Reading Guide if you haven't already devoured your copy. Buy your guide a la carte, or join one of our reading communities, and your guide (as well as all of the archives from past years!) is included. Choose the best option to unlock your summer reading at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are kicking off a summer series from the What Should I Read Next? archives: we're sharing the first episodes and sometimes the very first conversations Anne had with readers that are now members of our team. Many of you know our team members by name, and you have a good sense of their reading tastes, too. But we also know that many of you are new around here, or haven't yet had the chance to listen to all 400-plus episodes, so you don't know our team members as well.  Whether you've heard these episodes before or you're hearing them for the first time, we're certain you'll enjoy these introductions to some of the people who help make the book magic happen around here. The first episode in our team series originally aired as Episode 9 from all the way back in 2016 as Anne talks with now-Modern Mrs. Darcy editor and social media manager, Leigh Kramer. At that time, Leigh was living in San Francisco, where she identified herself as a full-time book nerd, fried pickle connoisseur, and lifetime White Sox fan. While Leigh lives in Chicago now, she still has strong opinions about her books, which makes for a delightful conversation.  In this episode, Leigh and Anne discuss the nearly perfect novel that she adored and happened to be all wrong for Anne. Leigh also shares the books she read at just the right time and a variety of very real bookworm problems, before Anne recommends titles for Leigh's next read. This episode was a really interesting time capsule because Leigh and Anne discuss some books that Leigh wouldn't choose and Anne wouldn't recommend for her today. We'll discuss those changes in her reading life more over on Patreon. Find the full list of titles mentioned today, along with links for other places you'll find Leigh and our team, over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/436. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest today is Rose Booth, a technology merchandising director and cinephile who sometimes "feels like she's dating books." Rose loves female protagonists who flout convention and books where reality meets fiction, but she's also eager to fall in love with titles from one popular genre that she hasn't had any luck with—yet. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Rose should read next! Connect with Rose: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our July series brought to you by the What Should I Read Next? time machine. This month, we're going back in our archives to share episodes with four of our team members. When these episodes were originally recorded, no one involved had any idea that these readers would be on our team eventually, so it's especially fun to re-listen knowing everything that happened after Anne and these guests first spoke on the podcast. Today we are revisiting Anne's conversation with Donna Hetchler, which was originally Episode 83. In this episode Donna and Anne dive into Donna's then-developing plans for the epic 50th birthday bookstore road trip she had in the works. As Donna says, the planning is half the fun, and she brings us into her planning details from the specific West Coast bookstore she wants to visit, the books she wants to purchase, and the friends who will join her along the way. This episode has become a listener favorite and continues to inspire many of you to plan your own book projects for big milestones. We think you'll love this chance to listen to Donna share about the trip that started it all. And if you're curious what Donna and our other team members are reading lately, be sure to check out our corresponding Patreon series, where Anne will be hosting follow-ups to hear from each team member about how they feel about re-listening to their episode, and what their reading life is like now. Find that and so much more happening over at Patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. We have that link along with all of the links to the titles Donna mentioned today and other places you'll hear from Donna and our team over at our show notes page. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/437. What Should I Read Next? is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're excited to continue our mid-summer series featuring our team members! Learning more about our team members and who shares your tastes may help you identify some good books in a way that might not land on your radar otherwise. We hope you love this conversation. Anne is revisiting her very first conversation with Alabama reader Shannan Malone in today's conversation. Since this episode originally aired, Shannan has joined our team as our co-host and contributor, but in today's show, Shannan and Anne go back to where it all began. Shannan has broad taste and high standards, as you will hear. Even authors that she's loved in the past don't get a free pass, and maybe not even the benefit of the doubt. So today's episode goes out to all you eclectic readers who love hopping between genres. Anne and Shannan discuss the struggle of pinpointing what you dislike about a book that everyone else thinks is amazing, awkward characters that are endearing to introverted readers, and much, much more. You'll find the full list of titles mentioned today, along with links to other episodes, blog posts, or features contributed by Shannan and other team members at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/438. If you're curious about Shannan's reading life now, be sure to join us over in Patreon where Anne is catching up with the team members whose voices you are hearing for the month of July and hearing all about how their reading lives have changed since they were first featured on the show. Those conversations are a lot of fun—find them at Patreon.com./whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode from the WSIRN vault, Anne is sharing her very first podcast conversation with Brigid Misselhorn. Like so many of our guests, Brigid came to the show through our WSIRN guest submission form. But these days she works on our team as our MMD Book Club Community Administrator.  This is fitting, because as you’ll hear in today’s episode, Brigid is totally addicted to book clubs. At the time of this episode, she was an active member of seven book clubs. She really enjoys how participation in these communal reading groups invites memorable conversation and a structured reading life. Brigid describes herself as a naturally slow reader, and today she's sharing a bunch of tips for finishing all those book club picks on time. She and Anne also discuss the origins of her book club addiction, the benefits of audiobooks, and balancing personal reading with book club reading, before Anne recommends titles Brigid might enjoy reading next. You'll find the full list of titles mentioned as well as a round-up of other places you can connect with Brigid at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/439. This episode wraps up our summer series featuring members of our team, but throughout the month of July we've also been catching up with each team member to hear about their reading life now. That's all happening over on our Patreon page. Podcasting from a business standpoint has been especially wonky lately, and the financial support from our patrons is a huge part of what keeps our show on the air each week. Bonus episodes like these team follow-ups are just one way we say thanks. And if you're interested in even more insight into how the publishing world all works, we think you'll especially enjoy our latest bonus episode, where Anne is taking you behind the scenes to talk all things book advances and royalties. Find this bonus episode and so many more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the year just over half way through, Anne is stepping back to see how her reading year is going. Today, she and Shannan Malone are doing a little midyear check-in to see how this year has been going so far reading-wise, and what they are most excited about in the coming months. They consider whether they're actually reading what they want to be reading this year, whether they have any intentions to pivot for fall and winter months, and if or how they reading tastes and desires have evolved since they last checked in on this. Anne and Shannan share reflective practices or questions to help you conduct your own midyear check in, if you are so inclined. But regardless of how you approach your reading life, this is, above all, a call to ask yourself, what do you want from your books right now? Because reading time is precious, and we want to help you feel good about how you are using yours. Learn more about conducting your own midyear check-in and get a full list of all of the books discussed in this episode at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/440 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're excited to share Anne's recent conversation with author Lucy Foley, from a live event hosted by Carmichael's Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky. In today's show, Anne and Lucy kick things off by discussing Lucy's new revenge thriller The Midnight Feast and the real-life places and trips that inspired its atmospheric setting. Lucy also shares about her evolving career as an author, her love of writing unlikable characters, and what she delightfully calls the unholy trinity of women authors she can't get enough of. Thanks to Lucy Foley and to Carmichael's Bookstore for hosting this event and inviting us to share this lively book talk with all of you today. Find the list of titles mentioned and let us know which Lucy Foley book is your favorite in the comments section on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/441. If you'd love to talk books with Anne, we've just re-opened our guest submission form and we're excited to see your submissions! While we're always open to unique readerly conundrums and would love to read about yours, right now we're also especially looking for your stories or reading experiences that feature cozying up for a cooler season, reflecting on thankfulness, or books that haunt you. Learn more and share your submission at modernmrsdarcy.com/guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, we have celebrated birthday milestones here on the podcast before, and today Anne is talking with a guest who designed the ultimate book party for her recent 50th birthday. Kelly Davis lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she works for her alma mater and enjoys caring for her garden and listening to audiobooks. For Kelly's recent 50th birthday, she planned a big celebration at her local beignet company, and in lieu of other presents, she asked guests to bring a book that they loved. Kelly's goal was collecting 50 books for 50 years, and her party was a great success. But the fun didn't stop there. In a project that would speak to many nerdy reader hearts, Kelly created a master document to analyze the books she received, including lots of charts and graphs. Today, Kelly is here to get Anne's help in creating a plan and choosing which of these titles to reach for next. Find the list of titles mentioned today and let us know which titles you'd recommend for Kelly at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/442. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A limited reading selection often leads to delightful serendipity, and today Anne's chatting with a guest who has had just that experience. Rachel Elaine Martens and her family recently lived in Budapest for a year. During this time, Rachel Elaine had access to her U.S. library's virtual collection, but she also made use of a small shelf of left-behind books in the house she was staying in. Now that she's back home in Missouri with a broader selection of choices, she'd like to keep that serendipitous flair while also inviting more of an intentional flow into her book selections. Rachel Elaine enjoys picking up her latest library discovery, but she'd love to discern a clearer arc to her reading selections and feel less whiplash from constantly jumping between genres that feel like they have nothing in common other than coming up on her library holds list. Rachel Elaine has a definite preference for backlist books, too, and today Anne suggests titles to create the intentional reading experience Rachel Elaine's seeking. Find the full list of titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/443. Ready for even more great reading? Join us on Wednesday, September 18th at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time for our sixth annual Fall Book Preview. During this live event, we will walk through some of the most anticipated titles of the fall season, including the books Anne has read and loved, and the titles she can't wait to read. Members of our Patreon community and our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club are invited to join us: this event is a perk of membership in those communities. Our Fall Book Preview is also available a la carte for those that just want to join us for this one event. Find out more and sign up at modernmrsdarcy.com/fbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're back with the 2024 installment of our popular summer reading roundup, where members of our team pair up to talk about their favorite summer reads. You'll hear our team in conversation today, exploring our summer reading experiences and the titles we can't stop talking about. Around here we talk books all year round, but episodes like these are especially fun, and always mean we're adding a bunch of new titles to our own to-be-read lists. We read widely around here, so no matter what you love to read, we think you'll hear a title that catches your attention today. Find the full list of titles mentioned and leave a comment to share your summer reading superlatives at our show notes page: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/444. Just in time for fall, we've released a fresh and fun collection of merch! From fun new buttons and sticker designs to favorites like our To Be Read tote and our Book Camp sweatshirts, you're sure to find something delightful. See all our merch and shop at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your to-be-read lists ready because today's episode is packed full of recommended titles. In today's show, Anne is hosting Hunter, a fan of literary fiction who lives in Philadelphia with his husband and their dog. Anne and Hunter talk about his years-long project to read National Book Award longlisted titles, which also leads into conversation about both that award and some of other big book awards. Plus, Hunter shares his frequent habit of rereading books, especially books he doesn't like on the first pass.  Hunter loves books that are messy and murky and don't necessarily offer clear answers. At this moment in his reading life, he's looking for writing that is striking on a sentence level, perhaps a little bit weird, and unlike the majority of what's coming out right now. Anne has ideas for Hunter and together they talk about a whole bunch of books that may be just right for you right now, too. Find that long list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/445.  Fall means new merch, and we have a special collection including, for the first time ever, the option to buy a printed Fall Book Preview booklet. Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club members and members of our What Should I Read Next Patreon community, we've shared a link to buy just the printed booklet since your Fall Book Preview is included in your membership. If you're joining us for Fall Book Preview on September 18th with an a la carte ticket, you'll see an option to add on a printed booklet in our shop. You'll also find our exciting and seasonal collection of stickers, pin-back buttons, sweatshirts, and more. Find all of the fall goods at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love a good campus novel for fall, you'll love today's conversation between Anne and academic dean Karen Gold. Karen works at the oldest independent boarding school in the country, where she teaches a course on campus novels. That's not all Karen reads, though: she's especially fond of novels that span generations and highlight both the mundanity and the messiness of the human experience. But Karen's real dilemma today isn't finding the titles she'll want to read next. What she's really grappling with is a format struggle. She's always been committed to print books, but then she got an iPad, and then a Kindle, and she started to enjoy reading on a screen. These days Karen defaults to the ease of e-reading, despite having shelves full of physical books that she really does want to read. She's not sure what to do about this readerly conundrum, and she and Anne talk strategies and possible solutions today. Listen in and find the list of titles discussed on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/446. Save the date and join us on Wednesday, September 18th for our sixth annual Fall Book Preview. During this live, 90-minute unboxing event, Anne shares 35 hand-picked titles to get excited about this season. You'll also get our 12-page digital PDF Fall Book Preview booklet. Our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and Patreon members enjoy automatic access to this live event: you can join us by becoming a part of either community or purchasing your a la carte ticket at ModernMrsDarcy.com/fbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our reading community truly spans the globe: today Anne is in conversation with Evie, who is joining us from northern Greece. Evie grew up in Boston and after visiting family in Greece over the years, she moved back herself last year. These days she enjoys the slow pace of life and social culture in her Greek community. Today, Evie would love help reframing her approach to reading and reviewing books, because it's causing her a lot of angst. Lately, she's described herself as a frequent three and one-star giver, and this situation isn't working for her: it makes her feel like she's hard to please. But Evie's not sure what's going on here: are her standards too high? Is she being pretentious? Does she just not know what she likes? Those are some of the options Evie tossed out as she's trying to figure out what is happening here with her star rating situation. She and Anne explore what's causing this dissatisfaction, and look at solutions. They'll also get into the specifics of Evie's reading taste, which often includes books that invite the reader into others' lived experience, and Anne wraps up with reading suggestions for Evie. Share your own recommendations for Evie and find the list of titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/447. Join us on Wednesday, September 18th for our sixth annual Fall Book Preview! During this 90-minute live unboxing party, Anne walks you through 35 selections, step by step and book by book. If you're a member of our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club or What Should I Read Next? Patreon communities, our Fall Book Preview is an included benefit and you'll find access information within those communities. You can also join us by purchasing our popular a la carte ticket. Find out more at modernmrsdarcy.com/fbp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This fall, we were excited to hear from you about the books that haunt you. and today's guest sent in a submission that caught everyone on our team's eye. We loved her interpretation of this theme. Today, Megan Reilly is joining Anne to talk about the books that linger in your brain for years. Megan is a professional theater designer and a college professor who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She loves to travel and spend time outdoors, and reading is both a beloved hobby and a stress management technique. Megan and Anne talk about a range of topics today, from reading challenge addiction to intelligent thrillers that aren't afraid to go dark. They also dive into that topic of haunting books, exploring what that means to Megan and which titles she may find captivating for her upcoming season of reading. Find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/448. Fall is a season full of new beginning energy, and it's a great time to remember that you can start a new habit or set a new goal any time you want. If you're looking for a fresh start, check out Anne's book Don’t Overthink It. It's full of ideas to help you make easier decisions, stop second-guessing, and bring more joy to your life. Check your library or pick up your own copy at your local independent bookstore or wherever you buy books online, including our Modern Mrs Darcy shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario reader Emma Sweeney wants to explore books that incorporate elements from the horror genre. She's not interested in books that give her nightmares, but she's found that these stories often prompt reflective and meaningful reading experiences. Today, she and Anne talk about finding titles that include horror elements without being truly horrifying. They also tackle Emma's other reading conundrum: she'd like to get better at discerning whether a book is a good fit for her or not before she spends 100 pages of precious reading time on stories that turn out to be not what she's looking for. We expect this conversation will resonate with so many readers this season, no matter where you fall on the spooky reading spectrum. Let us know if you have recommendations for Emma by leaving a comment on our show notes, where you'll also find the full list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/449. A quick note: in today's conversation Emma and Anne talk about a story featuring a hurricane in North Carolina. Because this conversation was recorded before Hurricane Helene caused so much destruction, there's no mention of the recent storm. Our thoughts are with all those affected. It's time to submit your request for our upcoming gift recommendation episode, where we will help you find the books and bookish goodies for everyone on your holiday list. Tell us about your gift-giving situation and get answers from our team by emailing hello@modernmrsdarcy.com with the subject line "Gift Help". Let us know who you are shopping for, a little about their reading life, any ideas you have, or the direction you prefer to go. We will read some of your requests on our episode and answer lots of reader inquiries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, like so many of you, we have such fondness for Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountain region, which is desperately hurting in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We’ve been thinking constantly of those affected, both in Asheville and now in Florida in the aftermath of Milton. While it feels like nothing we can do can touch the enormity of what is happening on the ground, today Anne is sharing fond memories of her very first visit to Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountains, along with actual literary matchmaking audio from an event at Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville’s downtown. After sharing that clip with you, Anne talks a bit about what's changed since this 2017 conversation, and also shares a handful of her favorite North Carolina books. Malaprop's is closed while they assess the damage caused by Helene, so they're directing those who wish to support the local book community to two organizations: BeLoved Asheville, and The Binc Foundation. To help not only Malaprop's but the local community in Asheville, we're donating all proceeds from today's episodes to these two organizations. That means both advertising revenue, and any affiliate earnings we get when you shop at our links below. If you'd like to support the Asheville community during this time, we thank you for listening today, and encourage you to check out these two organizations, too. Portions of this episode originally aired in December 2017 as Episode 108: What Should I Read Next LIVE from Asheville. Find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/450. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are thrilled to welcome Nikki May to the show. Her new book This Motherless Land is a reimagining of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Anne was especially intrigued by this because Mansfield Park is the novel of Jane Austen's that seems most overlooked when it comes to retellings. Today, Anne has questions, and Nikki May has answers. Among some of the gems you will hear are Nikki's personal connection to Jane Austen generally and Mansfield Park in particular, the personal experiences that informed This Motherless Land, and the complexity of belonging and not belonging as explored in these pages. Anne and Nikki also discover their shared appreciation for family novels, especially complicated, messy families, and Nikki shares some of her favorites today. Find the full list of titles mentioned at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/451. Our annual traditional holiday gift-giving episode is just around the corner. If you'd like to give a bookish gift to a reader in your life and you'd like our team's help, please email hello@modernmrsdarcy.com with the subject line "Gift Help". In your email, please include details about who are you shopping for, a little bit about their reading life, and any ideas you have or the direction you'd prefer to go. We'll read some of your requests and answer lots of reader inquiries on our upcoming episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been wanting to talk short stories for awhile here on the podcast. When today's guest wrote in with a readerly conundrum on just this topic, it was the perfect opportunity to explore this literary topic in conversation. Jessica Crockett is joining Anne today from Chicago, where she works as a French-to-English patent translator. When she's not enjoying board games or ballroom dancing, she'll often be found reading. And today, she'd love Anne's help in untangling her relationship with short stories. Jessica really wants to love short stories: she's read a few collections that really work for her, but she's also found she keeps buying short story collections that she either never picks up or wanders away from. Jessica is wondering whether she's missing something in her short story reading experience, if she needs a change in approach. Today she and Anne dive into her situation and talk about what makes short story collections shine. Find the full list of titles mentioned and other links from today's conversation on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/452. If you are interested in short stories like today's guest, this is the perfect time to join our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, because this November we are reading short stories together. Come join our Book Club to enjoy a full year of author talks, classes like Greek mythology for readers, and big events like Fall Book Preview and our upcoming Team Best Books of the Year. Join us for short stories by signing up at ModernMrsDarcy.com/club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When today's guest, Dana Reams, told us about the cozy reader's gathering she intends to hold later this month, our team instantly wanted to RSVP "yes." Since we can't all gather at Dana's house this season, we thought we'd do the next best thing and have her on the podcast. Today, Anne is chatting with Dana about her delightful concept for this gathering. You'll hear how Dana creates richly textured, immersive reading experiences, both for herself in her own reading life and in times like these when she seeks to offer other friends and readers a sense of community and belonging in a season that could use a little boost of coziness. Plus, Dana and Anne will each share a selection of books with cozy vibes. Find the list of titles mentioned and leave a comment to share your cozy readers gathering tips at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/453 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, we had so much fun putting together an episode featuring Anne's favorite reads, and it was a listener favorite, too! We're back today with the 2023 edition: Anne is again joined by her husband and show producer Will Bogel to talk all about her reading superlatives from last year. Choosing the best books from a full year of reading is tough as well as fascinating, and today Anne shares her own best, favorite, and most memorable reading experiences of 2023. She'll also take you along in her process of evaluating what she read over the year and deciding how to select her favorites. We'd love to know if any of these made your top reads of the year, or if you have other titles you'd like to share: let us know in the comments section on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/412. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our annual gift recommendation episode is here! Today, Anne is joined by members of the Modern Mrs Darcy team to respond to your requests for gift-giving ideas for the readers in your life. Thanks to all of our listeners who sent in their questions: we loved sharing our best recommendations for the readers you love. Whether you hear your request in today's episode or you didn't get around to submitting a question, we're confident you'll walk away with some great gifting ideas today. We've gathered the long list of titles shared in the show notes, which you'll find at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/454. Looking for something to pair with a book (or a book-inspired gift)? Our merchandise shop is full of good stuff for the readers in your life. Check out what's available at ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is the beloved author, Elif Shafak, whose latest title was a 2024 Summer Reading Guide pick. Elif's works are so particular and set very much in a specific time and place, yet they also feel so inclusive. Elif's stories explore universal themes like home and belonging, exile and displacement. She also leverages her Turkish heritage and accesses storytelling traditions that are sometimes unfamiliar to Western readers. Elif is one of Anne's favorite writers working right now, in large part because she attempts things no other writer would think of. Today, they talk about that as well as the mythologies and metaphors that make her books so engrossing.  Find the list of titles mentioned in today's show at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/455. If today's episode delivered the type of bookish conversation you'd love more of, come check out our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. In this vibrant community space, we enjoy live author talks, classes, and special events like the upcoming Our Team's Best Books of the Year event. Sign up or purchase a gift membership for your favorite reader at modernmrsdarcy.com/club.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diagnosing readerly dilemmas is one of our favorite things to do around here, and today Anne is helping Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager Ginger Horton figure out the answer to a reading question that's been plaguing her. Ginger recently came to Anne with a conundrum: she loves books set in New England, but not every book set in New England. She loves books set in New England autumn, but not every New England autumn book. What is the particular combination of bookish ingredients that makes a New England story a win for Ginger? She was stumped, and wanted Anne's help in diagnosing what exactly is going on in this part of her reading life. Today Anne and Ginger explore what goes into Ginger's winning reading formula and share a long list of New England inspired titles. Find that list of books mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/456. And while you're there, tell us about a New England book you love by leaving a comment. If you're shopping for gifts to bring readerly delight to your holidays, our shop has you covered. From sweatshirts to our buttons, book darts, and stickers, there's a pick for any recipient on your list. Our tried and true "To Be Read" tote also makes perfect packaging for a bookish holiday gift. Find these goodies and more at ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cozy reading season is nearly here in the northern hemisphere, and today's guest wrote in with a unique question: how can she create a cozy reading experience when she's nearly always listening to audiobooks on the go? Lauren Worley is joining Anne today from Virginia. Lauren's work keeps her in the car and on the road quite a bit, so Lauren’s fully embraced audiobooks. But she doesn't just want to listen while she's driving: she's curious how she could create a cozier reading experience in her car. Today she and Anne talk about what Lauren's looking for, from small tweaks to make car listening feel more cozy, to the titles she defines as cozy audiobooks (which might not be what you'd expect.) Anne shares titles that might fit Lauren’s criteria, as well as ways she can invite that cozy reading atmosphere into her experience, even when she’s on the road. Share an audiobook you've found cozy or a reading tip for Lauren by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll find the full list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/457. If you are on the hunt for perfect gifts to give the tough-to-shop-for readers in your life, my reading journal makes a great gift. My Reading Life is the perfect companion for any adult, with 100 blank entries to record what they've read, a place to keep track of their to-be-read list, and lots of book lists to help them pick what to read next. I also have a version for kids and the young-at-heart: My Reading Adventures has the same elements as well as features that will appeal kids and teenagers. Or, check out my I'd Rather Be Reading bundle, which includes my book, I'd Rather Be Reading, a matching sticker, button, and exclusive bookmark. Shop now wherever you get your new books or at our shop, ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Anne was invited to speak at WriterFest, a creative gathering for aspiring writers, published authors, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters in Nashville, we couldn't wait to share that conversation with all of you. Today we're sharing Anne's conversation with WriterFest co-founder Ami McConnell. From books and reading to the common themes they've heard people are experiencing in their creative lives right now, it's a conversation to spark your own creative spirit. Thank you again to WriterFest co-founders Ami McConnell and Sara Wigal and to their their amazing teams and volunteers who made this event happen. Let us know if you have a book or a creative moment you'd like to share by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/458. We're so looking forward to sharing our annual Team's Best Books of the year! This has become a tradition, and this year, we'll be gathering for this live party on December 19th. Members of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon Community are invited: this fun event is just one of many ways we say thank you for your financial support. Find out more and become a member at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is feeling stuck between quality and quantity in her reading life. With all of the end-of-year reading reflections happening lately, Anne is here to help if you're also facing this situation. Caroline Hines lives on a Christmas tree farm, which is not really related to today's book-talk, but feels like the perfect setting for our final episode of the year. When she wrote in to get Anne's help, Caroline mentioned that since she started tracking her reading against a numerical goal, she's felt an unwelcome shift in her reading life. Rather than reaching for the heftier reads she suspects she'll love, even though they take her longer to finish, she finds herself dashing through fast-paced thrillers because she knows she'll read them quickly, not because she thinks they're perfect for her. Today she and Anne discuss the pros and cons of using a numerical reading goal, and how Caroline might enjoy that glorious feeling of falling headfirst into a book more often. Find the full list of titles mentioned and share your suggestions for Caroline by leaving a comment on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/459. A quick note: our team will be taking the next two weeks off to enjoy good books and good times with our loved ones. We'll be back in January with a brand new episode—Anne's Best Books of 2024! In the meantime, enjoy our archives, or explore all of our bonus episodes, author chats, and more in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Jacey Verdicchio from the Around The Table podcast. Anne and Jacey discuss books that make you feel smart / not-so-smart, and the inner battle between reading what you love vs. reading what you feel like you should love. Anne recommends three bittersweet books that Jacey can enjoy without second-guessing about her taste. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Jacey should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around here, we don’t think you need an excuse to love Jane Austen, but boy does today's guest Rebecca Smith have a great one -- she is Jane Austen's great great great great great niece! Rebecca is a longtime reader, a former writer in residence at Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, and she currently teaches creative writing in the U.K. She’s the author of Jane Austen's Guide to Modern Life's Dilemmas and the recently published book The Jane Austen Writer’s Club.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Rebecca should read next! Connect with Rebecca: Bloomsbury webpage | Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne talks to Tsh Oxenreider about the importance of where she reads, author stories on and off the page, books for book nerds, and her love of simple stories well told.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Tsh should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Tim Gardner. Tim's wife Emily contacted Anne and asked if she could do a little literary matchmaking for Tim. They'd both realized that a little reading break at the end of the work day made for a smoother transition between work and home, but he wasn't sure what to read next. They came to the right place. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Tim should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I'm talking with Breanne Mosher, a self-described history nerd and travel lover who lives in Nova Scotia with her family. She documents her family's adventures (with beautiful photos) at This Vintage Moment, where she explores the everyday extraordinary.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Breanne should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne chats with Stacey Loscalzo, a mother of two girls, book reviewer for Great New Books, and former reading specialist in New Jersey, just outside New York City. Stacey always has a book going, and she’s looking for titles that will compel her to READ when she has ten minutes to spare—instead of checking Facebook. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Stacey should read next! Connect with Stacey: Instagram | Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Tuesday, readers! Meet Madeleine Riley, a 24-year-old special education teacher in New England who runs a colorful bookstagram account, Top Shelf Text, where she celebrates the most beautiful titles she's been reading lately. Today, Anne delves into who Madeleine is as an INFJ "regular reader" who just needs some alone time with a book to unwind. Topics include the struggle to find bookish friends IRL, judging books by their covers, discovering the next mystery comfort-read, and their embarrassing bookworm confessions. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Madeleine should read next! Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Anne and guest Nicholas Siegel cover a lot of ground. MFA fiction is a phrase that has been thrown around on the podcast before; today they dive into what exactly that means. Nicholas also pitches a book in a way that TOTALLY changes Anne's perception of it. Also discussed: literary magazines, when to finish a book that you're not enjoying, and stories that are perhaps best described as “just plain weird." Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Nicholas should read next! Connect with Nicholas: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook| Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest hails from Austin, TX, and enjoys the simple things in life: wine, books, chips & salsa. As host of The Happy Hour podcast, it might be fair to say Jamie Ivey is a happiness "professional." Most of our guests come with anecdotes about childhoods reading under the covers or sneaking books to the dinner table, but today Jamie gives her perspective as a NON-lifetime reader! Anne and Jamie also chat about the 5 different ways you can feel about a book, relationship-centric stories, and good news if you're looking to squeeze more reading time into the day — they share our favorite techniques for reading in the bathtub. ;)  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Jamie should read next! Connect with Jamie: Blog | Podcast | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WSIRN just hosted our first LIVE event at the fabulous bookstore The Novel Neighbor in St Louis. (Many thanks to shop owner Holland Saltsman for having us!). Anne surprised three readers from the audiences with their very own book-matchmaking session! If you weren't able to make it, today's episode will hopefully make you feel just a little bit like you were sitting in the bookshop with Anne, having a group book-therapy session.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know where you'd like our next liveshow to be! Connect with The Novel Neighbor: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook. Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it SO HARD to describe a book you REALLY LOVE? Anne tries to figure it out with today's guest Cori Jara, a case worker in Eureka CA. Cori is a lifelong reader who loved the written word so much she became a creative writing major. But after college books lost their luster for Cori for a while—reading felt too much like work. So several years ago, she started keeping a detailed spreadsheet about what she was choosing to read. That spreadsheet led to an epiphany: she diagnosed why her reading life had gotten dull, and what she could do about it. In this episode Anne and Cori talk the prosaic, like what it’s like to move to a town with a smaller library, and the unforgettable—like a book that makes you want to skip dinner, bedtime, and the rest of your life until you finish it. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Cori should read next! Connect with Cori on Instagram Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne first met today's guest Shawn Smucker and his wife Maile while they were on an epic cross-country road trip with the whole family, in a big blue bus named Willie. If that sounds like interesting reading, Shawn wrote a book about the experience! It’s called How to Use a Runaway Truck Ramp, and the title is NOT just a metaphor.  Today Anne delves into the special significance certain books and authors hold for Shawn and his family. Other topics covered include the fascinating art of ghost-writing, journaling's place in the writing life, and multi-sensory reading experiences.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Shawn should read next! Connect with Shawn: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Books Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Anne looks for small business owner Esther Dairiam's origin story. Like so many great plots, Esther’s turns on an epiphany she had on a trip to Paris five years ago. She left convinced that what her adopted city of Chicago needed was its own destination for culinary books and events, and not finding anything like it already in business, she sought to open that business herself.  Anne and Esther talk about food, of course, and the way it brings people together. You'll hear lots of cookbook and food titles today, but they also discuss the characteristics of a great memoir, the inclusivity of food AND books, and the favorite books of Esther's childhood. Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Esther should read next! Connect with Esther and her shop Read It & Eat: Facebook |Instagram | Twitter | Website Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been at a bus stop, on a train, or in a waiting room, and casually craned your neck trying to peek the title of a stranger's book? Going a step further - have you ever straight-up ASKED a stranger about the book they're reading? For most of us, that sounds intimidating. For today's guest, Uli Beutter Cohen, it sounded like a fascinating years-long project. Uli is the creator behind Subway Book Review on Instagram, a project dedicated to sharing book reviews from strangers on the train, accompanied by gorgeous black and white photos. In today's episode, Anne gets a deeper look who Uli is as a reader, creator, and New Yorker, and recommends 3 books she thinks Uli should pick up next.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of books and articles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Uli should read next! Connect with Uli: Website | Subway Book Review | Eye Level Magazine Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re catching up with the very first guest of What Should I Read Next! Even if you're a longtime listener, you still might not recognize his voice... and that’s because the first time Anne recorded this show, it was on her iPhone, in a moving vehicle, in the middle of nowhere, and the guest? Her husband, Will Bogel. That episode never aired, and the file got trashed a long time ago. But today Will is back to celebrate the anniversary of the show he helped test-drive a year ago! It's been a fun journey so far, and we at WSIRN are so grateful that you've taken the ride with us.  Here's to the next year of WSIRN, readers! Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Will should read next! Connect with Will: Twitter Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year on the Modern Mrs Darcy blog, Anne shares a post about what's saving her life right now, and today she's joined by team member Shannan Malone to talk about what's saving their reading lives lately. Shannan is our What Should I Read Next Patreon community manager, and also our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club co-host. Today, she and Anne explore the books and habits that are making their reading lives feel good at the moment. While preparing for this conversation, we also reached out to our Patreon community members and invited them to share what's saving their reading lives right now. We loved reading all of those responses, and we've woven a few of those comments into this episode. Shannan and Anne wrap up today by touching on what's saving their lives beyond their reading lives, too. We hope you'll hear an idea or two that helps support your reading life, or share your own observations by leaving a comment over at our show notes page. You'll find that at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/465. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's conversation won't go the direction you're expecting - and we think you're going to love it for just that reason. The guest is Kathleen Grissom, author of the hugely bestselling books The Kitchen House and Glory Over Everything. Kathy (she said we could call her Kathy) is a reading discussion pro: she has talked to more than ONE THOUSAND book clubs since The Kitchen House was published! Today, she and Anne chat about hardcovers versus paperbacks, "reading books like popcorn", historical fiction with a touch of redemption, take a deep dive into Kathy's fascinating intuitive writing process, and of course Anne puts on her matchmaking hat and recommends what Kathy should read next.  Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, and leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think Kathleen should read next! Connect with Kathleen Grissom: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices