What Should I Read Next?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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​.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Today, Anne is joined by Kim Hewlett to talk about creating a year of seasonal reading. Kim and her family relocated to Iowa a few years back, which led Kim to realize just how much she enjoys pairing books with the seasons. Kim's set a 2024 reading goal to reach for the right books at just the right time, no matter the time of year.

Kim's name may sound familiar: last fall Anne spoke with her daughter Noa in Episode 347: A reader's guide to tricky transitions. Today, Kim's excited to talk with Anne about leaning into a year of seasonally appropriate book selections. This is a theme we've heard repeatedly from our listeners lately, so we thought this could be really helpful for many of you: instead of recommending three books to Kim's particular taste, Anne recommends a whole bunch of books that take place during specific seasons and key moments, milestones, and holidays throughout the year.

We hope today's roundup of a whole year's worth of reading recommendations will tide you over for an extra week. This is our last episode of 2023, before our team takes some time off to enjoy relaxing (and reading, of course) over the holidays. We'll be back on January 2 with our next episode.

Find the complete list of all of the titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/411. While you're there, be sure to check out our shop: we have some great last-minute gifts, like a membership to our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club. Gift your favorite reader a 3, 6, or 12 month membership: since it's digital, it's easy to deliver anywhere, anytime. Find out more at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.

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We all know that travel and reading go really well together. Today's guest, Dana Prescott, is looking for books to help prepare for her upcoming bucket list trip: she and her husband are taking ten weeks to travel to Australia and Southeast Asia next spring.

Dana loves to travel, and she'll often learn more about her destinations beforehand by reading books that represent the countries in question. We got doubly excited about Dana's project here at What Should I Read Next? because not only does it sound amazing, but we also have a team member who is perfectly positioned to support Dana's reading request. Our media production specialist, Holly Wielkoszewski, has spent the last six months traveling through the very same countries Dana is making her big plans for. I invited Holly to join me today as guest recommender, and she has book ideas galore for Dana.

Listen in to hear which books Dana will load her pre-travel to-be-read list with, and find the full list of titles mentioned at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/410.

If you're still on the hunt for a perfect gift for your favorite reader, gifting a reading journal might be just the ticket. We have two in our shop and out on bookshelves everywhere: My Reading Life, which is created for adults, and My Reading Adventures, designed for kids ages 8 to 12 (but used and loved by readers of all ages.) Order your copy of one or both journals wherever you like to buy your books, or order signed and even personalized copies from modernmrsdarcy.com/shop. 

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Our guest today may be familiar to many of you: Ariel Lawhon was one of Anne's early guests, back in Episode 15, and Anne recently recommended Ariel's new book The Frozen River in Episode 393.

Today, Ariel is joining Anne to talk about books and publishing, from Ariel's new release, to the unexpected way her books have aligned with the literary Zeitgeist. They also explore why some stories stay with you long after you finish them, and discuss their mutual love for seasoned female protagonists.

Ariel wraps up by sharing some of her favorite books and the titles high on her to-be-read list. We've collected the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/409.

If you're hunting for a great gift for any style of reader or anyone who shares the love of a good book, Anne's book I'd Rather Be Reading might be just what you're looking for. Make it even more meaningful by getting your copy signed and personalized, or pairing it with one of our totes, some bookplates, or a sticker. Place your order at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.

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We love a creative reading project, so when Allison Virtue told us about her global reading project, we couldn’t wait to hear more.

Allison lives in Los Angeles, where she's set a goal to read a book written by an author from every country. We've had unique reading projects like Allison's on the show in the past: you may recall Episode 168: A century of good books (in a single year).

When it comes to Allison's goal of reading around the world, she’s made good headway so far but she’d appreciate Anne's help in discovering titles to add to her global to-be-read list. Anne and Allison discuss her project as well as how Allison recovered from a recent reading slump, and Anne offers tips to help Allison more easily find titles that fit her project's criteria. Anne also suggests some titles Allison can add to her global reading list today.

Find the full list of books mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/408. And, be sure to check out our Modern Mrs Darcy store: we have a great selection of small gifts and accessories that pair well with a good book for your favorite reader. Explore our shop at modernmrsdarcy.com/store, where you can also order signed and personalized copies of Anne's books just in time for holiday gifting.

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Today's guest loves to read, but she also loves to knit: how can she find the books to hold her attention so she's not tempted to pick up her knitting needles?

Patty Brown lives in Bend, Oregon, where she enjoys outdoor activities like cycling, as well as indoor activities like knitting. She's been a reader in the past, but lately she's struggled to find the books she'll find too compelling to put down. In fact, it's been such a long time since Patty felt connected to her reading life, that when she ventures into the bookstore looking for inspiration, it backfires: when faced with all those options, Patty feels like a deer in the headlights—and ends up leaving empty-handed. 

Today, Anne talks with Patty about finding the books that are right for this moment in her reading life, as well as techniques that might make her feel more comfortable the next time she visits her neighborhood bookstore. 

Find the full list of titles we discussed in today's episode, and leave your suggestions for Patty, at our show notes page: that's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/407.

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Each year, we recommend books for the readers on your holiday season gift list. While it's become one of our favorite annual traditions, this year we're putting a fresh spin on it: for the first time, our team members are joining Anne to offer their gifting recommendations. Over the past few weeks, we've collected listener requests for book recommendations for everyone from young kids to elders, and today's episode is full of so many fantastic recommendations. Even if you didn't send in a question, you're sure to hear about a book that's perfect for you or a reader you love.

Find the full list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/406.

*****

Deliver your holiday book gifts in a sturdy tote, or pair them with book darts: our merch is in stock, including signed and personalized copies of all my books (we are low on stock in many t-shirt sizes). Explore our store and shop at modernmrsdarcy.com/store.

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If you enjoy your fall reading with a dose of magic, villainy, and self-discovery, you're not alone. For today's guest, fall reading is all about the vibes.

Grace lives in South Carolina, and while her fall reading agenda includes books with a darker twist or magical flair, she also gets that fall-reading feeling from titles that feature thoughtful plots and introspective characters.

Anne and Grace talk about the types of titles Grace might especially enjoy this season, with an emphasis on audiobooks, a format Grace has especially enjoyed lately. Anne leaves Grace with recommendations that she might find especially enjoyable for pumpkin spice season. 

Find the full list of the books discussed today on our show notes pages at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/405.

***

We've restocked our merch! Be sure to pop over to our online store and check out our reading tees, bookplates, stickers, and more. You can also order personalized copies of Anne's books, which make a great gift for your favorite reader. Find all of that at modernmrsdarcy.com/store.

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Knowing what you enjoy on the page can feel simple, but finding new books to deliver that reading experience isn't always so easy.

In today's episode, Anne is talking with Katherine Kwong. Katherine lives in Nashville, where she enjoys reading along with an assortment of other creative hobbies. While she knows that she enjoys fantastical stories and satisfying endings, she's eager to find new ways to understand her reading selections.

Katherine would love to identify authors she can return to again and again, and she's also interested in starting to read more outside of her comfort zone. Anne gives Katherine some fresh perspectives on her reading choices, and shares a selection of titles that speak to Katherine's current reading goals. 

Find the full list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/404, where you're also invited to leave your suggestions for Katherine in the comments section.

Our annual gift recommendation episode is coming soon, but if you just can't wait for bookish gift giving, be sure to check out our 2023 MMD gift guide for book lovers​, and its companion, our ​2023 MMD gift guide for bookish kids​ on Modern Mrs Darcy. 

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A devoted nonfiction reader is struggling to find her way in the fiction section, and Anne is here to help.

Amye Day Ong, who lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and young children, knows how to find the nonfiction titles that she won't be able to put down. But when it comes to fiction, Amye feels lost.

Amye would love to better understand why she might like or dislike a certain fiction title before she picks it up. She's hoping to gain some insight so that she can better tell in advance which titles will turn out to suit her readerly taste, instead of her current approach of hauling a whole range of titles home from the library.

Amye and Anne take a closer look at common elements of the fiction picks that have worked well for Amye in the past, and Anne offers some tips for the future, along with recommendations for specific fiction titles Amye might enjoy reading next.

Find the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/403.

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Our guest today is looking for immersive, transportive reading experiences that she can get lost in.

Ellen Harry, who lives in North Carolina with her girlfriend and beloved pets, loves to travel. But when she's not exploring a new destination, she's equally drawn to adventures on the page, and is always eager to explore new-to-her stories and perspectives.

Anne and Ellen chat about stories that deliver a sense of escape and adventure and Anne suggests a few riveting reads that will feed Ellen's adventurous spirit.

Find the full list of the titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/402.

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Seasonal reading means different things to different readers, and today's guest is searching for spine-tingling, scary reads for her fall selections.

Jenea Lyles is a full-time graduate student and a devoted horror movie fan. She's happy to be recovering from a reading slump, and right now, she's looking for more stories on the scarier side into her reading life. She's dabbled in reading spine-tingling tales before, but knows there's a lot more out there to explore.

Anne will help Jenea assemble a stack of titles that feel just right for Halloween season, while still making room for a little bit of whimsy. Find the full list of the books mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/401.

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Today we are celebrating our 400th episode by sharing a collection of your questions, stories, and favorite What Should I Read Next? moments.

A few weeks ago, we asked for your input, and our team had such a great time reading through your responses. Today, Anne is joined by Modern Mrs Darcy Co-Host and Contributor Shannan Malone in reading through your submissions one by one and sharing memories, laughs, unexpected discoveries, and more. Thanks so much to each of you who makes it possible for us to create a podcast where we get to talk books every single week—we're so grateful to be here. 

We mention a whole bunch of past episodes during today's conversation, and we've collected that list, along with the books discussed today, over on our show notes page. Find that at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/400.

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Each of Sonya Dutta Choudhury's three book clubs fills a unique space in her reading life, and today she's joining Anne to chat about her home library, what she's looking for in her books these days, and what she calls the DNA of book clubs.

Sonya is a writer, journalist, and former banker who splits her time between Mumbai, India and the Himalayan town of Manali. She's typically reading multiple titles at once, but she doesn't like to feel too regimented in her reading, preferring to keep the door open for something new that will surprise and delight her.

That said, Sonya's interested in bringing some structure to her reading life, especially when it comes to rereading: she often finds herself easily distracted by new to her books that catch her eye, and would love to spend more time with old favorites. Anne offers Sonya some ideas to bring rereading back into her regular reading rhythm.

Find the full list of titles discussed today and leave your recommendations for Sonya on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/399.

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After a satisfying summer of reading the twisty thrillers and entertaining books she really enjoys when the temperatures rise, Melanie Steimle is ready to discover some transitional books for the fall reading season.

Melanie lives in Utah, where she enjoys cake decorating and her favorite adjacent bookish hobby: keeping close track of her reading in her book journal and associated spreadsheets (and looking forward to her end-of-December book stats review.)

While Melanie feels confident about the types of books she's looking for this time of year, she'd love some help finding specific titles that fit this reading preference. Melanie's looking for more literary picks than she typically reads in the summer, but she's not quite ready for the heftier and often darker reads she enjoys in the winter. She'd love Anne's help in bridging this gap and creating a fall reading list featuring titles that will deliver an immersive, highly discussable reading experience.

Find the full list of titles discussed today and leave your suggestions for Melanie on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/398.

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Today's conversation will whet your appetite for a good read, as Anne talks cookbooks and culinary reading with cookbook author and book lover Bri McKoy.

In today's show, Anne and Bri talk about the art of reading and writing cookbooks and the kitchen lessons Bri's distilled into her new release, The Cook's Book. They also put a fresh spin on book flights by pairing some favorite novels with their perfect food or drink partners.

Listen in and take a look at this delicious genre from a new perspective. Connect with Bri at her website, and find the full list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/397.

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You're invited to experience a taste of our Patreon community! For today's episode, we've selected two recent bonus episodes that our patrons especially enjoyed, and bundled them together for you to hear.

Our bonus episodes come in a variety of formats, and today you'll hear examples of two of these: first, we're sharing a recent Industry Insights bonus episode where Anne takes you behind the scenes of the world of bestseller lists, from what they mean and how they're compiled, to why it matters for your reading life.

After that, you'll hear a recent episode from our Dear Book Therapist series, where Anne addresses vexing, bookish conundrums submitted by our patrons, like how to deal with overflowing TBR lists, how to get out of a reading rut, or just navigating big changes in your reading life.

You'll also hear a few words from several current patrons sharing what they love most about being a part of our Patreon community.

Join us on Patreon to unlock over 200 bonus episodes and help support our show, and find the full list of titles mentioned in today's show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/396.

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Today's guest grew up with a deep love for science fiction and fantasy. While his reading tastes have broadened as an adult, he's still drawn to stories that come with a bit of magic.

Sai Sion recently moved from New Orleans to Austin, Texas, where he enjoys his career as an actor and podcaster. He's found that reading helps him to make sense of what's happening in his life off the page, too, and he'd love Anne's help in discovering new reads to match the next chapter of his life journey. He's also eager to add more non-Western authors to his reading list. Anne delivers a round-up of recommendations that will hopefully spark some new magic in Sai's reading life.

Connect with Sai and find the full list of books mentioned today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/395.

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In what's become a bit of a tradition, members of our team are pairing up on today's episode to share the summer reads we've loved this year and talk about what summer reading means to each of us.

From the titles we haven't been able to stop thinking about to the tropes and trends of our summer reading picks, today's episode features nine of our team members doing one of the things we all love most—talking books and reading.

Today's episode features an especially long list of books, and you'll find the full list of every title mentioned today over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.

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Today Anne is joined in conversation with Shana Ferguson, a NYC-based stage manager with a particularly bookish concern: she doesn't often feel like a "real" reader. Of course, we think any kind of reader is a "real" reader, so Anne couldn't wait to encourage Shana on her personal reading journey.

Shana loves her work backstage, and in her downtime you’ll often find her baking or drinking tea. Sometimes she’ll also have a book in her hands, but as the daughter of dedicated readers, Shana’s struggled at times to have a firm grasp on her own reading identity.

Shana would love Anne's support in getting some new insight on her reading life, and she's also eager to reconnect with the genres that she loved when she was a younger and more habitual reader: historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy. Anne's hopeful Shana feels like a “real" reader after their talk today, and comes away with a short stack of titles she’s excited to read next.

See the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/393.

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Memoir is a well-loved genre for so many readers, and today Anne is joined by R. Eric Thomas to talk about the wise, sobering, hilarious, and heartbreaking sketches in his own works, as well as some of the memoirs they each love best.

You may know R. Eric Thomas from his works Here For It or Congratulations, The Best is Over! (a 2023 Summer Reading Guide pick) which just released today. Anne couldn't stop thinking about this collection of essays, and today she and Eric enjoy a delightful conversation about his work, the art of storytelling, embracing midlife, and so much more.

We've included links to Eric's website and Instagram account, as well as the full list of titles discussed today, at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/392.

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For many guests, picking three favorite reads is a struggle, but today's guest Annie McCloskey has a unique way of tracking her all-time favorites.

Between her beloved book clubs and her well-stocked home library, Annie is quite happy with her reading life. She's been a long-time listener who's always wanted to be on the podcast and today that conversation is happening!

Anne and Annie talk about what reading looks like in Annie's life right now, the types of titles she'd love to read more of, and the mini summer reading guide Annie creates each year for the readers in her circle. Annie would love some picks that may surprise her, and Anne delivers a roundup of recommendations.

See the full list of all the titles mentioned today and leave a comment with your recommendations for Annie at our show notes page. You'll find that link at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/391.

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Today's guest has a big move on the horizon and is eager to find books that will ease that transition.

Nadia Sussman has always lived in New Zealand, but this summer she's moving to Michigan to pursue a master's degree. Nadia's never been to the United States before, and she's eager for reading recommendations that will introduce her to her new community, as well as audiobooks that will keep her entertained on the 17-hour flight from New Zealand to the United States.

In today's episode, Anne and Nadia discuss Nadia's big adventure, and Anne recommends books for this next stage in Nadia's life and career. Find the full list of the titles mentioned today, and leave your suggestions for Nadia, on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/390.

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A long-delayed family trip to Europe doubles as an opportunity to explore the literary landscape of three incredible destinations. Today, Anne and Will are here to tell you all about it.

Anne, Will, and their kids recently returned from their visit to England, France, and Spain. In addition to sightseeing, they indulged in some deeply enjoyable literary tourism. Listen in to hear more about their favorite bookstores big and small as well as the authors and titles they enjoyed and discovered along the way.

Today's full list of books (and bookstores) mentioned is available on our show notes page, whatshouldireadnexxtpodcast.com/389.

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If you've ever felt the weight of a to-be-read list, today's conversation may be just the permission slip your reading life needs.

Today Anne's chatting with Chicago-based Daniel Evola. Daniel was an early reader who got a head start on the classics, and while he's still interested in reading a number of "must-read" books, lately he's been enjoying exploring new-to-him titles and authors that deliver fresh perspectives.

Daniel hopes that having a better feel for what he's loving in his reading life will help him find more of the types of stories he's really enjoying right now. He and Anne talk about the themes he's leaning into lately, as well as how his longtime love of one genre is changing.

Anne wraps up by suggesting some new-to-him titles Daniel will enjoy as he continues his journey of discovery and excitement. You'll find the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/388, where we'd love to see your comments and suggestions for books Daniel would enjoy.

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Striking that perfect balance between "serious literature" and light reading can be tricky, and today Anne's talking all about it with guest Jake Sloofman.

Jake, an arborist living in Brooklyn, NY, has big reading goals, but sometimes he feels stuck in between the heavy and light reads on his list. He'd love Anne's help to find both weighty literature and frothy “palate cleanser” books that will make reading feel like a vacation.

Today's conversation, which you may have heard when it originally aired as Episode 277 in April 2021, is even better the second time around. Listen in, and if you have suggestions for books that Jake may want to add to his list, we'd love to hear from you: let us know in the comments section over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/387. 

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Diving into an unfamiliar genre is a great way to expand your reading identity, but it can also feel pretty intimidating. Today, Anne's here to help curious reader Caitlin Moran explore easy entry points for unfamiliar genres.

Caitlin lives in the Pacific Northwest with her fiancé, where she enjoys reading along with her book club and finding new titles at her favorite indie bookstores. After being pleasantly surprised by her experience with a few book club choices, she’s curious what else might be out there that she’ll love, too.

In their conversation today, Anne introduces titles in genres Caitlin doesn’t typically read or has just begun to explore. Plus, they dive into one of Caitlin's current niche interests: spooky books and titles set in New Orleans.

Please share your recommended reads, especially those spooky New Orleans recommendations, over in the comments section on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/386. That's also where you'll find the full list of titles mentioned in today's show.

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Today's guest has a standing interest in books that deliver a strong sense of atmosphere, and Anne's got some new recommendations to share.

Corin Cook lives and works in Rhode Island, where she makes the most of New England's seasonal rhythms. When summer rolls around, she’s usually devouring books that help her experience the season more fully, and this summer, Corin has her sights set on Europe. 

Anne couldn't wait to talk to Corin about her immersive Summer of European Reading project. Corin's drawing inspiration from some of her favorite films and searching for books that defy tourist cliches and transport her to Europe’s bustling cities or its beautiful Mediterranean coast. Anne recommends titles that deliver a specific sort of laid-back feeling of being in Europe in the summertime.

Find that full list of titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/385.

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Today's guest grew up reading fiction for fun, but as she got older, she felt the pressure to read for work and self-improvement. Today, Effie Alofoje-Carr joins Anne to talk about finding her way back to the whimsical reads she loved when she was younger.

As a Michigan-based mom & wife juggling a consulting career and a business, Effie doesn't want to entirely close the book on professional reading: she appreciates how these types of titles support her professional growth. But, Effie's ready to refocus her energy on reading for pleasure, and wants Anne's help in building a list of titles that will bring that delight back into her reading life.

Find the list of Anne's recommendations and the rest of the titles mentioned today over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/384.

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You may know Anne's favorite novels feature complicated family relationships, and today's guest, author Amy Jo Burns, shares Anne's appreciation for this particular type of story.

You may know Amy from her novel Shiner and memoir Cinderland, both of which we've talked about on the show. Amy's also a dedicated reader, and her recommendations for smartly written stories and big-hearted family novels often end up on Anne's to-be-read list, too.

Anne and Amy dive into a lively conversation today, talking about the titles they both love, sharing recommendations for overlooked gems in this genre, and chatting about Amy's forthcoming novel Mercury. You'll find the full list of titles discussed today, and links to where you can find Amy's work, over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/383.

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If you've ever wondered about the process of adapting books for the screen, you'll want to tune in to today's episode.

Joining Anne on the show is Kat Ramsburg, who has what some might call a dream job: she reads YA books to decide which ones will translate beautifully to screen, and then works on forthcoming TV and film adaptations of these popular titles. 

While Kat loves this career and the books it sends her way, she also wishes she had more time to reflect on her reading, and read more of the quiet, contemplative types of stories that don’t always make for the most exciting television.

Anne and Kat have a great conversation about the art of adapting your favorite books to the screen, before Anne gives Kat suggestions for titles she can enjoy when she's not reading for work. You'll find that full list of books and more at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/382.

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Even for dedicated readers, it can be tricky to find the right summer reading formula. Our Summer Reading Guide is here to help, and today Anne is talking all about summer reading with our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community manager Ginger Horton.

Ginger made her What Should I Read Next? debut in 2021 in Episode 283: Don't save the good stuff, and today she's back to talk about finding her way when it comes to summer reading.

Ginger and Anne chat about a whole bunch of Summer Reading Guide books, past and present, and Anne recommends a few titles that speak to what Ginger's seeking for this summer's reading experiences.

If you joined our Unboxing Party for the 2023 Summer Reading Guide last week, we hope you had as much fun as we did! If you missed it and want to grab your copy (and access to the recording of that delightful book party), you'll find that link as well as the full list of all the titles discussed today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/381.

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Our 12th annual Summer Reading Guide releases this week!

We put so much time and effort into this big, big project. This year, we decided it would be fun to bring you along with us for a peek behind the scenes of how the guide gets created.

Today’s narrative episode features a bunch of voice notes and actual conversations between members of our team that take you into the nitty-gritty of making the SRG. Listen in to excerpts from team meetings about the guide, conversations about book-math, the excruciating (and arts & crafts heavy) process of final book selection, and many more of the details that go into making what has been a summer reading staple for many of you since 2012.  We've had so much fun along the way, and can't wait to share some of that journey with you before you open up your 2023 Summer Reading Guide.

We're pushing "publish" on the 2023 guide on Thursday, May 18 at 8:00am EDT (that's NYC time).

To get your guide:

Want your own copy of the 2023 MMD Summer Reading Guide? There are three ways to get the full 2023 MMD Summer Reading Guide and included Unboxing access:

1. Join our MMD Book Club community​
2. Support our What Should I Read Next Patreon​
3. ​Purchase the Guide and Unboxing access a la carte.

Not sure which option is right for you? This page has a side-by-side comparison.

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Today's guest loves to travel, and since she hasn't been doing quite as much of that in recent years, she's relied on books to take her to a wide range of destinations.

Laurel Korwin is a wife, toddler mom, and software engineer who lives in San Francisco, and she's found her work in code overlaps nicely with her love of reading. While she reads a range of genres, Laurel has a particular affection for a certain kind of story that lets her travel to otherwise unaccessible times and places. Anne and Laurel have a great conversation about how Laurel came to identify this reading niche and what it's meant for her reading life. Laurel shares some of her favorite "impossible" destinations, while Anne recommends a handful of titles to take Laurel on new journeys this summer.

See the full list of books mentioned today over at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/379.

Summer Reading Guide news!

What you need to know about the 2023 Summer Reading Guide, coming May 18th, the blog post I mention in today's episode.

You can also learn more about how to get the guide, what's happening with Unboxing, and preorder your copy at https://members.modernmrsdarcy.com/2023-unboxing/

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Today's guest Michelle Acierno Loftus loves her work as a veterinary radiologist, but the demanding training that her career required meant that her reading life took a hit. These days, Michelle's found her way back to reading by embracing a genre she's always loved: Young Adult literature.

These days Michelle lives in Seattle with her husband and young son, and she credits her YA book club for helping her keep reading on her radar during a busy season in her life. Even better, the combination of a book club focused on a genre she's always loved and a community of similarly inspired readers has helped her feel more fully like the reader she wants to be.

Today Anne and Michelle are talking about rekindling her love of reading and the role YA books have played in Michelle's life. Anne suggests some titles that will continue to infuse this delight into Michelle's reading experience. 

Find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/378.

Get yourself ready for spring with totes and tees that rep your love of reading at modernmrsdarcy.com/store.

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Today's guest loves collecting books she finds at library sales or used bookstores, and she's ended up with a shelf full of titles that have caught her eye over the years. But Kelsey Gruber has a problem: when she sees an unread title still sitting on her shelf after a few months or more, often, the magic is gone and she's forgotten why it appealed to her in the first place. She needs Anne's help to figure out which of titles in her collection she shouldn't read next!

Kelsey is an aspiring paralegal and joins Anne today from Virginia, where she's ready to make some tricky decisions about her unread collection. Anne's here to help Kelsey better understand her reading tastes right now, and identify some titles from her shelves that might reignite that reading spark.

See the full list of titles mentioned today, and leave your suggestions for Kelsey, over at our show notes page: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/377.

The 2023 Summer Reading Guide is almost here. Join us in Patreon to get the Guide, an invite to our live Unboxing event, and a summer full of great bonus episodes like One Great Book, Dear Book Therapist and Mini-Matchmaking. Learn more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.

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If you loved Episode 369: State of the bookstore, you're in luck: we're back today with three more fabulous conversations with independent booksellers across the country.

Today Anne is joined to talk all things books and reading with Andrea Griffith, owner of Browsers Bookshop in Olympia, Washington; owner Alison Frenzel and book buyer Elizabeth Barnhill of the whimsical Fabled Bookshop in Waco, Texas; and Roxanne Coady, owner of RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Connecticut.

You might recognize these names from their previous conversations with Anne here on the show, or from your own visits to their delightful shops. Listen in today as Anne and her guests talk about what’s been happening in their stores since we last spoke, the books they can’t stop recommending, and the ways they are building bookish communities, one reader at a time.

See the full list of titles discussed today and see how you can connect with each of the bookstores featured in today's episode over at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/376.

Also on our website, last week we shared all the details for our 2023 Summer Reading Guide, coming May 18th!

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There’s something particularly enticing about a short book that delivers an incredible reading experience. Today's guest Vanessa A. Bee joins Anne to talk about short books that tell great stories in small packages.

Vanessa is an author, mother, wife, and attorney who lives in Washington, DC. She recently released a memoir called Home Bound: An Uprooted Daughter's Reflections on Belonging about her experience as an adoptee who was born in Cameroon, and raised by a Black mother and a white father in France, England, and then the United States. 

Vanessa has a lot of competing demands for her time and energy, so while she does enjoy an occasional long read, she typically looks for shorter, economically written books to help her make the most of her reading time. During their conversation today, Anne recommends shorter reads that deliver the sweeping, beautiful reading experience Vanessa loves best.

Find the full list of titles discussed today, as well as links to Vanessa's website, on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.

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Alberta-based Sarah Bramley knows what she likes when it comes to fiction, but lately she's been more and more intrigued by the nonfiction side of the bookstore. Sarah knows there's a ton of good stuff out there she'll enjoy, but she's not sure of her reading identity beyond the fiction she knows and loves. This makes it hard to know how to find the nonfiction she'll find just as unputdownable as her favorite fiction titles.

Sarah's here to get Anne's help, because Sarah wants to be purposeful about expanding her reading horizons. She'd love some personalized advice to help her find that gripping, pageturner-y nonfiction she craves.

Today, Anne and Sarah set out to unearth promising starting points for her nonfiction journey and make exploring a new reading identity feel much less daunting.

See the full list of titles mentioned in today's show at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/374.

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Two sisters with a lifelong love of reading join Anne to talk about the many ways books have framed their lives.

Anne first met Laura Gerald-Simms and Ramona Gavin in 2019 at an event at Bookmarks NC, where their passion for reading led them to make a true bookish connection. Since then, they've stayed in touch, and Anne's excited to welcome them to the show in this long-awaited conversation.

Laura and Ramona share their favorite recent reads and talk about the ways books and reading have played crucial roles in their lives, while bringing them joy in the midst of busy seasons. Anne shares some recommendations for undiscovered titles she thinks they'll both love. See that full list of books and more at our show notes: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/373.

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Today's guest Jeff Speck is a familiar name around here! Anne's referred to his book Walkable City in a bunch of past podcast episodes, because it's a great example of how books can invite us to see and understand the world around us in a whole new way. 

We're excited to have Jeff on the show today to share more about his professional and writing experience, how his book came to be chosen for the 10th anniversary treatment, and to compile a reading list of fascinating nonfiction and fiction that opens up the world for readers.

Connect with Jeff at his website, www.jeffspeck.com, and find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/372.

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Every week, Anne does a little literary matchmaking with one guest, but today we're flipping the mic and helping Anne discover some books she just might love reading next.

The last time we asked our listeners what Anne should read next was way back in 2017, so it's definitely time for another round of crowd-sourced reading recommendations. If you tuned into Episode 367 a few weeks ago, you heard Anne share about her reading life lately, including three books she's loved and one that didn’t work for her, before asking for your recommendations. So many of you responded, and our team’s had a blast pouring through your suggestions. 

Today, Anne is joined by Media Production Specialist Holly Wielkoszewski to hear your recommendations, talk about the books you all loved, and decide what she wants to read next.

Check out the full list of titles recommended today at our shownotes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/371, and leave your suggestions for Anne there, too!

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With so many books to choose from, committing to re-reading books you've already enjoyed can feel like a particular challenge. Today's guest, Rosalynn Tyo, deeply appreciates re-reading and wants to do more of it, but regularly finds herself distracted by new releases or unread titles. She's excited to get Anne's help with this bookish conundrum.

Rosalynn loves cultivating deep and long-term relationships with the books she loves, but with so many new titles showing up at her local library and bookstore, she's looking for techniques to help her resist the siren song of the unread pile, and identify the much-loved titles that would be deeply gratifying to revisit.

Along with tackling Rosalynn's re-reading list today, she and Anne also chat about Rosalynn's recent intergenerational book pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island, the land of Anne of Green Gables. If you've ever been inspired to visit this bookish destination, you're in for a treat.

Readers should know that in this episode we touch on the death of a spouse and unexpected widowhood. If that sounds like it would be upsetting for you to listen to right now, you may want to save this episode for the future. You'll find the full list of titles discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/370.

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Here at WSIRN HQ, we love a great independent bookstore, and it's always especially fun when an indie bookseller joins Anne to talk books and bookstore business. Today, the book party is bigger than ever: Anne is chatting with three booksellers all about what's happening in the bookstore world lately.

Joining Anne today are Holland Saltsman, owner of the The Novel Neighbor in St Louis, Missouri; Abbigail Glen, creator of Shelves, an online and pop-up bookstore based in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Annie B Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia. If these names sound familiar, that's because you've heard from each of them on the podcast before. Today, they're back to talk with Anne about what’s been happening in their bookshops since we last spoke. Plus, we'll talk about the titles they're reading, loving, and sharing with their customers these days.

Find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/369.

Previous episodes with these booksellers:

• Episode 210: Book gifts are the BEST gifts with Holland Saltsman
• Episode 328: Reading is a lifestyle with Abbigail Glen
• Episode 132: The books we can’t wait to read this summer with Annie Jones

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What's a reader to do with a stack of book recommendations that have left her feeling dissatisfied? Today Anne is talking with Mollie Hedgecock (she/her) and sharing some ideas for how Mollie can discern which recommendations are right for her.

Like many readers, most of Mollie's recommendations come from social media and her friends, but she's realized her tastes just don't align with a lot of these choices. The problem is, Mollie's not sure what she should be looking for, so Anne's here to help Mollie identify her reading personality and decide whether the books her friends suggest are likely to be titles she'll love, too.

See the full list of titles discussed in today's episode and leave your suggestions for Mollie over at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/368.

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Today Anne is in conversation with Keren Form, a self-professed nerd, dedicated board gamer and a fan of fast-moving stories with big themes.

This episode originally aired back in 2019 as Episode 193, Rolling the dice on your next read, and was selected by our Patreon community as a guest favorite to bring back this week. Plus, Anne is sharing an update on what Keren did read next and how her reading (and gaming) life is going these days.

While Keren has a particular love for sci-fi and fantasy, our conversation today is full of entry points for readers of all genres. We talk about a bunch of titles that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, YA romance, crime drama, or any good story with high stakes.

Today we're also asking for your help in choosing Anne's next read. Listen in to hear her share three books she's loved, one that hasn't worked for her, and what she's reading lately. Once you have a suggestion ready, give us a call at 502-627-0663 by February 24th to leave a voicemail telling us your name, what you think Anne should read, and why.

See the full list of titles and games mentioned in today's episode over on our shownotes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/367.

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When authors and readers come together, it's always a good time, and today's episode is no exception.

Today, we're sharing our recent Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club conversation with Brendan Slocumb, who joined us in January to discuss his musical thriller (and our January 2023 book club pick), The Violin Conspiracy. 

You might recognize Brendan from Episode 351, Book Club Favorites: LIVE from Bookmarks! as part of that excellent panel discussion with Tia Williams, Andrew Sean Greer, and TJ Klune.

Today, Brendan is back to chat with Anne, our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club Community Manager, Ginger Horton, and our Book Club co-host, Shannan Malone. Our conversation today covers a whole range of topics, from music to comic books, and of course we ask about Brendan's recent reads and his future novels. Whether or not you've read (or want to read) The Violin Conspiracy, you'll love listening in to our (spoiler-free!) conversation today. 

Find the list of titles and other resources mentioned today in our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/366.

If our conversation with Brendan today has you thinking more, please, we'd love to have you join us for ALL our author chats over in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, our gathering spot for readers of all ages, and home to classes, conversation, and community. Come on over and say hello.

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Today's guest has a superpower we've never heard before: she can smell a book and know whether it was published in the U.S. or the U.K.!

London-based Claire Handscombe (she/her) spent a decade in Washington DC as a bookseller, a chapter she remembers fondly. These days, she's as much a book-lover as ever, but she's struggling with a common challenge: overcoming a short attention span and endless distractions. How can Claire get back to reading the literary fiction she loves?

Anne has ideas for Claire, and shares some laugh-out-loud titles that might be perfect for reading right now, as well as comfortable reads that will keep Claire fascinated all the way to the end.

Find the full list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/365-episode, and connect with Claire on Instagram and Twitter.

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With so many books to choose from, it's easy to miss out on some stellar titles. Today, Anne is joined by Andrew Limbong (he/him) to talk about some of the best books you may have missed in 2022.

When he's not reading, Andrew's a reporter for NPR's Culture Desk and host of their Book of the Day podcast, so he's no stranger to book-talk. Join Andrew and Anne as they reflect on some of their favorite recent under-the-radar titles, and preview some of the great reads 2023 has in store.

See the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/364

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What do you do when you're used to reading dozens of books a year, but lately you've barely managed a handful of titles each year?

Texas-based pilot and business owner Jada Graff (she/her) is here to get Anne's help in answering that question today, because her reading life has gotten way off course.

In 2018 Jada stopped teaching English and donated all of her books. Since then, she's been trying to thoughtfully rebuild her library, but she's struggling to find books that will hold her interest once she gets home from the bookstore. Anne's here to give Jada some ideas to rebuild her book stamina and help find her next favorite reads from among the options already on her home shelves.

See the full list of titles discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/363.

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Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden from The Popcast join Anne to celebrate the 7th anniversary of What Should I Read Next!

Since Anne started What Should I Read Next back in 2016, she's spoken to so many book lovers, from well-known authors to readers just like you. Today we'll look back at how it all began and how we got to where we are, recalling the roles Knox and Jamie played in helping launch the podcast, and sharing some stories you may not have heard before. Along the way, of course, we'll talk about the books we're loving (and hating) lately. 

See the full list of titles discussed today over at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/362.

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Choosing the best books of a year is always a fun challenge, so today we're flipping the focus and shining a light on Anne's reading life in 2022.

In today’s episode, Anne's talking about a selection of the books she loved most in 2022, as well as the themes that showed up most often in her reading life over the past year.

Join us as Will (Executive Producer of WSIRN and Anne's husband) takes the host's chair and invites Anne to take a deep dive into the titles that really stood out in 2022, and why she loved them. See that full list of titles and other links mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/361.

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When your family has a fierce annual reading competition, it's more important than ever to choose your books wisely! Today's guest, Courtney Haggerty, is here to talk about how her family reads together, and to get a jump-start on her 2023 to-be-read list.

Courtney is a sports aficionado, Disney World superfan, and 3rd grade teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, and she always has multiple books in progress. She often reaches for thrillers and mysteries, but in 2023 she'd love to broader her reading selections to include more nonfiction, historical fiction, and family dramas. Anne will give her some recommendations to build a base for the year to come, and share some titles Courtney will enjoy while she moves up the reading contest leaderboard.

See the full list of titles discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/360.

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A new reading year is right around the corner, and today's episode is full of perspective to help you plan for your best reading year yet.

Laura Vanderkam is a WSIRN alum and time management and productivity expert whose newest book, Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters was recently released. She's joining Anne today to talk about tackling reading projects big and small.

Today's conversation explores ways to bring the joy and ease into our reading lives, while still enjoying a meaningful reading experience. Laura and Anne talk about how we choose the titles we read and practical ways to make our reading goals happen as we enter a new reading year. Check out the full list of titles discussed today over at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/359, where we've also included links to Laura's website and other ways you can connect with her.

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Readers, we know many of you love to find the perfect books for each season, whether that's a summer beach read or a spooky fall novel. Today's guest is on the hunt for her winter reading vibe, which has eluded her so far, and Anne is here to help.

Toronto-based Lara Bulger is a film aficionado and a dedicated reader, and particularly loves the sweet spot where these two passions overlap. Anne and Lara talk about book-to-film adaptations and how Lara's found her reading vibe for the rest of the year. Then, Anne helps Lara find solutions to some of her reading puzzles while making a plan for a great winter reading season.

See the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/358.

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Anne is talking with beloved author Louise Penny in today's episode! Their conversation explores Penny's Inspector Gamache mystery series, the world of Three Pines, the upcoming television adaptation, and so much more.

We know so many of you are avid Penny fans, and we are delighted to share today's chat. The 18th installment in Penny's Gamache series, A World of Curiosities, is out today, so it's the perfect time to take a look at how she created Three Pines in the first place, and what goes into writing each installment in this beloved series.

We hope Anne and Louise's conversation today makes you feel like you're nestled in a bistro spending time with dear friends. Be sure to visit our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/357 for a list of the titles mentioned today, as well as that famous lemon-meringue recipe.

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Today's guest loves a good mystery, but could do without the murder, and Anne is here to help!

Gina House loves cozy, comforting books that are often set in whimsical places. She's not looking for suffering or struggle between the covers of her chosen reads, and she's excited to get Anne's suggestions for titles she hasn't discovered yet in her favorite genre.

If you're also on the hunt for cozy reads this season, Anne's recommendations to Gina will fill up your to-be-read list with comfort reads that pair perfectly with a soft blanket and a warm beverage.

Leave your own recommendations for Gina and see the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/356.

This episode was recorded and aired in December 2020 as WSIRN Ep 261: Huggable comfort reads for a cozy reading season.

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If you've got a book-lover on your holiday shopping list, get ready for an episode full of recommendations you can rely on.

Every year, Anne and a special guest tackle listener requests for book recommendations, and it's always an episode that's guaranteed to add some fresh titles to your to-be-read list and your gift list. This year, Anne's talking with TWO other bookish professionals: Adah Fitzgerald and Andrea Jasmin of Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina.

Anne's loved Main Street Books since her first visit back in 2017. She always walks away with a great pick or two from Adah and Andrea, so she was thrilled to talk with them today to answer a whole bunch of the recommendation requests you submitted this season.

While our recommendations today reply to specific requests, the titles recommended are sure to please a wide range of readers that share similar tastes and interests. Be sure to visit our show notes pages at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/355, too, to see the full list of titles mentioned, leave your own ideas in the comments, and see suggestions from fellow listeners.

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When a devoted reader attends her very first literary festival, bookish delight is on the menu!

Today Anne is in conversation with Christina McCormick. Christina reached out to us here at What Should I Read Next a few weeks before she planned to attend the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors, because she wanted some encouragement and guidance on what to expect as a book festival novice.

Readers, we know Christina's not the only one to wonder about the art and etiquette of literary festivals, so we couldn't wait to have her on the show to share her experience.

We hope Anne and Christina's conversation today will encourage you to find a local book festival you can enjoy. Of course, today's episode also features some recommendations for Christina's next read, which you can see over at our show notes pages: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/354.

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A registered nurse on the night shift is looking for ways to battle burnout and what it's done to her reading life, and Anne is here to help.

We know so many of you have been impacted by the stress of the past few years, and Lexie Hayes is no exception. The last few years of working in healthcare have make it more crucial than ever for her to focus on rest and recovery outside of work, and she's not left with much time to enjoy one of her favorite hobbies: reading!

Anne and Lexie are talking about burnout today and exploring some techniques Lexie can apply to make it feel easier to pick her next read, and then actually enjoy the reading experience the way she used to. And, Anne recommends some titles (on print and audio) that she thinks Lexie will love reading right now.

Find the full list of titles Anne and Lexie discussed today at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/353.

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Finding the perfect titles for young readers can be tricky, so today we're answering your questions and suggesting books (and bookish gifts) for the kids and teens in your lives!

Every year we ask our audience to write in with their requests for bookish gift recommendations, and Anne partners with another literary professional to share suggestions to help YOU fulfill the wish lists of your favorite readers. To take on today's requests for book recommendations for kids and teens, Anne is joined by Sarah Mackenzie, the creator of Read Aloud Revival. Sarah's website and podcast support and inspire homeschooling families while helping parents raise kids who love to read.

We were overwhelmed with so many amazing requests, and we answer a whole bunch today. Our recommendations are sure to work for all our listeners, even if you didn't submit a question. We hope today's episode helps you to get inspiring books into the hands of the kids you love. And if you're looking for recommendations for the adult readers in your life, rest assured we'll be back in a few weeks for another literary gifting extravaganza.

We've included the full list of all the books recommended today at our show notes page, which you'll find at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/352.

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Four dynamic authors gathered to speak on a Book Club Favorites panel last month at the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors—and Anne was the moderator! Their conversation went in wildly delightful directions, and we're so excited to share it with all of you today.

Anne was thrilled when Festival chair Beth Buss (whose name you might recognize from Episode 257: Let's build your holiday booklist) asked her to moderate the Festival panel focused on “Book Club Favorites", featuring authors TJ Klune, Andrew Sean Greer, Brendan Slocumb, and Tia Williams. During the unexpected and entertaining LIVE conversation, these authors shared a taste of what their books are like, told some stories from the writing life, and recommended a few books they think would make great Book Club reads. We're so happy we're able to share this conversation with all of you today: thanks to the Bookmarks NC Festival of Books & Authors, the authors and publishers who supported us sharing this live replay with all of you, and the festival staff and devoted volunteers for making all of this possible.

We'd love to hear which of the books mentioned today is next on your reading list. Let us know over in the show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/351!

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An octogenarian world traveler and her book-loving daughter join Anne to discuss how reading continues to play a vital role in their relationship.

Barbara Costner grew up in World War Two London before traveling and working around the world as an adult. Along with gardening, reading's always been one of her passions, and she made sure to cultivate this love in her daughter Adrienne Hudson, too.

These days, Adrienne's become her mother's main source of books, recommending titles she thinks her mom will enjoy and then shipping them cross country. Today, Anne recommends titles featuring the compelling stories and epic tales Barbara loves most, while helping Adrienne gently introduce her mother to some fresh settings and genres.

See the full list of titles mentioned today over at our show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/350.

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As a young reader, today's guest discovered the power of books to make her feel less alone, and she's happy to be back to reading regularly after making some lifestyle changes in the past few years!

San Francisco-based Rachel Seidman joins Anne on today's episode to talk about how reading has changed her life, and why she's such an advocate for books that thoughtfully tackle disability. Rachel reads a variety of books but often comes back to titles that make her think, or speak to her intersectional identity as a deaf woman with Colombian and Jewish heritage.

In today's conversation, Anne and Rachel talk about making time for reading and delightful library programs. Anne leaves Rachel with some titles that will help her branch out from her go-to genres and expand her reading horizons.

See the full list of the titles discussed today over at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/349.

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Today's guest has been suffering through a book slump over the past few years, and Anne's here to help them reconnect with their love of reading.

Aimz Rushton (they/them) is a senior lecturer in the United Kingdom, where they focus on North American fiction and literature. Aimz enjoys reading literary fiction inside and outside of the classroom, but their reading's taken a hit lately and they've found it easy to get derailed from what they've always loved.

While Aimz has found a few techniques that are starting to help, they're looking for Anne's guidance to get fully back on track and trust their book taste again. Anne has some ideas to share and some titles to recommend to help Aimz rediscover the reading experience they've been missing.

See the full list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/348

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Today’s guest is feeling stuck between two chapters of her reading life, and she needs a guide!

13 year old Noa Hewlett knows what she's looking for in a story, but she's finding it a challenge to identify the right books for her reading taste in the more grown-up sections of the bookstore. Anne is here to share some strategies Noa can use to discover new authors, genres, and titles that will align with what she already knows she enjoys.

Whether you remember being in Noa's shoes, you're in the midst of a reading transition yourself, or you want to support the kids and young readers in your life, today's conversation will help any reader navigate a period of literary change. Anne and Noa talk about a lot of titles and authors today, and you can find that full list (and leave your own recommendations for Noa) on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/347.

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Today's guest has a lengthy to-be-read list, and she's not sad about it!

Saadia Shafati Shamsie balances her work as a travel company owner, Department of Defense employee, and Indian Dance teacher with her passion for reading, and she's always got a book (or three) on her nightstand. But even when reading multiple books at a time, her collection of unread titles is considerable—and growing! And lately, many of her picks have been good, but not great. Saadia really wants to read books she loves, and Anne is here to help.

Anne and Saadia explore what Saadia wants more of in her reading life right now, before diving into Saadia's current library of unread books. Anne recommends some hidden gems on Saadia's shelves that might just be her next 5-star reads.

See the full list of titles discussed today and leave your own recommendations for Saadia over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/346.

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Readers, today Anne is joined in bookish conversation by reading advocate, author, and creator of @hereweeread Charnaie Gordon.

Charnaie's passion is encouraging young readers and supporting families in diversifying their bookshelves, which she achieves through her blog, non-profit, and internet platforms, as well as books like her latest release, A Planet Like Ours.

In today's episode, Charnaie and Anne talk about how Charnaie first became a reader and the way books impacted her childhood, before digging into a whole range of titles they've each loved to read and recommend. After talking about some of their favorites for readers of all ages, Anne also suggests a few novels that Charnaie may enjoy adding to her own reading list.

Find the full list of the titles we talked about today over at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/345, where you'll also find links to Charnaie's website and social media accounts. Be sure to let us know in the comments which of today's titles you're most excited to read next!

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Readers, we're back with the 2022 edition of our team's favorite summer reads!

This tradition started with a Patreon bonus episode back in 2020, and it's continued since then right here on our podcast feed. As a team of devout readers, in between creating this podcast and the other Modern Mrs Darcy work we do each week, we do a lot (and we mean a LOT) of talking about books. Today, we're sharing some of those conversations with you.

We've gathered into three different groups to talk about what summer reading means to us, what we've loved so far this season, and what we're looking forward to reading next. Our team's reading tastes are diverse, and we hope you'll hear us talk about a title that catches your interest, too.

We mention a lot of titles today, and we've collected the full list along with handy links over at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/344. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you've read and loved any of the books our team shares today!

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While we love sharing book recommendations each week, we also take great pleasure in helping our guests overcome whatever reading-related struggle they're facing at the moment. Today, Anne's talking to a guest who is torn between reading for pleasure and reading the books they feel they should be reading … even if they don’t enjoy the experience. 

Academic librarian Lorelei Rutledge is clear on what's working in their reading life, and they regularly turn to the specific genre that always brings them joy and delight. But Lorelei also feels a pressure to read books that are "serious" or "important", or on "everyone's" shelf right now. They've tried some of the books they'd define this way, but the reading experience usually leaves them less than satisfied.

In today's conversation, Anne and Lorelei talk about what these words actually mean and how they might help guide Lorelei's reading life in the future, and Anne encourages Lorelei to overcome their book shame once and for all.

See all of the titles we discussed today, and leave your own suggestions for Lorelei, at our show notes page. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/343.

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Readers, today's guest shares a common reader struggle: finding the time to read!

Today, Mattie James—a successful business owner and new author, releasing her first book Everyday Magic later this month—joins Anne to talk about her love of reading nonfiction. But as a busy professional, Mattie often finds it hard to make the time to read. She's looking for solutions to make the most of her time reading, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Mattie grew up with a love of reading nurtured by her father, and these days she turns to books to inspire and guide her. She appreciates nonfiction that invites her reconsider her assumptions and look at things from a different perspective. When she finds a gem of a read, she'll waste no time in enthusiastically recommending it to her online community.  

Today, Anne and Mattie talk about strategies to work more reading into a busy life, and Anne recommends nonfiction titles that will have a positive impact in Mattie's life and work. Leave your own recommendations for Mattie and see the full list of books mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/342.

Anne's new reading journal for kids My Reading Adventures is now available wherever you get your books–and just in time to make it a fun back-to-school treat for the young reader in your life.

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Around here, we love celebrating reading memories and creating new ones, and today's show does just that!

Anne's newest book journal for young readers, ​My Reading Adventures​, is out today—and to celebrate the power of reading in young lives, we asked our listeners to share some of ​their​ favorite childhood reading memories. Anne's here, too, of course, with some moments that stand out in her reading memory.

Plus, in today's episode we embark on a journey between the pages of My Reading Adventures, sharing the fun features that make it a perfect reading companion for 8-12 year old readers, or anyone young at heart.

Tell us your favorite childhood reading memories by leaving a comment over on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/341.

Get your copy of My Reading Adventures from any of these online retailers or from your local book seller:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Bookshop
• Books-A-Million
• Christianbook
• Book Depository
• Carmichael’s Bookstore

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In today's episode, Anne is chatting with author, actress, and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan.

You may know Julia from her novel My Oxford Year, or her new book releasing August 2nd, Thank You For Listening, and many readers are also familiar with Julia's voice from her many audiobook narrations.

Anne and Julia chat about the art and process of creating the audiobooks so many readers love, and reflect on the joys and challenges of the professional reading life, before sharing a long list of titles they've loved. Whether you're already a fan of Julia's or you're just discovering her today, you'll walk away with some recommendations of books that especially shine on audio, and some new insight into this creative side of the book industry.

You can find Julia on Twitter, and be sure to check out our show notes page for links to the titles we discussed today. Leave us a comment on that post to share your favorite audiobook! That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/340.

My Reading Adventures, Anne's new book journal for young readers, comes out next Tuesday, August 2nd! It takes the thoughtful features, useful tools, and inspiring book nerdery from her adult journal, My Reading Life, and presents it in a fun and approachable format that’s perfect for your eight to 12-year-old reader.

When you order your copy before August 2nd, you’ll get an assortment of bonuses as a thank you: an exclusive digital reading list featuring my top picks for kids and adorable and useful custom stickers sent directly to your mailbox.

Visit modernmrsdarcy.com/kidsjournal to find links to buy your copy from your favorite bookseller and claim your bonuses once you’ve ordered.

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Adrien Kordas has always identified as a reader, and in the past few years she's been excited about completing grad school so she could devote more time to reading for fun. But now that she actually has the time to read at whim, she's been surprised to find that the kind of titles she's loved in the past aren't working as well for her, and she's not sure what to do about it.

In today's conversation, Anne and Adrien talk about recapturing the childhood magic of reading and what to do when your reading tastes evolve. Anne makes some recommendations to welcome Adrien into this new stage of her reading life.

If you have a recommendation for Adrien, let us know in the comments over at our show notes page, where you'll also find the link to Adrien's instagram account and a full list of the titles we discussed today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/339.

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Readers, we're so excited to share today's collaboration with you. Anne is joined on the show today by Craig Getting and Andrew Cunningham, hosts of the show Overdue–a podcast about the books you’ve been meaning to read.

On their podcast, Craig and Andrew explore the backlist titles many readers feel like they “should” have read by now, but today, Anne, Craig, and Andrew talk about a wide range of bookish topics, from the perks of having a built-in reading buddy, to the titles they would never have read if not for the show and ended up LOVING. They also share how much their reading lives have improved through reading books they didn't love.

Anne wraps up the conversation by sharing a few titles Craig and Andrew will want to add to their personal reading lists.

See the full list of titles mentioned during today's show on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/338, and connect with Craig and Andrew at their website, on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

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Our guest today, Chicago-area reader Rebecca Freeman, struggles with a reading challenge we hear about often from guests and community members: how to balance being a mood reader with maintaining any kind of to-be-read list.

In Rebecca's reading life, she's found the library a big help: browsing what's available to check out at any given time lets her bring some serendipity into selecting her next read. But while she shies away from anything that feels like a prescriptive list, she'd like to have some guidance to help her feel satisfied that she'll enjoy her selections. And, she's eager for tips to help her explore reading series without feeling any pressure.

Anne and Rebecca discuss techniques that could give Rebecca the support she's looking for without feeling constricting, and Anne recommends a few titles that Rebecca can keep an eye out for next time she's browsing her library shelves.

See the full list of titles discussed on today's show at our show notes page. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/337.

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Readers, June is audiobook month, and in today's conversation, Anne talks with a dedicated audiophile who wants to discover the formula for a great audio reading experience!

Jackie Branz works as a gardener and florist on a private estate, and while she's hard at work keeping the plants happy and thriving, she also gets to enjoy another of her great loves: reading. Jackie enjoys getting pulled into a great audiobook while she's working in the garden, but sometimes she struggles to find the right fit.

Anne & Jackie talk about creating a formula to help guide Jackie's audiobook selections, before discussing some specific titles that will give Jackie that immersive experience she's seeking. Along the way, they touch on finding the right titles to read on audio vs print, reading around the world, and the library’s book bingo, which plays a significant factor in Jackie’s reading selections in this season.

Find the full list of titles discussed today over on our shownotes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/336.

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Readers, our guest today is on the hunt for overlooked titles and compelling characters that feel like friends.

Andrea Medina lives in Mexico, where she reads in both Spanish and English to expand the range of options on her shelf. Since falling in love with the power of a gripping story as a teen, Andrea's sought out complex tales that speak to real life, and books that she'll keep thinking about after turning the final page.

Today, Anne and Andrea talk about rediscovering what you really love about reading, and Anne points Andrea to some books that offer the authentic scenarios and engaging writing she loves so much.

Find the full list of titles discussed today over at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/335, and leave a comment with your suggestions for Andrea.

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Today's guest knows what he likes on the nonfiction shelf, but he's feeling lost when it comes to finding his next fiction read, and Anne is here to help.

Wes Martin's developed a love of nonfiction in both his professional role as an industrial and organizational psychologist, and in his personal life. But recently, Wes has found himself turning more to fiction for his reading enjoyment, and he's not very confident about navigating this section of the bookstore. This is especially frustrating because he's recently started to really enjoy fiction and he wants more of this reading experience!

Anne and Wes talk about where he's struggled in selecting his next fiction title, and explore the themes and elements that make a fictional read feel satisfying. Anne also suggests structures and systems Wes can apply to help build readerly resilience and reach with confidence for his next pick from the fiction shelf.

Leave your own recommendations for Wes and see the full list of titles we discussed today over at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/334.

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Readers, a good book makes a perfect vacation companion, and today we're pairing a cross-section of titles with three fabulous summery destinations!

Joining Anne on the show today is Lynette Calleros, a travel agent who wants to provide her customers with curated, destination-inspired reading lists. She's here for Anne's help in matching three of her commonly booked destinations with “book flights”—purposeful, thematic literary pairings—she can suggest to her travelers. 

Lynette and Anne also chat about Lynette's own reading tastes, the unique challenge of packing books for a vacation, and the specific type of travel narrative she NEVER wants to recommend to her clients!

Whether you’re traveling this summer or staying close to home, this episode will equip you for adventure and fuel your wanderlust with recommendations that span genres and continents.

Leave your own recommendations for Lynette and see the full list of titles shared today over at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/333.

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Readers, today we're thrilled to welcome Emily Henry to the show! You may recognize her from the 2021 Summer Reading Guide, where we featured her book People We Meet on Vacation, or our Modern Mrs Darcy book club, where she joined us in a delightful conversation.

Today, Emily and Anne talk about the titles they reach for when the temperatures rise and the pool (or beach) beckon, and what they mean when they describe a book as a "beach read". They'll also dive into conversation about her brand-new release Book Lovers, the appeal of books set in the world of publishing, and Nora Ephron. To wrap up, Anne and Emily each share some of their favorite beach reads, leaving you with a nice selection of titles to explore this season, and a permission slip to read exactly what you want this summer.

Connect with Emily on her website, Instagram, and Twitter, and find her newest title Book Lovers wherever you love to buy books! You can find all of the titles we discussed today over on our show notes page.

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Readers, it's almost summer reading season (our 2022 Summer Reading Guide releases next week!), and today's conversation is just filled with summer reading energy. It's also a What Should I Read Next first, as we have four readers talking books and reading in today's show.

Dive into summer reading today with Anne, her husband Will, and their reading buddies Melissa Joulwan and Dave Humphreys. You may recognize Mel and Dave from when they joined Anne in WSIRN Episode 219: Required reading revisited, or from their podcast, Strong Sense of Place, our favorite literary tourism podcast.

With summer reading season just ahead of us, today's conversation is full of talk about what makes a book a summer read, why some stories simply couldn't be set any other time of year, and of course, which books are on our eternal summer shelves. You'll walk away eager to find a sunny space to sit and crack open your next read. 

See the full list of titles we discussed today over at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/331. And, explore Mel and Dave's podcast at their website, on Instagram, and on Facebook.

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Readers, today's guest came later in life to a career that she now loves, and one of her favorite parts of the job? Nurturing budding readers!

As a third and fourth-grade teacher, Katrina Fleming has a plan for getting her kids hooked on reading, but lately she’s felt like her plan for her own reading life has been letting her down. Katrina knows what she likes to read, but she's found it hard to feel truly drawn into the books she's picked up lately, and she's ready for some recommendations so she can dive into a book that will stick.

Anne and Katrina talk about the mysteries and biographies that Katrina loves, and Anne suggests some titles that take Katrina down some of intriguing paths she loves most in her reading life. Their conversation will help you revisit some memories of how you first became a reader, and add some fascinating books about fascinating people to your reading list.

Find Katrina at her website, as well as Instagram and Facebook, and see the full list of titles discussed today at our show notes page. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/330.

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Our first Norwegian guest, Lisa Sølvberg is a lifelong reader who loves a complicated family saga. She also has a particular appreciation for the audiobooks that accompany her athletic pursuits, as you'll hear in today's conversation.

Lisa and Anne talk about the power of book journaling and what Lisa's learned about her reading life as a result of adopting this habit. Then, they explore some of the books Lisa's loved and the type of reads she's looking for right now.

Anne leaves Lisa with a list of intriguing, nuanced books that grapple with the big topics Lisa wants to explore in her reading life. And, because Anne's also a fan of a complicated family saga, she gives Lisa a few bonus recommendations that she's bound to enjoy.

See all of the titles we discussed today and leave your own suggestions for Lisa at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/329.

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Readers, if you've ever dreamed of opening a bookstore, this episode is for you!

Today, Anne's in conversation with Abbigail Glen, the owner of Shelves, an online and pop-up bookstore based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Abby discovered the power of reading at a young age, and decided to make her dream of being a bookstore owner a reality. In her conversation with Anne today, Abby shares how Shelves came to be, her work to create a reading community where reading is a lifestyle, and what she's loving in the book world right now.

You'll also hear about how Abby selects the books she shares with her Shelves subscription readers, and three books she recommends to every reader.

If you've read one of Abby's book picks, we'd love to hear about it—let us know in comments over on the show notes page, where we'll also include a full list of the titles we discussed today!

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Today's guest is both an avid leisure reader and a professional word nerd.

Gary Robinaugh has always been fascinated with the role language plays in our lives. His career studying Aphasia—a language disorder caused by a specific type of brain damage—explores the relationship between thought, language, and communication, and he's equally fascinated by these themes outside of the office.

Gary grew up in a reading home with a heavy helping of science fiction, a genre he still enjoys for its unique ability to ask “what if?", but he also loves reading outside of this genre. Today, he's looking for some titles that will help him explore new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Anne gives Gary some recommendations that speak directly to what he's looking for, as well as some suggestions that might just surprise him.

To see the full list of titles discussed today, or to leave your own suggestions for Gary, visit our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/327.

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Today's guest is an author whose books are regularly discussed in our online community, and she's here to talk with Anne today about the practice of seeking inspiration, and the books she can't stop recommending to the people in her life—and, of course, to get some suggestions for what to read next!

Shauna Niequist is the author of numerous books, including Present Over Perfect, Bread and Wine, and her brand-new release I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet. She's also a devoted reader, and while she finds herself reaching for everything from cookbooks to non-fiction, she's most excited about big, bold novels that have some staying power.

Listen in to Anne and Shauna's conversation and the books Anne recommends that will remind Shauna why she fell in love with fiction in the first place.

To see a full list of the titles discussed today, visit our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/326, where we also share links to Shauna's website and Instagram page.

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Readers, today’s guest is preparing for the arrival of her second child in a particularly bookish way—she's looking for some titles she can enjoy during upcoming midnight feedings and quiet moments with her newborn.

Odeta Dyrmishi has loved to read since high school, and she's relied on books to carry her through other big changes in her life. Whether she's reading entertaining fiction or historical books that teach her something new, she knows that reading is something that always helps her feel like herself. In today's conversation, she's looking for some books that will engage her attention and bring a little more adventure into her reading life.

Anne recommends the perfect titles to help Odeta expand her readerly horizons and prepare for this next chapter in her life.

See the full list of the books discussed today, and let Odeta know what you think she should read next over at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/325.

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Readers, last week's guest told us about her grandmother signing her up for her first library card, and today's guest is a grandmother who is nurturing the next generation of readers!

Joanne Booy spent most of her life living internationally in a wide range of locations, but one thing has remained constant in her life—her passion for reading! She's relied on books to be companions in isolated corners of the globe, and she's worked hard to make books accessible to others, too.

So it's not surprising that when the Covid-19 lockdowns came to their town in Canada, Joanne took on a new book role in the lives of her four grandchildren: selecting library books to be delivered to their home each week! Joanne and Anne discuss the challenge of finding the right books for young readers, as well as what Joanne's reading life looks like right now, and what she's seeking. Plus, listen in as Anne and Joanne talk about the favorite author who also wrote the book Joanne hated, and hear Anne's suggestions for reading gems just waiting to be discovered.

Find the full list of books mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/324, and leave a comment on that post to share what you think Joanne should read next!

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Readers, if you love a good mystery series, you'll definitely want to tune in for today's episode.

Our guest today has been a reader since she was young, and as an adult she discovered her favorite genre: mysteries!

Houston Luke especially loves mystery series featuring engaging main characters like Louise Penny's Gamache or Agatha Christie's Poirot. But now that she's mostly caught up on the backlist titles from her favorite mystery authors, she needs some new puzzles to solve.

Houston is looking for a new multi-book mystery series featuring characters she’ll connect with and evocative settings that invite her into the story. Anne's recommendations today give Houston some new series she'll be excited to investigate.

Do you have a mystery series to recommend to Houston? Find her on Instagram, and visit our shownotes page to see the full list of titles we discussed today and leave your comments and suggestions for Houston.

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Today’s guest is an oil and watercolor painter with a deep appreciation for the storytelling power of both art and writing.

As a child, Gina Ariko Marioni discovered how language could help her better understand the world around her, and to this day, reading brings her joy.

But lately, Gina's been feeling stuck in her reading life. While she's used to reading a wide range of stories from coming-of-age tales to complex, multigenerational epics, in the past year or so she's found herself either reading extremely serious and weighty non-fiction or breezy, escapist, easy-to-read novels.

Today, Gina is asking Anne for some suggestions to broaden her reading palette. Listen in for recommendations for titles to fill in the gaps of Gina's reading life, and spark the feelings of surprise and delight she's seeking.

Learn more about Gina's art, leave your suggestions for what she should read next, and find the full list of titles discussed today over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/322.

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Today’s guest discovered the joy of reading as a child listening to audiobooks on 45s. As an adult, she still turns to audiobooks consistently, and especially loves listening to books in the car with her boys or tackling some self-help titles on her commute.

Tiffany Uzor is regularly on the hunt for new reads that will draw her in immediately or transport her somewhere else. Tiffany describes herself as a serial starter—she’s up for beginning any book that sounds interesting, and as a mental health therapist, she’s especially drawn to stories that probe complex human relationships.

As much as Tiffany loves audiobooks, listening on the go, especially during her commute, can make it tricky to keep track of what she loves in a reading experience in the moment. She’s eager for some ideas to address this challenge, and Anne is here to offer techniques that should help, while also suggesting some titles that speak to the types of stories and voices Tiffany wants more of in her reading life right now.

Connect with Tiffany at her website, www.dfwtalktherapy.com, and find today's show notes with the full list of titles we discussed at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/321.

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Readers, today's guests were already linked through legal and family ties, and since discovering their mutual love of reading, they've become even closer.

Father-in-law and daughter-in-law Verne and Gabby Wright hit it off from the start, but their friendship deepened when Gabby lent Verne a book from her personal library. It was the start of a beautiful reading relationship!

Gabby and Verne have found that their reading interests intersect with contemplative, philosophical stories that make them consider things from a different perspective or plant a new idea, and they'd love some recommendations for new titles to tackle together. Anne recommends three matched pairs of books to inspire their next joint read.

Connect with Gabby on her website, mommylikesbooks.com, and see all of the titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page.

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When Erin Fagan sent in her guest submission describing herself as a “grumpy man whisperer” who turns to books to create connections, we just had to invite her onto the show.

Erin works as an airline pilot and spends hours in the air with her colleagues. To quickly build relationships in a small space, she's found a perfect shortcut: talking about books!

Luckily, Erin loves to read widely and can rely on her reading rolodex for almost any conversation. She's an avid audiobook reader, but today she'd love a recommendation for an old-fashioned paper book that she won't be able to put down.

Erin and Anne chat about what's really on your pilot's airpods and the book Erin can't stop recommending, and Anne suggest some new titles to help Erin make connections on her next trip. 

Connect with Erin on Instagram and see what she’s reading lately on Goodreads. To see the full list of titles we discussed today or to share your own recommendations for Erin, visit our shownotes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/319.

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Readers, our guest today is sharing a struggle that feels increasingly common: she's finding herself easily distracted when reading, and she's not happy about it!

Hannah Gorrie has always loved reading and has a sweet spot for fast-paced doorstoppers that totally engross her attention. But lately, she's felt like she just can't get into reading as easily, or stay as engaged as she used to.

Anne and Hannah talk about the type of reading experiences Hannah's loved in the past, then Anne gives Hannah some advice on practical ways she can rediscover her reading groove, and suggests some books that will captivate her attention despite the many distractions of modern life.

Visit the podcast website for today's complete book list, and connect with Hannah over on her Goodreads account.

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In today's episode, Anne's not the only one giving the recommendations: guest Shreyasi Desai, who also goes by Cece, passes on her own suggestions for our reading community.

Cece grew up in India, where her parents fed her a regular reading diet of mysteries and mythologies. Today, Cece lives in the U.K. and is on the hunt for books featuring serious, angsty topics explored in lyrical and compelling ways.

During their conversation today, Cece shares some of her favorite Indian mythologies and adaptations, while Anne recommends three books that fit Cece's desire for engaging, brave stories she won’t want to put down.

To see what Cece reads next, follow her on Goodreads, or leave your own recommendations for Cece on our shownotes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/317. That's also where you'll find a full list of the titles discussed today.

Content Warning: while it’s not the focus of the episode today, Anne's conversation with Cece touches on themes of domestic and sexual abuse. If you know that these themes may be difficult for you, please take care of yourself by listening with caution, or simply give this episode a pass and tune in next week.  

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Here at What Should I Read Next? and Modern Mrs Darcy HQ, our team of bibliophiles talks books all year long, and today our whole team is chiming in to share what they loved most in their 2021 reading life.

Our team has a wide range of reading tastes, so our selections today are all over the literary map, but one thing holds true: each of these books made a major impact on a member of our team, and stood out from the thousands of pages we each read over the past year.

Our conversation today debuted as a live event in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community, but today's podcast episode contains some extras just for our listeners! Listen in, then let us know in the show notes: which of these reads might be the title you decide to read next?

See the full list of titles we discussed today on the show notes page.

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Over the past six years of talking books with our guests, we've heard about life-changing reading experiences, but today's guest has a unique twist on this story. When Nicole Fagan decided to give away almost every book she owned (not an easy decision for a lifelong bibliophile), she wasn't sure what to expect. But in the years since, Nicole became convinced that this drastic book purge was absolutely worth it, and in today's episode she'll tell us why.

We'll also talk about Nicole's reading life now, digging into what makes a book work for her, the specific type of story she’s enjoying lately, and a genre she’s hoping to break into. Anne will add to Nicole's reading menu with some suggestions for titles that line up with her tastes and what she's hoping to bring into her reading experience this year.

Have a suggestion for Nicole? Leave a comment at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/315, where you can also find the full list of titles we discussed today.

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We love reconnecting with previous guests to get an update on their reading life, and today's conversation with Tara Nichols is no exception! Since Tara's previous appearance on the show, in WSIRN Ep 168: A century of good books in a single year, we've been curious to know how her challenge worked out, and what she learned along the way.

If you missed Ep 168, Tara shared her goal to read one book published each year between 1920 and 2019, and she and Anne talked about some options that might help her complete her century-long reading list. Tara's back today to share the results and chat about what's she's looking for in her reading life now!

Join Anne and Tara in conversation about what surprised Tara about her challenge and how it's impacted her reading choices now that she's not looking for books tied to a specific time.

As always, all the books mentioned today can be found in the show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/314, and that's also where we'd love to hear what you think Tara should read next!

To see more peeks into Tara's reading life, find her on Instagram.

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With a fresh new year ahead of us and so much reading to look forward to, today's conversation brings back a listener favorite and sets the stage for a year of thoughtful reading experiences.

Jim Mustich, who you may know as the author of 1000 Books to Read Before You Die, first joined us on the podcast back in January 2019 on Episode 165 (which shared a title with his book). That’s one of our most downloaded episodes, and if you missed it the first time around, it's worth a listen to hear him describe the process of choosing those thousand books.

Join Jim and Anne in conversation about the challenge of choosing what to read when we’re faced with so many options and so little time. Many readers reach for the latest book getting buzz on social media or a celebrity book club, but they might be missing some incredible titles that require just a little bit more effort to discover.

Today we'll share a lengthy list of titles that have proven their staying power across the years. We'll also pass on some ideas to help you reconnect with what you love most about reading, and feel more confident in picking up your next read.

See the full list of titles we discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/313, and let us know whether you'll be adding any of the books we mentioned today to your 2022 reading list! You can also connect with Jim on his website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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Do you have a favorite holiday reading tradition? We recently asked our WSIRN Patrons this question, and we loved one response so much, we had to share it with all of you.

Kim Kortas lives in Minnesota, where she's enacted an annual holiday tradition of curating book boxes for each family member! It's a year-round project that brings an extra dose of holiday joy, and Kim and Anne talk about how it started, and how it's going, before pivoting to chat about Kim's reading life.

Like so many listeners, Kim's grappling with a lengthy to-be-read list, and Anne helps her narrow down the list today with a spontaneous and fun approach to selecting what she thinks Kim should read next.

See the full list of titles we discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/312, and let us know in the comments if you've got a suggestion for Kim!

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When it comes to picking what to read next, many of us live by our to-be-read (TBR) list, but today's guest has a different approach!

Danielle Callendar is a lifelong bookworm, a library devotee, and a mood reader who loves the serendipity of discovering the right book at the right time. She's rejected any kind of reading list, because to her, that would feel like a constraint. But as much as she loves selecting books that reflect her immediate reading mood, sometimes this makes it a challenge to figure out what to read next.

Listen in to today's conversation about the joy of picking up a book at the exact moment you're ready for that story, domestic fiction that has you questioning what you really know about a person, and Danielle's search for diverse narrators in stories that don't focus primarily on race or ethnicity.

Find the full list of recommendations for Danielle at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/311, and leave a comment to suggest what you think she should read next!

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Between the WSIRN team and many of the guests we've had on this show, we definitely see a trend of readers who consider themselves introverts, and find the quiet act of reading a book the perfect complement to their personality. But what happens when a reader is other end of the energy spectrum?

Paul Randall Adams has a reading dilemma that he associates with his self-described mega-extrovert energy, as well as his adult diagnosis of ADHD. He knows his outgoing personality served him well in his previous career as a middle-school teacher, but when it comes to his reading life, he can be easily distracted.

Paul Randall loves pairing audio-books with his work as a soapmaker, and while he's generally satisfied with his reading life, he's noticed a major gap he wants to address. He's hesitant to pick up longer books and invest the time to read hundreds of pages when he's unsure of a positive outcome. Today, Paul Randall is looking for the confidence to select the right "big books" that will feel worth it to him, and we'll discuss some methods he can use to select longer books that will satisfy.

See the full list of books we discussed today or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/310.

Connect with Paul Randall on Instagram, shop his soaps, or tune in to his podcast. 

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Our guests on this show are united in a love of reading, but sometimes that joy can get lost as life, work, and other obligations take center stage. Today's guest is looking for some suggestions that will help her rediscover not only her love of reading, but identify what she loves to read now—and she's come up with a special project to help frame her quest.

Jessica Harrill decided to celebrate her 32nd birthday by reading 32 books, and she's looking for some help to decide which books will make the cut. As an attorney, much of Jessica's recent reading has been work-oriented, and she's ready to tackle some fresh genres, reconnect with her love of reading, and find some support for her current stage of life.

Anne and Jessica discuss the three types of books Jessica wants to include in her project and revisit her past favorites, before Anne offers some suggestions to help Jessica rekindle her passion for getting lost in a good book and inform her 32nd year.

Listen in and find all of the titles we discussed today at our website: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/309.

We put together our best seasonal posts to get you in the holiday spirit and we'll be adding to that page over the next few days. Get prepared to deal with holiday stress, find the best gifts for everyone on your list, and learn how to make my favorite seasonal snack at modernmrsdarcy.com/christmas.

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Readers, this show is all about helping you discover your next read—which means we talk each week not only about the books our guests love and Anne's recommendations, but about the authors behind the books. Anne's recommendations and our guests' tastes vary widely, but sometimes we see authors who show up again and again on the show. And in today's episode, we're bringing you conversations with three of these writers who mean something a little extra special to our WSIRN community.

Join Anne in conversation with Peter Heller, Tayari Jones, and Becky Chambers, as we explore their writing and reading lives, the books they've loved, and what they recommend we should all read next.

To see the full list of books discussed today, check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/308.

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If you've ever dreamed about becoming a writer, you're not alone. Writers begin as readers, after all, whether they're grounded in a love of memoir, fantasy, or any other genre on the shelf. Today's guest has built a career around coaching people from all backgrounds to embrace the joy of writing.

Allison Fallon (Ally) is a Nashville-based writing coach and author of The Power of Writing it Down. She's seen firsthand the benefits that people experience when they begin to write, whether it's in a personal journal or a draft of a future publication. Ally's also a lifelong reader who has struggled to find as much time to read as she'd like since starting a family.

Join Anne and Ally today in a conversation about how writing impacts us, the power of reading to transform us, and our shared appreciation for stories about complex human relationships. Anne has a few suggestions to help Ally re-discover her reading rhythm, and recommends some lyrical stories that we hope she'll love.

Connect with Ally at her website or on Instagram @allyfallon.

Listen in and see the full list of titles discussed today at our website: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/307.

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Today's guest is a dedicated reader who appreciates reading as both a leisure activity and a way to learn about other perspectives and experiences. But over the past few years, the stress of her work in the healthcare industry has impacted her reading life as she's found herself more easily distracted from her usual reads.

Corinne Miller turned to poetry collections, finding joy and inspiration in shorter stints of reading and appreciating the elegant artistry of words on the page. Her exploration of the genre has given her energy to push through difficult times and led her to reconnect with the joy of reading.

Anne and Corinne chat about why found family plots resonate with her, our shared appreciation for an artful structure on the page, and how poetry has helped re-energize her over the past year. Anne is recommending books and poetry collections that hopefully Corinne will love, and that would serve as wonderful entry points for anyone looking to sprinkle some poetry into their reading life.

See all of the books and poetry collections discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/306, and let us know if you've read anything you think Corinne would enjoy!

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Deciding what to read next is so much easier when you know what you love to read—and what you don't. In today's episode, Anne shares a behind-the-scenes look at her new reading journal, My Reading Life.

Created to help you achieve your best reading life, Anne's journal is thoughtfully designed to help you understand what you love, and what you don't, about what you've read lately. My Reading Life is the result of hundreds of conversations and years of gathering knowledge, and the result is the reading journal that so many of our listeners have asked for!

Listen in to enjoy this deep dive of My Reading Life. If you're ready to grab your copy, you can order one here, or ask your local independent bookstore to order it for you.

If you're already using and loving your new book journal, be sure to tag @whatshouldireadnext in your Instagram posts, so we can celebrate along with you.

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Readers, it's time for our sixth annual holiday recommendations episode! We're back with this much anticipated gift giving guide for the readers in your lives, and as always, it’s been a treat to create.

Over the past few weeks, you called and emailed us with your bookish gift questions, and today Anne is teaming up with Valerie Koehler of Houston's Blue Willow Bookshop to help match the loved ones in your life with books we think they'll love. Whether you're looking for the best in board books or something that feels fresh in the world of thrillers & non-fiction, today's episode has you covered.

Catch the full list of all the books recommended in today's episode at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/304.

Be sure to check out Blue Willow Bookshop on Instagram at @bluewillowbooks. For extra treats like information on their amazing (in-person & virtual) events and their 2021 Best Of list, visit their website.

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This time of year, so many readers are looking to tip-toe (or sometimes, to sprint) into scary stories, but finding the right spooky read can be tricky.

Today’s guest Margaret Prinzing knows what she likes to read in her preferred genres, but she's recently embarked on a journey to read more thrilling books and is eager to discover some new reads to help her find her way. But we don't just talk ghost stories and haunted houses—we discuss some of the challenges of breaking into a new genre of any kind, and Anne shares some top tips for readers looking to try something new without feeling totally disconnected from what they know the love.

We hope you'll enjoy the conversation with Margaret today, and will walk away feeling inspired about what you hope to read next!

You can see the full list of recommendations for Margaret at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/303, and leave a comment to suggest your favorite spooky reads you think she might enjoy.

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If you love books that make you think or spark a spirited discussion, you're on the same page as today's guests!

Christine Pride and Jo Piazza have a shared passion for books where the stakes are high and the story is personal. From intimate memoirs to books featuring strong female friendships, they are looking for books that will show them something unique while evoking a strong reaction.

Christine and Jo have a unique and long-lasting relationship of their own: they've worked together for years as editor & writer, and they recently embarked on a new stage of their bookish journey, jointly penning the brand-new release We Are Not Like Them.

Listen in to today's conversation with Jo and Christine about books they've loved and stories that have moved them. See the full list of books we discussed on our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/302, and leave a comment with any books you think Christine and Jo would love to read and discuss!

Connect with Christine on Instagram and her website; Find Jo on Instagram and Twitter.

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Readers, as we continue our celebration of 300 episodes of What Should I Read Next, today we are bringing your voices to the stage as Anne and WSIRN team member Leigh Kramer tackle your burning questions!

We always enjoy our Ask Anne Anything episodes and the chance to hear what you’re curious about. We hope today's conversation and our answers give you a little more insight into the world of WSIRN. Thank you so much to everyone who sent in a question!

Be sure to check out this episode's show notes for a list of all the books we discussed today.

And sure you don't miss out on the final stage of our 300th episode celebration. We'll be hosting a special LIVE event for our Patreon community with interviews and conversations with three of WSIRN's most recommended authors, and we'd love to have you join us. Learn more at our Patreon site.  

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If you've listened in to any—or all!— of our past 300 episodes, you've heard conversations with readers and authors, booksellers and book club members, and of course a whole lot of literary matchmaking. Today, after more than five years of creating bookish delight, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the people and process behind our weekly podcast and explore the many layers of WSIRN!

Listen in today to hear from some of our original voices as we talk about how the show began, how it's grown over time, and peek behind the scenes of how we do what we do here at WSIRN HQs. We'll also hear from some of you about how this podcast has changed your reading lives!

You can find our show notes, including a list of all the episodes mentioned in today's discussion, at our website! And for more 300th celebration, check out our Patreon community, where we're hosting an upcoming special event featuring some of WSIRN's most beloved authors.

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Readers, we know it can be tricky to break out of a reading rut, and sometimes it takes a nudge from a friend to try something new.

Michael Clark has a good handle on what he loves to read. From beach reads that don't get the respect they deserve, to stories that acknowledge their literary heritage, he reaches across genres when he's picking up his next book and he's not afraid to put down a book that's not right for him. But today, he's feeling stuck in a bit of a reading drought.

Michael's hoping to reinvigorate his reading life by discovering some books that deliver on his love of well-developed characters while delving into genres he typically ignores, like science fiction.

Be sure to listen all the way through to hear Anne's picks for Michael, including a special bonus selection at the end of the episode today.

Read this episode's show notes, including the full list of books we discussed, at our website. And if you're interested in seeing what Michael reads next, connect with him on Instagram.

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Today's guest loves Jane Austen, but that's just the beginning for our conversation today.

Cristina Griffin's work life as an English professor often overlaps with her personal love of reading for pure fun! She's drawn to atmospheric stories with brilliant endings and compelling characters, and she's read all the way through many an author's backlist.

Anne recommends books that fit Cristina's desire for contemporary novels that are fun to read and a new-to-her series she can slowly devour. We hope today's episode might inspire you to break down some boundaries in your reading life and find a new, immersive read you'll enjoy.

Visit our website to see the (long) list of books we discussed during this episode!

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Readers, today’s guest is on the hunt for complex, thought-provoking, and timeless books that have something to say about topics she cares about today.

Maria Carrera lives in Spain, where she teaches English language. Her heart for languages drives both her professional and her reading life! She loves the experience of matching a book to her reading mood - and then choosing which translation of that book to read.

But with so many good books to choose from, sometimes she just needs someone to tell her which book to pull from her ever-growing TBR stack. Today, we'll translate Maria’s book requests into recommendations for reads she can move to the top of her list. 

To see the books we discussed in this episode, be sure to check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/297.

Connect with Maria on Twitter and Instagram to follow along with what she reads next.

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Readers, today’s guest knows that she’s overlooked some amazing books over the last ten years, but she needs a little help to figure out which ones to pick up now. 

Amber Burns loves discovering something new in the books she reads, and she's also a mood reader. She's looking for stories filled with believable tension and humor, and she loves a good enemies to lovers trope.

When she’s not reading in the best coffee shops of her beloved Philadelphia or exploring the city’s vibrant used bookstore scene, Amber is hosting her podcast, Thank You For Asking, and working as a content creator.

If you’re looking for a mind-blowing book that keeps you up late turning the pages, we hope you’ll find some suggestions in today's episode.

To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/296.

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Readers, after a move today’s guest craved community and an outlet for her “pent-up book energy.”

She started a book club in her new neighborhood and quickly discovered getting started wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be. Today, Shweta Hegde walks us through the steps she took to form a bookish community and provides some friendly encouragement for you to get that book talk going. 

This was only Shweta's latest move: she grew up in India in a military family—so she moved a lot as a kid. In each new town she sought out that magical place that opened up her whole world: the library.

Readers, prepare to be consumed by bookish nostalgia as Shweta recalls her first experience at the library and the magical realization that she could take a whole stack of books home with her. We also talk about how the library never lost its magic, how Shweta continues to love exploring new worlds in the pages of her books, and Anne helps her find books with characters she can really get attached to. 

To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/295.

Our 300th episode is coming soon! At this momentous occasion, we want to celebrate all that’s happened over the past 5 and a half years—and we’re looking for your input.

We’d love to know something YOU learned from the show. Visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/learned300 to learn more about how to participate. We can’t wait to hear from you.

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It’s been a long time since we’ve had a teenager on the show—and today’s guest isn’t here to talk about YA. Katie Guenthner has long been reading classics, historical nonfiction, and the most formidable books she can find at the library in order to uphold her status as an “advanced reader.” 

After listening to countless readers wax poetic about reading for escape on WSIRN, Katie realized that's what was missing in her reading life. Now she’s ready to trade Charles Dickens for the lighthearted stories she’s been eschewing for too long. 

Anne recommends books that will help Katie take herself less seriously as a reader and help her welcome more fun reads to her library holds list. And we guarantee today’s conversation takes some turns you are NOT expecting, that you’re really gonna enjoy.  

Visit our website for the full list of books discussed on today's episode and to leave Katie your recommendations for fun reads she should read next.

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As a city planner in Calgary, Caylee Dyck knows how to problem solve and prioritize in order to create better communities and a more liveable cities–built environments people feel good spending time in. But when it comes to her reading life, Caylee is struggling to create a pleasing, welcoming, workable model for choosing what to read next. With over 900 titles on her To Be Read list and more than 150 ebooks on her Kindle, she's feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Anne helps Caylee transform her literary landscape with practical, actionable, and sometimes (as you’ll hear) tangible tips for tackling her TBR. Then gets her started off by highlighting a few titles from among her digital ebook downloads that Anne think she’s likely to love.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your unread books, we hope you find a solution that works for you in today’s episode.

To see the list of the books we discuss from Caylee's Kindle downloads, including the books Anne recommends, visit the podcast website at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/293

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Regular listeners know good book talk often blends the heavy and the light—and that is certainly true for today's show. Today's episode is tons of fun, and has us thinking about our own life-changing literary experiences.

As an avid library user and member of two book clubs, our guest Loren Mueller has no problem adding potential life-changing reads to her To Be Read list, and then diving in. But she does have trouble remembering specific details from what she read—and today, we’re gonna figure out what to do about it.

We discuss ways to retain what you read while reading for the fun of it, and why an “easy” reading experience means something different to every reader.

Check out the show notes post on our website for the full list of books discussed today and a transcript of the show.

One of my go-to tips for any reader who wants to learn more about themselves as a reader is to start a book journal to capture what they’ve read, what they want to read, and other important info that will better their reading lives. That's why I’m thrilled to offer my own beautiful and functional journal.     

The journal is called My Reading Life and it’s available September 21st but you can preorder a copy now and we've got some fun preorder bonuses for those of you who do just that. Learn more about My Reading Life and the bonuses at modernmrsdarcy.com/journal.

Thanks to this week's sponsors:

• Bombas performance socks are built to be nothing but comfortable and supportive. And like all their socks, for every pair of Bombas performance socks you buy, they donate a pair to someone in need. They’ve donated over 45 million pairs so far! Bombas is offering WSIRN listeners 20% off your first order.
• Ritual uses vegan-certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free ingredients—and their sources—are out there for the whole world to see because they believe you deserve to know what you’re putting in your body and why. Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off your first three months!

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Behind the scenes at What Should I Read Next? and Modern Mrs. Darcy, we have a team of readers who are bursting with bookish enthusiasm.

Our producer Brenna paired us up in our virtual recording studio, matching team members you’ve never heard discuss books together on the show. Our reading tastes are vastly different, but we quickly discovered that talking about books creates instant connections—even when reading preferences don’t seem to match up at all. 

We had the best time discussing what summer reading means to us, what we’ve read and loved lately, and what we hope to read next before the season is over.

We hope today's collection of bookish conversations inspires you to ask your coworkers, friends, or family members what books they’ve loved recently. And, of course, we hope you find your next great read among the abundance of titles we talk about today. 

See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page.

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Today’s guest describes herself as a serial starter who might have started up to 10 books before finishing one. She even keeps moving through several books at once by reading different genres at different times of the day.

Shanel Sparr is an artistic Jill of all Trades–acting, directing, crocheting and designing clothes. But as an avid collector of hobbies, reading still holds a distinct place in her life—and she highly values being well-rounded as a reader.

Shanel loves books that explore a character’s interior landscape, especially when that’s packaged in a surprising way, and doesn’t mind going a bit dark, or eerie. Although she has found she has a limit—and so today I’m looking for titles that walk the fine line of addressing hard things without tipping into overly tragic.

See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page.

You can learn more about all of Shanel's artistic endeavors on her website.

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Today’s guest created a unique plan to help him tackle the books one “must read before they die,” but now he’s looking for less planning and more bookish serendipity. 

Author, blogger, and podcaster Neil Pasricha hosts the show 3 Books, where he talks with avid readers about the three most formative books in their lives. The show originated as a way for Neil to find lesser known titles and backlist books to boost his reading life. Now, he finds himself assigning too much “reading homework,” and he’s looking for ways to spend more time connecting with each book he reads instead of breezing through to the next checkmark on his TBR.

Between two book podcasters we cover a lot of ground today. Be sure to check out the show notes for a full list of the titles. You just might find a formative book for you.

You can find Neil writing on his website or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

And don't forget to listen to my episode of 3 Books recorded (partially) in the Rare Books Room at the Strand.

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Are you a book collector? Today's guest has a bookshelf full of vintage beauty guidebooks, and though she considers this a separate part of her bookish life, there were some surprising connections to her taste in crime fiction.

After hearing about her collection, you may not be surprised to find out that Brenda LaBelle is a make-up artist turned librarian. She's looking for more than a pretty cover though, Brenda likes books with stylish prose and memorable characters.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—and be sure to visit the show website for today's complete book list–including titles you’ve never heard on the podcast. (You'll also find a photo of Brenda's beauty bookshelf there!)

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Today's guest loves discussing books just as much as she enjoys reading them. She's ready to swap spicy opinions and share book recommendations with her fellow readers, but she hasn't found those fellow readers just yet.

Allison Matz prefers to be Twitter and Instagram-free even though she knows there are vibrant book communities online. Today she comes to us with a question: with no social media, how is an avid reader supposed to connect with her book people? Anne has some advice for Allison, and hopefully you’ll pick up some tips today, too—whether you’re getting ready to meet your book club in person again or are still seeking out your group of readers.

Allison also displays her passion for a genre that doesn't get a lot of love on the podcast.

Visit the podcast website for today's complete book list and to leave a comment for Allison since she's not on social media.

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If you've been listening to podcasts or tearing through a new series on Netflix instead of picking up a book, we're here to cheer you on (really)! Different forms of art and storytelling can be a refreshing change of pace for avid readers, and taking a break from the books might even benefit your reading life in the long run.

But today's guest came to us with a request for books that will hold his attention and get him back to turning the pages instead of pressing play on another podcast episode. In addition to podcast listening, youth services librarian Hamid Printer enjoys recommending adventurous, exciting books to readers of all ages and hosting epic fantasy game nights for friends.

Anne has a whole lot of books to share with Hamid that will hopefully rival even the most immersive game night or absorbing podcast episode.

Head over to the show notes page on our website for all of the books, podcasts, and games mentioned in today's show.

You can follow Hamid on Instagram.

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Even though reading is a solitary activity, you’re never truly alone as a reader. You’re never the only reader who prefers dog-eared pages to bookmarks or the only reader who reads the last page first. 

Today’s guest used to feel self-conscious about her affection for stories that explore difficult themes. But we know that Rachel Matthews isn’t the only reader who enjoys darker fiction. In fact, I’m willing to bet that some of you have been waiting for an episode with a reader just like Rachel. 

Check out the full list of books from today's show at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/285

If Rachel's dark side sounds like your book twin be sure to follow her on Instagram.

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Over the last year, we’ve talked to readers who voraciously devour romance, mystery, and graphic novels to escape real life—and readers who struggle to pick up a single book, even if they know it’s one they’ll love. There’s no right way to respond to stress as a reader, and today’s guest is here to share encouragement and insight for readers experiencing burnout. 

Journalist Anne Helen Petersen writes the weekly email newsletter Culture Study and recently published Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation—today, we discuss how all of us, millennial or otherwise, have experienced the burnout associated with a global pandemic and seen its effects in our reading lives.

No matter how your reading life has changed, or stayed the same, over the last year, you’ll find comfort in today’s episode, as well as insight into your experience this past year.

Visit the show notes page on our website to get the full list of books discuss and to read along with a full-show transcript.

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This episode has literally been years in the making: today I'm thrilled to welcome Ginger Horton, our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club community manager, to the show!

The 2021 Summer Reading Guide is about to drop, and in this celebratory episode, Ginger shares her three favorite backlist summer reading guide selections, and I recommend three books I think she’ll love from this year’s summer reading guide. Of course, we can’t help squeezing in extra book talk, as we often do, so listen in for a pile of both backlist and brand new summer reading recommendations.

Be sure to visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/283 for today's complete book list.

To get in on the summer reading fun be sure you're subscribed to our weekly newsletter so you'll get the Summer Reading Guide when it comes out May 24th. You can also join us live for the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing and get an expanded guide early by becoming a member of our Patreon community.

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I think many of you will relate when you hear today's guest say he’s “a little bit obsessed with books.” This is definitely a good thing for Jeremy Anderberg because not only is reading a source of enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction, it’s also a key part of his job as a writer and podcast producer. He writes for The Art of Manliness blog, produces The Art of Manliness podcast, and publishes the "Read More Books” newsletter.

Today we discuss the difference between finding what you like to read versus what you feel you should read. We also discuss finding seasonal rhythms in your reading life, finding books so compelling it feels like the pages turn themselves, and why Jeremy finds it so satisfying to give his reading life some structure with “projects” he plans for himself. 

To see all of Jeremy's project books and Anne's recommendations visit the show notes page at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/282

To read Jeremy's book reviews, follow him on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to his weekly newsletter.

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Lecturer, author, and researcher Heather Williams has left trails of books across the globe as she travels for work, but today she’s bringing us three favorite essay collections she can’t live without. 

Heather’s love of bite-sized reading experiences is contagious. If you’ve never picked up an essay collection, she just might convince you to do so today. We also discuss her preference for reliable narrators, a surprising fascination with Russian literature, and a book that made Heather laugh a little too loudly while reading on a plane. 

I happen to love personal essays just as much as Heather, and I can’t wait for you to listen in on our conversation, readers. For a list of all of the books, essay collections and novels, head to the show notes page on our website: https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/281

Follow Heather Williams on Twitter to learn more about her research.

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After becoming an avid WSIRN listener, today's guest realized she was watching less TV and reading more books. To keep her momentum going, she connected with other listeners, found her favorite reading categories, and now sits down with Anne to chat about a classic WSIRN problem: the compulsion to finish every book she starts.

Today we're joined by Stacy Wittenberg, who talks to Anne about that inclination and about a reading challenge she’s taken on for this year. Anne recommends books that will take her on epic historical journeys, plus an audiobook that will have her neighbors asking What is she laughing at? when she listens on her daily stroll.

Stacy shares extra titles in each of her reading categories, so get your TBR lists ready and be sure to pull up the podcast website to see the list of all the title she (and Anne) share. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/280.

As a listener, Stacy has been connecting with other fans of the show online. Now that you've heard her, if you'd like to connect with Stacy follow her on Instagram.

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Over the years Ahtoosa Dale sent in multiple submissions to be on What Should I Read Next, each one reflecting her ever-evolving reading taste. Since that first submission way back in 2016, her reading life has changed tremendously.

Now, as a lawyer and a mom with a packed schedule, she’s more willing than she once was to set certain books aside. And as an adult, she’s looking for relatable characters—especially if the book explores the immigrant experience. But Ahtoosa will never say no to a good mystery, or a book that explores the range of human emotions. 

Ahtoosa specifically requested books that will give her a good cry, so on today's episode I’m recommending a few heartfelt books to bring on the tears, plus a propulsive page-turner in one of her go-to genres.  

Find the list of books we talk about today and a full transcript that you can follow along while you're listening on our website. 

You can fill out your own guest submission form on our website.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Mindy Mejia enjoys propulsive, fast-paced books with strong characters—and she writes them, too! Mindy writes thrillers, or as she calls them “murdery books,” but she reads from a whole banquet of literature.

Anne got to talk with her about setting reading intentions, sampling books—which, as you’ll hear, is a bit of a euphemism—and learning about surprisingly fascinating topics as we read. As always, she recommends a handful of books we think Mindy will love, including an upcoming thriller that Anne loved, a nonfiction book she wasn't expecting to be talking about today, and selections from a genre that doesn’t get mentioned all that often around here.

To see a list with those titles and all of the books we mentioned visit the show page at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/278.

Find out what Mindy Mejia is reading and writing on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, or her website.

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Today Anne is talking with Jake Sloofman, an arborist living in Brooklyn. They discuss his big reading goal, the pressure to read “serious literature,” and how to alternate light and heavy reads for a balanced reading life. So Anne serves up a mix of weighty literature and frothy “palate cleanser” books to keep things balanced.

View the full list of titles and a transcript of the episode on our website https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/277.

You can follow Jake on Instagram.

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Podcast producer and PhD student Sara Aeder always finds time for reading, thanks to audiobooks and a passion for turning the pages. She has a special fondness for books that explore the “exquisite pain of a teenage crush” and let her live vicariously through fictional drama, but Sara’s taste in books goes way beyond young adult lit. 

Today on the podcast, Sara shares three books she loves that cover the main themes of her reading taste, and I recommend several titles that I think she'll love.

We mention over 40 titles in today’s episode, from all-time favorites to books that fell flat. Listen in to find out which book Sara threw across the room and be sure to check out the full list of every single book we talk about on our website. 

You can follow Sara on Instagram or check out her work at Tablet Podcasts.

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How do you manage your reading life when you have many books you NEED to read, and many more you'd LIKE to read, just for you? In today's episode we're diving into that question with Brigid Misselhorn, a self-described "book club addict" who offers insight into this highly relatable question.

Bonus: Brigid describes herself as a "naturally slow" reader; we know many of you love it when our guest's reading life mirrors your own in this specific way.

From graphic novels to gothic mysteries, today’s titles are a lot of fun. This is one of those episodes where I have to try several times to find the right titles that Brigid hasn't read yet! Be sure to visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/275 for today's complete book list–it's a long one.

To see her latest buddy read follow Brigid on Instagram.

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Readers, the origin story for today’s episode might make you swoon. It all started with a conversation on Instagram, where Anne got a message from one incredibly intentional boyfriend hoping to make some bookish dreams come true. After learning more, we invited his girlfriend Ashley on the show, and I’ll let her tell the whole story today. 

Ashley Parrish is a book lover and self-proclaimed TV junkie who enjoys scrolling bookstagram but wants to find more backlist titles instead of picking up every book that garners a lot of buzz on social media—we know many of you can relate. Today, Anne is sharing three (or maybe a few more) titles to satisfy Ashley’s love of page-turning fiction and books that revolve around the performing arts.

Visit the podcast website to see all the books discussed in this episode or to follow along with a transcript of the show.

You can follow Ashley on Instagram, where she shares her recent reads.

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Readers, today’s show is a de-light. We have had mother-daughter duos on the show and even a father-daughter duo with Ashley and Brent from episode 155, but today Anne talks with Rebekah and Beverly, our first grandmother-granddaughter pair — and Beverly is our first nonogenarian!

When Rebekah sent in a guest submission she included three books she and Beverly both love, but then she put her own fun twist on the rest. She told us one book that Beverly loved and Rebekah hated, and another Rebekah loved but Beverly hated. Anne's tricky task is to find three books they’ll both enjoy reading together. As you'll hear, it turns out the options were plentiful. In fact they get a few bonus recommendations.

All of the books Beverly, Rebekah and Anne discuss are on our podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/272 as well as a full transcript of today's episode.

Beverly is not on social media, but you can find Rebekah on Twitter.

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Today Anne's guest is an Alabama teacher whose love of reading has touched every aspect of his life—from where he met his wife to the theme of his classroom today. Derek is a MATH teacher but he puts his reading right there on the wall for his students to see and he loves talking books with fellow teachers.

You're going to love this conversation about his early library adventures, the books he’s passing down to his son, and the gorgeous engagement photos he and his wife took in the library where they met.  

Derek knows his go-to AND the font that tells him this book is right for him–but he’s challenging himself to try and push some boundaries and not be quite so carefully curated. Anne's challenge is to recommend three books that are right for where he is in his reading life right now. 

Visit the show page for a list of all of the books discussed and to leave your own recommendations for Derek.

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How do you track your reading life? Today's guest has a whole new system of book tracking and reviewing to share. Anne is talking with Nadia Odunayo, the reader and entrepreneur behind The Storygraph, a brand new website full of tracking tools and detailed rating systems to help readers go beyond a book’s jacket copy and filter through information to find what they’re really looking for.

We love hearing behind the scenes stories and it was fascinating to hear Nadia explain how this creative endeavor came to be. We also mention a bunch of books that have never made it on the podcast before and Anne recommends a couple of genres that haven't gotten much attention on the podcast. We can't wait to hear which titles end up on your TBR lists.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/271 for the full list of titles Nadia and Anne discuss.

Find Nadia and The Storygraph on Instagram, Twitter or The Storygraph website.

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Readers, in today's podcast episode, I’m talking with graphic memoirist and comic creator Lucy Knisley. We chat about her overflowing bookshelves, the pleasures and pitfalls of the creative process, what makes the perfect pandemic stress read, and how to cope with your kids’ evolving reading tastes. Lucy is looking for distraction in her reading life right now and needs some low-stress books to read before bed; I have plenty of recommendations to suit her taste (and fill your to-be-read lists).  

We’ve never talked about graphic memoirs and comics in-depth on the podcast before. I can’t wait for you to hear Lucy’s enthusiasm for comics, graphic novels, and what those terms even mean.

The audio for this episode comes from a live event that we hosted in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. We read Lucy’s graphic food memoir Relish as a bonus book club pick last month, and this What Should I Read Next-style event was an extra sprinkle of bookish joy for our book club members.

Join us for a Patreon livestream!

Readers, it’s time for our quarterly Patreon livestream! Next week, we'll be hosting a virtual chat in our Patreon community. We’ll hang out, answer your questions, and (of course) share a bunch of book recommendations. 

To learn more about our community or to join us for our livestream on Tuesday February 16th at 1 pm click here.

If you can’t make it live, we’ll record the event so members can watch it at any time. 

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Today’s guest is Tiffany Patterson, a Florida reader who created a new kind of literary get-together that is convincing her not-so-readerly friends to give books and reading a chance. She breaks down all the details of her brilliant idea so that you can steal it and start your own group.

This episode was recorded in 2019 and aired as Episode 166: Just don’t call it book club. That means this was pre-Covid, so we talk about getting together as actually getting together. It also means that some of you have already heard this and told us that you’ve borrowed Tiffany's format for your own use, and it’s vastly improved your reading life and your relationships. 

If you're one of them or you find the idea of a neighborhood literary society intriguing, let us know in the comments of today's show notes post.

You can follow Tiffany reading life on Instagram.

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At the end of last year we hosted a virtual book party in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club to celebrate our favorite books of the year. The whole What Should I Read Next and Modern Mrs Darcy teams shared their top books of 2020 and we all walked away with a longer To Be Read list.

Our team is made up of a bunch of bookworms with very different reading tastes, but that doesn’t stop us from swapping book recommendations all the time. We recorded that event (as we do with all of our Book Club events), and WSIRN producer Brenna worked her editing magic to create this episode for you.

Head to our website to see the list of everyone's recommendations.

If you’d like to see us talk about these books, the video recording of this event is available in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, our member community devoted to bookish community, classes, and conversation. In addition to events like these and classes on the reading life, every month we read one main book together and meet to discuss it on video—often with the author—including recent book club discussions with Anne Mah, Elizabeth Acevedo, Tayari Jones. 

Join today to catch up on all of our past events and to participate in our upcoming live discussion with author Louise Miller or our next class Clean Out the Bookish Clutter.

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Our guest today is an economist and literature enthusiast based in London, England. A well-traveled reader in every sense, Stephanie De Mel has lived on multiple continents and combines her love of travel and books in her Reading the World Challenge. Steph’s sense of curiosity informs her book choices and her broad reading tastes challenge Anne to recommend three books to suit.

Steph also shares how she applies her analytical tendencies to her reading life–looking at her bookish data while focusing on quality over quantity.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/267 for a full transcript of the show and to see the list of titles mentioned.

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @thebookisheconomist.

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Readers, it’s the 5th anniversary of What Should I Read Next! Today I'm answering YOUR questions about WSIRN's behind-the-scenes, my personal reading life, and so much more. Thank you for submitting such thoughtful and fun questions! I did my best to answer as many as possible, and you can find answers to frequently asked questions linked in the show notes below. Happy reading!

-Anne

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/266 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Where to find Anne online:

• The What Should I Read Next newsletter

• What Should I Read Next on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne's blog Modern Mrs Darcy

• What Should I Read Next Patreon community

• Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club

• What Should I Read Next Youtube

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Readers, we’re kicking off the new year with a special episode to help you set the right tone for your reading life in 2021. My friend Laura Tremaine is joining me to guide us in some readerly introspection. Laura hosts the Ten Things to Tell You podcast, where she shares guided questions and prompts to help listeners reflect on different aspects of their lives. Laura brings her expert skills as a conversation-starter to our literary therapy session today. 

Here at WSIRN, we love thinking about books almost as much as we love reading them, so today we’re sharing 10 questions to ask yourself about your reading life. These questions are meant to help you read with purpose and create a reading life that YOU love. 

Of course, we can’t help but share our own answers and offer advice along the way. Whether you’re too easily distracted by shiny new bestsellers, or simply in need of a new reading routine, I hope you enjoy this intentional time to reflect on and recharge your reading life. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/265 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Where to find Anne online:

• The What Should I Read Next newsletter

• What Should I Read Next on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne's blog Modern Mrs Darcy

• What Should I Read Next Patreon community

• Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club

• What Should I Read Next Youtube

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Anne's challenge today is to share recommendations for books with unique and artful structures.

Today's guest is a Chicago-based mood reader with a contagious love of books. When Anna Morton isn't working or volunteering for the Art Institute of Chicago, she's reading “compulsively readable literary fiction,” a term Anne fondly coined for books with the perfect combination of page-turning plot and stunning prose. 

Reading is also a family affair for Anna, who proudly plays the role of “literary commissioner” for their Literary Christmas tradition, which Anne eager to implement with her family now — and maybe you will too!

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/264 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Today’s guest also loves giving recommendations—to her boss, to her mom, and to strangers standing in the book aisle at Target. For Jenica Salazar, nothing is more satisfying than recommending the right book to the right reader. But today, she’s here for a little bit of literary therapy for herself. Anne chats with Jenica about a common bookworm problem: the guilt of giving up on a book that’s just not keeping your attention. They're also working out reading routines and making Jenica's reading life run more smoothly.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/263 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Today’s guest tells a familiar story: he loved reading as a kid, but as an adult without a Scholastic book fair to look forward to, he fell into the habit of rereading or staying in his “safe zone” of sci-fi and fantasy. Geologist Max Lemoine needed just the right book to pull him out of his reading rut. He’s eager to uncover more titles that are outside of his reading comfort zone, so today Anne is recommending books with depth that also offer distraction from everyday life and books with immersive world-building.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/262 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Readers have asked us for “comfort reads” over and over again this year — and it's totally understandable. “Comfort read” means something different to every reader, but if you’re looking for books that slow your heart rate, soothe your soul, and make you want to travel to a quiet English village, this episode is for you. 

Today’s guest Gina House appreciates cozy, comforting reads that feel like a warm hug. She adores cozy mysteries like Agatha Christie novels, but she could do without the murder. So today, Anne recommends charming books that pair well with a comfy chair and a cup of tea. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/261 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Sara Jones takes her role as “neighborhood library curator” seriously. In addition to selecting books for her own reading life, Sara Jones carefully curates her Little Free Library collection to reflect the reading tastes and needs of her community. She likes to feature a healthy mix of books for kids and adults, and she’s always on the lookout for fiction that her neighbors will find irresistible as they’re walking by. 

Today, Anne helps Sara stock her Little Free Library with crowd-pleasing books her neighbors will love, from charming picture books to unputdownable contemporary fiction. If you’ve ever strolled by a Little Free Library and wondered how it works or how to start your own, this episode is for you. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/260 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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The sci-fi genre feels like home, but Emily Van Ark also enjoys books in any genre that deliver on a fabulous premise. In her day job as a data scientist, Emily nalyzes data in order to find patterns and make recommendations for improving people’s lives... and Anne's job this week is to do some helpful data analysis for her reading life (with less math and more conversation). Emily also shared a bunch of sci-fi recommendations to expand Anne's reading horizons.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/259 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Reading for pure escapism means something different for every reader. Some of us turn to puzzle-like mysteries, some of us immerse ourselves in fantastical worlds. Today’s guest stays away from doom scrolling by reading lots and lots and lots of romance. “Recovering English major” Jenna Lowenstein still enjoys the occasional literary fiction read, but these days she’s picking up the books she wants to read instead of forcing the books she feels like she should read. From spicy romance novels to thrillers with deep themes, books help Jenna set aside her high-pressure job in politics and engage with the world ...without looking at her news app. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/258 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can follow Jenna on Twitter & Instagram @just_jenna

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Our annual holiday recommendations episode is here! A few weeks ago, you called us with your bookish gift buying questions and dilemmas, and today Anne is answering those questions alongside Beth Buss, the general bookstore manager at Bookmarks, a literary arts nonprofit in downtown Winston-Salem North Carolina.

Beth and Anne will help you find just the right gifts for their loved ones of all ages and reading tastes, from classic kid lit to science fiction… and everything in between.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/257 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Learn more about Bookmarks, including the Book Build project Beth mentions, on their websit bookmarksnc.org. If none of our recommendations fit the reader in your life their Signed First Editions Club or their Kids’ Club would also make great gifts. And keep an eye on their events page as they continue to have great online events and are looking forward to the next Bookmarks Festival–a bookish bucket list event.

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Reader Cliff Cullen was in the middle of his best reading year ever when...the pandemic hit. His one-time favorite reading habits, like listening to audiobooks during his commute, have had to change—but his voracious appetite for books remains the same. Today, Anne recommends books in a wide variety of genres to suit Cliff’s eclectic reading taste and push the boundaries of his typical book selections. Also discussed: “themed” reading based on seasons or settings, reading your cookbooks, and the special accomplishment of reading every single book by your favorite author. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/256 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can follow Cliff’s cookbook adventures on Instagram @cookingwithclifton. 

Our next livestream with our Patreon members is this Thursday. Join Brenna and Anne to ask them anything and to participate in a little live literary matchmaking. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.

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Valencia Taylor is self-proclaimed book-pusher looking for reads that fall on the line between just-spooky-enough and way-too-scary, compelling stories that teach her something new about the world, and a way to keep track of her reading life. Of course, as a fellow book-pusher, Anne has plenty of recommendations and practical tips to share...

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/255 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can follow Valencia’s reading life on Instagram @vtaylor42

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Anne is joined by Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers of Pantsuit Politics podcast to discuss fiction and nonfiction recommendations that have shaped their understanding of politics, history, and what it means to be a human in this world. They're each sharing "political" books they personally love and often recommend, because they are fascinating, thought-provoking, and sometimes surprisingly page-turning.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/254 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Readers, the holidays are fast approaching and around here we’re of the opinion books make the perfect gift, whether you’re shopping for friends, family, coworkers, or teachers. But choosing the right title can be tough, so it’s become a tradition on WSIRN to have a special guest join me on the show to help us match YOUR loved one with the perfect readerly gift. If you want our help building your bookish shopping list, there are two ways to participate: 

• Leave me a voicemail from your phone or computer at speakpipe.com/whatshouldireadnext ‬sharing who you’d like a gift recommendation for, a couple of books they love, a book or genre you know they don’t like, and any little details you think are useful. Please make sure to keep your message under 1 minute! 

• You can also email our producer Brenna at [email protected] with the same details - who your giftee is, their favorites, their least favorites, and whatever else you think would be helpful

We’ll squeeze as many submissions as we can into the upcoming holiday episode, and hook you up with the perfect bookish gifts!

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Hey readers! Get your TBRs ready, because today’s episode contains a TON of book titles for a wide array of reading tastes, from a few voices which might sound familiar if you’ve been a long-time WSIRN listener.

A few weeks ago, we asked the Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read Next team to share their own summer reading recaps for a special Patreon bonus episode. Today, as we honor the change of the seasons (or perhaps cling fiercely to our page-turning beach reads), we’re sharing the full audio of that bonus episode here.

If you’re a patreon member who’s already listened—well, first of all, thank you! And KEEP LISTENING, because today you’ll hear Brenna and Anne will be sharing some of our favorite summer reads as well, a brand new addition to the original bonus episode. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/253 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

We share bonus episodes like this one every week on Patreon – there’s over 20 hours of bonus audio waiting for you. Our community members get those regular extra doses of book talk, plus bonus content like our printable Summer Reading Guide and our new Fall Book Preview digital magazine, PLUS our video Unboxing events and member-only Ask Us Anything sessions. We’d love to have you join our community of avid readers:  Become a member today at Patreon.com/WHATSHOULDIREADNEXT!

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Today's guest wants surprising books with unique story structures, new information, and plot twists that will make her say, “what did I just read?” Shelly Akins is a proud Arizonian who is always reading. And when she isn’t reading, she loves attending the Tuscon Festival of Books, a huge literary festival where both book talk and fangirling are welcomed.

We eagerly await the day we can gather for book festivals again, but in the meantime, Shelly finds community in her Book Challenge Group, which is not a traditional book club. Talking books with fellow readers has helped Shelly hone in on her personal reading taste and decide what she wants more of in her reading life. Today, Anne's recommending three titles to surprise and delight this avid reader!

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/252 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can follow Shelly's reading life on Instagram @shellyreads.stuff.

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Today’s guest is a self-proclaimed “book glutton” who reads in between everyday moments at home, at work, and even while she’s walking. Grettel Castro is a biostatistician living in Miami, Florida. She emigrated to the United States from Cuba at the age of 14, but her voracious appetite for reading started much earlier. Readers, I’m sure many of you will relate to Grettel’s story of falling in love with books as a young reader, as well as her current mixed feelings on big literary award-winning novels. 

Grettel loves backlist books, or as she says, older novels that have “simmered” for a while, and has mixed feelings on which books take home the big literary awards... so today, in addition to getting tips on reading with an open novel in my hands, I’m recommending three great books with literary staying power. 

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/251 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can snoop on Grettel's reading life on Instagram @6wordsbookreviews

We're going back to Book School! This season we’re learning to read better, together—excessively nerdy and super enjoyable classes that will help you go deeper with your books, brighten your book talk, and have more fun in your reading life!

Book School is part of the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, so you’ll get to pair what you’re learning with the books we’re reading and the authors we’re chatting with this fall. 

Book school is under way so join now.

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Today’s guest has a story that sounds like the beginning of a juicy historical fiction novel.

As a teenager, Liz Maguire came across a batch of 1920s love letters at a flea market. This launched an obsession with collecting vintage letters and preserving people’s personal correspondence as a piece of history. Of course, this project has had a marked affect on her reading life, so Liz has come to Anne looking for books that measure up to the detailed, intimate depictions of the real stories found in her vintage letters.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/250 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can learn all about Liz’s project at fleamarketloveletters.com and see the letters yourself on Instagram @fleamarketloveletters

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An encounter with The Baby-Sitters Club #4 Mary Anne Saves the Day launched today's guest into a lifelong love of reading AND a special fondness for middle grade novels. Afoma Umesi is a freelance writer, editor, and children’s book blogger living in Nigeria. Anne has her work cut out for her to recommend middle grade books Afoma hasn’t read yet, plus selecting an adult title to suit her taste.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/249 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Make sure to visit Afoma's website: http://afomaumesi.com

And give her a follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/afomaumesi

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Today I’m talking with Jennifer Cordeiro, who lives in Bermuda, a small island with two bookstores and one library. Jennifer has encountered her fair share of #bookwormproblems, both in her own reading life and in her job at her small island bookstore where hurricanes, tourism, shipping dilemmas, and special orders mean you never know which books you’ll see on the shelves.

Jennifer's personal bookshelves are currently overstuffed with more than ONE THOUSAND unread titles, and today my job is to help her choose what to read next. Plus, we talk about the occupational hazards of working in a bookstore, the joys of mood reading, and a surprising hometown connection.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/248 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Follow Jennifer on Instagram @bdajen1.

Our Fall Book Preview is coming up on September 1! Join us live when I share 42 (get it?) of this season’s eagerly-anticipated new releases, featuring a mix of titles I’ve read and loved, titles I can’t wait to read, and titles the book industry is abuzz about for the season to come. This year for the first time you'll also get the companion Fall Book Preview magazine. This event and companion magazine are exclusively for our MMD Book Club members and WSIRN Patreon "Book Lover" members. If you're not already a WSIRN member, now is a great time to join. Click here to find out more.

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Today's episode is all about the joy of reading in relationships. Our guests Emma Gorin and Dinah Fay have been friends since 9th grade—that’s over 20 years. They haven’t always kept in touch as much as they'd like to, but books have always given them an easy way to reconnect.

Emma and Dinah put in their submission to be on WSIRN with the explicit goal of connecting over a great read that they’ll both enjoy—which is a bit of a challenge because while they both love to read, their reading tastes are quite different. With two guests today we cover a lot of readerly ground, chatting about English class in the age of Covid-19, a book-gifting tradition, queer YA romances, and rich audiobook experiences. We also cover A LOT OF TITLES.

To see that full list of titles, be sure to visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/247 where we have a list of all the books we discussed, a transcript of the episode and more.

Follow Emma on Instagram @Emma.g_sings123.

On September 1st we're hosting a Fall Book Preview live for members of the What Should I Read Next patreon community. Parties like this are so much fun as Anne shares books she's read and loved, ones she's looking forward to, and some titles book world is abuzz about for the season to come. All in all we’ll preview 42 books so you can preorder some titles, place your library holds, and load up your TBR for the cooler nights to come.

Become a member today at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext and mark your calendars for September 1st. It’s gonna be great. 

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On today's episode Anne helps Courtney Wallace, a Cincinnati reader, with a reading practice we hear surprisingly little about—her recent mid-year checkup on her reading goals. Lots of people talk about goals for the reading life—both numerical and content goals—at the start of every year. And we all see plenty of year-in-review summaries from readers. But when Courtney's guest submission mentioned her mid-year assessment we realized how rarely we stop to take stock of how our reading life has been thus far, while there’s still plenty of time to work on those reading goals before years’ end.

So today we review Courtney’s reading year so far and discuss what she hopes the rest of the year holds, giving you plenty of reading reflection inspiration along the way. We also discuss the importance of the book community, and particularly in-person events, as well as one simple thing she’s doing to slow down and appreciate what she’s reading.

Back-to-school season is similar to the New Year for many of us; it’s a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Hopefully you'll pull some inspiration from Courtney’s mid-year checkup to evaluate your own reading year so far and make any course corrections you need heading into this new season.

Connect with Courtney on Instagram @IncessantBookworm.

Speaking of back-to-school, as we're turning our attention to fall we want to look head to what books are coming out this fall. And this fall is loaded with great titles. September 1st we'll be giving our patreon community a little preview of the top 40 titles I've loved, the ones I'm looking forward to, and the titles that have the book industry abuzz. Join our community to take part in the Fall Book Preview live on September 1st.

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Over the years, Anne has been called many thing–podcaster, author, and now... Book Yoda, a name bestowed upon her by today's guest and Lazy Genius blogger Kendra Adachie.

You remember Kendra from all the way back in Episode 27: Books good enough to make you turn off the tv (even if you love tv), over FOUR years ago. Her reading life has changed a lot since then, in no small part because of her first visit to WSIRN. That first visit did wonders for her reading life and gave her new insight into what kinds of books she loves, and WHY. Lately though, her reading life has felt like a roller coaster—you might relate—and we’re gonna talk about WHY, and what to do about it.

They discuss winnowing your TBR list, being a Lazy Genius in your reading life, and the unique method Kendra uses to pick her books. Plus, as always, Anne delivers three book recommendations that will hopefully pull Kendra out of her current reading rut.

If you've been feeling the strain of decision fatigue, lack of focus, or just not being able to finish a book lately, I hope you'll find some helpful tips in this episode to refresh and restore your reading life.

Find out more about Kendra and her Lazy Genius Way (her philosophy and the title of her new book) on her website thelazygeniuscollective.com.

Visit our website for a full list of the books we talked about and to read along with a transcript of the show.

Our next livestream for our Patreon community is coming up. Join us September 1st for our Fall Book Preview–similar to the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing event we did in May, but instead of sharing all the titles I have read and loved, I’m sharing the books that publishers, booksellers, and other book people–including me–are excited about for the fall season.

Now is the perfect time to join our community. Head to patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext to download our printable highlight reel, set up you bonus feed, and get ready for the Fall Book Preview.

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Today's guest is looking for brain candy. That’s Elizabeth Cooper's delightful term for books that are FUN, with a killer premise, pages that practically turn themselves, and totally satisfying endings.

Elizabeth’s past as a reader holds some surprising twists and turns itself — including a plot twist you're probably not expecting. Plus her method for choosing what to read next, is definitely a What Should I Read Next first. And of course Anne recommends three books that hopefully provide that brain candy reading experience Elizabeth is looking for.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/244 for the full list of titles we discussed.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/flutterandsprout_elizabeth

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Charlandra Jenkins is a Florida reader on the hunt for stories that reflect her life, love, grief, and humanity back to her. For Charlandra, new book releases and recent bestsellers by Black authors are a joy, but she’s also yearning for some history… backlist titles by women of color that say “hey! we’ve always been here, we’ve always existed”. Today, Anne recommend 3 backlist titles suited to Charlandra’s taste for complex, fully-realized female characters finding their way through life, and finding themselves along the way. They discuss Charlandra’s enduring love for Zora Neale Hurston, novels that carry the reader through grief... and you’ll definitely want to hear about the book Charlandra expects will become a classic of our time. 

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/243

Follow Charlandra's reading adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rantiesnplanties

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Anne is joined by Suzanne Skyvara, Goodreads VP of Marketing & Editorial, and Danny Feekes, Goodreads Managing Editor, to have an in-depth chat about how star ratings, reviews, and other nuggets of information we share online help connect our fellow readers to their next great read, support the authors we love, and change the way we see the world. 

Anne, Suzanne, and Danny went so overboard with book recommendations that we had to cut 5 or 6 books to keep this episode a manageable length! We’re releasing all those extra recommendations as a bonus episode this Friday for our Patreon supporters. If you want to hear what recommendations ended up on the cutting room floor, become a patron today: patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext

As you'll hear in the episode Anne has become a much more active Goodreads user in the past year, click here to follow her there.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/242

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Raelene Bradley has let books be her guide as she and her husband fulfill their longtime dream of living off the land with a family farm. Raelene’s stories of reading in the fields with her horse as a child, and audiobooks to accompany milking time are stuff of readerly dreams.

Today, Anne and Raelene chat about the surprising disappointments from Raelene’s biggest reading year ever, and I’m helping her on her journey away from quantity and toward quality, by recommending she read a touching memoir, lush historical fiction, and a little something… unexpected.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/241

Become a patron now to gain access to a huge archive of bonus episodes, and join Brenna and Anne during our upcoming livestream on July 2nd: patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext

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Reader and author KJ Dell’Antonia picked up a lot of the wrong books during a difficult time in her life, and those experiences changed her perspective on a hotly debated literary topic: trigger warnings. She talks with Anne about that shift, moving beyond bedtime reading, covert audiobook operations, and how mystery novels could save your local bookstore... 

Content warning — in this episode, KJ and Anne talk about cancer, specifically breast cancer. It’s not the whole episode, and the conversation doesn’t go into detail, but we want you to be aware before diving in.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/240

Anne had the pleasure of joining KJ and her cohost Jess Lahey recently on their podcast #AmWriting

KJ’s new novel The Chicken Sisters comes out on July 28.

KJ's website: kjdellantonia.com

Readers, right now our Patreon community is a veritable celebration of summer reading. We’ve shared some wonderful bonus episodes recently, on topics like fantastic new romance novels, absorbing summer nonfiction, and our publicly-available episode covering spectacular books by Black authors. Our latest bonus episode is a casual home library chat with Anne and her husband Will about what summer reading is like for each of them this year.

Become a patron now to gain access to a huge archive of bonus episodes, and join Brenna and Anne during our upcoming livestream on July 2nd: patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext

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Chris Abi Zeid is counting down the days before a big life event that will significantly alter his reading life. But for a few more weeks he still has precious reading hours. All he needs is his next read–and listeners, he has one huge requirement. He needs a book with a big, beefy, juicy plot. Complicated characters are great, but they need to go somewhere and do something for Chris to be satisfied.

Anne's challenge today is finding the three perfect titles that will carry Chris toward his next big adventure.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/239

Follow Chris on Instagram @chrisabzz.

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Today’s guest Lamar Giles credits his love of reading to his mom who was always willing to buy him a book. Today Anne and Lamar chat about children’s books, horror novelist Stephen King, great novels where the setting is a character in its own right, and the importance of mirrors on the bookshelf.

This episode was recorded and aired last year as Episode 186: Finding the book that feels like it was written just for you. This is the perfect listen for early summer, when you might have young readers at home looking for something to keep them busy. But it’s also a great time to revisit this one as we also have a deep conversation about We Need Diverse Books the non-profit of which Lamar’s a founding member, and the important work that’s still to be done in the literary world.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/238

In this episode, Lamar talks about juggling two book releases in 2019. He’s back at it again this year with another 2 releases: Not So Pure And Simple, a YA book came out in January and The Last Mirror on the Left a sequel to last year’s middle grade novel The Last Last-Day-of-Summer is due out in October.

You can discover more about Lamar’s books at www.lamargiles.com, follow him on Twitter @LRGiles.

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Elyssa Gould is an academic librarian and “recovering English major”, whose goal is to get caught up on her own backlist while she’s separated from her natural habitat, the library. Today, Anne shuffles around Elyssa’s 100 or so unread books into a few smaller stacks, for a DIY literature "curriculum" that should keep her busy at home for as long as necessary. 

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/237

You can admire Elyssa's handcrafts at Instagram.com/elyssamakes

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It’s a weird time to be in the market for a new book. When it’s safer to stay home, and many libraries and bookstores have temporarily shut their doors to the public, what’s a reader to do… but turn to their home bookshelves! Your TBR shelf's time has COME! 

Today Annd chats with Karla Osorno, a WSIRN listener whose 600+ precious unread books have been weighing her reading life down. Not only is Karla searching for her next read in these stacks, but she wants to lighten the mental load by eliminating the titles that just aren’t right for her. You’ll come away from today’s episode with questions and ideas you can apply to your own book collections.

Everyone at WSIRN HQ hopes you are well, and that your bookshelves are a source of solace when the going gets tough. 

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/236

You can connect with Karla on her website KarlaOsorno.com.

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Today we continue our celebration of Summer reading with Zibby Owens, host of the podcast Moms Don’t Have Time To Read Books. Anne and Zibby are chatting about what they’re excited to read this Summer, whether those books are brand new or quite old. Get ready for a slew of summer-ready non-fiction recommendations for your TBR. 

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/235

You can visit Zibby at ZibbyOwens.com, and listen to Anne's episode of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books here: https://zibbyowens.podbean.com/e/anne-bogel-dont-overthink-it

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Readers, summer reading is so close you can almost taste it. Anne has been investigating upcoming summer releases for months now, on the lookout for new and notable titles that should be on your summer reading list. Prepping for the Summer Reading Guide brings up an important question — what makes a book a “summer read”? What’s the perfect balance of frothy to grounded, fun to thought-provoking, or relatable to rich-people-problems?

Today we've brought in author Jennifer Weiner, proud author of several quintessential summer reads, to discuss her criteria for a great poolside book, the upside-down and backwards season the publishing world is about to have, and her appropriately-titled new book Big Summer. 

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/234

 You can learn more about Jen’s books at jenniferweiner.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @jenniferweinerwrites and on Twitter @jenniferweiner.

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Anne chats with education navigator Hanan Al-Zubaidy about literacy in the justice system, and how her work with incarcerated students has been affected by social distancing. Hanan came to WSIRN looking for an escapist reading experience, but she didn’t mean happy endings and rainbows. She escapes her day to day life by submerging herself in someone else’s complex, difficult world (fiction or non!)

If you read lists of ‘escapist fiction’ that’s full of peppy romance and thrilling action thinking “ehhh that won’t do it for me,” maybe you’ll find what you’ve been looking for in Anne's picks for Hanan today. Happy reading!

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/233

You can follow Hanan's reading life on Instagram @hanansbookshelf: https://www.instagram.com/hanansbookshelf

Readers, the ninth annual Modern Mrs Darcy Summer Reading Guide comes out next week! The Summer Reading Guide is similar to WSIRN–it's about helping you cut down ALL of the new titles to the a manageable number and hopefully helping you decide on a winner. 

Before the guide is officially released Anne and Brenna are doing a live video event with members of our Patreon community. I'll give you a preview of all of the books and what excites me about them.

The Summer Reading Guide Unboxing takes place May 12th at both noon and 7pm eastern (we're doing it twice to make it easier for you to attend).

This is one of the events our community looks forward to the most. The bookish enthusiasm is off the charts. If you’ve ever wondered about joining our readerly community over on Patreon this is the time. Go to Patreon to learn more about the unboxing event and even watch the video replay of last year’s unboxing. Then sign up and join us on May 12th. 

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Anne is joined by Gaithersburg, Maryland mayor Jud Ashman to give you an insiders’ look at what goes into the planning and establishment of those community book events. At the time of recording, they were still crossing their fingers that they’d get to meet in person at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Between then and now, that event has been canceled due to COVID-19. (There will be some online programming, so watch the website for more information if you're intrigued.)

We're also digging into Jud's eclectic personal reading life, from westerns to middle grade fiction to historical nonfiction, to a book he describes as JAW DROPPINGLY GOOD… and Anne recommends 3 books to him like a human, not an algorithm. That’s a joke, but also a totally real concern when literary matchmaking. Listen in to hear Anne explain the difference in the episode. 

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/232