What Should I Read Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Join our MMD Book Club community​ Support our What Should I Read Next Patreon​ ​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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices