What Should I Read Next?

Today's guest is an author whose books are regularly discussed in our online community, and she's here to talk with Anne today about the practice of seeking inspiration, and the books she can't stop recommending to the people in her life—and, of course, to get some suggestions for what to read next! Shauna Niequist is the author of numerous books, including Present Over Perfect, Bread and Wine, and her brand-new release I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet. She's also a devoted reader, and while she finds herself reaching for everything from cookbooks to non-fiction, she's most excited about big, bold novels that have some staying power. Listen in to Anne and Shauna's conversation and the books Anne recommends that will remind Shauna why she fell in love with fiction in the first place. To see a full list of the titles discussed today, visit our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/326, where we also share links to Shauna's website and Instagram page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, today’s guest is preparing for the arrival of her second child in a particularly bookish way—she's looking for some titles she can enjoy during upcoming midnight feedings and quiet moments with her newborn. Odeta Dyrmishi has loved to read since high school, and she's relied on books to carry her through other big changes in her life. Whether she's reading entertaining fiction or historical books that teach her something new, she knows that reading is something that always helps her feel like herself. In today's conversation, she's looking for some books that will engage her attention and bring a little more adventure into her reading life. Anne recommends the perfect titles to help Odeta expand her readerly horizons and prepare for this next chapter in her life. See the full list of the books discussed today, and let Odeta know what you think she should read next over at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/325. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, last week's guest told us about her grandmother signing her up for her first library card, and today's guest is a grandmother who is nurturing the next generation of readers! Joanne Booy spent most of her life living internationally in a wide range of locations, but one thing has remained constant in her life—her passion for reading! She's relied on books to be companions in isolated corners of the globe, and she's worked hard to make books accessible to others, too. So it's not surprising that when the Covid-19 lockdowns came to their town in Canada, Joanne took on a new book role in the lives of her four grandchildren: selecting library books to be delivered to their home each week! Joanne and Anne discuss the challenge of finding the right books for young readers, as well as what Joanne's reading life looks like right now, and what she's seeking. Plus, listen in as Anne and Joanne talk about the favorite author who also wrote the book Joanne hated, and hear Anne's suggestions for reading gems just waiting to be discovered. Find the full list of books mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/324, and leave a comment on that post to share what you think Joanne should read next! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, if you love a good mystery series, you'll definitely want to tune in for today's episode. Our guest today has been a reader since she was young, and as an adult she discovered her favorite genre: mysteries! Houston Luke especially loves mystery series featuring engaging main characters like Louise Penny's Gamache or Agatha Christie's Poirot. But now that she's mostly caught up on the backlist titles from her favorite mystery authors, she needs some new puzzles to solve. Houston is looking for a new multi-book mystery series featuring characters she’ll connect with and evocative settings that invite her into the story. Anne's recommendations today give Houston some new series she'll be excited to investigate. Do you have a mystery series to recommend to Houston? Find her on Instagram, and visit our shownotes page to see the full list of titles we discussed today and leave your comments and suggestions for Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is an oil and watercolor painter with a deep appreciation for the storytelling power of both art and writing. As a child, Gina Ariko Marioni discovered how language could help her better understand the world around her, and to this day, reading brings her joy. But lately, Gina's been feeling stuck in her reading life. While she's used to reading a wide range of stories from coming-of-age tales to complex, multigenerational epics, in the past year or so she's found herself either reading extremely serious and weighty non-fiction or breezy, escapist, easy-to-read novels. Today, Gina is asking Anne for some suggestions to broaden her reading palette. Listen in for recommendations for titles to fill in the gaps of Gina's reading life, and spark the feelings of surprise and delight she's seeking. Learn more about Gina's art, leave your suggestions for what she should read next, and find the full list of titles discussed today over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/322. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest discovered the joy of reading as a child listening to audiobooks on 45s. As an adult, she still turns to audiobooks consistently, and especially loves listening to books in the car with her boys or tackling some self-help titles on her commute. Tiffany Uzor is regularly on the hunt for new reads that will draw her in immediately or transport her somewhere else. Tiffany describes herself as a serial starter—she’s up for beginning any book that sounds interesting, and as a mental health therapist, she’s especially drawn to stories that probe complex human relationships. As much as Tiffany loves audiobooks, listening on the go, especially during her commute, can make it tricky to keep track of what she loves in a reading experience in the moment. She’s eager for some ideas to address this challenge, and Anne is here to offer techniques that should help, while also suggesting some titles that speak to the types of stories and voices Tiffany wants more of in her reading life right now. Connect with Tiffany at her website, www.dfwtalktherapy.com, and find today's show notes with the full list of titles we discussed at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/321. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, today's guests were already linked through legal and family ties, and since discovering their mutual love of reading, they've become even closer. Father-in-law and daughter-in-law Verne and Gabby Wright hit it off from the start, but their friendship deepened when Gabby lent Verne a book from her personal library. It was the start of a beautiful reading relationship! Gabby and Verne have found that their reading interests intersect with contemplative, philosophical stories that make them consider things from a different perspective or plant a new idea, and they'd love some recommendations for new titles to tackle together. Anne recommends three matched pairs of books to inspire their next joint read. Connect with Gabby on her website, mommylikesbooks.com, and see all of the titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Erin Fagan sent in her guest submission describing herself as a “grumpy man whisperer” who turns to books to create connections, we just had to invite her onto the show. Erin works as an airline pilot and spends hours in the air with her colleagues. To quickly build relationships in a small space, she's found a perfect shortcut: talking about books! Luckily, Erin loves to read widely and can rely on her reading rolodex for almost any conversation. She's an avid audiobook reader, but today she'd love a recommendation for an old-fashioned paper book that she won't be able to put down. Erin and Anne chat about what's really on your pilot's airpods and the book Erin can't stop recommending, and Anne suggest some new titles to help Erin make connections on her next trip. Connect with Erin on Instagram and see what she’s reading lately on Goodreads. To see the full list of titles we discussed today or to share your own recommendations for Erin, visit our shownotes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/319. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, our guest today is sharing a struggle that feels increasingly common: she's finding herself easily distracted when reading, and she's not happy about it! Hannah Gorrie has always loved reading and has a sweet spot for fast-paced doorstoppers that totally engross her attention. But lately, she's felt like she just can't get into reading as easily, or stay as engaged as she used to. Anne and Hannah talk about the type of reading experiences Hannah's loved in the past, then Anne gives Hannah some advice on practical ways she can rediscover her reading groove, and suggests some books that will captivate her attention despite the many distractions of modern life. Visit the podcast website for today's complete book list, and connect with Hannah over on her Goodreads account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Anne's not the only one giving the recommendations: guest Shreyasi Desai, who also goes by Cece, passes on her own suggestions for our reading community. Cece grew up in India, where her parents fed her a regular reading diet of mysteries and mythologies. Today, Cece lives in the U.K. and is on the hunt for books featuring serious, angsty topics explored in lyrical and compelling ways. During their conversation today, Cece shares some of her favorite Indian mythologies and adaptations, while Anne recommends three books that fit Cece's desire for engaging, brave stories she won’t want to put down. To see what Cece reads next, follow her on Goodreads, or leave your own recommendations for Cece on our shownotes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/317. That's also where you'll find a full list of the titles discussed today. Content Warning: while it’s not the focus of the episode today, Anne's conversation with Cece touches on themes of domestic and sexual abuse. If you know that these themes may be difficult for you, please take care of yourself by listening with caution, or simply give this episode a pass and tune in next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here at What Should I Read Next? and Modern Mrs Darcy HQ, our team of bibliophiles talks books all year long, and today our whole team is chiming in to share what they loved most in their 2021 reading life. Our team has a wide range of reading tastes, so our selections today are all over the literary map, but one thing holds true: each of these books made a major impact on a member of our team, and stood out from the thousands of pages we each read over the past year. Our conversation today debuted as a live event in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community, but today's podcast episode contains some extras just for our listeners! Listen in, then let us know in the show notes: which of these reads might be the title you decide to read next? See the full list of titles we discussed today on the show notes page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past six years of talking books with our guests, we've heard about life-changing reading experiences, but today's guest has a unique twist on this story. When Nicole Fagan decided to give away almost every book she owned (not an easy decision for a lifelong bibliophile), she wasn't sure what to expect. But in the years since, Nicole became convinced that this drastic book purge was absolutely worth it, and in today's episode she'll tell us why. We'll also talk about Nicole's reading life now, digging into what makes a book work for her, the specific type of story she’s enjoying lately, and a genre she’s hoping to break into. Anne will add to Nicole's reading menu with some suggestions for titles that line up with her tastes and what she's hoping to bring into her reading experience this year. Have a suggestion for Nicole? Leave a comment at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/315, where you can also find the full list of titles we discussed today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love reconnecting with previous guests to get an update on their reading life, and today's conversation with Tara Nichols is no exception! Since Tara's previous appearance on the show, in WSIRN Ep 168: A century of good books in a single year, we've been curious to know how her challenge worked out, and what she learned along the way. If you missed Ep 168, Tara shared her goal to read one book published each year between 1920 and 2019, and she and Anne talked about some options that might help her complete her century-long reading list. Tara's back today to share the results and chat about what's she's looking for in her reading life now! Join Anne and Tara in conversation about what surprised Tara about her challenge and how it's impacted her reading choices now that she's not looking for books tied to a specific time. As always, all the books mentioned today can be found in the show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/314, and that's also where we'd love to hear what you think Tara should read next! To see more peeks into Tara's reading life, find her on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a fresh new year ahead of us and so much reading to look forward to, today's conversation brings back a listener favorite and sets the stage for a year of thoughtful reading experiences. Jim Mustich, who you may know as the author of 1000 Books to Read Before You Die, first joined us on the podcast back in January 2019 on Episode 165 (which shared a title with his book). That’s one of our most downloaded episodes, and if you missed it the first time around, it's worth a listen to hear him describe the process of choosing those thousand books. Join Jim and Anne in conversation about the challenge of choosing what to read when we’re faced with so many options and so little time. Many readers reach for the latest book getting buzz on social media or a celebrity book club, but they might be missing some incredible titles that require just a little bit more effort to discover. Today we'll share a lengthy list of titles that have proven their staying power across the years. We'll also pass on some ideas to help you reconnect with what you love most about reading, and feel more confident in picking up your next read. See the full list of titles we discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/313, and let us know whether you'll be adding any of the books we mentioned today to your 2022 reading list! You can also connect with Jim on his website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have a favorite holiday reading tradition? We recently asked our WSIRN Patrons this question, and we loved one response so much, we had to share it with all of you. Kim Kortas lives in Minnesota, where she's enacted an annual holiday tradition of curating book boxes for each family member! It's a year-round project that brings an extra dose of holiday joy, and Kim and Anne talk about how it started, and how it's going, before pivoting to chat about Kim's reading life. Like so many listeners, Kim's grappling with a lengthy to-be-read list, and Anne helps her narrow down the list today with a spontaneous and fun approach to selecting what she thinks Kim should read next. See the full list of titles we discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/312, and let us know in the comments if you've got a suggestion for Kim! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to picking what to read next, many of us live by our to-be-read (TBR) list, but today's guest has a different approach! Danielle Callendar is a lifelong bookworm, a library devotee, and a mood reader who loves the serendipity of discovering the right book at the right time. She's rejected any kind of reading list, because to her, that would feel like a constraint. But as much as she loves selecting books that reflect her immediate reading mood, sometimes this makes it a challenge to figure out what to read next. Listen in to today's conversation about the joy of picking up a book at the exact moment you're ready for that story, domestic fiction that has you questioning what you really know about a person, and Danielle's search for diverse narrators in stories that don't focus primarily on race or ethnicity. Find the full list of recommendations for Danielle at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/311, and leave a comment to suggest what you think she should read next! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between the WSIRN team and many of the guests we've had on this show, we definitely see a trend of readers who consider themselves introverts, and find the quiet act of reading a book the perfect complement to their personality. But what happens when a reader is other end of the energy spectrum? Paul Randall Adams has a reading dilemma that he associates with his self-described mega-extrovert energy, as well as his adult diagnosis of ADHD. He knows his outgoing personality served him well in his previous career as a middle-school teacher, but when it comes to his reading life, he can be easily distracted. Paul Randall loves pairing audio-books with his work as a soapmaker, and while he's generally satisfied with his reading life, he's noticed a major gap he wants to address. He's hesitant to pick up longer books and invest the time to read hundreds of pages when he's unsure of a positive outcome. Today, Paul Randall is looking for the confidence to select the right "big books" that will feel worth it to him, and we'll discuss some methods he can use to select longer books that will satisfy. See the full list of books we discussed today or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/310. Connect with Paul Randall on Instagram, shop his soaps, or tune in to his podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guests on this show are united in a love of reading, but sometimes that joy can get lost as life, work, and other obligations take center stage. Today's guest is looking for some suggestions that will help her rediscover not only her love of reading, but identify what she loves to read now—and she's come up with a special project to help frame her quest. Jessica Harrill decided to celebrate her 32nd birthday by reading 32 books, and she's looking for some help to decide which books will make the cut. As an attorney, much of Jessica's recent reading has been work-oriented, and she's ready to tackle some fresh genres, reconnect with her love of reading, and find some support for her current stage of life. Anne and Jessica discuss the three types of books Jessica wants to include in her project and revisit her past favorites, before Anne offers some suggestions to help Jessica rekindle her passion for getting lost in a good book and inform her 32nd year. Listen in and find all of the titles we discussed today at our website: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/309. We put together our best seasonal posts to get you in the holiday spirit and we'll be adding to that page over the next few days. Get prepared to deal with holiday stress, find the best gifts for everyone on your list, and learn how to make my favorite seasonal snack at modernmrsdarcy.com/christmas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, this show is all about helping you discover your next read—which means we talk each week not only about the books our guests love and Anne's recommendations, but about the authors behind the books. Anne's recommendations and our guests' tastes vary widely, but sometimes we see authors who show up again and again on the show. And in today's episode, we're bringing you conversations with three of these writers who mean something a little extra special to our WSIRN community. Join Anne in conversation with Peter Heller, Tayari Jones, and Becky Chambers, as we explore their writing and reading lives, the books they've loved, and what they recommend we should all read next. To see the full list of books discussed today, check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/308. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever dreamed about becoming a writer, you're not alone. Writers begin as readers, after all, whether they're grounded in a love of memoir, fantasy, or any other genre on the shelf. Today's guest has built a career around coaching people from all backgrounds to embrace the joy of writing. Allison Fallon (Ally) is a Nashville-based writing coach and author of The Power of Writing it Down. She's seen firsthand the benefits that people experience when they begin to write, whether it's in a personal journal or a draft of a future publication. Ally's also a lifelong reader who has struggled to find as much time to read as she'd like since starting a family. Join Anne and Ally today in a conversation about how writing impacts us, the power of reading to transform us, and our shared appreciation for stories about complex human relationships. Anne has a few suggestions to help Ally re-discover her reading rhythm, and recommends some lyrical stories that we hope she'll love. Connect with Ally at her website or on Instagram @allyfallon. Listen in and see the full list of titles discussed today at our website: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/307. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is a dedicated reader who appreciates reading as both a leisure activity and a way to learn about other perspectives and experiences. But over the past few years, the stress of her work in the healthcare industry has impacted her reading life as she's found herself more easily distracted from her usual reads. Corinne Miller turned to poetry collections, finding joy and inspiration in shorter stints of reading and appreciating the elegant artistry of words on the page. Her exploration of the genre has given her energy to push through difficult times and led her to reconnect with the joy of reading. Anne and Corinne chat about why found family plots resonate with her, our shared appreciation for an artful structure on the page, and how poetry has helped re-energize her over the past year. Anne is recommending books and poetry collections that hopefully Corinne will love, and that would serve as wonderful entry points for anyone looking to sprinkle some poetry into their reading life. See all of the books and poetry collections discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/306, and let us know if you've read anything you think Corinne would enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deciding what to read next is so much easier when you know what you love to read—and what you don't. In today's episode, Anne shares a behind-the-scenes look at her new reading journal, My Reading Life. Created to help you achieve your best reading life, Anne's journal is thoughtfully designed to help you understand what you love, and what you don't, about what you've read lately. My Reading Life is the result of hundreds of conversations and years of gathering knowledge, and the result is the reading journal that so many of our listeners have asked for! Listen in to enjoy this deep dive of My Reading Life. If you're ready to grab your copy, you can order one here, or ask your local independent bookstore to order it for you. If you're already using and loving your new book journal, be sure to tag @whatshouldireadnext in your Instagram posts, so we can celebrate along with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, it's time for our sixth annual holiday recommendations episode! We're back with this much anticipated gift giving guide for the readers in your lives, and as always, it’s been a treat to create. Over the past few weeks, you called and emailed us with your bookish gift questions, and today Anne is teaming up with Valerie Koehler of Houston's Blue Willow Bookshop to help match the loved ones in your life with books we think they'll love. Whether you're looking for the best in board books or something that feels fresh in the world of thrillers & non-fiction, today's episode has you covered. Catch the full list of all the books recommended in today's episode at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/304. Be sure to check out Blue Willow Bookshop on Instagram at @bluewillowbooks. For extra treats like information on their amazing (in-person & virtual) events and their 2021 Best Of list, visit their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time of year, so many readers are looking to tip-toe (or sometimes, to sprint) into scary stories, but finding the right spooky read can be tricky. Today’s guest Margaret Prinzing knows what she likes to read in her preferred genres, but she's recently embarked on a journey to read more thrilling books and is eager to discover some new reads to help her find her way. But we don't just talk ghost stories and haunted houses—we discuss some of the challenges of breaking into a new genre of any kind, and Anne shares some top tips for readers looking to try something new without feeling totally disconnected from what they know the love. We hope you'll enjoy the conversation with Margaret today, and will walk away feeling inspired about what you hope to read next! You can see the full list of recommendations for Margaret at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/303, and leave a comment to suggest your favorite spooky reads you think she might enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love books that make you think or spark a spirited discussion, you're on the same page as today's guests! Christine Pride and Jo Piazza have a shared passion for books where the stakes are high and the story is personal. From intimate memoirs to books featuring strong female friendships, they are looking for books that will show them something unique while evoking a strong reaction. Christine and Jo have a unique and long-lasting relationship of their own: they've worked together for years as editor & writer, and they recently embarked on a new stage of their bookish journey, jointly penning the brand-new release We Are Not Like Them. Listen in to today's conversation with Jo and Christine about books they've loved and stories that have moved them. See the full list of books we discussed on our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/302, and leave a comment with any books you think Christine and Jo would love to read and discuss! Connect with Christine on Instagram and her website; Find Jo on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, as we continue our celebration of 300 episodes of What Should I Read Next, today we are bringing your voices to the stage as Anne and WSIRN team member Leigh Kramer tackle your burning questions! We always enjoy our Ask Anne Anything episodes and the chance to hear what you’re curious about. We hope today's conversation and our answers give you a little more insight into the world of WSIRN. Thank you so much to everyone who sent in a question! Be sure to check out this episode's show notes for a list of all the books we discussed today. And sure you don't miss out on the final stage of our 300th episode celebration. We'll be hosting a special LIVE event for our Patreon community with interviews and conversations with three of WSIRN's most recommended authors, and we'd love to have you join us. Learn more at our Patreon site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've listened in to any—or all!— of our past 300 episodes, you've heard conversations with readers and authors, booksellers and book club members, and of course a whole lot of literary matchmaking. Today, after more than five years of creating bookish delight, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the people and process behind our weekly podcast and explore the many layers of WSIRN! Listen in today to hear from some of our original voices as we talk about how the show began, how it's grown over time, and peek behind the scenes of how we do what we do here at WSIRN HQs. We'll also hear from some of you about how this podcast has changed your reading lives! You can find our show notes, including a list of all the episodes mentioned in today's discussion, at our website! And for more 300th celebration, check out our Patreon community, where we're hosting an upcoming special event featuring some of WSIRN's most beloved authors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, we know it can be tricky to break out of a reading rut, and sometimes it takes a nudge from a friend to try something new. Michael Clark has a good handle on what he loves to read. From beach reads that don't get the respect they deserve, to stories that acknowledge their literary heritage, he reaches across genres when he's picking up his next book and he's not afraid to put down a book that's not right for him. But today, he's feeling stuck in a bit of a reading drought. Michael's hoping to reinvigorate his reading life by discovering some books that deliver on his love of well-developed characters while delving into genres he typically ignores, like science fiction. Be sure to listen all the way through to hear Anne's picks for Michael, including a special bonus selection at the end of the episode today. Read this episode's show notes, including the full list of books we discussed, at our website. And if you're interested in seeing what Michael reads next, connect with him on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest loves Jane Austen, but that's just the beginning for our conversation today. Cristina Griffin's work life as an English professor often overlaps with her personal love of reading for pure fun! She's drawn to atmospheric stories with brilliant endings and compelling characters, and she's read all the way through many an author's backlist. Anne recommends books that fit Cristina's desire for contemporary novels that are fun to read and a new-to-her series she can slowly devour. We hope today's episode might inspire you to break down some boundaries in your reading life and find a new, immersive read you'll enjoy. Visit our website to see the (long) list of books we discussed during this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, today’s guest is on the hunt for complex, thought-provoking, and timeless books that have something to say about topics she cares about today. Maria Carrera lives in Spain, where she teaches English language. Her heart for languages drives both her professional and her reading life! She loves the experience of matching a book to her reading mood - and then choosing which translation of that book to read. But with so many good books to choose from, sometimes she just needs someone to tell her which book to pull from her ever-growing TBR stack. Today, we'll translate Maria’s book requests into recommendations for reads she can move to the top of her list. To see the books we discussed in this episode, be sure to check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/297. Connect with Maria on Twitter and Instagram to follow along with what she reads next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, today’s guest knows that she’s overlooked some amazing books over the last ten years, but she needs a little help to figure out which ones to pick up now. Amber Burns loves discovering something new in the books she reads, and she's also a mood reader. She's looking for stories filled with believable tension and humor, and she loves a good enemies to lovers trope. When she’s not reading in the best coffee shops of her beloved Philadelphia or exploring the city’s vibrant used bookstore scene, Amber is hosting her podcast, Thank You For Asking, and working as a content creator. If you’re looking for a mind-blowing book that keeps you up late turning the pages, we hope you’ll find some suggestions in today's episode. To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/296. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, after a move today’s guest craved community and an outlet for her “pent-up book energy.” She started a book club in her new neighborhood and quickly discovered getting started wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be. Today, Shweta Hegde walks us through the steps she took to form a bookish community and provides some friendly encouragement for you to get that book talk going. This was only Shweta's latest move: she grew up in India in a military family—so she moved a lot as a kid. In each new town she sought out that magical place that opened up her whole world: the library. Readers, prepare to be consumed by bookish nostalgia as Shweta recalls her first experience at the library and the magical realization that she could take a whole stack of books home with her. We also talk about how the library never lost its magic, how Shweta continues to love exploring new worlds in the pages of her books, and Anne helps her find books with characters she can really get attached to. To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/295. Our 300th episode is coming soon! At this momentous occasion, we want to celebrate all that’s happened over the past 5 and a half years—and we’re looking for your input. We’d love to know something YOU learned from the show. Visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/learned300 to learn more about how to participate. We can’t wait to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a teenager on the show—and today’s guest isn’t here to talk about YA. Katie Guenthner has long been reading classics, historical nonfiction, and the most formidable books she can find at the library in order to uphold her status as an “advanced reader.” After listening to countless readers wax poetic about reading for escape on WSIRN, Katie realized that's what was missing in her reading life. Now she’s ready to trade Charles Dickens for the lighthearted stories she’s been eschewing for too long. Anne recommends books that will help Katie take herself less seriously as a reader and help her welcome more fun reads to her library holds list. And we guarantee today’s conversation takes some turns you are NOT expecting, that you’re really gonna enjoy. Visit our website for the full list of books discussed on today's episode and to leave Katie your recommendations for fun reads she should read next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a city planner in Calgary, Caylee Dyck knows how to problem solve and prioritize in order to create better communities and a more liveable cities–built environments people feel good spending time in. But when it comes to her reading life, Caylee is struggling to create a pleasing, welcoming, workable model for choosing what to read next. With over 900 titles on her To Be Read list and more than 150 ebooks on her Kindle, she's feeling a bit overwhelmed. Anne helps Caylee transform her literary landscape with practical, actionable, and sometimes (as you’ll hear) tangible tips for tackling her TBR. Then gets her started off by highlighting a few titles from among her digital ebook downloads that Anne think she’s likely to love. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your unread books, we hope you find a solution that works for you in today’s episode. To see the list of the books we discuss from Caylee's Kindle downloads, including the books Anne recommends, visit the podcast website at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/293 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regular listeners know good book talk often blends the heavy and the light—and that is certainly true for today's show. Today's episode is tons of fun, and has us thinking about our own life-changing literary experiences. As an avid library user and member of two book clubs, our guest Loren Mueller has no problem adding potential life-changing reads to her To Be Read list, and then diving in. But she does have trouble remembering specific details from what she read—and today, we’re gonna figure out what to do about it. We discuss ways to retain what you read while reading for the fun of it, and why an “easy” reading experience means something different to every reader. Check out the show notes post on our website for the full list of books discussed today and a transcript of the show. One of my go-to tips for any reader who wants to learn more about themselves as a reader is to start a book journal to capture what they’ve read, what they want to read, and other important info that will better their reading lives. That's why I’m thrilled to offer my own beautiful and functional journal. The journal is called My Reading Life and it’s available September 21st but you can preorder a copy now and we've got some fun preorder bonuses for those of you who do just that. Learn more about My Reading Life and the bonuses at modernmrsdarcy.com/journal. Thanks to this week's sponsors: Bombas performance socks are built to be nothing but comfortable and supportive. And like all their socks, for every pair of Bombas performance socks you buy, they donate a pair to someone in need. They’ve donated over 45 million pairs so far! Bombas is offering WSIRN listeners 20% off your first order. Ritual uses vegan-certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free ingredients—and their sources—are out there for the whole world to see because they believe you deserve to know what you’re putting in your body and why. Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off your first three months! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind the scenes at What Should I Read Next? and Modern Mrs. Darcy, we have a team of readers who are bursting with bookish enthusiasm. Our producer Brenna paired us up in our virtual recording studio, matching team members you’ve never heard discuss books together on the show. Our reading tastes are vastly different, but we quickly discovered that talking about books creates instant connections—even when reading preferences don’t seem to match up at all. We had the best time discussing what summer reading means to us, what we’ve read and loved lately, and what we hope to read next before the season is over. We hope today's collection of bookish conversations inspires you to ask your coworkers, friends, or family members what books they’ve loved recently. And, of course, we hope you find your next great read among the abundance of titles we talk about today. See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest describes herself as a serial starter who might have started up to 10 books before finishing one. She even keeps moving through several books at once by reading different genres at different times of the day. Shanel Sparr is an artistic Jill of all Trades–acting, directing, crocheting and designing clothes. But as an avid collector of hobbies, reading still holds a distinct place in her life—and she highly values being well-rounded as a reader. Shanel loves books that explore a character’s interior landscape, especially when that’s packaged in a surprising way, and doesn’t mind going a bit dark, or eerie. Although she has found she has a limit—and so today I’m looking for titles that walk the fine line of addressing hard things without tipping into overly tragic. See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page. You can learn more about all of Shanel's artistic endeavors on her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest created a unique plan to help him tackle the books one “must read before they die,” but now he’s looking for less planning and more bookish serendipity. Author, blogger, and podcaster Neil Pasricha hosts the show 3 Books, where he talks with avid readers about the three most formative books in their lives. The show originated as a way for Neil to find lesser known titles and backlist books to boost his reading life. Now, he finds himself assigning too much “reading homework,” and he’s looking for ways to spend more time connecting with each book he reads instead of breezing through to the next checkmark on his TBR. Between two book podcasters we cover a lot of ground today. Be sure to check out the show notes for a full list of the titles. You just might find a formative book for you. You can find Neil writing on his website or follow him on Twitter and Instagram. And don't forget to listen to my episode of 3 Books recorded (partially) in the Rare Books Room at the Strand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a book collector? Today's guest has a bookshelf full of vintage beauty guidebooks, and though she considers this a separate part of her bookish life, there were some surprising connections to her taste in crime fiction. After hearing about her collection, you may not be surprised to find out that Brenda LaBelle is a make-up artist turned librarian. She's looking for more than a pretty cover though, Brenda likes books with stylish prose and memorable characters. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—and be sure to visit the show website for today's complete book list–including titles you’ve never heard on the podcast. (You'll also find a photo of Brenda's beauty bookshelf there!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest loves discussing books just as much as she enjoys reading them. She's ready to swap spicy opinions and share book recommendations with her fellow readers, but she hasn't found those fellow readers just yet. Allison Matz prefers to be Twitter and Instagram-free even though she knows there are vibrant book communities online. Today she comes to us with a question: with no social media, how is an avid reader supposed to connect with her book people? Anne has some advice for Allison, and hopefully you’ll pick up some tips today, too—whether you’re getting ready to meet your book club in person again or are still seeking out your group of readers. Allison also displays her passion for a genre that doesn't get a lot of love on the podcast. Visit the podcast website for today's complete book list and to leave a comment for Allison since she's not on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been listening to podcasts or tearing through a new series on Netflix instead of picking up a book, we're here to cheer you on (really)! Different forms of art and storytelling can be a refreshing change of pace for avid readers, and taking a break from the books might even benefit your reading life in the long run. But today's guest came to us with a request for books that will hold his attention and get him back to turning the pages instead of pressing play on another podcast episode. In addition to podcast listening, youth services librarian Hamid Printer enjoys recommending adventurous, exciting books to readers of all ages and hosting epic fantasy game nights for friends. Anne has a whole lot of books to share with Hamid that will hopefully rival even the most immersive game night or absorbing podcast episode. Head over to the show notes page on our website for all of the books, podcasts, and games mentioned in today's show. You can follow Hamid on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though reading is a solitary activity, you’re never truly alone as a reader. You’re never the only reader who prefers dog-eared pages to bookmarks or the only reader who reads the last page first. Today’s guest used to feel self-conscious about her affection for stories that explore difficult themes. But we know that Rachel Matthews isn’t the only reader who enjoys darker fiction. In fact, I’m willing to bet that some of you have been waiting for an episode with a reader just like Rachel. Check out the full list of books from today's show at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/285 If Rachel's dark side sounds like your book twin be sure to follow her on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last year, we’ve talked to readers who voraciously devour romance, mystery, and graphic novels to escape real life—and readers who struggle to pick up a single book, even if they know it’s one they’ll love. There’s no right way to respond to stress as a reader, and today’s guest is here to share encouragement and insight for readers experiencing burnout. Journalist Anne Helen Petersen writes the weekly email newsletter Culture Study and recently published Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation—today, we discuss how all of us, millennial or otherwise, have experienced the burnout associated with a global pandemic and seen its effects in our reading lives. No matter how your reading life has changed, or stayed the same, over the last year, you’ll find comfort in today’s episode, as well as insight into your experience this past year. Visit the show notes page on our website to get the full list of books discuss and to read along with a full-show transcript. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode has literally been years in the making: today I'm thrilled to welcome Ginger Horton, our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club community manager, to the show! The 2021 Summer Reading Guide is about to drop, and in this celebratory episode, Ginger shares her three favorite backlist summer reading guide selections, and I recommend three books I think she’ll love from this year’s summer reading guide. Of course, we can’t help squeezing in extra book talk, as we often do, so listen in for a pile of both backlist and brand new summer reading recommendations. Be sure to visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/283 for today's complete book list. To get in on the summer reading fun be sure you're subscribed to our weekly newsletter so you'll get the Summer Reading Guide when it comes out May 24th. You can also join us live for the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing and get an expanded guide early by becoming a member of our Patreon community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think many of you will relate when you hear today's guest say he’s “a little bit obsessed with books.” This is definitely a good thing for Jeremy Anderberg because not only is reading a source of enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction, it’s also a key part of his job as a writer and podcast producer. He writes for The Art of Manliness blog, produces The Art of Manliness podcast, and publishes the "Read More Books” newsletter. Today we discuss the difference between finding what you like to read versus what you feel you should read. We also discuss finding seasonal rhythms in your reading life, finding books so compelling it feels like the pages turn themselves, and why Jeremy finds it so satisfying to give his reading life some structure with “projects” he plans for himself. To see all of Jeremy's project books and Anne's recommendations visit the show notes page at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/282 To read Jeremy's book reviews, follow him on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to his weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lecturer, author, and researcher Heather Williams has left trails of books across the globe as she travels for work, but today she’s bringing us three favorite essay collections she can’t live without. Heather’s love of bite-sized reading experiences is contagious. If you’ve never picked up an essay collection, she just might convince you to do so today. We also discuss her preference for reliable narrators, a surprising fascination with Russian literature, and a book that made Heather laugh a little too loudly while reading on a plane. I happen to love personal essays just as much as Heather, and I can’t wait for you to listen in on our conversation, readers. For a list of all of the books, essay collections and novels, head to the show notes page on our website: https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/281 Follow Heather Williams on Twitter to learn more about her research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After becoming an avid WSIRN listener, today's guest realized she was watching less TV and reading more books. To keep her momentum going, she connected with other listeners, found her favorite reading categories, and now sits down with Anne to chat about a classic WSIRN problem: the compulsion to finish every book she starts. Today we're joined by Stacy Wittenberg, who talks to Anne about that inclination and about a reading challenge she’s taken on for this year. Anne recommends books that will take her on epic historical journeys, plus an audiobook that will have her neighbors asking What is she laughing at? when she listens on her daily stroll. Stacy shares extra titles in each of her reading categories, so get your TBR lists ready and be sure to pull up the podcast website to see the list of all the title she (and Anne) share. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/280. As a listener, Stacy has been connecting with other fans of the show online. Now that you've heard her, if you'd like to connect with Stacy follow her on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years Ahtoosa Dale sent in multiple submissions to be on What Should I Read Next, each one reflecting her ever-evolving reading taste. Since that first submission way back in 2016, her reading life has changed tremendously. Now, as a lawyer and a mom with a packed schedule, she’s more willing than she once was to set certain books aside. And as an adult, she’s looking for relatable characters—especially if the book explores the immigrant experience. But Ahtoosa will never say no to a good mystery, or a book that explores the range of human emotions. Ahtoosa specifically requested books that will give her a good cry, so on today's episode I’m recommending a few heartfelt books to bring on the tears, plus a propulsive page-turner in one of her go-to genres. Find the list of books we talk about today and a full transcript that you can follow along while you're listening on our website. You can fill out your own guest submission form on our website. Thanks to our sponsors: Rothy’s shoes are seamless and fully machine washable, making them ultra comfortable and ultra convenient. Every time they need a refresh, you can simply toss them in the washing machine! They’re simple, comfy, and they go with everything. Through May 9th 2021, you can get $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more at Rothys.com/READNEXT. Betabrand pants look good, feel comfortable, and they’re easy to wear with any outfit. Whatever your style, they have the pants to match. What Should I Read Next listeners can take 30% off your first order at Betabrand.com/READNEXT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindy Mejia enjoys propulsive, fast-paced books with strong characters—and she writes them, too! Mindy writes thrillers, or as she calls them “murdery books,” but she reads from a whole banquet of literature. Anne got to talk with her about setting reading intentions, sampling books—which, as you’ll hear, is a bit of a euphemism—and learning about surprisingly fascinating topics as we read. As always, she recommends a handful of books we think Mindy will love, including an upcoming thriller that Anne loved, a nonfiction book she wasn't expecting to be talking about today, and selections from a genre that doesn’t get mentioned all that often around here. To see a list with those titles and all of the books we mentioned visit the show page at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/278. Find out what Mindy Mejia is reading and writing on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, or her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne is talking with Jake Sloofman, an arborist living in Brooklyn. They discuss his big reading goal, the pressure to read “serious literature,” and how to alternate light and heavy reads for a balanced reading life. So Anne serves up a mix of weighty literature and frothy “palate cleanser” books to keep things balanced. View the full list of titles and a transcript of the episode on our website https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/277. You can follow Jake on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices