What Should I Read Next?

Anne is joined by Gaithersburg, Maryland mayor Jud Ashman to give you an insiders’ look at what goes into the planning and establishment of those community book events. At the time of recording, they were still crossing their fingers that they’d get to meet in person at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Between then and now, that event has been canceled due to COVID-19. (There will be some online programming, so watch the website for more information if you're intrigued.) We're also digging into Jud's eclectic personal reading life, from westerns to middle grade fiction to historical nonfiction, to a book he describes as JAW DROPPINGLY GOOD… and Anne recommends 3 books to him like a human, not an algorithm. That’s a joke, but also a totally real concern when literary matchmaking. Listen in to hear Anne explain the difference in the episode. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/232 Readers, we send an email every Tuesday with 3 bookish things I love, 1 thing I don’t, and what I’m reading now. If you want fun, informative, and delightful links to all things books and reading with a little dose of my personal reading habits then sign up for the weekly newsletter. And be sure to do that now because in 2 weeks we’re sending all subscribers my ninth annual Summer Reading Guide. This is THE answer to what you should read next this summer. So sign up now. -Anne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Anne's exploring a genre that’s on the rise these days... ecofiction! Reader Katy Yocom is constantly on the hunt for absorbing novels with plots that not only incorporate the natural world, but ones in which the story absolutely depends upon it. Anne's challenge today is to pick 3 well-written titles for Katy that paint a lush portrait of natural life without losing that “page turning” appeal. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/231 You can read more about Katy’s book Three Ways to Disappear at KatyYocom.com and follow her on Instagram @katyyocom1 Readers, this is an exciting time of year at WSIRN: Summer Reading Guide season is almost here! Our email subscribers get the our ninth (!!!) annual guide when it comes out, but Patreon supporters get it first. They're invited to join us for our live “unboxing” on May 12. This year we're offering two times to make it easier for you to attend live. Our patrons also get the guide that day, two days before it's publicly available. If you’ve ever wondered about joining our readerly community over on Patreon this is the perfect time. Visit patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext now to sign up. We’d love to see you there. -Anne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A note from Anne — I’ve been soooo looking forward to sharing today’s episode with you. Today we’re sharing the live audio from my book tour stop at the Strand in New York City. This evening in their gorgeous rare books room was MAGICAL. The room was packed with avid readers (and quite a few What Should I Read Next alums, which is what we like to call our past guests). It couldn't have been a better night, and I am so happy and thankful that now you get to listen in in today's episode. But. I can't talk about that night—or this episode—without telling you that sharing it feels bittersweet. This was my second—and last, for now—book tour stop for Don't Overthink It and one of the Strand's last events before closing their doors due to covid-19. My heart goes out to the Strand, its employees, and all of New York City. I hope to see you all again soon. For the time being, it's a solace to be able to bring you the live audio from that night at the Strand. This episode is ALL ABOUT What Should I Read Next; I’m reflecting on the show in a way that I really haven’t done publicly. I hope you find it interesting, illuminating, and entertaining. In the next segment I’m joined by a Strand bookseller to do some on-the-fly literary matchmaking for our live audience. Let us know how we did in the comments at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/230 Visit The Strand online at www.strandbooks.com, and follow their gorgeous Instagram account @strandbookstore. More What Should I Read Next Live: As Anne mentions in this episode we have a special One Great Book style bonus episode that's available to everyone over on our Patreon page. Anyone can listen to that here. But now would also be a great time to become a Patreon supporter. This week we're having our quarterly live stream with Patreon supporters. Join us as we chat about what's happening behind the scenes, what we're reading now, and give recommendations for what some of you should read next. We'll do another live event next month as we kick off summer reading season with the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing. This is the most fun event we do all year. We hope you will join us now over on Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some books with heavy topics leave you feeling uncomfortable, while other books tackling difficult subject matter make you feel understood and connected to humankind? Today, guest Mandy Lambert and host Anne Bogel pick apart the ingredients of Mandy's favorite and least favorite books to discover the subtle difference between a hard book that pays off in the end, and a hard book that’s just… hard. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/229 You can hear more from Mandy on her blog: thisbrightlife.home.blog Bonus episodes for you: Readers, it is a difficult and confusing time. So this past week, we released two bonus episodes on Patreon to meet you where you are, plus some special events. The first bonus episode is available to everyone. It's a book recommendation that has helped Anne during times of great loss and grief, and we think a lot of readers could use it in their life right now. Give it a listen at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext/posts, and feel free to share it with readers and other loved ones in your life. Second, a patron-exlusive episode recommending 5 happy, hopeful reads, something many of you have written in to tell us you need right now. You can find this exclusive episode at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext/posts, along with 31 other bonus episodes and livestream replays! Finally, if you are looking for bookish community during an isolated time, now is a wonderful time to check out everything happening in our Patreon community. We are holding our quarterly Spring livestream on April 9th, which is a community get-together with Anne and Brenna to chat about what we've been reading off our home bookshelves, and share recommendations with other readers. We hope you can will join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, you hate the book you’re reading. Or maybe you just feel blah about the book you’re reading. Or maybe the book you’re reading is good, but a different book on your shelf just looks so appealing, and you can’t help reaching for it… suddenly, you have a stack of 5 half-read books on your nightstand, and you’re still browsing the library catalog for something new. If you relate to any of those scenarios, today’s episode is for you. Guest Jamie Wright is a self-proclaimed “book quitter”, and she’s asked for Anne's help turning things around. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/228 Readers, whether you are looking for an escape from the news or for something to entertain kids who are suddenly at home we, have Spotify playlists of back episodes of What Should I Read Next for all your binging, relaxing, or bibliotherapying needs. Find them all at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Sterling Hardaway values efficiency and growth in his reading life, which has led him to a hefty serving of nonfiction to learn new exciting things, fiction that sidesteps predictable tropes to deliver a truly unique reading experience, and seeking out authors whose perspectives have been historically underrepresented. Anne's challenge today is recommending 3 books that won’t tread the same old ground, and offer him something new. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/227 You can keep up with what Sterling reads next on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ster724 Readers you know what we do here. Each week Anne helps a guest (and hopefully some of you) choose your next read. We hope this week you’re planning on making your next read Anne's new book Don’t Overthink It–which is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As audiobooks have become more available and more popular over the years, they’ve become a bigger part so many of your daily routines. Today Anne chats with everyday expert Leanne Hunt about the history of audiobooks and her decades-long connection with the format. Leanne came looking for book recommendations that explore the inner life of characters, and lush sensory descriptions of setting and expression, so pull out those TBR lists if you are ready to be truly transported. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/226 You can learn more about Leanne’s life and writing at blindhorsewoman.blogspot.com. Readers you know what we do here. Each week Anne helps a guest (and hopefully some of you) choose your next read. We hope this week you’re planning on making your next read Anne's new book Don’t Overthink It–which is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're always hearing from listeners about connections made either on the show or in the blog or instagram comment sections. Today’s guest Elizabeth Barnhill had one of these delightful stories to share. She popped into Anne's DMs recently to say “Anne, I wanted to let you know that you are a bookstore matchmaker. I was listening to your show 2 years ago when you interviewed Alison Frenzel about opening up Fabled bookshop in my hometown…” We'll can let Elizabeth and Alison share the rest of that story, as they both join Anne to chat about what it’s been like to open an indie in Waco, TX. Then Anne is setting Elizabeth up with 3 titles to read between all the advanced readers copies that she reads for a living now. You can meet Anne at Fabled Bookshop on Tuesday March 24! Visit our events page to get tickets and get the lowdown on all Anne's spring travels. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/225 You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @wacoreads , and ogle the gorgeous Fabled bookshop @fabledbookshop. Visit Fabledbookshop.com to plan your own trip! Readers you know what we do here. Each week Anne helps a guest (and hopefully some of you) choose your next read. We hope this week you’re planning on making your next read Anne's new book Don’t Overthink It–which is out March 3rd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like many readers, today’s guest Lacey Yong is creative. But her writing hobby is beginning to clash with her book selections, so she came to WSIRN with the question “how do I pick books that inspire me to write, without being too influenced by authors who write in my genre?” It’s a tricky problem, but one we can work through. Lacey is also ready to tackle the titles on what her husband jokingly calls her “bookshelf of shame.” Longtime listeners, you know Anne has thoughts about that phrasing... Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/224 Connect with Lacey Yong on Instagram @lacey.yong! Readers you know what we do here. Each week I help a guest, and hopefully some of you choose your next read. Well I hope this week you’re planning on making your next read my new book Don’t Overthink It. Don’t Overthink It comes out March 3rd so right now you still have a chance to preorder yourself a copy and snag the bonuses we’ve put together for all those who preorder here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne has recommended books in translation to many guests in the past, but this week we’re venturing away from reading in English, with Parisian reader Florence Breuvart. Because she reads in both French and English, Florence often gets to choose between reading a work in translation, or reading an author’s words in their original language. Today, Anne's challenge is recommending Florence’s next reads in both languages. Anne and Florence also discuss a very precious personal book collection, what makes a classic a classic, and her ongoing quest to buy fewer books. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/223 Connect with Florence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldireadit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we listen in on Anne's recent event in Huntsville, Alabama in collaboration with Snail On the Wall and the Rocket City Moms Book Club. Shannan Malone hosts a conversation about Anne's new book, Don’t Overthink It, and Anne holds a LIVE literary matchmaking session with Erin, a reader from the event audience who loves books about the simple life. We hope you enjoy hearing what WSIRN is like — live and off the cuff. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/222 Connect with Shannan on Instagram. Connect with Erin on Instagram. Learn more about The Snail on the Wall: website | Instagram Learn more about Rocket City Mom: website | Facebook Our next live stream with our Patreon supporters is this week! Join Anne and Brenna and ask them anything live and off the cuff just like today's episode. The livestream is February 13th, so become a supporter on Patreon and start thinking up your question. Read more about this event here. 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, discussing 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! Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/221 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter at Patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and and invites to our quarterly ask us anything live events. The next live stream is February 13th, so become a supporter on Patreon and start thinking up your question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every week, we promise to give you the information you need to choose your next read. Sometimes, that means information about a specific title (like the premise, interesting backstory, or a sense of the atmosphere.) But other times, the information you need is only discovered through thoughtful reflection on your reading patterns, and developing personalized adjustments. Today’s guest Erin Schlesener spent a looooong time experimenting before she found a reading routine that fit her needs. Once she had the how locked in, the question shifted to what she should read. Those of you who consider yourselves “slow” readers, you know this struggle — you know you’ll only get through about a dozen books this year, how do you narrow them down to what will be most enjoyable to you? Well, we're tackling that problem today, and Anne is recommending 3 titles to Erin that won’t frustrate or disappoint. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/220 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next andbecome a supporter atPatreon.com/whatshouldireadnext! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and and invites to our quarterly ask us anything live events. The next live stream is February 5th, so become a supporter on Patreon and start thinking up your question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might remember way back in Ep 60, guest Mel Joulwan and I talked about her love for books with a "strong sense of place". Mel realized she loves to travel in her literary life, and in the years since we chatted on WSIRN she’s made that the priority in big, delightful ways, along with her husband Dave Humphries. Mel and Dave are joining us today to chat about their reading journey together, fulfilling their long-time dream to move across the Atlantic, and their new destination-reading podcast aptly named Strong Sense of Place. Plus, they're recommending 3 books with great atmosphere they think I'll enjoy. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/219 Hear more about Mel and Dave's new project Strong Sense of Place on their podcast that debuted this week, or via their website, Instagram, and Twitter! Readers, on today’s episode we’re talking about travel reading. Well I have my own travel coming up and I want to make sure you’re in the loop. My book tour for Don’t Overthink It is booked. I’m going to wonderful bookstores I’ve been to in the past and I’m excited to say we have great events planned at new and new-to-me stores and cities, including New York City, Milwaukee, and Madison CT. Don’t Overthink It is out March 3rd and in-person events start that week. Get the details at modernmrsdarcy.com/events. I hope to see you live and in person at one of these book tour stops this spring! Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and opportunities to help us make the show–like today's title which was chosen by our Patreon supporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s always fun to read through your guest applications. You fill our inbox with stories, goals, hilarity, and so much heart. One particularly memorable application didn’t come from today’s guest Anna Mittler — it came from one of her best friends, Charlotta, asking if we could make WSIRN a part of Anna’s upcoming bachelorette party. It took a full year to stitch the pieces together and get this episode to your ears, and we hope you love Anna’s story as much as we loved making it happen. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/218 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around here we believe that when you improve your reading life, it does good things for the rest of your life. Today’s guest Pamela Hernandez has found creative ways to pull together reading goals and fitness goals in her personal training business. Pamela loves to read about women who mirror herself and her clients–seasoned female characters who live life on their terms, work to make the best of their life circumstances, and thrive. Today Anne recommending 3 books that fit the bill, plus a self-help book that hopefully won’t leave Pamela shaking her head in disappointment. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/217 You can follow Pamela on Instagram @thrivefit, and hear more from her on her podcast Fit in 417, where book segments are part of the regular rotation. Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Next week we'll be livestreaming a Winter Book Preview so become a supporter today. Thanks to today's sponsors: Whatever you’re hoping to accomplish or become in 2020 The Great Courses Plus has you covered. This online learning service offers thousands of lectures that can help you professionally or personally. WSIRN listeners can get 3 months of unlimited access for just $30 at TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/READNEXT! Rothy’s creates stylish, comfortable, and washable shoes for women and girls. Rothy’s are seamlessly knit using thread made from plastic water bottles, so they're sustainable and there's zero break-in period in these shoes! Rothy’s always come with free shipping and free returns and exchanges–no risk, no worries. Visit Rothys.com/READNEXT to give them a try! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new year is here and that means another milestone is just around the corner. Anne's newest book Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy Into Your Life comes out on March 3rd. In celebration and anticipation on today's episode Anne is sharing chapter 13 Small Shifts Toward Simple Abundance. Anne chose this chapter because there's a funny story in here that inspired the beautiful cover design AND because while most people are familiar with the negative aspects of overthinking—worry, rumination, second-guessing–in the book she also wanted to talk about setting overthinking aside in order to bring more peace, joy, and love into our lives. Overthinkers too often think themselves out of life’s simple pleasures, but she wanted to examine how to smartly think our way into them. This chapter is a joy and we can't wait to share it with you. Preorder bonuses: Companion Don’t Overthink It course we created to complement the book. Full of great strategies and stories you can put to work in your own life right away. The book may not come out till March, but preorderers will get this course as soon as mid-January. Free audiobook version of Don’t Overthink It. Free ebook edition of my book I’d Rather Be Reading. An invitation to join my launch team, which is gonna be a blast, AND participants get to read Don’t Overthink It early. Pre-order your copy now at your local indie, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. Or for a signed copy order from my local store, Carmichael's, and to get the book and a box full of beautiful goodies check out the Page 1 Don't Overthink It bundle. And when you preorder, save your receipt! You’ll need it to claim your bonuses. After you preorder, go to overthinkbook.com to enter your information and claim your bonuses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re revisiting a topic near and dear to our hearts here at WSIRN HQ, and a PERFECT conversation for this time of the year, when the best-of lists start rolling out and everyone is gearing up for a new calendar year of reading. Anne chatted with 14 different readers about how they track their books, and we hope their perspectives will give you some new ideas to start your 2020 reading year strong! Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and photos of some tracking methods mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/215 Sign up for the Reading Challenge at ModernMrsDarcy.com/CHALLENGE and get your own MMD Reading Journal! Thanks to our sponsors: ThirdLove makes great fitting bras that real women love—because a good-fitting bra makes everything you put on your body look better. WSIRN listeners can head over to ThirdLove.com/READNEXT for 15% off! Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from food—all in their clean, absorbable forms. WSIRN listeners can visit Ritual.com/READNEXT for 10% off during your first three months! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today you get to hear from a guest who is very near and dear to the show, Anne's husband Will. Will has been involved with What Should I Read Next since BEFORE the beginning of the show. First he was the sounding board, then he was the trial guest, then he dropped into your feed for the first time in episode 61—and if you haven’t listened to that yet, start downloading it while you listen to this. But none of that is why we had him back on the show. Will engineered his best reading year to date and when Anne mentioned this people began begging her to bring him back on the show. This is such a fun conversation—Anne and Will talk about finding your own “reading lane,” reading journals and revisiting star ratings, and the very specific type of book Will can’t help picking up but is often disappointed in. I mention rethinking star ratings in this episode. Since we recorded, I shared my updated thoughts here: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/star-ratings/ Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/214 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. The next livestream happens early January so become a supporter today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne chats with reader and children’s book writer Kate DiCamillo about the books that inspired her to dream up stories, the hopeful work of writing for children, and what she learns from readers about her own books. She has so much to share about the value of friendship with other people who work differently than you do, and her advice is applicable whether you’re an aspiring author or simply a reader looking to build a bookish community in your own personal life. Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/213 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. You can find Kate on Facebook and on Twitter @KateDiCamillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hopefully you haven’t put that wrapping paper away yet… because today we’re bringing you even MORE bookish gift-giving ideas! This episode is specially geared toward the people many WSIRN listeners consider the hardest to buy for — your nonfiction readers, true crime lovers, political thriller fanatics, and doorstop history book deep-divers. Sometimes these are called “dad books” or “dude books”, and our inbox was definitely FULL of people desperate for recommendations for their dads, brothers, and grandfathers… but genre knows no gender, and around here the expert we trust for nonfiction, crime, and intrigue is none other than Traci Thomas from The Stacks podcast! Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/212 Give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next and become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Hear more of Tracy at The Stacks Podcast, and find her on Twitter @stackspodcast and Instagram @thestackspod. And be sure to check out The Stacks' book drive to support Rocketship Delta Prep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne has a delightful & deep conversation with guest Sarah Bessey about writing personal nonfiction, and what might spur an author to write a book unlike anything they’ve written in the past. Last week, Anne talked about books can expand hearts and minds, and Sarah has so much to share with about what books have shifted her perspectives for the better. CanLit lovers rejoice — they're also touching on the books everyone is talking about in Canada! Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/211 To give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Break out the wrapping paper, because our yearly WSIRN holiday recommendation episode is here! Listeners wrote and called in to let us know who they wanted to give the gift of reading to this Winter, and today, Anne is joined by Holland Saltsman of The Novel Neighbor in St Louis to recommend the perfect titles for your distractable teens and tweens, reluctant-reader spouses, impossible-to-buy-for parents, and that friend who seems to have already read everything. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/210 NOTE FROM ANNE: Here's a dissenting opinion on Malcolm Gladwell's newest from Traci Thomas of The Stacks Podcast. I recommended this to Jamie in episode 209 but really wish I had seen this post first and would have to say Traci changed my mind. To give yourself the gift of more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Jamie Freeman, a reader who was led to audiobooks by her favorite true crime podcasts… and has since made serious space in her life to read with her earbuds in. Anne and Jamie chat about spine-tingly crime nonfiction, historical romance, their favorite audiobook narrators, and tackle a frequently asked question: how to get into an audiobook when you’re finding it hard to focus. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/209 You can find Jamie on Instagram @jamie.of.all.trades If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Lovett joins Anne to discuss the enduring power of not only stories but the books themselves, how books connect people of all ages, and of all times, how we can preserve literature for future generations, the joy of a book as a physical object, the art of literary forgery, marginalia, symbolism, and much much more. Anne met Charlie along with 150 other readers at the ever-charming bookstore Bookmarks NC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina as part of an event for the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, where members learn to read better, together, and one of the many things we do is read a core selection together every month, and then meet on video to discuss it at the end of the month, often with the author. Our October selection was Charlie’s novel The Bookman’s Tale*, and not only did Charlie join us, but for the first time ever, we got to have our author chat in person. *Don't worry, this conversation is spoiler-free. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/208 If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Jennifer Pai, a reader with a particular soft spot for anything that could might be called spooky. Whether it’s thrilling suspense, witchy fantasy, or outright horror, she’s here for it. Anne and Jennifer chat about atmospheric reads, sleeper hits, gleefully enjoying books other people hate, and the perfect October reads to pair with a comfy blanket and mug of hot cider. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/207 If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! Supporters get bonus episodes, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and livestreams with Anne and WSIRN's producer, Brenna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrell Everett is serious about creating her ideal reading life. When Jerrell had kids and found herself picking up books less and less, she took action to maintain her reading life by enforcing a routine. And when she decided it was time to branch out from her comfort zone of nonfiction and introduce more novels into her rotation, she took action again… by reaching out to WSIRN for help. Today, Jerrell and Anne chat about parenthood, complex family stories, the tricky task of avoiding book hangovers, and much more. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/206 You can connect with Jerrell on Instagram @jerrelleverett If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! We're sharing the full interviews we did with the past guests featured in our special 200th episode. Supporters also get bonus episodes of One Great Book, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, AND occasionally they get to save the day like last week's guest Addie who jumped in when we had a scheduling issue and needed to record immediately! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Readers, sometimes podcasting doesn’t go as planned. Schedules conflict, last-minute emergencies strike, the flu sneaks up on us, Anne loses her voice during pollen season… and any of those situations can end with a guest cancelling their recording at the last-minute. That happened recently here at What Should I Read Next HQ, and we needed someone to record on short notice, RIGHT AWAY, to avoid a hole in our release schedule. Luckily there was an obvious answer — tapping into our Patreon community. We asked who would be available to record within 48 hours. Enter Addie Yoder, self-described “farm wife”, who needed book recommendations to fill her time during harvest season. We couldn’t imagine a more fall-appropriate guest! Today, Addie and Anne chat about libraries that aren’t free, books that lend us a little distance from real life when we need it, and the best time of year for a happily-ever-after. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/205 You can follow Addie’s farm and reading life on Instagram @addie.yoder If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! We're sharing the full interviews we did with the past guests featured in our special 200th episode. Supporters also get bonus episodes of One Great Book, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, AND occasionally they get to save the day! Join Addie and all of the other delightful readers over on Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Anne talks books with David Krohse, an Iowa reader who’s woven a love of literature into all aspects of his life — the waiting room of his chiropractic practice, the bar with a group friends, and quality time spent with his wife. David loves larger than life nonfiction, especially if it reads like an intense thriller, so Anne is hooking him up with exactly that. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/204 You can join David's Inspired Book and Brew Crew on Facebook! If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! We're sharing the full interviews we did with the past guests featured in our special 200th episode. Supporters also get bonus episodes of One Great Book, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and invites to special events like our Fall Book Preview! More fun book recommendations happen on our Instagram feed where we use the hashtag #readerrecs to gather your recommendations for a reader who's looking for a little literary inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Anne talks with Emily Carter about a genre they both used to think they were too smart to be reading. When Emily entered a season when she was busy and stressed, and she discovered that the genre she’d once categorically dismissed was full of books that were exactly what her lackluster reading life needed. Fellow repentant "book snobs" will relate to this conversation about what we miss out on as readers when we seal ourselves off from whole sections of the bookstore, how our misperceptions can be corrected with the help of our fellow readers, and how we can take smart chances on books outside our readerly comfort zones. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/203 You can connect with Emily on her blog: https://thesecondarrowblog.wordpress.com If you want more What Should I Read Next become a supporter on Patreon! We're sharing the full interviews we did with the past guests featured in our special 200th episode. Supporters also get bonus episodes of One Great Book, behind the scenes looks at how the podcasts are made, and invites to special events like our Fall Book Preview! More fun book recommendations happen on our Instagram feed where we use the hashtag #readerrecs to gather your recommendations for a reader who's looking for a little literary inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's double-feature, Anne chats books with sisters Mia & Micah. But unlike most of our episodes with multiple guests, they aren’t looking to find titles they’ll enjoy together. Mia & Micah already read the same books frequently, so we’re looking to individualize their reading lives with totally separate recommendations. Mia is looking to introduce a little romance to her bookshelves… without leaving her comfort zone of action and adventure behind. Meanwhile Micah battles a classic middle-sibling problem... all her books end up being hand-me-downs, so she’s looking for a good mystery novel (or better yet, a series) that’s exactly suited to HER taste first and foremost. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/202 Get another double feature of What Should I Read Next by becoming a supporter on Patreon at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext! Right now we're sharing new interviews with past guests to hear if they loved or hated Anne's recommendations and of course, what they are reading now. If you didn't catch our producer Brenna's Instagram takeover during our 200th episode celebration @whatshouldireadnext, be sure to check out the highlights! Her listener Q&A that gives you a fun look at how each episode comes together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Brian Eichenberger dives straight into a hotly debated issue, discussing horrible books that taught him and Anne lessons they still think about allllll the time. Brian is the kind of reader who wants to chew on big ideas, follow characters from childhood to old age to see what makes people tick, and who loves big juicy family sagas. But he also has a taste for the unusual, so Anne recommends 3 titles that hopefully hit more than one target. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/201 You can follow Brian on Twitter @beichen22, and check out his podcast Story Guys at wearethestoryguys.com/podcast or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's milestone 200th episode, Anne and her producer Brenna catch up with the guests of 8 fan-favorite episodes to see what recommendations were hits, which flopped, and what changed in their reading lives after the show. Some guests approached their bookshelves with fresh eyes, some overcame their genre fears, and some realized that stepping out of their comfort zone just wasn’t what they were interested in — and finally felt at peace with the decision. Thanks for 200 fantastic episodes, we couldn't have done it without you, our wonderful listeners. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books and episodes mentioned in today's episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/200 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The WSIRN intro sounds straightforward enough - Anne chats with a reader about books they love, books they hate, and books they could pick up next. Simple. But long-time listeners know this show was originally supposed to be a tight 20 minutes… and today, each episode is easily twice that long. It turns out, a person’s reading taste reveals a lot about who they are as individuals, and digging into those discussions is worth much more to the WSIRN team than hitting a timestamp. Today’s guest is no stranger to seemingly-mundane belongings that hold deep meaning - Tara Anderson hosts the NPR show 5 Things, where she gets to know people by discussing five items that matter to them. A guest's treasured items might be books, but they might also be a houseplant, a special coat, heirloom knitting needles, even something as practical as a rice cooker. There are no home appliances in this episode, but Anne is investigating what Tara’s 3 favorite titles say about what she wants out of life, and what new books will take her there. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/199 Follow Tara on Instagram and Twitter, and make sure to go check out her newest project at musicboxpod.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since Anne visited today’s guest, Annie F. Downs, on her podcast That Sounds Fun a little while ago to talk about Summer Reading, she's been wanting to talk all things books and reading with Annie on What Should I Read Next. It's finally happening - and the conversation is going unexpected places. Anne and Annie are chatting about the author who made Annie a better storyteller, her surprising love for reading what she calls “Dead Men’s writing”, totally fangirling about all the literary good Dolly Parton has done in the world, and Anne recommend a few books she didn’t expect to recommend when the conversation started... Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/198 Learn more about Annie: Website: www.anniefdowns.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/anniefdowns Twitter: twitter.com/anniefdowns Instagram: www.instagram.com/anniefdowns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest, Amelia Mattingly, went through a gut-wrenching experience that ripped her book collection away from her – shelves and all – along with countless other precious signifiers of home. As a result of this experience, the books she craves are different now, and every book purchase feels weighty. Anne is connecting Amelia with three books that will hopefully take some of that heaviness off her shoulders and let her choose a different world to escape into, just for a few hours. CONTENT WARNING: Amelia tells her story of surviving an enormous natural disaster in heartbreaking detail, and it might be too much for anxious or sensitive listeners. If you need to skip the detailed descriptions, our book discussion starts about 20 minutes in, and mentions of the traumatic events are less detailed after that point. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/197 You can find information about the Paradise, CA mobile clinic, MedSpire, at http://www.medspire.org, and contribute a tax-deductible donation at http://www.medspire.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today you’ll get to know Anudeep Reddy, a reader who grew up in a competitive school environment where engaging books were in short supply, so he had to get creative with his reading from a young age. He’s an imaginative reader who appreciates the escapist quality of a good novel, but has struggled lately to find books that call out for him to live between their pages. Fantastic escapist reading can be found in any genre, so today Anne recommends three books to Anudeep that you’d find on completely different bookstore shelves. They're also exploring books that combine adventure and philosophy stories, streamlining reading decisions, and what it’s like to date a librarian. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/196 Catch up on all of the episodes in Volume II of One Great Book, Anne's short-form podcast where she recommends just one great book in 10 minutes or less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest Mary Laura Philpott is an essayist, bookseller, and a big fan of memoirs of people living “everyday lives”. She certainly has experience with an interesting “everyday life” as a Book Enthusiast at Large—yes, that is her job title—for Parnassus Books in Nashville. Anne and Mary Laura chat about the reading and writing life, working through her readerly guilt of hating beloved childhood classics, and the delight of a book flight (or as Mary Laura would say, "reading symphonies"). Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/195 Connect with Mary Laura: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Catch up on all of the episodes in Volume II of OGB my short-form podcast where we explore just one great book in 10 minutes or less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Nicole Mattke, a clear and driving plot isn’t the most important thing. She loves beautiful, introspective writing that makes her think about everyday emotions. She also spent a year roaming a hotel, doing a job that sounds like it belongs in the pages of a novel. Today Nicole shares some of the stories she heard during her time there, and the literary community-building project she started and has continued to this day. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/194 Follow Nicole and her sister's reading lives on Instagram @bibliosisters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keren Form is a self-professed mega nerd who loves everything from LOTR, and board games, and epic science fiction. Today, Keren and Anne chat about what it really means to be a nerd, and how her wholehearted enthusiasm has sent her on many life-enriching adventures. If you hear “science fiction” or “fantasy” and think “nope, not for me,” you might still find something to love in this episode — Anne's recommendations could just as easily be recommendations of a history lover, or a crime drama fanatic, or a romance-loving YA fan. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/193 You can follow Keren’s travels and gaming enthusiasm on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rita and Xoe Amer are a mother-daughter duo who have bonded over books since Xoe was young. She’s all grown up now, but the shared love of reading remains. Today Anne, Rita & Xoe discuss their reading and writing roots, hidden literary gems from the past, and the great conversations that come from bad books. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/192 You can check out Rita and Xoe's mother-daughter podcast, Foibles, at foibles.podbean.com or by searching "Foibles" on your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever finished a GREAT book, then realized it left behind a hole no other book will ever be able to fill? Today’s guest is Andy Serrato, a reader who fell into the arms of a mega-popular series with a welcoming fandom and enough pages to smother yourself in… and ever since, she’s struggled to break her obsession and pick up new books in different genres. Anne's doing her best to get to the core of what delights Andy about this series, and open a portal to other reading worlds that will be just as satisfying in new and exciting ways. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/191 You can find Andy on Instagram @Andyserratom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest has reached a crossroads in her reading life, and she’s come to Anne looking for a jump start for this new season. Beth Wallen describes herself as a lifelong learner, and she’s about to have more time open up in her schedule to challenge herself, learn new things, and dive deeper into topics that already fascinate her. This is truly a precious opportunity, and Beth really has the guts to go against the grain of her usual reading taste, which makes for interesting and exciting literary matchmaking! Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/190 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guests Brenna Sherrill & Ryan Pait describe themselves as platonic soulmates, book-loving best friends who grew up together, went to school together, read together (sometimes out loud!) and even live together. Today Anne, Brenna, and Ryan chat about a truly magical college class, Ryan’s most embarrassing moment meeting a literary icon, the book Ann Patchett thinks EVERYONE should read, and of course Anne recommends three books she think they’ll enjoy reading together and discussing to death, because that’s their style. Becoming a WSIRN patron means LOADS of additional audio content, including weekly bonus episodes of One Great Book, monthly behind-the-scenes episodes, audio of certain live events, like Anne's recent conversation with Celeste Ng, and now we can add FREE AUDIOBOOKS to that list! For a limited time we’ve partnered with Libro.fm to give all Hardback-tier supporters a free audiobook! Summer is made for audiobook listening, so this is the perfect time for you to become a new patron. Go to patreon.com/whatshouldIreadnext to join in the fun! Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/189 You can find Brenna and Ryan on Instagram, @ryanpait and @brennasherrill. You can find Ryan’s writing at The Houstonian and the Chautauquan Daily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we meet Michelle Moreno, who I hope will inspire anyone out there who wants to make their bookstore dreams a reality. Anne got to talk to Michelle right after her very first pop-up shop, while she was still on the high of her first time putting books directly into the hands of her community. Anne and Michelle are discussing the books she chose for her first foray into handselling, the high of putting books directly into the hands of her community, the connection she finds between reading and plant care, and the moment she found her identity - on a bookshelf. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/188 You can browse Michelle's book-and-plant shop on Instagram @la.maceta.store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah Christmas is a stay at home mom whose reading life changed forever when she had a baby. Not only how much she read, or when she read, but the big-picture long-term-plan way she wanted to share her love of reading with the world. Today Anne and Hannah chat about the treatment for a serious overdose of books set in New York City, fresh blood in the bookselling world, literary handcrafts, and much much more. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/187 You can check out Hannah’s literary embroidery at etsy.com/shop/EmbroiderhouseFive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lamar Giles joins Anne to chat about his two great literary loves: children’s books, and... horror novelist Stephen King? If you don’t think those things go together, Lamar is prepared to talk you into changing your mind, and maybe about more than just that. Get ready for a great chat about transcending stereotypes, how books can build up the self-worth of young readers, great novels where the setting becomes a character in its own right, and so so much more. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/186 You can discover more about Lamar’s books at www.lamargiles.com, follow him on Twitter @LRGiles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most weeks on What Should I Read Next, I’ll do a little literary matchmaking with one guest… but this week, I’m joined by the show's producer, Brenna Frederick, to hook SEVERAL What Should I Read Next listeners up with their perfect Summer read. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/185 Find your next great Summer read in the Modern Mrs Darcy Summer Reading Guide: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2019/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Will Schwalbe, devoted reader and host of the But That's Another Story podcast. Will believes if we all asked the question “what are you reading” more often, it could change the world, and has a few absolutely delightful literary superstitions... Anne and Will chatting all about the downside of conquering your TBR, misremembering poetry, bookstore serendipity, and Will’s attempt to convince ANNE to read a super ambitious classic she just haven’t had the nerve to pick up yet. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/184 Check out But That's Another Story on the podcast platform of your choice! Connect with Will on his website: http://willschwalbe.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillSch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.schwalbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karuna Riazi, is here to talk about magic. The magic of carrying a book in your bag that can teleport you to another world, the magic of a beautiful translation, and the magical pairing of a hot cup of tea and a good story. Anne and Karuna also chat about pen names, how to keep a book journal if you’re a total perfectionist, and a host of other things, but at the root of it all is everyday magic, and the books Anne recommends Karuna pick up next are totally on-theme. Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/183 Connect with Karuna: Book | Website | Twitter Thanks to today's sponsors: With Prep Dish, you shop once, prep once—Then enjoy delicious home cooked meals for the whole week in just 20-30 minutes a day. WSIRN listeners can get a free 2-week trial! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices