What Should I Read Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last week we hosted our sixth annual Fall Book Preview, and today we're sharing a taste of that event with you. In today's mini-episode, you'll hear Anne talk about three book of the 35 books in this year's preview. Fall Book Preview is one of our marquee annual events that we host for our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and Patreon Community members. Our community members provide tangible, financial support for our show and our team of readers, and we love to say thank you by sharing special events just like the Fall Book Preview. For the last two years, we've also made the Fall Book Preview available to anyone who wants to join us through our a la carte ticket option. The Fall Book Preview experience includes our 12-page digital booklet and our live event video: now it’s all ready and waiting for you to enjoy immediately: go to modernmrsdarcy.com/fbp to become a Patreon member or get your a la carte access. We hope you enjoy this sample (and the full Fall Book Preview event). We'll be back next week with a brand new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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