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    Arts

    What Should I Read Next?

    What Should I Read Next? is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs Darcy, interviews a reader about the books they love, the books they hate, and the books they’re reading now. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next. The real purpose of the show is to help YOU find your next read. To learn more or apply to be on the show visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.

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    Copyright: © Anne Bogel

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    Latest Episodes:
    Ep 535: Branching out thanks to a book bingo challenge Jul 28, 2026
    Show notes

    Today's guest is a Kentucky neighbor who has both a specific reading project and a dilemma we know is shared by many readers. Emily Holladay is a pastor in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she lives with her family. As a newish mom, Emily is still finding her outside-of-parenthood hobbies, but reading has been a constant throughout her life.

    Emily's a member of a book club at Carmichael's Bookstore, which happens to be Anne's local bookstore. When Emily completed her guest submission form and told us about her struggles with completing her Carmichael's bingo card, Anne couldn't wait to talk about this reading challenge with Emily.

    Emily also often finds herself browsing Libby for her next read. She often feels like every book that's top of mind for her is also on everyone else's mind, and suspects she would be happier if she had an assortment of backlist books on her radar that might be available on Libby right when she wants them.

    Anne has ideas for Emily, and we'd love to hear your suggestions too: please share the titles and tips you'd like to share with Emily by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of titles discussed today.

    Every week here on the podcast, we share an hour of enthusiastic book talk, and our podcast stays free for all to enjoy. A lot goes into crafting this hour of free bookish entertainment every week, and while we love what we do, that's why we value your support so much. Not only does it help the finances work, it's a huge morale booster to hear that you value what we do here every week.

    If you want to help us keep producing high-quality, human-made work like we do every week, there are many ways to support us, and we hope you can find one or even several that are right for you.

    If you'd like to support us financially, that's easy to do by joining our Patreon community, becoming a member of the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, visiting our shop, or buying Anne's books. To everyone who has already supported us in any of these ways, thank you so much.

    And if financial support isn't an option for you right now, or even if you're already a financial supporter, there are great free ways that support us as well. Simple actions make a big difference, like subscribing to our email list, subscribing to or following our podcast on your favorite app or player, sharing a post, a story, or an episode on social media, or by telling a friend to listen in.

    No matter which of these actions you take, know that our team is grateful. We truly couldn't do this without you. Thank you for listening, and thank you for supporting our show.


    Chapters

    05:49 Meet Emily

    14:48 Emily’s search for books to fill her book bingo card

    33:28 The Guncle by Steven Rowley

    37:02 Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

    39:47 The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

    42:52 My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

    48:18 Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker

    55:02 Marce Catlett: The Force of a Story by Wendell Berry

    57:11 Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

    1:03:02 Open Throat by Henry Hoke

    1:06:43 What will Emily read next?

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


    Ep 534: Writing stories of hope, and a timely Odyssey discussion Jul 21, 2026
    Show notes

    Today we're sharing a conversation with an author who has been discussed often here on the podcast: William Kent Krueger.

    We originally held this author talk over in Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, and which we're sharing with you today as we explore Krueger's book This Tender Land.

    This conversation feels especially timely and has been on our minds and on our tongues, as This Tender Land was inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, a timeless story that many of you tell us you're looking forward to seeing on screen this summer in the new blockbuster adaptation film.

    Today's conversation and your enjoyment of it does not hang on whether you know anything at all about The Odyssey, or whether you've read anything by Kent Krueger yet. Join us as we explore the power of a good story well told, how authors make creative decisions, and the backstories behind Krueger's beloved series and his decidedly different standalone novels. You'll also hear the story behind his favorite pair of boots.

    Let us know if you're looking forward to seeing (or reading) The Odyssey this summer in the comments section. Find that along with the list of titles discussed on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/534.

    For more conversations like this one, join us over in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, where we're excited about our upcoming annual observance of Austen in August, followed by our Fall Book Preview in mid-September. We'd love to have you join us for our live events. Members also enjoy our robust community featuring dedicated book forums, buddy reads, classes, and more happenings. We hope you'll find your book people in Book Club. Find out more and join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/club.

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


    Ep 533: Midyear reading check-in Jul 14, 2026
    Show notes

    Today Anne is joined by our Patreon Community Manager, Shannan Malone for a third year as they dive into their reading lives for a midyear check-in.

    We know this is a conversation that many of you have come to look forward to every year. Anne has been reflecting and planning for this episode for a long time, and she's excited about what Shannan is bringing to share today. You'll hear about what's been happening so far in each of their reading lives and where recalibration or adjustment may be called for as they head into the second half of 2026.

    We'd love to hear your midyear reflections: please leave a comment on our show notes page to share an answer to any of the questions Shannan and Anne discuss today. You'll find that link along with the list of all of the titles discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/533.

    Our Patreon community features more conversations with Anne and our team. We rely on our Patreon community members to keep everything running: their financial support is a critical part of how we create our episodes and pay our team. A huge thank you to everyone who is already a paid supporter, and if you're interested in more conversations like today's or want to be part of making What Should I Read Next? happen each week, we would love it if you'd consider joining us as a monthly or annual member on Patreon. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.

    Chapters

    05:46 What Anne and Shannan are discussing in this episode

    06:30 Shannan’s reading intentions for 2026

    09:34 Anne’s intentions for 2026

    18:33 Making space in your life (and your reading life)

    20:08 Shannan’s previous five-star reads

    34:45 Anne and Shannan explore midyear review questions

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


    Ep 532: Backlist gems: still the wildest way we've heard to choose what to read next Jul 07, 2026
    Show notes

    We often talk about backlist books around here because there is a wealth of delight to be found in titles that aren't getting the buzz and attention of recent releases. In fact, one of our most frequent requests from listeners and prospective guests is "help me find backlist gems."

    We are riffing on that theme by sharing a backlist episode with you: today Anne is resurfacing a conversation that we still talk about and hear about all the time, in part because of the guest's absolutely unique way of choosing her next read. Today Anne is chatting with reader Elizabeth Cooper, in an episode we originally aired in July 2020 as Episode 244, You Love to Read, Don't Ruin It.

    Elizabeth came here looking for books she described as brain candy: books with a killer premise, pages that practically turn themselves, and totally satisfying endings. This is a great conversation, and we're excited for you to hear it again or for the first time.

    Find the list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/532.

    Reflecting on our reading lives is an endless source of joy and discovery, and over the past few years, What Should I Read Next? Patreon community manager Shannon Malone has joined Anne for a mid-year reading check-in. They're doing that again this year, and that brand-new episode will be landing in your podcast apps next week. If you're new to this idea, check out our conversations from 2024 and 2025: those are both linked on our show notes page.


    Chapters

    03:27 Meet Elizabeth

    10:24 Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

    12:54 Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

    17:42 The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

    32:03 Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    36:49 Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

    40:13 Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia

    43:48 What will Elizabeth read next?

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


    Ep 531: Seeking light but not fluffy summer reads for a good escape Jun 23, 2026
    Show notes

    Today's guest is navigating a tough season, and as a result she is looking forward to a summer of books with heart that won't be too emotionally draining. Kayla Crum is searching for what she calls light but not fluffy reads, and she's not exactly sure where to find the types of titles she's looking for.

    Kayla's an RN and freelance writer living in Grand Haven, Michigan, where she enjoys making the most of her Lake Michigan proximity by spending time outside with her family and reading on the beach when she can fit it into her schedule. When it comes to her summer reading quest, Kayla's identified a specific type of story that is really working well for her. Today, Kayla is hoping Anne can help her understand why this specific setting is working so well, because she'd love to discover more books that satisfy in the same way.

    You'll find the list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/531.

    Early summer is our busy season around here, and we know that's the case for many of you as well. Our team will be taking next week off, but we will be back in your podcast players the following week. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy exploring our archives of over 500 episodes. Visit us at modernmrsdarcy.com/podcast to explore both recent and backlist episodes.

    Chapters:

    04:29 Meet Kayla

    07:38 Kayla’s search for books with heart during a season of grief

    19:55 The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

    22:04 Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

    26:10 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

    28:02 Havoc by Christopher Bollen

    32:28 A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

    36:45 Make Nice by Ryan Effgen

    41:28 Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

    45:02 The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman

    48:32 Road Ends by Mary Lawson

    54:43 What will Kayla read next?


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


    Ep 530: Nothing holds my attention like a romance Jun 16, 2026
    Show notes

    Anne dives into the world of beach reads with Kristina Forest, contemporary romance writer and author of the 2026 MMD Summer Reading Guide title, The Summer Girlfriend.

    In the Guide, Anne described it as a sweet summer romance bursting with bookishness and baked goods. The beach setting was inspired by a handful of real places and Kristina's deep and abiding love for the Jersey Shore. Anne and Kristina chat all about that today, along with some of Kristina's very favorite titles for beach reading season. Whether you need a paperback to toss in your beach bag, or you won't be going anywhere near the beach anytime soon and would welcome a vicarious vacation, today's conversation has titles you may enjoy.

    Find the list of books mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/530.


    Chapters

    02:29 Meet Kristina Forest

    05:46 Kristina’s journey to becoming an author

    17:19 Kristina on writing a beach read

    20:10 The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

    32:46: Kristina’s favorite beach reads

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


    Ep 529: A short summer project to rebuild reading stamina Jun 09, 2026
    Show notes

    We love a summer reading project of any style, and when Anne read the submission from today's guest and her quest for what she is calling a short summer of reading, she wanted to talk about it on the show.

    Emily Henderson is a mom of four, writer, and runner with a passion for home design, and she loves a project. While Emily came to reading later in life, she's found through trial and error what really works for her, and these days that's often books in an audio format.

    This summer, though, Emily would love to prioritize daily reading on the page. She's looking for short reading experiences that will not only get her reading more in print, but also serve as a satisfying substitute for social media that she wants to spend less time on.

    Emily is looking for short stories, essay collections, memoirs and essays, and micro histories that deliver the quick bite-sized reading experience she is hoping to log every day of summer break. And she'd especially appreciate stories that leave her breathless or make her think about them long after she finishes. Anne has ideas she can't wait to share.

    Find the list of titles mentioned and leave your suggestions for Emily on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/529.

    Our 2026 MMD Summer Reading Guide, the 15th edition, is available now. Buy your 38-page Summer Reading Guide PDF digital copy at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop, and you'll also get access to the Unboxing event recording. This is also the second year we are offering a beautifully printed edition of the Guide, which you'll also find at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop. At this time, we are only able to ship to U.S. addresses.

    Chapters:

    04:05 Meet Emily

    13:24 Emily’s short summer reading project

    20:36 The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck

    24:01 The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

    27:28 This is a Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

    30:58 Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves by Sophie Gilbert

    39:35 Seasonal Work by Laura Lippman

    43:08 So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan

    45:53 World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

    48:12 Small Town Girls by Jayne Anne Phillips

    53:51 What will Emily read next?


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


    Ep 528: What should I read this summer? Jun 02, 2026
    Show notes

    Every year we remind readers that our Summer Reading Guide isn't a list of books you should read, it's a list of books you could read. Today's guest knows that reading is personal, and that's why she's here to get Anne's help figuring out which titles from the 2026 Guide she should prioritize.

    Ashley Cornelius lives in Santa Barbara with her family, where she's a high school science teacher. Ashley reached out to tell us about the books she's loved and one she didn't from past Summer Reading Guides, and wondered if Anne could help her select books from this year's Guide that might fit her desired summer vibe.

    Today, Anne is helping one particular reader decide what to read next. But more than that, she's walking you through the thought process of considering what to read next in light of what you already know about your reading life.

    Find the list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/528.

    Chapters:

    02:58 Meet Ashley

    07:13 What brings Ashley to What Should I Read Next?

    12:44 The River by Peter Heller

    16:27 The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

    19:57 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

    22:34 The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

    38:35 Fair Chase by Travis Mulhauser

    43:54 Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel

    50:39 Country People by Daniel Mason

    55:29 What will Ashley read next?


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


    Ep 527: The perfect books for readers fascinated by museums, art, and the creative process May 26, 2026
    Show notes

    Today's book lover is seeking a literary doorway into the creative world of art and museums.

    Kristine Parsons doesn't have an art background. She works as a county road commission manager in Michigan, yet she is fascinated by art and museums, and finds herself drawn to immersive and engaging stories that incorporate one or both elements into the story.

    Kristine loves to travel and visit museums in person, but her day-to-day life between work and two active pre-teens means that in this season, these visits are more likely to occur on the page. Today, Kristine and Anne explore stories featuring art and the creative process. If Anne has recommendations that are actually set in museums, well, so much the better.

    We'd love to hear your ideas for Kristine, too: please tell us 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/527.

    We're so happy to announce that our long-awaited MMD sorority style sweatshirt is available for pre-order. A mid-weight Comfort Colors crew, choose from two shades: a soft blue called blue jean and a soft red called crimson. Both feature an MMD applique in deep navy. These are cute and comfortable, and our team is excited to wear them on cool summer nights and into the colder months of the year. We also have a new hat style and other restocked favorites: find everything at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.

    Chapters:

    03:43 Meet Kristine

    09:06 What brings Kristine to What Should I Read Next?

    14:31 The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

    17:55 The Unseen World by Liz Moore

    21:47 Heart the Lover by Lily King

    24:47 A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst

    31:14 The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews

    36:52 Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel

    43:07 Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein

    48:08 What will Kristine read next?

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


    Ep 526: Anne unboxes the 2026 Minimalist Summer Reading Guide May 19, 2026
    Show notes

    This week, Anne is sharing an excerpt from our 2026 Summer Reading Guide Live Unboxing. To mark our 15th Guide, we’re inviting you to listen in as she tells you all about this year's Minimalist Picks.

    During our Summer Reading Guide Unboxing, Anne goes through every book and tells you why out of the hundreds of books she considered for the Guide that year, these are the ones she landed on. What makes them interesting, what is each story like, what kinds of readers might they appeal to?

    In today’s excerpt, we're sharing what Anne had to say about the six titles in this year’s Minimalist Guide.

    We hope this gives you an exciting preview of our 15th Summer Reading Guide. For the list of titles mentioned today and more, visit our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/526.

    This year's complete Guide includes 35 new-for-2026 releases, our popular “For fans of” backlist recommendations, Awesome on Audio picks, reading retreat best practices from our team, and a splashy anniversary feature looking back on 15 years of the SRG.

    If you’ve not yet gotten your Guide, you can do that now or anytime with instant digital delivery. Your a la carte purchase or membership also grants you access to our video Unboxing of the entire Guide. We’re also offering a professionally printed guide, delivered straight to your mailbox in the U.S. These are shipping now: visit our shop at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop to order yours. That's where you'll also find retreat-worthy merch, like our cozy new sorority sweatshirt, a brand new hat that I hope brings a smile to your face, restocked book darts, stickers, totes, and more more.

    Chapters

    03:05 What’s in the 2026 Summer Reading Guide?

    04:52 The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh

    07:23 Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

    9:48 Sisters of a Halved Heart by Nayantara Roy

    12:10 Land by Maggie O’Farrell

    13:54 The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders

    15:38 Whistler by Ann Patchett

    17:58 How to get the complete 2026 Summer Reading Guide

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


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