What Should I Read Next?

Latest Episodes:

Ep 267: Lush, beautiful, and a pleasure to read Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

Our guest today is an economist and literature enthusiast based in London, England. A well-traveled reader in every sense, Stephanie De Mel has lived on multiple continents and combines her love of travel and books in her Reading the World Challenge. Steph’s sense of curiosity informs her book choices and her broad reading tastes challenge Anne to recommend three books to suit.

Steph also shares how she applies her analytical tendencies to her reading life–looking at her bookish data while focusing on quality over quantity.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/267 for a full transcript of the show and to see the list of titles mentioned.

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @thebookisheconomist.

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Ep 266: Ask Anne Anything: Re-reads, reviews, and recommendation regrets Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

Readers, it’s the 5th anniversary of What Should I Read Next! Today I'm answering YOUR questions about WSIRN's behind-the-scenes, my personal reading life, and so much more. Thank you for submitting such thoughtful and fun questions! I did my best to answer as many as possible, and you can find answers to frequently asked questions linked in the show notes below. Happy reading!

-Anne

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/266 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Where to find Anne online:

• The What Should I Read Next newsletter

• What Should I Read Next on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne's blog Modern Mrs Darcy

• What Should I Read Next Patreon community

• Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club

• What Should I Read Next Youtube

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Ep 265: 10 questions to ask yourself about your reading life Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

Readers, we’re kicking off the new year with a special episode to help you set the right tone for your reading life in 2021. My friend Laura Tremaine is joining me to guide us in some readerly introspection. Laura hosts the Ten Things to Tell You podcast, where she shares guided questions and prompts to help listeners reflect on different aspects of their lives. Laura brings her expert skills as a conversation-starter to our literary therapy session today.

Here at WSIRN, we love thinking about books almost as much as we love reading them, so today we’re sharing 10 questions to ask yourself about your reading life. These questions are meant to help you read with purpose and create a reading life that YOU love.

Of course, we can’t help but share our own answers and offer advice along the way. Whether you’re too easily distracted by shiny new bestsellers, or simply in need of a new reading routine, I hope you enjoy this intentional time to reflect on and recharge your reading life.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/265 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

Where to find Anne online:

• The What Should I Read Next newsletter

• What Should I Read Next on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• Anne's blog Modern Mrs Darcy

• What Should I Read Next Patreon community

• Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club

• What Should I Read Next Youtube

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Ep 264: Compulsively readable literary fiction Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

Anne's challenge today is to share recommendations for books with unique and artful structures.

Today's guest is a Chicago-based mood reader with a contagious love of books. When Anna Morton isn't working or volunteering for the Art Institute of Chicago, she's reading “compulsively readable literary fiction,” a term Anne fondly coined for books with the perfect combination of page-turning plot and stunning prose.

Reading is also a family affair for Anna, who proudly plays the role of “literary commissioner” for their Literary Christmas tradition, which Anne eager to implement with her family now — and maybe you will too!

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/264 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 263: It's okay to quit reading Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

Today’s guest also loves giving recommendations—to her boss, to her mom, and to strangers standing in the book aisle at Target. For Jenica Salazar, nothing is more satisfying than recommending the right book to the right reader. But today, she’s here for a little bit of literary therapy for herself. Anne chats with Jenica about a common bookworm problem: the guilt of giving up on a book that’s just not keeping your attention. They're also working out reading routines and making Jenica's reading life run more smoothly.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/263 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 262: Books that deliver a little depth, a little distraction Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

Today’s guest tells a familiar story: he loved reading as a kid, but as an adult without a Scholastic book fair to look forward to, he fell into the habit of rereading or staying in his “safe zone” of sci-fi and fantasy. Geologist Max Lemoine needed just the right book to pull him out of his reading rut. He’s eager to uncover more titles that are outside of his reading comfort zone, so today Anne is recommending books with depth that also offer distraction from everyday life and books with immersive world-building.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/262 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 261: Huggable comfort reads for a cozy reading season Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Readers have asked us for “comfort reads” over and over again this year — and it's totally understandable. “Comfort read” means something different to every reader, but if you’re looking for books that slow your heart rate, soothe your soul, and make you want to travel to a quiet English village, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest Gina House appreciates cozy, comforting reads that feel like a warm hug. She adores cozy mysteries like Agatha Christie novels, but she could do without the murder. So today, Anne recommends charming books that pair well with a comfy chair and a cup of tea.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/261 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 260: A little free library with a life of its own Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

Sara Jones takes her role as “neighborhood library curator” seriously. In addition to selecting books for her own reading life, Sara Jones carefully curates her Little Free Library collection to reflect the reading tastes and needs of her community. She likes to feature a healthy mix of books for kids and adults, and she’s always on the lookout for fiction that her neighbors will find irresistible as they’re walking by.

Today, Anne helps Sara stock her Little Free Library with crowd-pleasing books her neighbors will love, from charming picture books to unputdownable contemporary fiction. If you’ve ever strolled by a Little Free Library and wondered how it works or how to start your own, this episode is for you.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/260 to see the full list of titles discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 259: The formula for a 5-star read Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

The sci-fi genre feels like home, but Emily Van Ark also enjoys books in any genre that deliver on a fabulous premise. In her day job as a data scientist, Emily nalyzes data in order to find patterns and make recommendations for improving people’s lives... and Anne's job this week is to do some helpful data analysis for her reading life (with less math and more conversation). Emily also shared a bunch of sci-fi recommendations to expand Anne's reading horizons.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/259 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

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Ep 258: Reading for peace, joy, and escapism Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

Reading for pure escapism means something different for every reader. Some of us turn to puzzle-like mysteries, some of us immerse ourselves in fantastical worlds. Today’s guest stays away from doom scrolling by reading lots and lots and lots of romance. “Recovering English major” Jenna Lowenstein still enjoys the occasional literary fiction read, but these days she’s picking up the books she wants to read instead of forcing the books she feels like she should read. From spicy romance novels to thrillers with deep themes, books help Jenna set aside her high-pressure job in politics and engage with the world ...without looking at her news app.

Visit the podcast website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/258 to see the full list of titles we discussed, an episode transcript, and more.

You can follow Jenna on Twitter & Instagram @just_jenna

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