What Should I Read Next?

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  Ep 534: Writing stories of hope, and a timely Odyssey discussion 21.07.2026 58мин

  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
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  Ep 533: Midyear reading check-in 14.07.2026 57мин

  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
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  Ep 532: Backlist gems: still the wildest way we've heard to choose what to read next 07.07.2026 48мин

  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
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  Ep 531: Seeking light but not fluffy summer reads for a good escape 23.06.2026 1ч

  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
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  Ep 530: Nothing holds my attention like a romance 16.06.2026 43мин

  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
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  Ep 529: A short summer project to rebuild reading stamina 09.06.2026 58мин

  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
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  Ep 528: What should I read this summer? 02.06.2026 1ч

  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
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  Ep 527: The perfect books for readers fascinated by museums, art, and the creative process 26.05.2026 53мин

  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
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  Ep 526: Anne unboxes the 2026 Minimalist Summer Reading Guide 19.05.2026 22мин

  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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  Ep 525: Get ready for a reading retreat 12.05.2026 56мин

  I am delighted to welcome our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager, Ginger Horton, back to the show to talk about this year's 15th annual Summer Reading Guide and dive into all things summer reading. Ginger has been collaborating on the Guide for many years now, and she played an integral role in selecting our 2026 reading retreat theme. As you'll hear today, she's also the reason we started hosting our annual Unboxing live events. We're going to get into that in detail. Ginger is also a co-discoverer with readers, though, because just a few hours before we recorded, she saw the first draft of this year's Summer Reading Guide. She and I talk about what we love most about this year's Guide and how you can make sure you get a copy. We hope you'll enjoy this conversation and it sparks your excitement for this week's release of our 15th annual Guide. Find the list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/525. If you are already a member of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club or our What Should I Read Next? Patreon communities, or you purchased your à la carte ticket, you are all set to get the Guide on Thursday and attend Thursday's Unboxing events at either 1:00 PM or 8:00 PM. And if neither time works for you, never fear: we'll have the recording available not too long after the events. During the Unboxing, Anne goes through all the titles in the Guide one by one, sharing more about why she chose each title, what the reading experience is like, and what kind of reader may most enjoy each book. Find out all the details you need to know at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Chapters: 02:27 What to expect at the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing Event 26:09 Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan 26:54 Sisters of a Halved Heart by Nayantara Roy 28:36 The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders 41:40 How to get the Summer Reading Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 524: Short books that still feel substantial 05.05.2026 54мин

  Today Anne is talking books with Lee Weick, a Michigan-dwelling former teacher and grandmother who knows that variety keeps her reading life going. Lee loves big, long books and is most satisfied with her reading life when she's reading those big books on a regular basis. But as you will hear, Lee has learned that the rhythms of her reading life also require a nice, steady supply of books on the shorter side. Lately, Lee is feeling stuck when it comes to finding shorter reads that still feel substantial, thought-provoking, and interesting. Anne has lots of ideas for Lee, and today she'll put a few shorter books on Lee's radar that sound right up her alley. Find the list of titles discussed and leave your suggestions for Lee on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/524. Our Summer Reading Guide release is just around the corner, which means it's the time of year we welcome many new members to our Patreon community. When you join us there, you get immediate access to all our past Summer Reading Guides and seasonal previews, our weekly bonus episodes, and of course, this year's 15th Summer Reading Guide and Live Unboxing event. Choose from monthly or annual membership options that help you enjoy all that we do over in Patreon while also financially supporting our show and our team. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Chapters: 03:03 Meet Lee 07:25 What Lee is looking for in her reading life 16:52 Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart 18:56 Patriot by Alexei Navalny 21:48 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 25:26 The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff 35:31 Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun 38:45 Fight Night by Miriam Towes 41:48 Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood 46:22 The Summer Book by Tove Jansson 48:44 What will Lee read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 523: Some people read the Great Books, so why not me? 28.04.2026 1ч 2мин

  After completing a classics reading project, today's guest really wants to keep her reading momentum while also bringing more non-classics back into her reading life. Today we're trying something new and inviting a team member alongside Anne to help tackle one reader-specific reading dilemma. As you'll hear today, Anne couldn't help but notice that guest Cheryl Drury's tastes and recent reading project shares a lot in common with team member Ginger Horton's reading life. Ginger is our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community manager, and she has recently been immersed in the classics due to her current enrollment in a Great Books graduate study program. That's why Ginger seems like exactly the right reader to bring along for this conversation with Cheryl. Cheryl hails from Charleston, South Carolina. While she's always been a reader, she'd never really dabbled much in classics or Great Books until 18 months ago, when she embarked on a challenge to read through a year-long list of more than 100 influential books. The project energized Cheryl's reading life, but now she's not quite sure where to go next. Anne, Ginger, and Cheryl talk about how Cheryl may retain some of the structure from her classics project as well as where she can have more flexibility to follow where her reading whimsy takes her. Plus, they'll offer title ideas that may feel like just the right bridge between what Cheryl's been reading lately and what she'd love more of in the months ahead. Find the list of titles discussed today and share your ideas for Cheryl on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/523. This year marks our 10th anniversary of Book Club. It has been so much fun along the way, and we've got great events queued up to celebrate this year. Plus, this is a wonderful time to join because it's Summer Reading Guide season. For more from Ginger and more Book Club fun, join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/club. Chapters: 07:43 Meet Cheryl 12:10 Cheryl’s decision to read the classics 21:08 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes 23:38 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 26:15 A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 30:05 Dead Wake by Erik Larson 46:34 1000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich 51:42 Q's Legacy by Helene Hanff 54:15 Hagseed by Margaret Atwood 55:52 What will Cheryl read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 522: Keeping things light in my reading life 21.04.2026 1ч

  We often hear from readers who wish to avoid heavier topics in their reading lives, and today Anne is talking with a guest hunting for books that feel light, warm, and stimulating, but not overly stressful. Angela Frith hails from Lexington, North Carolina, where she works as a K-12 curriculum developer and is a member of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and What Should I Read Next? Patreon communities. As she considers her reading life this year, Angela is hoping for titles that feature the warmth she loves, without the chaos that also sometimes marks titles in her favorite genres of memoirs, found family stories, historical fiction, or fantasy. Anne has ideas to share. You'll find the full list of titles mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/522. Our Patreon community is full of exciting ways to get more books in your life, from our weekly bonus episodes on a variety of themes to seasonal events like our upcoming Summer Reading Guide. Your monthly or annual support helps us pay our team and keep the lights on around What Should I Read Next? HQ. We are so grateful to all of you who are or have been Patreon members. If you're not a current member of our community, this is a great time of year to join. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Chapters 03:49 Meet Angela 09:06 Angela’s reading dilemma 18:52 I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott 21:22 Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness 23:04 The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray 26:10 Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier 40:12 Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin 45:48 Shopgirls by Jessica Anya Blau 50:34 The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl 55:18 What will Angela read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 521: Everything L.M. Montgomery and how to build a deeper reading roster 14.04.2026 1ч 5мин

  Many of you will well understand our team's excitement when we saw today's guest submission land in our inboxes. Today, Anne is talking with Kate Scarth, chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island.  They discuss Kate's work as well as some of Kate's favorite Montgomery retellings and homages, but their main focus today is on Kate's reading life. She's interested in building out a deep reading roster for the kinds of books she especially enjoys. Books featuring literary women, books where an investigation or detective work is a big part of the story, books that center on a house, and nonfiction about creative and artistic women in history. She's also very interested in finding more books with magical realism and ghosts. Anne has ideas to share. Find the list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/521, where you can also leave a comment to share your ideas for Kate. We're so excited to tell you about a live event happening this spring. On May 7th, Anne will be joining Laurie Frankel in conversation at Parnassus Books in Nashville on tour for her new novel, Enormous Wings. We love to tell you about new additions to the calendar on the podcast, but if you want to make sure you don't miss any news, be sure to subscribe to our email list at modernmrsdarcy.com/subscribe so you'll be the first to know all our What Should I Read Next? news and happenings. Chapters 04:45 Meet Kate 24:00 The Postcard by Anne Berest 28:11 A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa 30:47 The Five by Hallie Rubenhold 35:02 All Fours by Miranda July 46:38 Grown Women by Sarai Johnson 51:08 North Woods by Daniel Mason 57:24 Possession by A.S. Byatt 1:00:19 What will Kate read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 520: Why are so many promising-sounding titles not working for me? 07.04.2026 55мин

  Today's guest would love to add more four and five-star picks to her reading list and she's curious about techniques that might help get her there. Kelly Krause is a first grade teacher who lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family. When Kelly discovers a winning author, it feels like a slam dunk to read the rest of their work. But when it comes to branching out in new directions, Kelly is not as confident. She's wondering whether devoting more time to reflecting on her reads by analyzing what's worked well or practicing the art of writing book reviews will help her pick more winning titles. Anne can't wait to explore this with Kelly today, along with sharing titles and authors Kelly may enjoy. Find the list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/520. Our 15th Summer Reading Guide is coming your way next month! Creating this guide each year is truly a labor of love. Our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and What Should I Read Next? Patreon community members are automatically invited, and we'll also be offering our popular a la carte ticket. To make sure you get the 15th anniversary edition in your inbox and to find out how to join us for our live unboxing event, visit modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Chapters 02:25 Meet Kelly 04:47 Kelly’s reading dilemma 07:09 The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams 08:44 The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan 10:04 The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 12:27 The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley 28:06 The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali 35:35 Kate & Frida by Kim Fay 38:58 Grief Cottage by Gail Godwin 50:29 What will Kelly read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 519: Let's plan a Read the USA project 24.03.2026 1ч 3мин

  We hear about all different kinds of reading challenges around here, and today's guest is seeking titles to help mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mary Pogue lives in St. Louis with her family, where she enjoys her work as a digital marketing strategist and her hobbies like coaching field hockey, traveling, and of course, reading. This year, Mary's embarking on a challenge she is calling Read the USA. Her goal is to read a book set in or written by an author from every U.S. state. While Mary has made great progress already at this point in the year, she is hoping for Anne's help in picking books for a handful of states Mary has yet to visit, either in person or on the page, and is having a hard time finding options for. Mary would be thrilled if these books could do double duty. She especially enjoys learning about each state's history and culture through works of historical fiction, and she has a preference for titles she'll find at her local library. But as you'll hear today, Mary is open to all kinds of options. Today we'll tackle her list of outstanding states and discover titles she might want to add to this reading road trip. Find the list of the books discussed today and leave your suggestions for Mary on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/519. Chapters: 03:56 Meet Mary 08:32 Mary's Read the USA reading project 16:56 The Huntress by Kate Quinn 20:44 The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry 23:05 The Library Book by Susan Orlean 25:47 Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein 41:11 The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich 44:57 The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver 49:15 Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse 51:22 Montana 1948 by Larry Watson 56:04 Groundskeeping by Lee Cole 57:56 What will Mary read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 518: Striking a feel-good balance in your reading life 17.03.2026 52мин

  Indie bookstore owner Nikkya joins Anne today to talk about the pain points in her reading life. Nikkya reads widely for her work as owner of Obodo Serendipity Books in Stratford, Connecticut. She is most at home as a reader in her go-to nonfiction spaces, where she knows what she likes and is able to find it. After having a real aha moment six months ago, Nikkya has been trying to strike a delicate balance between her professional reading and reading for pleasure. And it's only going okay. She's especially feeling the friction of seeking to push into genres she's less familiar with, like historical fiction, romance, and mysteries and thrillers. Today she and Anne explore what successful branching out might look like, with specific title recommendations that may feel like doable, pleasurable steps in a new direction. Find the list of titles mentioned and leave a comment sharing your suggestions for Nikkya at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/518. Around here we believe in the power of understanding your reading life, and our Patreon community is designed for readers like you. It's a space to enjoy more conversations about the books we love and why we love them. Our Friday bonus episodes are grouped around themes, like Industry Insights, our Starter Guide series, One Great Book episodes, ongoing episodes of Mini Matchmaking, and more. On top of enjoying these bonus episodes and big events like our Spring Book Library Chat and Summer Reading Guide, the financial contributions of our Patreon members are a significant part of how we pay our team, continue to create the show each week, and keep the bookish conversations flowing. To everyone who's already a member, thank you. If you're not yet, we'd love to invite you to join us. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 517: Seeking contemporary novels to complement Jane Austen classics 10.03.2026 52мин

  It's no secret that we are fans of Jane Austen, completist author aspirations, and reading projects of all stripes. So when Tzipi Turner's guest submission landed in our What Should I Read Next? inbox, we could not wait to invite her on and talk about her project to become a Jane Austen completist herself. Tzipi lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she works as the director of special education for a local school district and is a new grandmother. Tzipi decided to mark Jane Austen's recent 250th birthday by finally making progress towards, or maybe even actually reaching, her goal to complete all of Austen's works. But Tzipi's identified her tendency to get distracted by shiny new releases, which has inspired her to consider a book-flight kind of approach to help her kindle some enthusiasm for reading the remaining Austen titles on her list. Tzipi imagines pairing each Austen classic with a contemporary book, but what should those modern picks be? Tzipi isn't sure about that, but she and Anne will talk about it today. Find the list of titles discussed and leave your recommendations for Tzipi on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/517. This week we are also celebrating the sixth anniversary of Anne's book, Don't Overthink It. Since its release in 2020, new readers continue to find their way to it and find it interesting and helpful when they do. If you have not yet picked up Don't Overthink It, we would love to invite you now to add it to your 2026 reading list. Find out more and get your copy of Don't Overthink It wherever you like to buy your books. We're also having a little sale in honor of the book's sixth anniversary, and that discount is reflected in our shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 516: Don't overthink your buddy reads 03.03.2026 50мин

  Today's guest is looking for titles to help bridge the large geographic gap between her and her sister. Ruth Werwai hails from Vancouver, Canada, but she's lived in Germany with her family for over a decade. Recently, she and her sister have created a book club of two. They've found that reading books together helps them feel close even while they're physically far apart. But when it comes to finding the right books, Ruth is feeling a bit stymied. A few recent selections have been, in Ruth's words, flops, and she's worried she's overthinking it. Ruth would love to feel more confident about recommending books that both she and her sister will enjoy. And since they use these books to spark conversation, it's important that the selected titles not only reflect their diverse reading tastes, but also give them plenty to talk about. Today, Ruth and Anne will try to suss out where their reading tastes overlap, and Anne hopes to recommend titles that will make for ideal sister book club picks. Find the list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/516. Anne's book Don't Overthink It came out exactly six years ago today! If you haven't yet read it, we are happy to report: it holds up, and offers real, grounded ideas juggling both the small and big questions in our lives. In honor of its sixth anniversary, we’re putting the paperback on sale in our shop for $13. You can get it signed and personalized from Anne herself if you include how you’d like it inscribed in the special instructions box during checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Ep 515: I can't read all the books, and that's okay 24.02.2026 56мин

  Bookshelf overwhelm is a common concern around here, so we know today's conversation will resonate with many readers. Our guest today is Holly Dyer, whose name might be familiar if you're a member of our book club or Patreon communities, because Holly is an active member of both. Holly's a mom and classical musician from Massachusetts, and she's no stranger to a good book. Lately, though, Holly has been feeling stressed out about all the books she could be reading. This year, she'd like to refocus her reading time in order to read fewer books, spend more time with those titles, and both explore longer books and devote time to rereading books she's loved before.  Holly is excited about her 2026 goals, and Anne is excited to hear more and help her in any way she can. They'll explore Holly's hope to better vet the titles she's interested in reading before actually deciding to read them. She'd also appreciate talking through how she might pare down all her ideas for her reading goals and projects. Anne has ideas, and we'd love to hear yours, too: please leave a comment by visiting our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/515, where you'll also find the list of titles discussed today. It's been a great season in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club: lately, we've been reading Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, a title that's shown up here on the podcast, both as a recommendation and a past guest favorite, because Jesse Q. Sutanto is joining us for our February author talk. In addition to monthly author chats like this one, we host a variety of events to deepen your reading life and connect with your fellow readers, like our Reader's Day which just took place on February 7th. Our members also lead the way in activities like our community picks, titles selected by our members for a smaller group to read together.  We often describe book club as a buffet. There's so much to offer. Come on over and check it out at ​modernmrsdarcy.com/club​. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices