Ep 485: A midyear reading check-in

whatshot 9 snips

Jul 8, 2025

The hosts reflect on their midyear reading journeys, discussing what’s worked and what hasn’t in their literary lives. They emphasize the importance of intentional reading goals and the emotional connections books create. Personal anecdotes about life changes, like welcoming a puppy, blend with insights on balancing reading with self-care. Notable titles and unexpected favorites are spotlighted, along with practical tips for summer gatherings. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their reading preferences and share their experiences.

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ADVICE

Mid-Year Reading Check-In Advice

Use a mid-year reading check-in to reflect and recalibrate your reading life.
This helps align your reading habits with your current needs and desires.

insights

INSIGHT

Reading Is Personal and Contextual

Reading is deeply personal and contextual to one's current life stage.
Balancing stretching and comfort in reading choices leads to satisfaction.

insights

INSIGHT

Avoiding the New Book Treadmill

Balancing deep dives with varied reading keeps Anne engaged and satisfied.
Avoiding the pressure of a new book treadmill enhances reading joy.

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Mid-Year Reflection on Reading Journeys

01:47 • 6min

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Intentional Reading Goals

07:44 • 7min

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Puppies, Reading Reflections, and Personal Growth

14:21 • 14min

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Embracing Individual Reading Choices and Summer Gatherings

28:33 • 3min

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Midyear Reading Reflections

31:50 • 13min

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Midyear Reading Revelations: Surprises and Discoveries

45:00 • 4min

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Midyear Reading Reflections

49:00 • 6min

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Reflections on Fiction and Future Reading Aspirations

55:13 • 2min

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Reading Reflections and Community Connections

The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

Edward Holland

Mortimer J. Adler

Charles Lincoln Van Doren

Originally published in 1940 and revised in 1972, this book is a classic guide to intelligent reading. It describes the art of reading as the process by which a mind elevates itself through its own operations on the symbols of readable matter. The authors emphasize active reading, highlighting the importance of keen observation, available memory, range of imagination, and an intellect trained in analysis and reflection. The book provides practical lessons on how to read books effectively, including inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading, to achieve a deeper understanding of the material.

Murder Takes a Vacation

No description available.

Endling

Riva Maria

A Physical Education

How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting

Casey Johnston

Casey Johnston's memoir traces her journey from calorie restriction and obsessive cardio to discovering strength through weightlifting. The book critiques diet culture's damaging doctrines while detailing how physical empowerment led to self-acceptance and a redefined relationship with her body. Johnston combines personal narrative with insights into how societal expectations shape women's health behaviors.

Fingersmith

Sarah Waters

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a gripping historical novel set in Victorian England. It follows the story of Sue Trinder, a young orphan raised by a 'baby farmer', who becomes involved in a plot to defraud a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly. As the story unfolds, Sue and Maud develop unexpected feelings for each other amidst a complex web of deception and betrayal. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the power dynamics between characters.

All the Way to the River

Love, Loss, and Liberation

Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert's 'All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation' invites readers on a deeply personal journey through the complexities of human experience. Gilbert fearlessly explores the intricacies of love and heartbreak, sharing intimate reflections on loss and resilience. As she navigates life's inevitable challenges, the author discovers the path to personal liberation, embracing self-discovery and empowerment. With her signature blend of vulnerability and insight, Gilbert crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking solace and inspiration. This memoir is a testament to the human capacity for growth and transformation in the face of adversity, reminding us that love and liberation are always within reach.

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.

A midyear reading check-in has become a small tradition around here, and today Anne is welcoming team member Shannan Malone back to the podcast.

Today, you'll hear Anne and Shannan dive into the history of this practice before exploring how this year’s been going so far, what they're each excited about, and what’s working (and not working) in each of their reading lives.

With so many books to choose from, and so much going on in all of our busy lives, a midyear check-in is a useful tool to make any adjustments or recalibrations to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want from your reading life, whether that’s escape, education, pure enjoyment, or all of the above.

Find the links and resources mentioned today along with the list of titles discussed at our show notes page, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/485.

If you haven’t yet ordered your Summer Reading Guide—either the digital version (plus the replay of our Unboxing party)—or the printed version—there’s still plenty of summer reading season ahead. Grab your copy at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg.

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