In this engaging discussion, Anne is joined by her husband, Will Bogel, who often shares his insights on books. They dive into Anne's top reads of the past year, revealing how her personal journey influences her recommendations. Highlights include a captivating exploration of international literature, such as 'The Last Tree on Easter Island,' and a humorous take on Danzy Senna's 'Colored Television.' The conversation underscores the emotional connections readers can forge with diverse genres, making this a treasure trove for book lovers.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Anne's Best Books Journey
Anne Bogel reflects on past years of the podcast and her initial resistance to sharing her 'best books'.
She explains her change of heart, recognizing the value of sharing her individual taste and reading experiences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Will's Parisian Book Find
Will Bogel bought The Last Tree on Easter Island at Shakespeare and Company in Paris.
He enjoyed this short essay on the island's ecology and history, connecting it to broader environmental themes.
insights INSIGHT
The Joy of Unexpected Reads
Anne enjoys reading widely and discovering books outside her usual preferences.
These 'interesting reading experiences' often surprise and delight her, leading to lasting impressions.
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In 'Long Island', Colm Tóibín continues the story of Eilis Lacey, a character from his earlier novel 'Brooklyn'. Eilis, now in her forties and living on Long Island with her husband Tony and their two teenage children, faces a crisis when she learns that Tony has fathered a child with another woman. This revelation prompts Eilis to return to her hometown in Ireland, where she reconnects with old friends and acquaintances, including Jim Farrell, the man she once loved. The novel delves into themes of unfulfilled desires, the search for identity, and the complex nature of home, as Eilis grapples with her feelings for Tony, her responsibilities to her children, and the future she desires for herself. The story is marked by its exploration of human emotions, the weight of secrets, and the intricate web of relationships that define Eilis's life[1][3][5].
How to Read a Book
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.
The Plot
The Political Assassination of Boris Johnson
Nadine Dorries
The Plot is a detailed and controversial account of the events leading to Boris Johnson's ousting as Prime Minister. The book, written by Nadine Dorries, a former Culture Secretary and close ally of Johnson, suggests that his downfall was orchestrated by a secretive cabal known as the Movement, involving key figures like Dr No, Michael Gove, and Dominic Cummings. The narrative is based on interviews with multiple inside sources, although the credibility and anonymity of some sources raise questions about the veracity of the claims. The book paints a picture of a complex web of deceit and power struggles within the Conservative Party, but its lack of clear narrative and reliance on unverified sources make it challenging to discern fact from speculation.
Small Rain
Garth Greenwell
The Interestings
Meg Wolitzer
The novel begins at Camp Spirit-in-the-Woods in 1974, where six teenagers, including Jules, Ethan, Ash, Goodman, Cathy, and Jonah, form a tight-knit group they call 'The Interestings'. The story spans over 40 years, tracing their lives as they navigate careers, relationships, and personal struggles. It delves into themes such as the pursuit of artistic ambitions, the challenges of feminism, and the complexities of long-term friendships. The characters face various life events, including successes, failures, and personal crises, all while maintaining a deep connection with each other despite their diverging paths.
A Song to Drown Rivers
A Song to Drown Rivers
Anne Leong
Sips Worth
Sips Worth
Simon Van Bui
The Last Tree on Easter Island
The Last Tree on Easter Island
Jared DIAMOND
The Wedding People
Alison Esbach
The North Line
The North Line
Matt Riordan
Headshot
Headshot
Rita Bullwinkle
Motherless Land
Motherless Land
Nikki May
Fairy Tale
Stephen King
Good Dirt
Charmaine Wilkerson
This Is What It Sounds Like
Ogie Ogis
Susan Rogers
Sandwich
Katherine Newman
Life in the Kitchen
Life in the Kitchen
Ina Garten
One on One
Jamie Harrow
Lost Man's Lane
Lost Man's Lane
Scott Carson
Black Cake
Charmaine Wilkerson
We're kicking off 2025 with a special episode: today Anne is joined by her husband Will Bogel to discuss Anne's best books of the past year.
Every week here on the show, we take a personal approach to the reading life, really digging into what readers love, what they don't, and why. Our conversations are about individual readers and their individual taste, so it's not often Anne shines a spotlight on what she loves and why.
But Anne doesn't work in a vacuum: her own reading life plays a role in her recommendations, and today she's sharing some insights into her taste as she shares the books that she loved most last year, and why she loved them.
Find the list of the titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/460, where we'd love to hear from you in the comments section, too.
Our Spring Book Preview is just around the corner, on January 16th at 8:30 PM EST. This is an annual event that invites our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and Patreon members to join us: we've also got a la carte tickets on sale if you're not currently part of one of those communities. There are so many incredible titles coming out this season, and Anne will be talking about her most anticipated selections with all of you. Find out more and sign up to join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/sbp.
What Should I Read Next? 
