What Should I Read Next? Ep 500: The little things that add up to a rich reading life
Oct 28, 2025
Michelle Acierno Loftus, a veterinary radiologist and avid reader, returns to reflect on her evolving reading life since her last visit. She discusses her love for YA books and how her recent shift toward nonfiction and character-driven fiction has enriched her experiences. Michelle shares insights from attending author events and the emotional weight of motherhood-themed books. With Anne's tailored recommendations, they explore how diverse reading can deepen appreciation and understanding of life's seasons.
01:01:13
Use Patreon For Manageable Bonus Content
- Join Patreon for bite-sized bonus episodes that deliver focused book recommendations and industry insights.
- Use the 20-minute average episodes to get new book ideas without big time commitments.
Bookmark The Live Recommendation Spreadsheet
- Bookmark the Patreon spreadsheet that lists every guest's dislikes and Anne's episode recommendations.
- Use it as a living TBR resource rather than downloading a static copy.
Industry Insights Reveal Hidden Reading Forces
- Industry insights episodes reveal hidden forces that shape reading access and availability.
- Understanding these dynamics changes how you interact with libraries, holds, and bestseller lists.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right 15 chevron_right 16 chevron_right 17 chevron_right 18 chevron_right 19 chevron_right 20 chevron_right 21 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 3min
What Patreon Bonus Episodes Offer
02:55 • 4min
Patreon Benefits and the Super-Secret Spreadsheet
07:09 • 4min
Ad break
10:56 • 3min
Reintroduction of Michelle and Episode Purpose
13:32 • 1min
Why Michelle Loves YA and Book Club Origins
14:42 • 6min
Books Michelle Brought Previously and Anne's Recommendations
20:54 • 1min
Family and Friends React to the Podcast Episode
22:07 • 2min
How Anne's Recommendations Landed
24:23 • 6min
Ad break
30:33 • 1min
Listeners' Recommendations Michelle Read
31:45 • 4min
How Michelle's Reading Has Evolved
36:11 • 7min
Attending Author Events and Their Influence
43:05 • 28sec
Leading the YA Book Club
43:33 • 2min
Recent Favorite YA and Adult Recommendations
45:38 • 3min
Ad break
48:33 • 1min
Navigating Books About Motherhood
49:48 • 2min
Anne's Suggested Titles for Michelle
52:18 • 6min
Family Saga and Black Cake Recommendation
58:33 • 1min
Michelle's Reading Wisdom
59:47 • 1min
Outro
01:00:50 • 2min
#76166
Truly Devious
Maureen Johnson
'Truly Devious' is a mystery novel set at Ellingham Academy, a private school in Vermont.
The story follows Stevie Bell, a true-crime enthusiast who is determined to solve the cold case of Albert Ellingham's wife and daughter, who were kidnapped in 1930.
As Stevie investigates, a new crime occurs at the school, and she must unravel the secrets of the past and present to uncover the truth.
The novel explores themes of mystery, suspense, and the pursuit of justice.
#64172
The Future of Us
Jay Asher
Carolyn Mackler
The Future of Us is a young adult science fiction novel.
The story revolves around Josh and Emma, two former best friends who are reunited when Josh moves back to their town.
They discover a Facebook-like website that shows them their lives 15 years in the future.
As they navigate the possibilities and consequences of seeing their futures, they grapple with questions of destiny, choice, and the complexities of relationships.
#27570
The Vanishing of Josephine Gray
Lisa Jewell
The Vanishing of Josephine Gray follows a mother who is drawn to a local cold case and soon discovers the missing woman's disappearance is connected to the boarding house they now live in.
#52809
Anatomy, A Love Story
Dana Schwartz
Anatomy: A Love Story is a young adult historical fiction novel set in 1817 Edinburgh.
The story follows Hazel Sinnett, who dreams of becoming a surgeon, despite the obstacles placed in her way by society.
She makes a deal with a resurrection man, Jack Currer, to help her learn more about anatomy by providing her with cadavers.
As Hazel and Jack work together, they develop feelings for each other, but their relationship is complicated by the secrets they are both hiding.
#65974
Tuesday Mooney Talks To Ghosts
Kate Racculia
'Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts' is a contemporary fiction novel that follows Tuesday Mooney, a quirky and eccentric woman who works at a museum and has a unique ability to communicate with ghosts.
When a wealthy benefactor dies and leaves behind a series of puzzles and clues, Tuesday becomes embroiled in a treasure hunt across Boston.
As she navigates the city and deciphers the riddles, she confronts her own past and forms unexpected connections with a group of fellow treasure hunters.
The novel explores themes of grief, connection, and finding meaning in life's mysteries.
#26532
The Gilded Wolves
Roshani Chokshi
The Gilded Wolves is a historical fantasy novel set in Belle Époque Paris.
The story follows Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, a wealthy hotelier who assembles a crew of unlikely experts to reclaim his inheritance from a secret society.
As they embark on a series of heists, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens the balance of power in the city.
The novel explores themes of found family, identity, and the corrupting influence of power.
#62562
Steel Crow Saga
Paul Krueger
Steel Crow Saga is a fantasy novel inspired by East Asian cultures.
The story follows four different characters from various nations as they are brought together by fate.
Each character possesses unique skills and perspectives, and they must overcome their differences and work together to prevent a looming cataclysmic event.
The novel explores themes of cultural identity, political intrigue, and the power of unity in the face of adversity.
#823
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J Maas
In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie.
As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court.
Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home.
However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world.
The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy.
#62487
The Scarlet Alchemist
Kylie Lee Baker
The Scarlet Alchemist tells the story of Zilan, who is able to practice alchemy, but she does illegal alchemy in that she has learned how to raise the dead.
This is set in historical Tang Dynasty alternate reality China in which alchemy is real.
Zilan is hoping to become a royal alchemist for the royal family.
#36221
Picture us in the light
Kelly Loy Gilbert
Picture Us in the Light is a young adult contemporary novel.
The story follows Danny Cheng, a Chinese-American teenager preparing to attend art school.
As he delves into his family's hidden past, he uncovers long-held secrets that challenge his understanding of his identity and his family's history.
The novel explores themes of identity, family secrets, and the complexities of cultural heritage.
#35632
The Blood Orchid
Kylie Lee Baker
The Blood Orchid is the follow up book from The Scarlet Alchemist.
The Scarlet Alchemist tells the story of Zilan, who is able to practice alchemy, but she does illegal alchemy in that she has learned how to raise the dead.
This is set in historical Tang Dynasty alternate reality China in which alchemy is real.
Zilan is hoping to become a royal alchemist for the royal family.
#17614
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Thank You for Listening
Marc Wong
#61730
Bellwether Rhapsody
Kate Racculia
Bellwether Rhapsody is a mystery novel set at a Pennsylvania boarding school during a statewide music festival.
The story follows a group of eccentric high school musicians as they become entangled in a murder mystery.
The novel explores themes of music, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships.
It is known for its quirky characters and unconventional storytelling style.
#50554
Jester
Brielle D. Porter
Jester is a young adult fantasy novel about a girl who is a magician that does real magic and she is trying to become a jester for the queen.
She has to go through like a magical competition and it kind of has like a vagacy type feeling.
That one was like fun and frothy, easy to get through, was definitely a really nice quick win for me.
#4628
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
The Everlasting Man
None
G.K. Chesterton
G. K.
Chesterton's "The Everlasting Man" is a sweeping historical and philosophical work that traces the history of humanity from its origins to the present day.
Chesterton argues for the unique position of humanity within creation and the enduring significance of Christianity.
The book is a powerful defense of the Christian faith, blending historical analysis with philosophical insights and Chesterton's characteristic wit and eloquence.
It is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in history, philosophy, and theology.
The book's exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, and its defense of the Christian worldview, continue to resonate with readers today.
#13113
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Road to Tender Hearts
null
Annie Hartnett
#10311
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Husbands
Holly Gramazio
In 'The Husbands', Lauren finds herself in a surreal situation where her attic keeps replacing her husbands, each bringing a new life and challenges.
As she navigates through these parallel lives, Lauren confronts questions about identity, love, and the right path in life.
The novel is a blend of humor, tenderness, and introspection, exploring what it means to truly live and find one's place in the world.
#43650
The good Parsi
T. M. Luhrmann
#40284
Shadow and Bone
Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, a cartographer in the army of Ravka, a nation divided by the Shadow Fold, a deadly rift of darkness.
After discovering her dormant powers, Alina is drawn into a world of magic and intrigue, where she must navigate the complexities of power and loyalty.
The novel is the first in the Shadow and Bone trilogy and introduces readers to a richly detailed fantasy world inspired by early 19th-century Russia.
#6802
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Yellowface
Rebecca F. Kuang
#5764
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Babel
Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
Michel Pagel
Rebecca Kuang
In this novel, R. F. Kuang explores a fantastical version of Oxford in the 1830s where Britain's dominance is fueled by magical silver bars that capture the power of 'lost in translation' between languages.
The story follows four students at the Royal Institute of Translation, their growing awareness of the imperialist system they are part of, and their eventual rebellion against it.
The book delves into themes of imperialism, academia, and the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the system.
#30651
The Familiar
Leigh Bardugo
In 'The Familiar', Luzia Cotado, a young scullion with magical abilities, is thrust into a world of intrigue and danger when her talents are discovered by her mistress.
As she gains notoriety, Luzia must navigate the complex world of seers, alchemists, and the Inquisition, all while facing the risks associated with her Jewish heritage.
With the help of Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar, Luzia must use her wit and will to survive.
#20022
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Katabasis
R. F. Kuang
No description available.
#16033
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Legendborn
Tracy Deonn
#47571
The Firekeeper's Daughter
null
Angeline Boulley
Angeline Boulley's 'The Firekeeper's Daughter' tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, a biracial, unenrolled tribal member caught between two worlds.
She meets Jamie, and things start looking up, but after she witnesses a violent murder, the story takes a turn.
The characters are beautifully written with fully fleshed out lives and experiences.
The story balances challenging content with respect and highlights themes of family and community.
Though technically young adult, the story has closed door sexual content and explores drugs.
#2825
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Alive
J. Warner Wallace
In "Alive," J. Warner Wallace uses his expertise as a cold-case detective to investigate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He applies forensic principles and investigative techniques to analyze the historical evidence surrounding the event.
The book examines eyewitness testimonies, the empty tomb, and the transformation of the disciples, presenting a compelling case for the resurrection's historicity.
Wallace's approach aims to provide readers with a rational and evidence-based understanding of this pivotal event in Christian history.
The book is designed to equip readers with the tools to confidently defend their belief in the resurrection.
Today marks a major milestone: the 500th episode of What Should I Read Next!
To celebrate, Anne is joined by two guests today. First, you'll hear her in conversation with our What Should I Read Next Patreon Community Manager Shannan Malone as they explore what's new in our Patreon community space. Then, Anne welcomes one of our previous guests back to the show to talk about how her reading life has evolved since their first conversation nearly two and a half years ago.
Michelle Acierno Loftus joined Anne back in episode 378 to share her experience of rediscovering the joy of reading via her YA book club. As we mark 500 episodes of talking all things books and reading, it seemed a great moment to look back at just one way that What Should I Read Next has shaped an individual's life.
While much has changed in Michelle's life since her last conversation with Anne, as you'll hear, her reading life is still going strong. And yet, it's also shifted. Today, she and Anne discuss Michelle's recent explorations into nonfiction and character-driven, introspective stories. They also dive into how Anne's previous recommendations for Michelle landed, what's working for her these days, and what she's looking for right now in her reading life. Anne shares recommendations for Michelle, and each of them recommend titles that might work for many readers.
Find the full list of the titles mentioned today and share a comment to help us celebrate our 500th episode on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/500.
If you'd like to hear from more past guests or experience the bonus episodes Anne and Shannan discuss at the top of today's show, please come over and join us on Patreon. That's where we share bite-size insights into the reading life and a behind-the-scenes look into the podcast, as well as book recommendations galore. To all of the readers who support us on Patreon, thank you. We couldn't do this without you. If you'd like to join us there, you'll find all the details at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices