In this conversation, Evie, a Bostonian who recently relocated to Greece, shares her challenges with consistently rating books, often landing in a frustrating three-star zone. She and Anne dig deep into whether her expectations are too high or if she's struggling to find what she truly enjoys. They discuss the emotional weight of literary experiences and brainstorm a two-dimensional rating system to enhance her engagement with books. Evie's journey reflects the joy and complexity of navigating her new life while exploring her evolving reading preferences.
Evie's struggle with frequently giving low star ratings reflects her internal conflict about her reading standards and personal enjoyment.
The podcast highlights the importance of embracing one's health through nutrition, enhancing the reading experience for busy individuals.
Recommendations tailored to Evie's preferences can help her rediscover the joy of reading by exploring books with strong character narratives and magical realism.
Deep dives
Celebrating Fall Book Preview
The podcast highlights the excitement surrounding the sixth annual Fall Book Preview, which includes the release of a 12-page digital PDF booklet featuring 35 selected titles. This year, there’s also an experiment involving a print version of the booklet, aiming to enhance the experience for avid readers. The host announces a special 90-minute live unboxing event where she will discuss why each book was chosen and what makes them significant for the fall reading season. This preview not only generates anticipation for upcoming titles but also serves as a reminder of the importance of book gifting during the holiday season.
Reader Care and Health Tips
The conversation transitions to the importance of taking care of one’s health, particularly for those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. A health supplement called Field of Greens is discussed, emphasizing its ease of incorporation into a daily routine, providing nutrition through whole organic fruits and vegetables. The benefits include enhanced energy levels, solid sleep, and improved gut health, making it a practical solution for busy readers who may struggle to maintain optimal nutrition. This segment reinforces the idea that caring for one’s body is essential for enhancing the overall reading experience.
Navigating Reading Dilemmas
The guest, Evie, hailing from Greece, shares her struggle with rating books, often finding herself giving out low scores, which is causing frustration. She reflects on feeling critical and questions whether her standards are too high or if she simply doesn't enjoy books as much anymore. The discussion dives into the emotional aspects of reading and the importance of finding joy in the process rather than fixating solely on the opinions surrounding star ratings. This conversation brings to light how readers can navigate their own dilemmas and find ways to re-engage with the joy of reading.
Exploring Evie's Reading Interests
Evie expresses a preference for books that provide a strong sense of connection through narrative tension and character exploration. She reveals her affinity for mediums and fast-paced books, highlighting her recent enjoyment of existential female horror, which encapsulates her desire for engaging and thought-provoking stories. The podcast emphasizes the significance of exploring one's reading preferences to help navigate choices and potentially enhance their literary experience. By discussing her current reading phase, Evie opens the door for recommendations that align with her tastes.
Book Recommendations for Evie
The host offers tailored recommendations based on Evie's interests, suggesting a selection of books that embody a strong sense of place, character diversity, and an element of novelty. Among the recommended titles is a collection of linked short stories that intertwine the everyday with the strange, appealing to her interest in magical realism and narrative depth. The recommendations aim to challenge her reading expectations while also providing the captivating tension she enjoys. This tailored approach encourages listeners to consider their own reading desires and seek out books that resonate with their tastes.
Our reading community truly spans the globe: today Anne is in conversation with Evie, who is joining us from northern Greece.
Evie grew up in Boston and after visiting family in Greece over the years, she moved back herself last year. These days she enjoys the slow pace of life and social culture in her Greek community.
Today, Evie would love help reframing her approach to reading and reviewing books, because it's causing her a lot of angst. Lately, she's described herself as a frequent three and one-star giver, and this situation isn't working for her: it makes her feel like she's hard to please.
But Evie's not sure what's going on here: are her standards too high? Is she being pretentious? Does she just not know what she likes? Those are some of the options Evie tossed out as she's trying to figure out what is happening here with her star rating situation. She and Anne explore what's causing this dissatisfaction, and look at solutions. They'll also get into the specifics of Evie's reading taste, which often includes books that invite the reader into others' lived experience, and Anne wraps up with reading suggestions for Evie.
Share your own recommendations for Evie and find the list of titles mentioned in today's episode at our show notes at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/447.
Join us on Wednesday, September 18th for our sixth annual Fall Book Preview! During this 90-minute live unboxing party, Anne walks you through 35 selections, step by step and book by book. If you're a member of our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club or What Should I Read Next? Patreon communities, our Fall Book Preview is an included benefit and you'll find access information within those communities. You can also join us by purchasing our popular a la carte ticket. Find out more at modernmrsdarcy.com/fbp.