Katherine Kwong, a reader from Nashville, wants to discover go-to authors and explore outside her comfort zone. Anne helps her with fresh perspectives on reading choices and shares relevant book titles. They discuss the joy of German longsword, the importance of go-to authors, and analyze books like 'The World We Make' and 'Piranesi'. Katherine's desire to find consistent authors and explore lesser-known works is addressed with book recommendations in various genres.
The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin is a captivating urban fantasy that combines real-world issues with magical realism.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker offers insights and strategies for creating meaningful and impactful gatherings.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke takes readers into a mesmerizing world filled with marble halls and ocean ecosystems, offering a thought-provoking reading experience.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal explores the pursuit of success in the brewing industry and the importance of family and hard work.
Deep dives
Exploring Urban Fantasy in New York City
The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin is a captivating urban fantasy set in New York City where each borough has its own human avatar. These avatars unite to fight against a force that seeks to unmake cities. The book skillfully combines real-world issues with magical realism, engaging all five senses to immerse readers in the story.
The Art of Meaningful Gatherings
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker offers insights and strategies for creating meaningful and impactful gatherings. Parker, a facilitator for dialogue and conflict resolution, shares her experiences in guiding various types of gatherings, from personal parties to business meetings. This book provides tools to make gatherings more intentional, powerful, and ultimately, enjoyable for everyone involved.
Discovering Magical Realism in a Fascinating World
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke takes readers into a mesmerizing world filled with marble halls, ocean ecosystems, and a unique protagonist named Piranesi. Through his first-person accounts, readers unravel the mysteries of this intriguing world and witness the extraordinary events that unfold. Clarke's rich and whimsical storytelling captures the imagination and offers a thought-provoking reading experience.
Cleverly Solving Mysteries While Brewing Beer
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal follows a multi-generational Minnesota family as they navigate the brewing industry. With engaging characters and a focus on hard work, family, and fate, this novel combines heartwarming moments with a touch of whimsy. It offers a delightful exploration of found family and the pursuit of success in the competitive world of brewing.
A Whimsical Tea Shop Murder Mystery
Beera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Soutantos is a charming and chaotic murder mystery set in a San Francisco tea shop. When the protagonist discovers a dead body, she takes matters into her own hands to solve the case, leading to unexpected twists and heartwarming endings. This madcap story of found family and murder is sure to entertain and put a smile on readers' faces.
Exploring Realistic Fiction and Familial Connections
Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim is a delightful tale that combines food, magic, and self-discovery. Set in San Francisco, it follows Natalie as she returns home to fulfill her late grandmother's wishes and revitalize her neighborhood with a new restaurant. This heartwarming story explores the complexities of family relationships, cultural heritage, and the power of embracing one's passions.
Exploring the Craft of Writing and Storytelling
Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses offers a fresh perspective on writing and the role of workshops in the creative process. Salesses challenges traditional approaches to writing education and presents alternative methods for teaching and cultivating creativity. This book provides valuable insights for both writers and readers interested in the process behind crafting compelling stories.
Unraveling Intricate Narratives through Time and Space
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki is a thought-provoking novel that weaves together the stories of a novelist in the Pacific Northwest and a troubled Japanese schoolgirl. With elements of magical realism and a fascinating exploration of time, this book delves into themes of fate, connection, and the power of storytelling. Ozeki crafts a truly unique narrative that will captivate readers till the very end.
Knowing what you enjoy on the page can feel simple, but finding new books to deliver that reading experience isn't always so easy.
In today's episode, Anne is talking with Katherine Kwong. Katherine lives in Nashville, where she enjoys reading along with an assortment of other creative hobbies. While she knows that she enjoys fantastical stories and satisfying endings, she's eager to find new ways to understand her reading selections.
Katherine would love to identify authors she can return to again and again, and she's also interested in starting to read more outside of her comfort zone. Anne gives Katherine some fresh perspectives on her reading choices, and shares a selection of titles that speak to Katherine's current reading goals.
Find the full list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/404, where you're also invited to leave your suggestions for Katherine in the comments section.
