Émilie Weidl, a Welsh year-long PhD student, discusses her evolving reading tastes and the challenges in finding books that resonate with her current emotional state. She's seeking gut-wrenching reads to distract from real-world worries after feeling disconnected from her usual historical fiction and nonfiction. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting her To-Be-Read system to align with her shifting preferences, urging flexibility in choosing literature that provides solace during tough times.
The importance of matching reading choices to current emotional states is emphasized to foster a deeper connection with literature.
The concept of commonplace books is introduced as a tool for cataloging insights and enhancing the overall reading experience.
Émilie's struggles with her TBR system reflect the need for flexibility in reading management to prioritize enjoyment over pressure.
Deep dives
Literary Matchmaking
The podcast emphasizes the concept of literary matchmaking, where readers are encouraged to explore books that may resonate with their current emotions or situations. The host underscores that the show’s goal is to help listeners make informed decisions about their next read rather than force any specific recommendations. This approach creates an inviting atmosphere for discussion around personal reading preferences and choices. By focusing on the individual’s reading journey, the podcast fosters a sense of community among book lovers.
Commonplace Books Explained
The episode introduces the idea of commonplace books, detailed as a personal project that can enhance reading experiences. Listeners learn what commonplace books are and the benefits of keeping one, including the ability to catalog thoughts, quotes, and insights discovered during reading. The upcoming class in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club aims to assist members in creating and maintaining their versions of commonplace books, which can serve as valuable literary resources. This initiative encourages participants to deepen their engagement with texts they are reading, enriching their overall literary journey.
Navigating Emotional Reading
One guest, Emily, shares her current reading struggles, particularly her desire for books that evoke strong emotional responses. She expresses a desire for gut-wrenching narratives that allow her to both distract from and immerse herself in fictional sorrow, as a way to alleviate real-world worries. This discussion highlights how personal experiences can shape reading choices, tailoring literary exploration to meet psychological needs. The importance of selecting books that resonate on a deeper level reflects broader themes of emotional well-being through literature.
The Role of Systems in Reading
Emily discusses the various systems she has tried to organize her reading life but finds that these structures sometimes inhibit her enjoyment. She articulates her experiences with hefty to-be-read lists, noting the pressure they can create rather than serve as a helpful guide. This conversation reveals the delicate balance between recommending books based on structured systems versus cultivating a more organic relationship with reading choices. The need for flexibility in navigating one’s reading journey is emphasized, advocating for personalized systems that prioritize joy and discovery.
Recommendations for Emotional Satisfaction
Throughout the episode, several book recommendations are made to cater to Emily’s desire for emotionally profound narratives. Suggestions range from 'I Know This Much Is True' by Wally Lamb to 'Last Summer on State Street' by Toya Wolf, focusing on gut-wrenching experiences without directly addressing societal injustices. The host ensures that the proposed titles align with Emily's preference for stories centered on human relationships and personal struggles. This segment demonstrates how curated literary choices can create pathways for emotional reflection and resonate on a personal level.
When the world feels heavy, many of us look to books for distraction, inspiration, or reassurance. Today's guest has a unique spin on what she's seeking and would love Anne's help in figuring out how the types of reads she wants right now fit into her existing to-be-read (TBR) system.
Émilie Weidl lives in Wales, where she's taken a year off before starting her PhD. When she's not reading or volunteering, you'll likely find her out for a walk or a hike, exploring the beautiful country around her.
Émilie has always had a good grasp on her reading tastes, but lately she's found that the historical fiction she's always loved isn't working well for her. She's also having a hard time reading nonfiction because the topics she's been drawn to in the past feel harrowing right now. Plus, she's found that the TBR management system she's relied on for ages isn't work as well as it used to.
Émilie's looking for absolutely gut-wrenching books that will distract her from her real-world worries, and a system that will help her tee up books she'll really enjoy reading right now. Anne has ideas for Émilie, as you'll hear today.
Suggest gut-wrenching reads you think Émilie might enjoy and see the full list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/473.
We always have exciting things on the horizon in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, and right now is no exception. Next week, we're going to learn all about Commonplace Books: what they are, and how to keep one, also why you might want to. When you join the club, you get immediate access to this class and all of our past events, along with our 2025 Summer Reading Guide which is coming out in May. Join us for a month or longer and experience the reading buffet book club has to offer.
