What Should I Read Next?

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.

In this engaging discussion, acclaimed author Kevin Wilson dives into his unique writing process and the family-centered themes in his fiction. He shares the inspiration behind his latest novel, Run for the Hills, touching on topics like found family and personal history. Wilson reveals how he blends humor and weirdness to create emotional depth, discusses his quirky setting choices—including a PT Cruiser—and reflects on his background as a reader. He also hints at his next project involving a teenage boy and a literature teacher. A delightful conversation for book lovers!

Join Kayla King, a lifelong reader and dairy farmer from Pennsylvania, as she seeks book recommendations that evoke the comfort of her favorite TV shows like Friends and The Office. She shares her love for quirky, heartwarming stories and her recent reading challenges. Kayla discusses what makes a book feel like a TV comfort, and Anne suggests a variety of novels, from Becky Chambers' character-driven sci-fi to zany adventures by Carl Hiaasen and cozy romances by Sarah Adams, providing the perfect reading alternatives to binge-watching.

Join Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of the Charleston Literary Festival, as she shares insights on curating an engaging literary festival. Discover how Charleston's rich storytelling culture enhances the experience and why the single-stage format fosters intimacy. Sarah reveals her three-point tips for maximizing your festival attendance, highlights the return of in-person events, and encourages attendees to embrace unexpected literary discoveries. Plus, learn how her role has broadened her reading habits, sparking a love for diverse genres.

Jemima Welsh, an avid reader from Brisbane, shares her love for warm, domestic fiction and memoirs. She explores charming themes like rambling houses and found families, revealing how these stories provide comfort in tough times. Jemima discusses favorites such as 'Darling' by India Knight and the witty 'Excellent Women' by Barbara Pym. She also reflects on her current reading preferences, seeking immersive tales that evoke cozy domesticity. Listeners will find a delightful mix of recommendations to enrich their book collections.

Get ready for fall reading with a sneak peek into this year's hand-selected literary gems. Discover standout titles like 'To the Moon and Back,' 'Mercy,' and 'The Academy,' each offering unique themes that will resonate with readers. Anne shares insights on her book selection process and the importance of transparency in the literary world. Plus, learn how this event connects book lovers through engaging discussions, making it a delightful way to elevate your reading list this season!

Join Sarah Kellogg, a talented cover designer at a Big Five publisher, as she dives into the fascinating world of book cover design. Discover the emotional connections designers forge with stories and the creative dance between designers, authors, and publishers. Sarah shares her personal reading journey, discussing classics like C.S. Lewis's 'Till We Have Faces' and the importance of rereading. They explore timeless themes of grace, creativity, and philosophy in literature, while also examining the powerful intersection between culinary writing and deep life insights.

Candice Brown-Murray, a South Florida public relations professional and avid reader, navigates her evolving reading habits as an empty nester. She shares heartfelt reflections on the transformative power of literature, especially the impact of Toni Morrison's works, including 'The Bluest Eye' and 'Song of Solomon.' Their conversation highlights favorite literary journeys, the emotional connections books create, and the challenge of finding time to read amidst life's distractions. Candice's quest for epic stories unveils her connection to personal growth and identity.

Lynn Bain, a Dallas-based entrepreneur and owner of Boxwood Hospitality, shares her unique journey from CPA to business owner. She discusses her quest for engaging business books that align with her love for fiction, expressing frustrations with typical titles. Lynn reflects on the emotional impact of revisiting cherished books and how they prompt personal growth. The conversation also explores the power of food memoirs to tell personal stories, emphasizing their significance in the hospitality industry.

Today we're sharing Part 2 of our summer superlatives episode, featuring four more of our team members talking about the books they've loved most this season. Our executive producer Will Bogel joins Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager Ginger Horton to talk about their favorite summer reads. Then, you'll hear from Modern Mrs Darcy Editor and Social Media Manager Leigh Kramer and What Should I Read Next Media Production Specialist Holly Wielkoszewski. Today's picks feature our team members and their wide-ranging preferences: romance to sci-fi, classics to outdoor adventure, literary fiction to narrative nonfiction, and beyond. No matter your reading tastes, we bet you'll hear a title that appeals. Find the list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/491. While we're soaking up the rest of summer, fall is just around the corner, and we have the best new and timeless back-to-school book merch in our shop. Check out all these items and more at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices