What Should I Read Next?

Readers, if you are feeling burned out right now, you are not alone. In our team meeting last week, we talked about the fact that things are hard right now. That's why this feels like a great time to revisit a favorite past episode from another time not so long ago when we were also feeling burned out.Today we're sharing Anne's May 2021 conversation with journalist Anne Helen Petersen, which originally aired back then as Episode 284. Anne Helen writes the weekly email newsletter Culture Study and she knows a lot about burnout because she literally wrote a book about it: Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation.In today's episode, Anne Helen shares her personal experience with reading during a grueling season, advice and hope for readers who feel stuck in burnout, and a handful of backlist favorites from her own bookshelves. No matter how your reading life has evolved over the last few years, or even if it hasn't, we think you'll find comfort and insight in today's episode.Find the full list of titles mentioned today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/474.We've been working hard behind the scenes to prepare your 2025 Summer Reading Guide! This year will be our 14th annual Summer Reading Guide, and we kick off the celebration with our live unboxing before continuing with all sorts of bonus reading adventures in Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club and in our Patreon community. Order your Summer Reading Guide at modernmrsdarcy.com/srg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conversation dives into the search for engaging fiction that sparks discussion within book clubs. Lara shares her passion for literary works infused with strong genre elements like romance and mystery. They explore thought-provoking titles such as 'James' and 'Shark Heart,' showcasing unique perspectives on life-changing themes. The impact of relatable yet unlikable characters is highlighted, alongside recommendations for books like 'Broken Country' that beautifully merge historical context with family dynamics. Plus, a lively exchange of favorite reads keeps the literary enthusiasm alive!

Join a journey of self-discovery as a Florida reader unpacks perfectionism's hold on her reading life. She delves into the dilemma of saving anticipated books for the 'perfect' moment versus enjoying them now. The conversation highlights the joy of discovering unique, whimsical backlist titles and the balance between motherhood and personal reading fulfillment. Listeners will explore themes of self-compassion, unexpected literary finds, and the joy of venturing outside their usual genre comfort zones.

Re-reading is a practice fits into every reader's life in a different way, and today's guest has embarked on a unique reading challenge that brings a fresh perspective to her re-reading. Sarah Swarbrick joins Anne today from the outskirts of Sydney, Australia, to talk about the special project she's crafted in advance of her 53rd birthday. With her responsibilities shifting and her kids getting older, Sarah's finding more time for reading lately, and she's excited about having extra space to approach her books with a different kind of thoughtfulness and intention.Sarah's decided to re-read a selection of her favorite books from childhood, and she's also trying to pair each childhood favorite with a more recent release. She's looking for books that have a lot to say to each other, that can really be in conversation with each other, and not just in the ways that are obvious on the surface. She and Anne discuss Sarah's project so far, and explore some unpaired re-reads to discover which new-to-her titles Sarah might enjoy matching with her long-standing favorites.See the list of titles discussed today and leave your suggestions for Sarah on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/470.Our What Should I Read Next Patreon community makes a very real difference in our ability to do the work we do: as a way to say thank you for that ongoing financial support, we share weekly bonus episodes and invite our community members to join us for special events, like our upcoming Summer Reading Guide live unboxing. Thanks to everyone who is already a part of our Patreon community, we are so appreciative. If you would like to come join us, get the details at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginger Horton, Community Manager for the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club and a lifelong book lover, discusses the magic of book clubs with Anne. They explore the thoughtful process behind book selection and how to foster engaging discussions. Ginger shares standout titles and the unique experiences from her book club journey. They also highlight community-building events and the perks of membership, including access to special resources like a Summer Reading Guide. This conversation is packed with insights for avid readers and book club enthusiasts.

Today's guest is a mood reader who often finds herself falling down a reading rabbit hole. Madelyn Kresinske is an elementary school librarian, wife, and mom who reads widely from middle-grade and picture books to romance, family dramas, and more. Madelyn doesn't hate her pattern of falling into sometimes a rut, sometimes she actually quite enjoys it, but it can also be tough to break out and figure out which title to read next. She and Anne discuss that struggle today before changing their focus to Madelyn's upcoming road trip to the Grand Canyon and other National Parks. Madelyn would love both fiction and non-fiction titles that will captivate her attention while also getting her ready for this big trip. Anne has so many ideas for her! Around here we think that the National Park Service is one of our nation's best ideas, and in addition to being super crowded the past few years they're now grappling with staffing issues. If you can't make to a park in person this summer for whatever reason, we think you'll especially enjoy today's show. Please let us know if you have recommendations for Madelyn by leaving a comment on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/468, where you'll also see the full list of titles mentioned.This week also marks the fifth anniversary of Anne's book Don't Overthink It. This book is full of practical ideas on how to tame your inner questioner, stop second-guessing yourself, and bring more joy to your life. If your thinking feels repetitive, unhealthy, or unhelpful, if you're stuck in a cycle of what-ifs plagued by indecision or paralyzed by fear of getting it wrong, or if you could just use a boost of happy in your everyday rhythms, Don't Overthink It is for you. Pick up a copy at your favorite local or online bookseller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoebe Mellinger, a Philadelphia-based book thrifter, shares her transformative reading journey after a shift in her literary preferences. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from familiar genres to exploring speculative fiction and horror. The conversation touches on impactful reads and the emotional connections they evoke, including her favorites from 2024. Phoebe seeks guidance on making more tailored book choices, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and resonating narratives in her evolving reading journey.

Mel Joulwan and Dave Humphreys, book enthusiasts behind Strong Sense of Place, join the conversation to explore literary tourism. They share exciting book recommendations set in diverse destinations like New Zealand, Tasmania, and New Orleans. The trio delves into the emotional impact of literary letdowns and personal reading experiences. They also discuss the enchanting world of gothic literature, alongside the fusion of art, memory, and culinary journeys, while inviting listeners to pack their bags for a literary adventure.

Anne and Shannan explore the joys of reading with insights on books and habits that enrich their literary lives. They discuss engaging themes from their Patreon community and the importance of reflection in enhancing the reading experience. The hosts celebrate the personal connection of families watching shows together, revealing how these moments foster bonds. They also touch on the significance of slowing down and embracing shared stories, encouraging listeners to find comfort in books and communal activities during challenging times.