

What Should I Read Next?
Anne Bogel
What Should I Read Next? is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs Darcy, interviews a reader about the books they love, the books they hate, and the books they're reading now. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next. The real purpose of the show is to help YOU find your next read. To learn more or apply to be on the show visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 46min
Ep 497: The magic of bringing book lovers together
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.

Sep 30, 2025 • 54min
Ep 496: Warm and inviting stories of hearth and home
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.

Sep 23, 2025 • 37min
Ep 495: Fall Book Preview sneak peek
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!

Sep 16, 2025 • 60min
Ep 494: Books brimming with creativity, philosophy, and grace
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.

4 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 59min
Ep 493: Books that take you on an epic journey
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.

27 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 55min
Ep 492: Reflective nonfiction about finding your path
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.

Aug 26, 2025 • 39min
Ep 491: Our team's best books of summer (Part 2)
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.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 39min
Ep 490: Our team's best books of summer (Part 1)
Donna Hetchler, the Resident Spreadsheet Queen at Modern Mrs. Darcy HQ, and Brigid Misselhorn, Community Coordinator, dive into their favorite summer reads. They discuss the parallels between memoirs and personal empowerment, highlighting titles that inspire fitness journeys. The team shares engaging recommendations, including a middle grade novel narrated by Ethan Hawke and witty reads perfect for Jane Austen fans. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own summer favorites, showcasing a vibrant community connection around shared literary adventures.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Ep 489: The satisfaction of sinking into a good book
Julie Berry, a celebrated author of young adult fiction and owner of the independent bookstore Author's Note, shares her inspiring journey of opening a bookstore during the pandemic. She discusses her upcoming release and the art of discovering books that truly resonate beyond the mainstream hype. The conversation touches on the importance of strong characters and vibrant community ties in literature, along with personal recommendations that emphasize the joy of reading and storytelling.

Aug 5, 2025 • 60min
Ep 488: Reading goals that are just lofty enough
Olivia Haber Greenwood, a copywriter and freelance journalist based in Barcelona, dives into her passion for novels featuring multiple points of view. While she loves the concept, she's on the hunt for books where each character has a distinctive voice that truly resonates. The conversation explores the complexities and emotional connections in multi-POV narratives, highlighting works like Joan Didion's 'Play It As It Lays' and a psychological thriller featuring a missing child. It's a delightful quest for captivating storytelling that engages readers from various angles.