What Should I Read Next?

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

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.

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.

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.

Holly Wielkoszewski, a media production specialist, shares her journey as she transitions from fantasy to science fiction. Living between New Mexico and various international locales, she reveals her evolving reading tastes and the exciting trends she's noticed in contemporary sci-fi. Holly discusses how various narratives connect with themes of love and discovery, the importance of immersive storytelling, and her favorite book recommendations that highlight diverse voices. Listeners are encouraged to explore new literary horizons and rethink their genre preferences.

Ellen Heath, a retired urban planner from Atlanta, dives deep into her love for immersive settings and characters. She shares her creative method for choosing her next read on her eReader and her intention to abandon more books in 2025. The duo explores the emotional connections we have with stories, touching on memorable reads like 'Clear' by Carys Davies and the humor of 'Mr. Loverman.' They also discuss how urban planning influences literature, revealing the intricacies of character development in captivating narratives.

The hosts reflect on their midyear reading journeys, discussing what’s worked and what hasn’t in their literary lives. They emphasize the importance of intentional reading goals and the emotional connections books create. Personal anecdotes about life changes, like welcoming a puppy, blend with insights on balancing reading with self-care. Notable titles and unexpected favorites are spotlighted, along with practical tips for summer gatherings. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their reading preferences and share their experiences.