Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, talented authors known for their rich historical narratives, delve into the fascinating life of Belle DaCosta Greene, the groundbreaking first librarian of the Morgan Library. They share insights into their co-writing journey and the importance of trust and collaboration. The discussion also highlights how literature can reshape perceptions on identity and race, while touching on their upcoming books that inspire justice and highlight historical women's stories. Expect laughter and inspiration throughout!

Get ready for an exciting preview of upcoming book releases! Discover a mix of genres from thrilling mysteries to cozy reads. Enjoy insights on standout titles, including intense tales of crime and suspense. Learn about the balance of financial choices while diving into your reading adventures. Plus, explore the importance of self-care during winter and warm up with delightful activities. Finally, journey to Shearwater Island to uncover secrets and complex relationships in a haunting narrative. Perfect for book lovers looking for their next great read!

Nell Cavallo, a passionate reader from Sydney, shares her love for backlist books and the seasonal reading dilemmas she faces. She discusses how winter in the southern hemisphere ignites a quest for summer releases, highlighting the struggle of choosing the right titles amidst the vast sea of options. The conversation dives into the nostalgic pleasure of summer reading, emotional depth in literature, and the distinct literary culture of Sydney. Nell's insights on navigating literary choices create an engaging exploration of reading habits and preferences.

In this engaging discussion, Anne is joined by her husband, Will Bogel, who often shares his insights on books. They dive into Anne's top reads of the past year, revealing how her personal journey influences her recommendations. Highlights include a captivating exploration of international literature, such as 'The Last Tree on Easter Island,' and a humorous take on Danzy Senna's 'Colored Television.' The conversation underscores the emotional connections readers can forge with diverse genres, making this a treasure trove for book lovers.

Today's guest is feeling stuck between quality and quantity in her reading life. With all of the end-of-year reading reflections happening lately, Anne is here to help if you're also facing this situation.Caroline Hines lives on a Christmas tree farm, which is not really related to today's book-talk, but feels like the perfect setting for our final episode of the year. When she wrote in to get Anne's help, Caroline mentioned that since she started tracking her reading against a numerical goal, she's felt an unwelcome shift in her reading life. Rather than reaching for the heftier reads she suspects she'll love, even though they take her longer to finish, she finds herself dashing through fast-paced thrillers because she knows she'll read them quickly, not because she thinks they're perfect for her.Today she and Anne discuss the pros and cons of using a numerical reading goal, and how Caroline might enjoy that glorious feeling of falling headfirst into a book more often.Find the full list of titles mentioned and share your suggestions for Caroline by leaving a comment on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/459.A quick note: our team will be taking the next two weeks off to enjoy good books and good times with our loved ones. We'll be back in January with a brand new episode—Anne's Best Books of 2024! In the meantime, enjoy our archives, or explore all of our bonus episodes, author chats, and more in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Anne was invited to speak at WriterFest, a creative gathering for aspiring writers, published authors, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters in Nashville, we couldn't wait to share that conversation with all of you.Today we're sharing Anne's conversation with WriterFest co-founder Ami McConnell. From books and reading to the common themes they've heard people are experiencing in their creative lives right now, it's a conversation to spark your own creative spirit.Thank you again to WriterFest co-founders Ami McConnell and Sara Wigal and to their their amazing teams and volunteers who made this event happen.Let us know if you have a book or a creative moment you'd like to share by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/458.We're so looking forward to sharing our annual Team's Best Books of the year! This has become a tradition, and this year, we'll be gathering for this live party on December 19th. Members of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon Community are invited: this fun event is just one of many ways we say thank you for your financial support. Find out more and become a member at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cozy reading season is nearly here in the northern hemisphere, and today's guest wrote in with a unique question: how can she create a cozy reading experience when she's nearly always listening to audiobooks on the go?Lauren Worley is joining Anne today from Virginia. Lauren's work keeps her in the car and on the road quite a bit, so Lauren’s fully embraced audiobooks. But she doesn't just want to listen while she's driving: she's curious how she could create a cozier reading experience in her car.Today she and Anne talk about what Lauren's looking for, from small tweaks to make car listening feel more cozy, to the titles she defines as cozy audiobooks (which might not be what you'd expect.) Anne shares titles that might fit Lauren’s criteria, as well as ways she can invite that cozy reading atmosphere into her experience, even when she’s on the road.Share an audiobook you've found cozy or a reading tip for Lauren by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll find the full list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/457.If you are on the hunt for perfect gifts to give the tough-to-shop-for readers in your life, my reading journal makes a great gift. My Reading Life is the perfect companion for any adult, with 100 blank entries to record what they've read, a place to keep track of their to-be-read list, and lots of book lists to help them pick what to read next. I also have a version for kids and the young-at-heart: My Reading Adventures has the same elements as well as features that will appeal kids and teenagers. Or, check out my I'd Rather Be Reading bundle, which includes my book, I'd Rather Be Reading, a matching sticker, button, and exclusive bookmark. Shop now wherever you get your new books or at our shop, ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ginger Horton, the Community Manager for Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, joins Anne Bogel to delve into her passion for New England literature, especially those set in autumn. They dissect Ginger's unique reading preferences, exploring what makes a New England story resonate with her. Topics include the deep emotional connections within regional narratives, the importance of community in reading experiences, and a celebration of authors that shape New England's literary identity. Their engaging dialogue uncovers the magic in localized stories that reflect universal truths.

Join beloved author Elif Shafak, known for her inclusive storytelling and exploration of universal themes, as she shares insights on the power of literature. She discusses the cyclical nature of storytelling and its ability to connect humanity through shared experiences. Elif delves into the nuances of identity, belonging, and exile, particularly from a multicultural perspective. Her reflections illuminate the importance of both presence and absence in narratives, revealing how language shapes our stories and identities.

Bridget Misselhorn, the Book Club Community Administrator, joins the team to share delightful holiday gift ideas for readers. They dive into age-appropriate book recommendations, highlighting enchanting series like Rainbow Magic and Enola Holmes. Conversations meander through thoughtful gifts for music and art lovers, as well as nature and history enthusiasts. Personal stories add warmth, making the gift suggestions resonate with all tastes. This spirited chat ensures you’ll find the perfect read for everyone on your list!