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!

Dana Reams, a stay-at-home mom from Southern Indiana and creator of cozy reader gatherings, shares her delightful concept for hosting warm retreats. She discusses creating immersive reading experiences that foster community and connection. The conversation highlights themed snacks, crafts, and poetic engagements, while also touching on the challenges of book journaling and women's health. Dana introduces enchanting reads, including 'The Witch Hat Atelier,' and discusses a whimsical orc trading mercenary life for a coffee shop, inviting listeners to explore their own cozy reading adventures.

Jessica Crockett, a French-to-English patent translator from Chicago, shares her struggles with short story collections. She seeks advice on how to enhance her reading experience. The discussion dives into what makes short stories shine, exploring interconnected tales versus standalone narratives. They examine the allure of short stories for busy readers and recommend strategies for maintaining engagement. Jessica learns about the emotional impact of curated collections and the benefits of audiobooks to deepen her appreciation for the art of short storytelling.

Nikki May, bestselling author of "Wahala" and "This Motherless Land," delves into her reimagining of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park." She shares her personal connections to Austen and how themes of belonging and social class shape her narrative. The conversation touches on the interplay of race and identity through family dynamics, highlighted by the complex bond between cousins Funke and Liv. Nikki also discusses how cultural culinary experiences influence identity and character development, enriching both her stories and Austen's timeless themes.

Melanie McNair, a book lover and former Malaprop's Bookstore employee, shares her fond memories of Asheville and the literary community. They discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on the region and encourage support for local charities. Melanie highlights favorite North Carolina authors and books, including powerful female-centric literature. The conversation also touches on an unforgettable literary matchmaking event that underscores the joy of personalized reading recommendations, showcasing the charm of Asheville's book scene.