What Should I Read Next?

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.

Joining the discussion is Barbara Andrade DuBransky, a passionate social worker and traveler. She shares her tradition of planning milestone trips with her best friend, emphasizing the role of reading in their adventures. They explore how literature enhances travel experiences, discussing the perfect travel reads for Europe. Barbara and Anne dive into specific book recommendations that evoke cultural insights and personal stories, making listeners eager to embark on their own literary journeys.

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