Shannan Malone joins for a lively midyear reading check-in. Both reflect on how their reading habits have evolved and share insights on connecting with literary choices. They discuss the importance of aligning reading intentions with current preferences and embrace the idea of 'quitting' books that don't resonate anymore. They explore how personal life impacts reading, rate upcoming titles, and recommend a mix of emotional reads and lighter escapism. This uplifting conversation invites listeners to reassess their own reading journeys.

Brigid Misselhorn, MMD Book Club Community Administrator, shares tips on managing multiple book clubs, benefits of audiobooks, and balancing personal reading. They discuss her book club addiction, reading strategies, and book recommendations. An insightful conversation for book club enthusiasts.

Shannan Malone, Alabama reader turned co-host and contributor, joins the host to discuss eclectic reading tastes, struggling to pinpoint dislikes in popular books, endearing awkward characters, and more. They explore book club selections, recommend beloved books like Circe and The Shadow of the Wind, and navigate managing long TBR lists with compelling storytelling.

Donna Hetchler plans an epic 50th birthday road trip to West Coast bookstores, discussing book purchases, friends joining, and trip details. Listeners inspired to plan milestone book projects. Reflecting on classics beyond school syllabus and personal reading preferences with diverse recommendations and preferences on literary mysteries and classic novels.

Today we are kicking off a summer series from the What Should I Read Next? archives: we're sharing the first episodes and sometimes the very first conversations Anne had with readers that are now members of our team.Many of you know our team members by name, and you have a good sense of their reading tastes, too. But we also know that many of you are new around here, or haven't yet had the chance to listen to all 400-plus episodes, so you don't know our team members as well. Whether you've heard these episodes before or you're hearing them for the first time, we're certain you'll enjoy these introductions to some of the people who help make the book magic happen around here. The first episode in our team series originally aired as Episode 9 from all the way back in 2016 as Anne talks with now-Modern Mrs. Darcy editor and social media manager, Leigh Kramer. At that time, Leigh was living in San Francisco, where she identified herself as a full-time book nerd, fried pickle connoisseur, and lifetime White Sox fan. While Leigh lives in Chicago now, she still has strong opinions about her books, which makes for a delightful conversation. In this episode, Leigh and Anne discuss the nearly perfect novel that she adored and happened to be all wrong for Anne. Leigh also shares the books she read at just the right time and a variety of very real bookworm problems, before Anne recommends titles for Leigh's next read.This episode was a really interesting time capsule because Leigh and Anne discuss some books that Leigh wouldn't choose and Anne wouldn't recommend for her today. We'll discuss those changes in her reading life more over on Patreon.Find the full list of titles mentioned today, along with links for other places you'll find Leigh and our team, over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/436. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Corinne Yan, a book restorer at Bibliothèque Mazarine, seeks audiobook recommendations for a road trip. They discuss balancing TBR lists, historical manuscript restoration, and the joy of reading during travel.

A bookseller and marketing director shares her love for hospitality in books, seeking welcoming stories. They discuss selecting comforting reads, setting attainable goals, and exploring literature on hospitality, comfort, and exceptional experiences. Recommendations include cozy English hotel tales and memoirs about transformative journeys.

Stephanie Van Parys, an audiobook lover and gardener, discusses pairing audiobooks with gardening, exploring international authors, and embracing lengthy reads. They delve into immersive experiences combining literature with gardening, review '10,000 Doors of January' and 'Oh Beautiful', and explore translated works. The podcast showcases a charming Victorian fairy novel, an intriguing tale of Jacob Frank, the self-proclaimed Messiah, and the impact of books on listeners.

Lauren Groff, recognized on Time 100 list, discusses her new bookstore in Florida with Anne. Topics include short stories, writing process, music's influence on writing, challenging stereotypes, and book recommendations. They touch on connections to Florence Welch and Taylor Swift's 'Florida!' song.

Annie B. Jones discusses summer reading favorites and surprises with Anne at The Bookshelf. They talk about creating the Summer Reading Guide, diverse books, book club picks, and personal growth through reading. The conversation will inspire your summer reading list!