

What Should I Read Next?
Anne Bogel
What Should I Read Next? is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs Darcy, interviews a reader about the books they love, the books they hate, and the books they're reading now. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next. The real purpose of the show is to help YOU find your next read. To learn more or apply to be on the show visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep 447: How to fix a chronic three-star situation
In this conversation, Evie, a Bostonian who recently relocated to Greece, shares her challenges with consistently rating books, often landing in a frustrating three-star zone. She and Anne dig deep into whether her expectations are too high or if she's struggling to find what she truly enjoys. They discuss the emotional weight of literary experiences and brainstorm a two-dimensional rating system to enhance her engagement with books. Evie's journey reflects the joy and complexity of navigating her new life while exploring her evolving reading preferences.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ep 446: How to balance print books with screen reading
In this engaging discussion, Karen Gold, an English teacher and academic dean at one of the oldest boarding schools in the U.S., navigates her love for print books alongside the convenience of e-reading. She shares her reader's dilemma of juggling physical books on her shelves with the ease of digital formats. The conversation also touches on fostering a love for reading in students and the emotional journeys novels can evoke—exploring our shared human experiences through literature. Expect insights on balancing both reading formats and cultivating a joy for storytelling.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ep 445: Startlingly beautiful sentences and perfect last lines
Hunter, an avid fan of literary fiction pursuing a project of reading National Book Award longlisted titles, shares his unique reading journey. He discusses his love for messy narratives and the benefits of rereading books that initially didn't resonate. The conversation dives into the nuances of character perspectives in notable works like 'Fates and Furies' and the emotional depth found in short stories. Hunter seeks writing that is striking and unconventional, leading to a wealth of intriguing book recommendations.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep 444: Our team's best books of summer
Dive into a thrilling summer reading roundup as the team shares their top book recommendations across genres. Discover the joy of audiobooks with titles like 'Memorial Drive' that enhance your summer experience. Reflect on nostalgic library days while contemplating the challenges of adult reading habits. Explore the interwoven stories of a reality show and powerful themes of friendship and resilience. Embrace the joy of personal reading journeys and find books that speak to your mood this season!

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h
Ep 443: Backlist picks for immediate library hold gratification
Rachel Elaine Martens, a book enthusiast and traveler, shares her unique reading experiences from a year in Budapest, utilizing both a virtual library and local titles. She discusses the unexpected joys of limited selections and the serendipity of discovering left-behind books. Now back in Missouri, Rachel seeks a more intentional reading journey while still embracing the thrill of spontaneous finds. The conversation highlights memorable titles like 'Dear Committee Members' and the charm of backlist books, illustrating how travel and literature intersect to create lasting emotional connections.

Aug 13, 2024 • 54min
Ep 442: Your TBR is not a to-do list
Kelly Davis, a passionate bibliophile from Lancaster County, shares her unique approach to celebrating her 50th birthday by hosting a book-themed party. Guests brought their favorite reads, helping her collect 50 books to mark her milestone. Kelly created a master document with charts to analyze her new collection, highlighting the personal importance of each title. The conversation dives into selecting meaningful reads and the joy of reconnecting with literature, while also reminiscing about how books shape friendships and community.

18 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 55min
Ep 441: Lucy Foley talks secrets, lies, murder, and mystery writing
Bestselling author Lucy Foley joins the conversation, sharing intriguing insights about her latest thriller, The Midnight Feast. She reveals the real-life inspirations for her atmospheric settings and discusses her fascination with unlikable characters. Foley also dives into the blending of horror and justice in modern murder mysteries, highlighting societal tensions in rural landscapes. With humor emerging in her character dialogues, she reflects on her writing journey from historical fiction to thrillers, influenced by her favorite authors.

Jul 30, 2024 • 55min
Ep 440: Anne's midyear reading check-in
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.

Jul 23, 2024 • 57min
Ep 439: How many book clubs is too many book clubs?
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.

Jul 16, 2024 • 51min
Ep 438: Life is short & my TBR is way too long
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.