What Should I Read Next?

Megan Reilly, a theater designer and college professor, shares her love for reading as a stress management tool. She and the host dive into the theme of haunting literature and how certain books linger in the mind. They explore intelligent thrillers that challenge the boundaries of suspense while discussing emotionally impactful narratives like 'God of the Woods' and 'All the Colors of the Dark.' Megan also reflects on her experiences with reading challenges, balancing professional life with her passion for literature, and the importance of character depth in thrillers.

Anne, a prominent participant in the Fall Book Preview event, dives into the excitement of this year's book selections. She discusses the evolution of fall reading lists and highlights three standout titles, including Danzy Senna's 'Colored Television.' The conversation contrasts a satirical portrayal of a screenwriter's life with a poignant narrative born from real medical challenges. Anne also invites listeners to explore themes of self-care and community engagement in literature, making this fall's reading palette both diverse and engaging.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.