What Should I Read Next?

Many listeners and past guests on WSIRN have shared their stories of reading dry spells due to chronic illness, anxiety, and disability. Today’s guest Kate Mitchell has experienced polar opposites in her reading life, going from a period of time when reading was literally her job, to stretches where reading was literally impossible because of chronic illness. Kate is sharing some of the wisdom she’s gained on her roller coaster of a reading life with us all, including practical tips for how to accept reality and adapt your reading life if you’re having a rough go of it yourself.

Anne and Kate also chat about what realism looks like in the fantasy genre, books wayyyy too big to keep in your purse, and Kate gives Anne the student-debt-free cheat sheet to reading like you’ve got a Masters degree in literature.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/177

Hear more from Kate about her reading life and chronic illness at katethealmostgreat.com.

Get closer to the creative process by joining WSIRN’s behind-the-scenes family on Patreon. Visit https://patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext for bonus episodes, outtakes, exclusive booklists, livestream chats with Anne, and more.

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WSIRN often helps readers get out of their comfort zones, but today’s guest Mallory O’Meara is taking Anne out of hers. Her wheelhouse is everything bizarre, paranormal, and downright scary. But digging past the surface differences, Mallory and Anne have a lot in common, especially the desire to understand how an author DID that. 

Today they're chatting about the magic of rereading a favorite book, arguing with critics, how comfort-reading looks way different for different readers, Mallory's pro tips for dealing with the post-scary-book jitters, and a lot more.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/176

Connect with Mallory on Twitter and Instagram @MalloryOMeara, listen to her podcast Reading Glasses, and check out her new book, The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick.

Get closer to the creative process by joining WSIRN’s behind-the-scenes family on Patreon. Visit https://patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext for bonus episodes, outtakes, exclusive booklists, livestream chats with Anne, and more.

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Michelle Wilson has noticed a specific character type that is missing from her bookshelves... and she is on the hunt for more. She and Anne chat about characters age 50+ in possession of NO magical powers, yelling at characters who make terrible decisions, reading as broadly as possible, and what it's like to be in not one, not two, but THREE book clubs (mmmmmaybe more.)

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/175

What Should I Read Next is now on Patreon to bring you bonus episodes, outtakes, peeks behind the scenes, printable goodness, livestream chats, and access to the epic master spreadsheet holding the loves, hates, and recommendations from each episode.

Get closer to the creative process by heading over to https://patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext now and joining WSIRN’s behind-the-scenes family.

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Guest Kate Daley is a house painter from New South Wales, Australia, who has been living for the past two and a half years... in a camper van! Today she chats with Anne about the genre that sent her into an intense reading rut, a family reading competition, and where she manages to fit a home library in while living in cramped quarters.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/174

You can connect with Kate on Instagram: @when_kate_reads

What Should I Read Next is now on Patreon to bring you outtakes, peeks behind the scenes, printable goodness, online hangouts, BONUS EPISODES, and... access to our epic spreadsheet that holds the loves, hates, and recommendations from each episode. Backers also will get to participate in certain aspects of the creative process from call-ins, to special episode ideas, in fact our current backers even helped us title this episode.

Get closer to the creative process by heading over to https://patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext now and joining WSIRN’s behind-the-scenes family.

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After a year of focusing on reading over 100 books while recovering from a running injury, today’s guest Natalie Van Waning is sprinting enthusiastically toward many readers’ worst nightmare: Looooooong books. We're talking doorstop, tweak your wrist getting them off the shelf, 40-hours-on-Audible long books. Natalie asked Anne to help her focus on quality instead of quantity, so get ready for sweeping multi-generational sagas, tour-guide novels, and heart-tugging family stories.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/173

You can connect with Natalie on her blog: http://imchattynatty.blogspot.com/

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Sean Larkin is a self-proclaimed “slow reader”, stay-at-home-parent, and freelance photographer. If you don’t relate to 100-book reading goals or refreshing your feed for the latest book news, Sean is the kindred reading spirit you’ve been waiting to hear from!

Anne chats with Sean about the book that made him nostalgic for a time period before he was born, calculating price-per-page at the library book sale, the longstanding bookish obsession he’s passing on to his wife and kids, and much more.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/172

You can check out Sean's photography work on Instagram and his website. 

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Ready for a trip to Scotland? Today Anne sits down in-person with Ruth Andersen, a brand new bookseller in Wigtown, Scotland, to chat about what it's like to live in a "book town", Ruth's return to school after 50 years, and the delicate balance of stocking a used bookstore's shelves. Because this episode was recorded in the shop, during business hours, you’ll get to experience some of the bookshop atmosphere… like the ding of the bell on the door, creaky floorboards, even customers shopping in the background!

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/171

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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This week Anne chats with Anna LeBaron, author of the memoir The Polygamist’s Daughter, about how literacy kept her going through a difficult childhood, and how as an adult she turned being an author’s biggest fan into a full-time career. You’ll hear how nonfiction put her dearest fractured relationships back together again, her tips for being a “patron of the arts” on a budget, and the redemptive nature of memoir-writing. Anna asked Anne to pair her with some novels that would convince her fiction isn’t a waste of her time, and that’s a responsibility WSIRN takes very seriously...

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/170

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

Learn more about Anna's work:

Website: http://www.AnnaLeBaron.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaklebaron/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annaklebaron

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaklebaron

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Meet Phimy Truong and Erika Thi Benjamin, best friends who share both a passion for work that creates positive change in the world AND practically identical reading taste (as you’ll hear, one of their favorites is shared). Today Anne, Phimy, and Erika chat about the book that taught them radical self-care, how literature has helped them dive more deeply into understanding of their heritage, fictional characters who move between cultures, and the community building work Phimy and Erika are doing in LA through their democracy-driven book club SisterInsider.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments if a book has ever changed YOUR self-care routine: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/169

Connect with the SisterInsider book club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisterinsiderbookclub

Follow Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northamerika

Follow Phimy on Instagram: instagram.com/elephantwomxn 

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today’s guest Tara Nichols is giving herself an eagle-eye view of the last century’s literary landscape. Her mission is to read one book published each year between 1920 and 2019. The challenge brings with it a lot of important questions… what is worth her time? Is it better to read the big important book from a given year, or the title she thinks she’ll enjoy most ? And the question she’s hoping to answer after the year is over… has literature changed in all this time?

Anne's challenge? Pitching 3 books worthy of adding to her lineup, including a book that is considered by some to be “the best mystery story ever written.”

Are you ready? Let’s get to it!

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments the books YOU would include in a century-of-books list: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/168

Follow Tara's reading challenge this year:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarajoy90/?hl=en

and Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/276636-tara-nichols

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today’s guest, Erin Morris, is tackling a book challenge with her child this year, and the impact on his imaginative life and her literary life has been no less than remarkable. If you have little ones, this episode is going to make you want to drop everything, pull them close, and enjoy a good book together.

Anne and Erin also discuss making reading fun and stress-free for ADULTS because not every book has to be a learning experience, serious topics treated with respect, and Anne match Erin with whimsical — but not gimmicky — fiction.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments about the books YOU love that walk the whimsical-but-not-gimmicky line: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/167

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today's guest Tiffany Patterson is a small-town reader who has created a new kind of literary get-together that is convincing her friends to give books a shot, even if they didn’t consider themselves “readers” before Tiffany got a hold of them.

Tiffany is also ready to break down her own reading barriers… she asked Anne to help ease her fiction-loving soul into NONfiction that will help her "feel smarter".

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what books have helped YOU feel smarter: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/166

Follow Tiffany's reading life on Instagram @tiffany_reads_too_many_books

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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If you entered the new year dreaming of a fresh approach to your reading life, today’s guest Jim Mustich is sharing decades of wisdom to help kick off your best reading year ever.

Anne and Jim chat about his new book 1000 Books to Read Before You Die, and why reading 1000 books might not be as daunting as it first sounds, then Jim takes on the book matchmaking mantle recommends which of the 1000 books he thinks *Anne* should prioritize in the new year.

Here's to another year of literary matchmaking, listeners! Thanks for being here with us.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what books you would include in a read-before-you-die list: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/165

Learn more about Jim’s book: www.1000bookstoread.com

Jim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000bookstoreadbeforeyoudie

Jim's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesmustich

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Chelsey and Curtis are childhood sweethearts looking to connect over a good book… and possibly, across an ocean. But their reading taste might not be as compatible as their personalities. Today they get brutally honest about their least-favorite books (Chelsey’s may shock you), Curtis gives a peek at his favorites from the Army’s required reading list, and Anne pushes them both out of their comfort zone with her recommendations.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what book YOU think Chelsey and Curtis should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/164

Listen to Chelsey and Curtis' podcast He Read, She Read on iTunes or your favorite podcast app!

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/he-read-she-read/id1436207095?mt=2

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Ashley Gossens created a nature-driven Seattle book club that brings the page to life in an adventurous, completely unique way. Today, Ashley and Anne talk about the wildlife encounter that made brought a book up-close and personal, what nature has taught Ashley about motherhood, and the particular, magical way a book can affect your confidence.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what YOU think Ashley should read on the trail next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/163

Connect with Ashley's Alpine Trails book club

Website: http://www.alpinelily.com/portfolio/alpine-trails-book-club

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpine_lily

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today’s guest Traci Thomas has had a hard time finding her niche in the online bookish community, because, as she puts it, she “reads like a dad”. But I have a hunch lots of listeners will relate to her obsession with true crime and the literary search for truth. We’re chatting about books that strengthen your sense of belonging, Traci’s reluctance to read fiction, and the best bad ending she has EVER read.

If you recognize her voice, there’s a reason for that… she hosts snappy podcast book club The Stacks, a show focused on giving you real life conversations about all things book. 

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what YOU think Traci should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/162

To check out Traci's show The Stacks:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacks/id1362164483?mt=2

Website: https://thestackspodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestackspod/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thestackspod_

Connect with Traci:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitracial/

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Literary podcast nerds rejoice–Ann Kingman of Books On The Nightstand fame is behind the mic once more! We asked you to call and write in about the people you want to give the gift of a good read this year… and WOW, you all delivered! Ann and Anne are dishing out rapid-fire recommendations for young AND old readers with highly varied literary interests. You’ll also get to hear what Ann’s been up to since Books on the Nightstand shut its doors, and both their favorite bookish-but-NOT-book gifts for the holiday or any other season.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and tell us in the comments what bookish gifts YOU are giving this year: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/161

Listen to archived episodes of Books on the Nightstand at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/books-on-the-nightstand/id278076085?mt=2

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Have you ever read a book that made the world around you feel just a little bit… magical? Today Anne welcomes author Jon Cohen on the show to chat about the magic of the mundane life in fiction, his unorthodox path to writing, the mighty bookworm women in his life, and what it was like to live with the school librarian as a child. Plus, Anne recommends three books guaranteed to make Jon's everyday just a little bit more... magical.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Jon should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/160

Jon's website: http://joncohenbooks.com

Jon's Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17138344.Jon_Cohen

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

Thanks to today's sponsors:

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Shawntaye Hopkins discovered Jane Austen’s books for the first time as an adult - and after that initial discovery, she dove in DEEP. Today, Anne and Shawntaye chat about the magic of immersive literary events that celebrate the classics (not just Jane!) and how they’ve changed the way Shawntaye reads her most beloved books.

They also explore TEN YEARS of book journaling, the book Shawntaye is still hungover from, the things readers do for fear of missing a good book, and Anne's recommendation for her includes a book you probably have never heard of.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Shawntaye should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/159

Visit Shawntaye on Instagram: @shawntaye1

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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If you have a gigantic pile of books that you own but haven’t yet read looming somewhere in your house, today's guest Whitney Conard totally gets you. Anne is chatting with Whitney about the Instagram endeavor #TheUnreadShelfProject, saying goodbye to reading shame, the right and not-quite-right times to read (for instance, in math class) and then, at Whitney’s invitation, Anne takes a hard look at Whitney’s unread shelf to help her decide what she should read next.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Whitney should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/158

Connect with Whitney on her website www.theunreadshelf.com, on Instagram @theunreadshelf and her hashtag #TheUnreadShelfProject2018.

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today Anne chats with a reader who turned her family’s difficult story into a book that has brought joy and hope to countless readers.

Georgia Hunter got curious about her family history, and a few questions put to the right relatives uncovered something she didn’t expect—a sweeping multi-generational drama just begging to be written down. So, she did. That story became We Were the Lucky Ones, a historical fiction novel Anne discussed with Clara Breitenmoser in Ep 131, and at WSIRN Live! from The Novel Neighbor in Ep 76.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Georgia should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/157

Connect with Georgia: 

Website: http://www.georgiahunterauthor.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/georgiahunter

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/georgiahunter

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Clear your calendars -- today’s episode might inspire you to rethink and rearrange your whole home library. Myquillyn Smith, author of home decor books Cozy Minimalist Home and The Nesting Place, joins Anne to chat about the revelation of ribbon on a bookshelf, spunky iconoclastic women in fiction, why she doesn’t have a library card, and books that give you a kick in the pants... what she does to dust jackets might horrify you, but you’ll be laughing all the way.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Myquillyn should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/156

Visit Myquillyn at TheNester.com, and follow her on Instagram @thenester.

• The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful (Amazon | Barnes & Noble)

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

Join the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club at www.members.modernmrsdarcy.com

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Today’s guests ask Anne to bridge the divide between an imaginative-fiction lover and a scientific-NONfiction lover. Ashley and Brent are a father-daughter reading duo who share an Audible account and a love for an untold story.

Anne, Ashley, and Brent cover everything from Ashley’s mega-popular most HATED book, how they survive differing tastes to make reading a family affair, and the story of who stole whose Audible credits...

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Ashley and Brent should read together next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/155

Follow Ashley's reading life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigworld_books

Apply to be a guest on WSIRN: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

Join the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club at www.members.modernmrsdarcy.com

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Today, guest RuthAnn Deveney lead Anne into the world of special-interest reading, discussing how her passion for victim advocacy brought powerful literature into her life that she wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. They also chat about sensitive-reader self-care how books are like spicy food, books that would be much better as the 10 minute TED Talks that inspired them… and so much more.

Be aware that today’s episode contains some conversation about human trafficking and physical abuse. If you know these topics are triggering for you, please take care of yourself by listening with caution, or simply setting this episode aside and tuning in next week.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think RuthAnn should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/154

Check out RuthAnn's Dressember page or go a step further and join her team! 

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

You can join the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club at www.members.modernmrsdarcy.com

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Kari Sweeney is a working mom of four who has developed a VERY unique system to keep her reading life running like clockwork. Kari and Anne chat about wishy washy star ratings, the right season for the right book, reading at the grocery store... and Kari is sharing her secret to getting the hottest new books the week they release -- for FREE.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Kari should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/153

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Get ready for a serious TBR-filler. Today’s guest Elham Ali flips the script to recommend Canadian literature to Anne… but turnabout is fair play, and Anne won't let her leave without some of HER favorite CanLit recommendations.

It's a bookish road trip around the Great White North, full of juicy book-marketing gossip, literary sin revelry, and much much more. Stick around until AFTER the credits to hear one last clip about Elham meeting an unexpected reading hero on the bus. It’s so good, you do NOT want to miss it.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Elham should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/152

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today's guest populates the “candy aisle” of the bookstore. Maria Ribas is a literary agent who specializes in gorgeous full-color cookbooks and snappy self-help! So yes, she totally has it covered in the nonfiction department, but her fiction game could use a little freshening… and that’s where Anne comes in.

Whether you like exploring the stories behind a great recipe, letting a lush historical novel sweep you away, or pumping yourself up with a snarky self-help book, today’s episode will nourish your readerly soul.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Maria should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/151

Connect with Maria:

Blog: http://cooksplusbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maria_ribas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaribas00

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Until recently, reading was a means to an end in language arts teacher Julie Mushkin's life - and the type of book that totally turned things around for her may surprise you. Today, Anne and Julie are recommending books perfectly suited for both teens AND adults, chatting about serious book projects, what to do when you have no reading stamina, and infiltrating the not-so-secret world of teens...

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Julie should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/150

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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WSIRN’s producer Brenna Frederick is in the virtual studio today, and she’s bringing an armload of YOUR questions to the table, gathered from email, instagram, and the comment section.

What did Anne do with her life before she became a blogger and podcaster? What movie is TOTALLY better than the book it’s based on? How do guests get themselves on the show? Are audiobooks really considered “reading”? They're answering all these questions and more, plus dropping a bunch of book recommendations straight from their bookish heart to yours.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU'RE thinking about reading next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/149

Drop our producer a friendly note at brenna@modernmrsdarcy.com

If you'd like to be on the show, you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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We’ve talked more than once on WSIRN about how the power of reading aloud forges family bonds… and today’s guest, Laura Summerhill, puts that thought into action in a brilliant and life-affirming way. But she’s also been out of the pleasure reading game for a long, long time while working on her PhD, and today Anne attempts to reconnect her with what everyone’s been talking about in the book world while she’s been gone.

Anne is going on book tour! Find out if she's coming to your area: http://annebogel.com/events

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Laura should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/148

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Anne chats with Marines Alvarez and Nicole Sweeney, bookworm best friends who like to keep their reading life SOCIAL. Together they host the podcast Snark Squad, where they rehash books, tv, and movies with a sharp eye and a lot of laughs. True to character, Marines and Nicole brought the giggles to WSIRN -- they're about how the internet has changed reading forever, destroying their childhood favorites, controversial star rating opinions, books that really sucker punch you in the feels, and more.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Marines and Nicole should read together next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/147

Make sure to give Snark Squad Pod a listen: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/snark-squad-pod/id1331049036?mt=2

And snoop around the Snark Squad blog archives: https://www.snarksquad.com/

Connect with Marines:

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/mynameismarines 

Twitter: @mynameismarines

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7013001-mari

Connect with Nicole: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SweeneySays

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sweeneysays

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today, Anne has an incredible conversation with Chatti Phal-Brown about how war, family, trauma, joy, and hope for the future have shaped her reading life. Chatti requests recommendations from a genre almost NEVER discussed on the show, and her least favorite book might surprise you...

CONTENT WARNING: Today’s episode gets emotional at times, and Chatti speaks candidly about topics like genocide, sexual assault, and racism. If those topics might be triggering for you, please take care of yourself by listening with caution, or simply setting this episode aside and tuning in next week.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Chatti should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/146

You can hear more from Chatti on her blog ChattiTheBrave.com, follow her on Instagram @chattithebrave, and browse her GORGEOUS handcrafted body products on Instagram @remyandrose.

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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Today we have a special bonus episode for you! Anne's new book I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life comes out in a little less than a month. Today she's reading you the first chapter. And YOU get to play along in a fun, social, and bibliotherapeutic way.

The first essay is titled Confess Your Literary Sins, and in it, Anne shares how (and why) readers somehow feel compelled to reveal all the guilty secrets of their reading lives—to her.

But she's learned over the years that it feels so much better—and is so much more fun—to get these secrets out into the open.

So listen to the short episode, download the intro and first chapter, and get ready to spill YOUR bookish secrets with the hashtag #confessyourliterary sins.

Click here to visit Anne's blog for more info (and to see her favorite illustration from her new book).

And psst—that preorder deadline is August 14: don't miss it! Get the lowdown right here.

Happy listening, and happy reading!

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Today, Anne tackles guest Travis Meserve's bookstore anxiety - where should you look in the store to find your next read? How do you get past the nerves and talk to your friendly local bookseller? And is there a secret key to understanding the bestsellers table up front?

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Travis should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/144

You can read more about Travis' reading life and world travels on his blog, MeserveReserve.com.

If you'd like to be on the show you can apply to be a guest at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/guest

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If both Netflix and the bookshelf hold equal value in your heart, you’ll totally relate to today’s guest. Patience Randle loves a book with cinematic appeal, especially if it comes with a comfy chair and a great cup of coffee.

Today, Patience and Anne chat about books that would make great screenplays, Patience's favorite places to enjoy a good book and a brew, future novel-writing dreams, what would happen if the apocalypse came to their hometowns, and so much more!

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment telling us what YOU think Patience should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/143

Check out Patience's blog, and make sure to follow her gorgeous bookish Instagram @inkandfable!

Blog: http://www.patiencerandle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkandfable

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In episode 138, we met NYPL librarians Gwen and Frank, who filled WILDLY different roles despite working within the same library system. Today, Anne explores a smaller-town librarian experience through the eyes of Sarah Peden, a children’s librarian from Humboldt, Tennessee.

Sarah is full of stories about the long road to librarianship, strange patron requests, small town scandals that echo for decades, and so much more delicious library gossip. And if you’ve ever wondered who wins in battle Wikipedia vs the Librarian… she’s weighing in with her opinions.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, and leave a comment with a story about YOUR library experiences when you were a child: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/142

You can follow Sarah on Instagram, @sarahthelibrarygirl.

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Anne chats with Ian Morgan Cron, noted Enneagram teacher, psychotherapist, author of The Road Back to You and host of the Typology podcast, about how their favorite literary characters (and maybe a few movie characters) fit into the framework of the super-hot-right-now Enneagram personality system. From Hermione Granger to Jay Gatsby to Marianne Dashwood to Samwise Gamgee... today we cover a LOT of literary ground. 

If you don’t know anything about the Enneagram personality framework, don’t worry! This episode is totally newbie-friendly.

Click over to the podcast website for a list of books mentioned in this episode, a friendly comment section, and helpful Enneagram resources: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/141

Ian's website: http://www.iancron.com

Subscribe to Ian's show Typology.

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Today’s guest Cindy Wang-Brandt has gone through a lot of shifts in her life - spiritual, political, familial… which around here, begs a question: what do those shifts do to a person’s reading life? Join Anne and Cindy in an examination of how identities are reflected in what books we choose, the lenses we bring to what we read, what “counts” as literary fiction, stories that help us understand the chaotic world around us, and so much more.

Click over to the podcast website to tell Cindy what YOU think she should read next, or tell us about your own reading life shifts: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/140

Subscribe to Cindy's podcast Parenting Forward: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-forward-stories-strategies-solutions-for/id1403686245?mt=2

Connect with Cindy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cindy_w_brandt

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

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Anne chats with Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed podcast, which features interviews with thoughtful people who have big ideas about making a “conscious, creative effort toward a life worth living.”

Anne and Eric talk about his favorite comic strip character, embarrassing library visits, books for the meditative reader, the patron saint of WSIRN, noir detective novels, and much much more.

Click over to the podcast website to tell Eric what YOU think he should read next, or tell us about your own favorite comic strip character: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/139

Follow Anne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneBogel 

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

Connect with Eric at www.oneyoufeed.net.

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Gwen Glazer and Frank Collerius work in unique roles at the New York Public Library system, and together host the wonderful podcast The Librarian Is In.

Today Anne, Gwen, and Frank have a heart-to-heart chat about the ways librarians' roles have shifted over the past decade, how libraries adapt to meet their patrons needs, and opportunities for you to give back to your library in valuable ways.

Click over to the podcast website to leave a comment about your favorite library tips, tricks, and memories: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/138

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

Want more Gwen and Frank? Listen to The Librarian Is In wherever you get your podcasts! You can also follow Frank's branch on Instagram @jefferson_market_library, or follow NYPL on Twitter @NYPLrecommends.

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Leigh Kramer is a former medical social worker, and the author of a brand new novel about life, love, and loss called A Storied Life. Today Anne digs deep with former social worker and current author Leigh Kramer to discuss a tough, nuanced topic: grief. From instructive texts, to descriptive fiction, to tales-of-caution, the bookshelf has a lot to say about this universal human emotion.

This is a great conversation, but you should know that some of the books we discuss grapple with things like cancer, death, miscarriage, and other trauma. If these topics are triggering for you, or if you are currently recovering from a loss, please take care of yourself by listening with caution, or simply putting this episode aside for a later time.

Connect with Leigh: Book | Blog | Instagram

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, or to leave a comment letting Jen know what YOU think she should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/137

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Readers, welcome to our first impromptu and improvised episode of What Should I Read Next!

Today Anne tells you a little about our new class, Get More Out of Your Library. Click here for more details, and click here to learn more about the MMD Book Club and sign up before the Wednesday class.

In this episode, Anne also tells you a small-world bookish story, and shares One Great Book for your TBR.

We hope you enjoy today's episode! We'll be back next week with a new Tuesday episode.

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Connect with Anne: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WSIRN Instagram

Sign up for the free WSIRN newsletter at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/newsletter

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Guest and author Jen Hatmaker is known for speaking publicly about a LOT of things, but reading isn’t one of them! At least, not the books she’s really reading on her own time—and today you’re going to hear how different those titles are from what you probably EXPECT her to enjoy reading.

Today Jen and I get to chat about about the intricacies of her home library, the book that gave her nightmares, the books she's afraid to read on the bus, the finer points of humor writing, our foodie favorites, and more.

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, or to leave a comment letting Jen know what YOU think she should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/135

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Connect with Jen: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

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Ben Huntington is a young audiobook fanatic who chews through stories at an exhilarating rate - we’re talking reading the Hobbit in one week! Today, Anne recommends a ton of great audiobook series to keep his reading list full all summer.

This is an episode the whole family can enjoy, full of books perfect for road trip entertainment! And stay tuned till the end for follow up commentary from Ben and his mom, including funny jokes and helpful resources for topics discussed today.

You could be featured in an upcoming episode! Tell us about your favorite library tips and tricks. How do you get the most out of your library's resources? Is there a perfect balance to your library hauls? Talk back: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/talk

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode, or to leave a comment letting Ben know what YOU think he should read next: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/134

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Guest Sachi Argabright discovered a rich vein of books by Asian American authors who inspire her, and it’s given her reading life wings. In today's episode, Anne tops up her list with unique and soon-to-be-released titles so she can stay in that happy place for a long time to come. 

They also discuss travel, reading goals, book organization (see her gorgeous "favorites bookshelf" on the shownotes page of our site), and much much more.

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/133

And while you're at it make sure you check out the 2018 Summer Reading Guide: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2018/

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It’s time to get your library holds all set up for a long summer of reading! Whether you’re looking for a contemporary page-turner, something spine-chilling, a chunky classic, a dose of reality, or if you’re suspending expectations in hope of some bookish serendipity… Anne is here with friend of the show and bookseller Annie Jones to discuss the alllll the hot titles they can’t help but want to shove in their friends hands. 

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/132

And while you're at it make sure you check out the 2018 Summer Reading Guide: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2018/

Connect with Annie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniebjones05/

The Bookshelf: https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/

Shelf Subscription service: https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/subscriptions/

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Jane Austen devotees will get a big kick out of today’s guest - Clara Breitenmoser is originally from New Zealand, currently lives in England, and now spends her days smack in the middle of a favorite literary landmark.

Anne and Clara talk about heritage preservation, tracking reading with the help of our friends, excellent foodie memoirs, and also dive into Clara’s tough special request: She wants to read more books about characters in their 20s, without romance as the central theme.

Take the WSIRN listener survey: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/survey

And let us know what YOU'RE reading this Summer, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/talk

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/131

Follow Anne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneBogel 

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

Check out Clara's travel blog here: cafesandcultureblog.wordpress.com

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Pop quiz - what is true of only 14 of the 110 Nobels awarded for Literature since the category's founding in 1901? Answer: only 14 women have received the honor.

Today’s guests Kendra Winchester and Autumn Privett are intent on giving brilliant female authors their due. Every month, their podcast Reading Women shines a spotlight on a different genre or type of author - some favorite past themes include Women in Translation, Southern Literature, and Women of Color.

So what better way to celebrate female authors on What Should I Read Next than a little roundtable literary matchmaking? Autumn, Kendra, and Anne chat about reading women as little girls, their favorite recent books by female authors, and introduce each other to hidden gems. Ready your TBR list!

Take the WSIRN listener survey: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/survey

And let us know what YOU'RE reading this Summer, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/talk

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/130

Tune in to Reading Women podcast: https://www.readingwomenpodcast.com

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Between her 2016 appearance on WSIRN and today, reader Osheta's Moore's creative projects have blossomed in beautiful ways. Today, Anne is catching up with Osheta to find out about the podcast that was just a baby project when they first chatted, the perfect library haul formula, how a reading life can change in 2 years, and how Osheta's one especially important bookshelf has grown over time. 

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/129/

Follow Anne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneBogel 

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

Check out Osheta Moore's podcast, Shalom Sessions: http://shalominthecity.com/shalom-sessions

Thanks to today's sponsors

ThirdLove: Go to ThirdLove.com/READNEXT now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! 

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If the word “biography” doesn’t fill you with excitement, maybe today’s guest Tracie Haddock’s enthusiasm can convince you to give them another shot. She even calls one famous biographer her “adopted grandfather”—although what she’s REALLY looking for are great biographies about amazing women, because she just hasn’t found enough out there.

In this episode, Anne and Tracie discuss books about extraordinary people living during fascinating times, whether or not to be stingy with star ratings, unreliable NON-fiction authors, books so engrossing they’ve made Tracie’s family fend for themselves at dinnertime, and much much more.

Click over to the podcast website for the full list of titles discussed in this episode: http://modernmrsdarcy.com/128-episode/

Follow Anne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneBogel 

Follow WSIRN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshouldireadnext

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