~ cueing up the show ~
~ pulling every episode ~
What Should I Read Next? — Every episode — OmList
om
list
Swipe
Tournament
Lists
Friends
All
Movies
TV
Books
Games
Music
Podcasts
People
▾
Sign in
Every episode
What Should I Read Next?
30 episodes
Ep 537: Tackling a tower of unread ebooks
Ep 537 · Aug 11, 2026 · 52 min
We hear from many readers who set reading goals informed by their to-be-read stacks, whether physical or digital. Today's guest has a specific and relatable goal of making progress through her library of already purchased ebooks. Danielle Petrie lives and works in the Canadian prairies, where she enjoys swing dancing, outdoor activities, and reading. Historically, it's been important to Danielle to keep her ebook library at about 50% read, with the other half ready to enjoy. But lately, Danielle…
Ep 536: Classic novels ripe for discussion (and excursions to pair with them)
Ep 536 · Aug 4, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
If you’ve ever felt intimated by old books, or haven’t been sure you’re reading them “correctly”, it is NOT just you. We regularly hear from readers seeking tips and advice on how to read the classics. Earlier this season New Yorker Lizzey McFarlin sent us her guest submission asking for help to approach the classics in a different way. She’d been trying to read them the way she’d approach any other book—late at night, hoping to sink in and quickly turn the pages—but was too often growing so bor…
Ep 535: Branching out thanks to a book bingo challenge
Ep 535 · Jul 28, 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Today's guest is a Kentucky neighbor who has both a specific reading project and a dilemma we know is shared by many readers. Emily Holladay is a pastor in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she lives with her family. As a newish mom, Emily is still finding her outside-of-parenthood hobbies, but reading has been a constant throughout her life. Emily's a member of a book club at Carmichael's Bookstore, which happens to be Anne's local bookstore. When Emily completed her guest submission form and told us…
Ep 534: Writing stories of hope, and a timely Odyssey discussion
Ep 534 · Jul 21, 2026 · 59 min
Today we're sharing a conversation with an author who has been discussed often here on the podcast: William Kent Krueger. We originally held this author talk over in Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, and which we're sharing with you today as we explore Krueger's book This Tender Land. This conversation feels especially timely and has been on our minds and on our tongues, as This Tender Land was inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, a timeless story that many of you tell us you're looking forward to s…
Ep 533: Midyear reading check-in
Ep 533 · Jul 14, 2026 · 57 min
Today Anne is joined by our Patreon Community Manager, Shannan Malone for a third year as they dive into their reading lives for a midyear check-in. We know this is a conversation that many of you have come to look forward to every year. Anne has been reflecting and planning for this episode for a long time, and she's excited about what Shannan is bringing to share today. You'll hear about what's been happening so far in each of their reading lives and where recalibration or adjustment may be ca…
Ep 532: Backlist gems: still the wildest way we've heard to choose what to read next
Ep 532 · Jul 7, 2026 · 49 min
We often talk about backlist books around here because there is a wealth of delight to be found in titles that aren't getting the buzz and attention of recent releases. In fact, one of our most frequent requests from listeners and prospective guests is "help me find backlist gems." We are riffing on that theme by sharing a backlist episode with you: today Anne is resurfacing a conversation that we still talk about and hear about all the time, in part because of the guest's absolutely unique way…
Ep 531: Seeking light but not fluffy summer reads for a good escape
Ep 531 · Jun 23, 2026 · 1 hr
Today's guest is navigating a tough season, and as a result she is looking forward to a summer of books with heart that won't be too emotionally draining. Kayla Crum is searching for what she calls light but not fluffy reads, and she's not exactly sure where to find the types of titles she's looking for. Kayla's an RN and freelance writer living in Grand Haven, Michigan, where she enjoys making the most of her Lake Michigan proximity by spending time outside with her family and reading on the be…
Ep 530: Nothing holds my attention like a romance
Ep 530 · Jun 16, 2026 · 44 min
Anne dives into the world of beach reads with Kristina Forest, contemporary romance writer and author of the 2026 MMD Summer Reading Guide title, The Summer Girlfriend. In the Guide, Anne described it as a sweet summer romance bursting with bookishness and baked goods. The beach setting was inspired by a handful of real places and Kristina's deep and abiding love for the Jersey Shore. Anne and Kristina chat all about that today, along with some of Kristina's very favorite titles for beach readin…
Ep 529: A short summer project to rebuild reading stamina
Ep 529 · Jun 9, 2026 · 59 min
We love a summer reading project of any style, and when Anne read the submission from today's guest and her quest for what she is calling a short summer of reading, she wanted to talk about it on the show. Emily Henderson is a mom of four, writer, and runner with a passion for home design, and she loves a project. While Emily came to reading later in life, she's found through trial and error what really works for her, and these days that's often books in an audio format. This summer, though, Emi…
Ep 528: What should I read this summer?
Ep 527 · Jun 2, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Every year we remind readers that our Summer Reading Guide isn't a list of books you should read, it's a list of books you could read. Today's guest knows that reading is personal, and that's why she's here to get Anne's help figuring out which titles from the 2026 Guide she should prioritize. Ashley Cornelius lives in Santa Barbara with her family, where she's a high school science teacher. Ashley reached out to tell us about the books she's loved and one she didn't from past Summer Reading Gui…
Ep 527: The perfect books for readers fascinated by museums, art, and the creative process
Ep 527 · May 26, 2026 · 54 min
Today's book lover is seeking a literary doorway into the creative world of art and museums. Kristine Parsons doesn't have an art background. She works as a county road commission manager in Michigan, yet she is fascinated by art and museums, and finds herself drawn to immersive and engaging stories that incorporate one or both elements into the story. Kristine loves to travel and visit museums in person, but her day-to-day life between work and two active pre-teens means that in this season, th…
Ep 526: Anne unboxes the 2026 Minimalist Summer Reading Guide
Ep 526 · May 19, 2026 · 23 min
This week, Anne is sharing an excerpt from our 2026 Summer Reading Guide Live Unboxing. To mark our 15th Guide, we’re inviting you to listen in as she tells you all about this year's Minimalist Picks. During our Summer Reading Guide Unboxing, Anne goes through every book and tells you why out of the hundreds of books she considered for the Guide that year, these are the ones she landed on. What makes them interesting, what is each story like, what kinds of readers might they appeal to? In today’…
Ep 525: Get ready for a reading retreat
Ep 525 · May 12, 2026 · 57 min
I am delighted to welcome our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager, Ginger Horton, back to the show to talk about this year's 15th annual Summer Reading Guide and dive into all things summer reading. Ginger has been collaborating on the Guide for many years now, and she played an integral role in selecting our 2026 reading retreat theme. As you'll hear today, she's also the reason we started hosting our annual Unboxing live events. We're going to get into that in detail. Ginger is also a…
Ep 524: Short books that still feel substantial
Ep 524 · May 5, 2026 · 54 min
Today Anne is talking books with Lee Weick, a Michigan-dwelling former teacher and grandmother who knows that variety keeps her reading life going. Lee loves big, long books and is most satisfied with her reading life when she's reading those big books on a regular basis. But as you will hear, Lee has learned that the rhythms of her reading life also require a nice, steady supply of books on the shorter side. Lately, Lee is feeling stuck when it comes to finding shorter reads that still feel sub…
Ep 523: Some people read the Great Books, so why not me?
Ep 523 · Apr 28, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
After completing a classics reading project, today's guest really wants to keep her reading momentum while also bringing more non-classics back into her reading life. Today we're trying something new and inviting a team member alongside Anne to help tackle one reader-specific reading dilemma. As you'll hear today, Anne couldn't help but notice that guest Cheryl Drury's tastes and recent reading project shares a lot in common with team member Ginger Horton's reading life. Ginger is our Modern Mrs…
Ep 522: Keeping things light in my reading life
Ep 522 · Apr 21, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
We often hear from readers who wish to avoid heavier topics in their reading lives, and today Anne is talking with a guest hunting for books that feel light, warm, and stimulating, but not overly stressful. Angela Frith hails from Lexington, North Carolina, where she works as a K-12 curriculum developer and is a member of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and What Should I Read Next? Patreon communities. As she considers her reading life this year, Angela is hoping for titles that feature the warmt…
Ep 521: Everything L.M. Montgomery and how to build a deeper reading roster
Ep 521 · Apr 14, 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Many of you will well understand our team's excitement when we saw today's guest submission land in our inboxes. Today, Anne is talking with Kate Scarth, chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. They discuss Kate's work as well as some of Kate's favorite Montgomery retellings and homages, but their main focus today is on Kate's reading life. She's interested in building out a deep reading roster for the kinds of books she especially enjoys. Books featuring lite…
Ep 520: Why are so many promising-sounding titles not working for me?
Ep 520 · Apr 7, 2026 · 55 min
Today's guest would love to add more four and five-star picks to her reading list and she's curious about techniques that might help get her there. Kelly Krause is a first grade teacher who lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family. When Kelly discovers a winning author, it feels like a slam dunk to read the rest of their work. But when it comes to branching out in new directions, Kelly is not as confident. She's wondering whether devoting more time to reflecting on her reads by analyzing what…
Ep 519: Let's plan a Read the USA project
Ep 519 · Mar 24, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
We hear about all different kinds of reading challenges around here, and today's guest is seeking titles to help mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mary Pogue lives in St. Louis with her family, where she enjoys her work as a digital marketing strategist and her hobbies like coaching field hockey, traveling, and of course, reading. This year, Mary's embarking on a challenge she is calling Read the USA. Her goal is to read a book set in or written by an author from every U.S. state.…
Ep 518: Striking a feel-good balance in your reading life
Ep 518 · Mar 17, 2026 · 53 min
Indie bookstore owner Nikkya joins Anne today to talk about the pain points in her reading life. Nikkya reads widely for her work as owner of Obodo Serendipity Books in Stratford, Connecticut. She is most at home as a reader in her go-to nonfiction spaces, where she knows what she likes and is able to find it. After having a real aha moment six months ago, Nikkya has been trying to strike a delicate balance between her professional reading and reading for pleasure. And it's only going okay. She'…
Ep 517: Seeking contemporary novels to complement Jane Austen classics
Mar 10, 2026 · 53 min
It's no secret that we are fans of Jane Austen, completist author aspirations, and reading projects of all stripes. So when Tzipi Turner's guest submission landed in our What Should I Read Next? inbox, we could not wait to invite her on and talk about her project to become a Jane Austen completist herself. Tzipi lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she works as the director of special education for a local school district and is a new grandmother. Tzipi decided to mark Jane Austen's recent 250th bir…
Ep 516: Don't overthink your buddy reads
Ep 516 · Mar 3, 2026 · 50 min
Today's guest is looking for titles to help bridge the large geographic gap between her and her sister. Ruth Werwai hails from Vancouver, Canada, but she's lived in Germany with her family for over a decade. Recently, she and her sister have created a book club of two. They've found that reading books together helps them feel close even while they're physically far apart. But when it comes to finding the right books, Ruth is feeling a bit stymied. A few recent selections have been, in Ruth's wor…
Ep 515: I can't read all the books, and that's okay
Ep 515 · Feb 24, 2026 · 56 min
Bookshelf overwhelm is a common concern around here, so we know today's conversation will resonate with many readers. Our guest today is Holly Dyer, whose name might be familiar if you're a member of our book club or Patreon communities, because Holly is an active member of both. Holly's a mom and classical musician from Massachusetts, and she's no stranger to a good book. Lately, though, Holly has been feeling stressed out about all the books she could be reading. This year, she'd like to refoc…
Ep 514: Seeking heartwarming, oh-so-discussable reads
Ep 514 · Feb 17, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
We often hear from book club members who are interested in finding the right picks for their reading groups. Today Anne explores a deliciously fun twist on this idea with guest Madeline Janney, an early intervention speech therapist with a unique community-based hobby you'll hear more about today. This year, Madeline and her mom are forming a book club of two in their hometown of New Orleans. And, they'd love to pair their to-be-read list with discussions at the local restaurants they've been dy…
Ep 513: Maggie O’Farrell on writing for the page and screen
Ep 513 · Feb 10, 2026 · 46 min
Readers, we have a special episode for you today: Anne is talking with one of her favorite authors, Maggie O'Farrell. They're not just talking about one book, one film, or one story today; instead, their conversation explores the creative process, and why certain stories resonate both broadly and individually. They discuss emotional resonance and joy and sorrow and pain, and bringing worlds to life in a way that feels real and true and urgent. We hope this episode will help you think about what…
Ep 512: I'm looking for 5-star stunners
Ep 512 · Feb 3, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Today's guest has been on a long run of three or three-and-a-half-star reads. This isn't bad, but it's not what she's looking for, so she and Anne dive into this conundrum together. Meredith Wiggins works in library services from her hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, which means she is well-versed in recommending books to readers and finding great titles for herself. Lately, though, Meredith has struggled to find the five-star reads that leave her in the best kind of tears at book's end. She's alrea…
Ep 511: Ask Anne Anything: 10 Year Anniversary Edition
Ep 511 · Jan 27, 2026 · 59 min
Across the years, we've periodically hosted Ask Anne Anything events in our Patreon community, and today you're hearing a replay of our latest gathering. These live events invite our Patreon community members to submit their burning questions, and Anne does her best to answer as many of them as she can. As we continue to mark 10 years of this podcast and all the books and reading talk we've enjoyed across those years, we thought a live AMA would be a fun way to celebrate. You'll get to hear the…
Ep 510: Finding classics that shine on audio
Ep 510 · Jan 20, 2026 · 58 min
Our guest today is searching for classics in audio format, with narration that brings stories and characters alive. Janae Mast lives in small town, Kansas, where she's a stay-at-home mom to her young son and looking forward to the arrival of her second child this spring. Janae's found that the audio format works especially well for her in this season of life, and she's here to get ideas for classics on audio that offer immersive reading experiences, that prompt curiosity, and that teach her new…
Ep 509: Your favorite book discoveries from 10 years of WSIRN
Ep 509 · Jan 13, 2026 · 35 min
At the end of last year, you heard us ask for your help to create this celebratory episode. For ten years now, you've been telling us how this show has bolstered your reading life, and in some cases, completely transformed it. We don't just talk book titles here: we love diving deep into conversations that explore why we love what we love, why some books just don't work for us, and importantly, what it all means in our reading lives. We firmly believe that the reason this format works, week in a…
Ep 508: Anne's Best Books of 2025
Ep 508 · Jan 6, 2026 · 47 min
We're kicking off 2026 and a year of exciting milestones today! On January 12th, we are celebrating 10 years of our podcast: we'll be sharing a few special podcast episodes to mark this moment. And as you'll hear today, as we move into the rest of 2026, there is plenty more to celebrate. While today's episode isn't technically part of our anniversary celebrations, it's become an annual tradition over the past few years. Today, Anne is joined by her husband and our executive producer Will Bogel t…
← Back to the show
