What Should I Read Next?

By: Anne Bogel
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    © Anne Bogel
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Art Literary History & Criticism
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Episodes
  • Ep 472: Literary + Genre = match made in heaven

    Ep 472: Literary + Genre = match made in heaven
    Apr 1 2025
    Finding highly discussable books for book clubs often feels like a full-time job, especially if you're a member of multiple long-standing book clubs like today's guest, Lara. Today, Lara joins Anne to talk about her constant search for fiction that explores the human condition in all its messy glory. She loves these sorts of books because they give her so much to talk about with her fellow readers. Recently, Lara was listening to an episode of our podcast when she heard Anne mention her appreciation for books that are literary AND, as in literary novels that also bring in strong genre elements like romance or adventure or mystery. Lara's reaction was, Oh, me too. In their conversation today, she and Anne talk more about books that are literary AND, and Anne recommends specific titles Lara may want to add to her TBR. Find the full list of those titles and other links from today's show at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/472. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Ep 471: Don't let perfectionism ruin your reading life

    Ep 471: Don't let perfectionism ruin your reading life
    Mar 25 2025
    Over the past few years, today's guest has been on a journey of self-discovery. Florida reader Casey has been working on coming to terms with her perfectionism and along the way, she's been noticing what it means for her reading life. Casey's noticed she tends to save highly anticipated books for later: some uncertain time down the road when circumstances make the timing at long last completely perfect to pick up that book she's really been wanting to read. But Casey knows firsthand that our time is limited, and it is a certainty she'll run out of time to read everything she wants to. So, how to decide what should she read right now, and how can she prompt herself to actually read those books? Today, she and Anne explore these readerly struggles, with special emphasis on finding backlist titles that are a little bit weird, a little bit whimsical, and that just might take Casey by surprise. Find the list of titles mentioned today and leave your suggestions for Casey over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/471. Many of Patreon Community members enjoy the flexibility of Patreon, which lets them tune in to Bonus Episodes and other features on their own schedule. When you join us on Patreon, you'll get our weekly bonuses right in your podcast feed just like our Tuesday morning episodes, and all our live events are recorded so you can take part on your schedule. Patreon is also a tangible way to support everything we do here at What Should I Read Next?. Find out more and join us at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Ep 470: Revisiting childhood favorites for a nostalgic reading project

    Ep 470: Revisiting childhood favorites for a nostalgic reading project
    Mar 18 2025
    Re-reading is a practice fits into every reader's life in a different way, and today's guest has embarked on a unique reading challenge that brings a fresh perspective to her re-reading. Sarah Swarbrick joins Anne today from the outskirts of Sydney, Australia, to talk about the special project she's crafted in advance of her 53rd birthday. With her responsibilities shifting and her kids getting older, Sarah's finding more time for reading lately, and she's excited about having extra space to approach her books with a different kind of thoughtfulness and intention. Sarah's decided to re-read a selection of her favorite books from childhood, and she's also trying to pair each childhood favorite with a more recent release. She's looking for books that have a lot to say to each other, that can really be in conversation with each other, and not just in the ways that are obvious on the surface. She and Anne discuss Sarah's project so far, and explore some unpaired re-reads to discover which new-to-her titles Sarah might enjoy matching with her long-standing favorites. See the list of titles discussed today and leave your suggestions for Sarah on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/470. Our What Should I Read Next Patreon community makes a very real difference in our ability to do the work we do: as a way to say thank you for that ongoing financial support, we share weekly bonus episodes and invite our community members to join us for special events, like our upcoming Summer Reading Guide live unboxing. Thanks to everyone who is already a part of our Patreon community, we are so appreciative. If you would like to come join us, get the details at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins

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My readerly community

I've been keeping up with this podcast for years, and by this point Anne and her team feel like old friends. Every time I start a new episode, it feels like stepping in a familiar, cozy livingroom. My TBR list has exploded with hundreds and hundreds of possibilities; I've been introduced to so many new reading experiences I never would've known if I hadn't met this podcast. Not only that, but my knowledge of my own reading tastes has expanded, and with that, it feels as if I've unlocked a door to another world, one where the options are endless. A HUGE thank you to Anne and the rest of the team. As for the others reading this review: stop scrolling and start listening.

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Self improvement? Yuck. Actually, Yes Please!

As it happens often with Read Next episodes, I started this one and thought Nah, that’s not in my wheelhouse. . . but ended up listening to the whole episode (twice) and reading every single book suggested, and loving them!

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just a lovely way to spend an hour

this podcast is so positive and insightful. as a reader, I appreciate the suggestions. I also like hearing what others are reading.

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