This time of year, so many readers are looking to tip-toe (or sometimes, to sprint) into scary stories, but finding the right spooky read can be tricky.Today’s guest Margaret Prinzing knows what she likes to read in her preferred genres, but she's recently embarked on a journey to read more thrilling books and is eager to discover some new reads to help her find her way. But we don't just talk ghost stories and haunted houses—we discuss some of the challenges of breaking into a new genre of any kind, and Anne shares some top tips for readers looking to try something new without feeling totally disconnected from what they know the love.We hope you'll enjoy the conversation with Margaret today, and will walk away feeling inspired about what you hope to read next!You can see the full list of recommendations for Margaret at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/303, and leave a comment to suggest your favorite spooky reads you think she might enjoy.Thanks to this week's sponsors:Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today at prose.com/readnext.Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin was formulated by exhaustive research to help fill the most common nutrient gaps for women 18 and above, and right now you can save 10% off your first three months when you get started at ritual.com/READNEXT.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Should I Read Next?

Ep 303: Reading for thrills and chills

If you love books that make you think or spark a spirited discussion, you're on the same page as today's guests!Christine Pride and Jo Piazza have a shared passion for books where the stakes are high and the story is personal. From intimate memoirs to books featuring strong female friendships, they are looking for books that will show them something unique while evoking a strong reaction.Christine and Jo have a unique and long-lasting relationship of their own: they've worked together for years as editor & writer, and they recently embarked on a new stage of their bookish journey, jointly penning the brand-new release We Are Not Like Them.Listen in to today's conversation with Jo and Christine about books they've loved and stories that have moved them. See the full list of books we discussed on our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/302, and leave a comment with any books you think Christine and Jo would love to read and discuss!Connect with Christine on Instagram and her website; Find Jo on Instagram and Twitter.Thanks to this week's sponsors: If you’re ready for a loungewear refresh, Brooklinen’s bundle deals will help you get more comfort for less money. Go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code READNEXT to get $20 off, with a minimum purchase of $100.Rothy’s is back with their exclusive autumn collection, featuring soft, plush, and—best of all—machine washable merino wool styles. Take $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/READNEXT.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 302: Books you can believe in

Readers, as we continue our celebration of 300 episodes of What Should I Read Next, today we are bringing your voices to the stage as Anne and WSIRN team member Leigh Kramer tackle your burning questions!We always enjoy our Ask Anne Anything episodes and the chance to hear what you’re curious about. We hope today's conversation and our answers give you a little more insight into the world of WSIRN. Thank you so much to everyone who sent in a question! Be sure to check out this episode's show notes for a list of all the books we discussed today. And sure you don't miss out on the final stage of our 300th episode celebration. We'll be hosting a special LIVE event for our Patreon community with interviews and conversations with three of WSIRN's most recommended authors, and we'd love to have you join us. Learn more at our Patreon site.  Thanks to this week's sponsor:Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin is formulated to support brain, bone, and blood health, and provide antioxidant support. Right now Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off your first three months. Visit ritual.com/READNEXT and turn healthy habits into a Ritual.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 301: Ask Anne Anything

If you've listened in to any—or all!— of our past 300 episodes, you've heard conversations with readers and authors, booksellers and book club members, and of course a whole lot of literary matchmaking. Today, after more than five years of creating bookish delight, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the people and process behind our weekly podcast and explore the many layers of WSIRN!Listen in today to hear from some of our original voices as we talk about how the show began, how it's grown over time, and peek behind the scenes of how we do what we do here at WSIRN HQs. We'll also hear from some of you about how this podcast has changed your reading lives!You can find our show notes, including a list of all the episodes mentioned in today's discussion, at our website! And for more 300th celebration, check out our Patreon community, where we're hosting an upcoming special event featuring some of WSIRN's most beloved authors.Thanks to this week's sponsors:Away makes packing simple, with an interior organization system, a removable laundry bag, and a built-in compression pad. Start your 100-day trial at awaytravel.com/readnext20.  Prose’s commitment to quality goes beyond their formulas … to their whole approach to business. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today at www.prose.com/readnext.Are you looking for ways to be happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative? Try Happier with Gretchen Rubin, the podcast from the author of the #1 bestseller The Happiness Project. Each week she shares insights and practical solutions like a “Try This at Home” tip and a “Happiness Hack.” Listen wherever you're listening to this podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 300: How good it is to be among people who are reading!

Readers, we know it can be tricky to break out of a reading rut, and sometimes it takes a nudge from a friend to try something new.Michael Clark has a good handle on what he loves to read. From beach reads that don't get the respect they deserve, to stories that acknowledge their literary heritage, he reaches across genres when he's picking up his next book and he's not afraid to put down a book that's not right for him. But today, he's feeling stuck in a bit of a reading drought.Michael's hoping to reinvigorate his reading life by discovering some books that deliver on his love of well-developed characters while delving into genres he typically ignores, like science fiction.Be sure to listen all the way through to hear Anne's picks for Michael, including a special bonus selection at the end of the episode today.Read this episode's show notes, including the full list of books we discussed, at our website. And if you're interested in seeing what Michael reads next, connect with him on Instagram.Thanks to this week's sponsors:For comfortable shoes, reach for Rothy’s. They're machine washable, sustainably made with materials like plastic water bottles, and come in a wide array of styles. Head to Rothys.com/READNEXT to find your new favorites today.With Brooklinen’s new collection of comfy tees, tanks, joggers, and sweats, you can look put together all day long, without sacrificing any comfort. Go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code READNEXT to get $20 off, with a minimum purchase of $100.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 299: Playing genre hopscotch

Today's guest loves Jane Austen, but that's just the beginning for our conversation today. Cristina Griffin's work life as an English professor often overlaps with her personal love of reading for pure fun! She's drawn to atmospheric stories with brilliant endings and compelling characters, and she's read all the way through many an author's backlist. Anne recommends books that fit Cristina's desire for contemporary novels that are fun to read and a new-to-her series she can slowly devour. We hope today's episode might inspire you to break down some boundaries in your reading life and find a new, immersive read you'll enjoy. Visit our website to see the (long) list of books we discussed during this episode!Thanks to this week's sponsors:Ritual’s clean, honest, vegan-friendly multivitamin is formulated with high-quality nutrients and made without sugars, GMOs, major allergens, or other hidden ingredients. Enjoy 10% off during your first 3 months when you visit ritual.com/READNEXT to start your Ritual today. Help your feet get cozy this fall with Bombas. Their socks are made from special moisture-wicking yarn and temperature-regulating vents that allow cool air flow in, and prevent overheating. Plus, they come in a huge variety of colors and styles for every sport and personality. Go to Bombas.com/readnext today, and get twenty percent off your first order.Policygenius makes it easy to see if you’re overpaying for home & auto insurance. Visit their website and answer a few questions, then, they’ll compare rates from America’s top insurers to find your lowest quotes. If they find a better rate than what you’re paying now, they’ll switch you over—for free. Head to Policygenius.com to get started right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 298: A reading life without regrets

Readers, today’s guest is on the hunt for complex, thought-provoking, and timeless books that have something to say about topics she cares about today.Maria Carrera lives in Spain, where she teaches English language. Her heart for languages drives both her professional and her reading life! She loves the experience of matching a book to her reading mood - and then choosing which translation of that book to read.But with so many good books to choose from, sometimes she just needs someone to tell her which book to pull from her ever-growing TBR stack. Today, we'll translate Maria’s book requests into recommendations for reads she can move to the top of her list. To see the books we discussed in this episode, be sure to check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/297. Connect with Maria on Twitter and Instagram to follow along with what she reads next.Thanks to this week's sponsor:Even we know that reading can't cure everything. If you’re feeling down, it might help to talk with a professional therapist. BetterHelp connects you directly with a licensed, professional therapist, so you can start living a happier life today. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/readnextSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 297: Right book, wrong time

Readers, today’s guest knows that she’s overlooked some amazing books over the last ten years, but she needs a little help to figure out which ones to pick up now. Amber Burns loves discovering something new in the books she reads, and she's also a mood reader. She's looking for stories filled with believable tension and humor, and she loves a good enemies to lovers trope.When she’s not reading in the best coffee shops of her beloved Philadelphia or exploring the city’s vibrant used bookstore scene, Amber is hosting her podcast, Thank You For Asking, and working as a content creator.If you’re looking for a mind-blowing book that keeps you up late turning the pages, we hope you’ll find some suggestions in today's episode.To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/296.Thanks to this week's sponsors:Brooklinen’s new, soothing starter kit of loungewear feels like their ridiculously comfortable bedding in socially acceptable, wearable styles. These cozy tees, tanks, and joggers help you feel put together AND comfortable. Go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code READNEXT to get $20 off, with a minimum purchase of $100To blend style and happy feet, rely on Rothy’s. Their shoes are intentionally designed with an artisanal level of detail and created with nearly zero waste. Plus, they’re machine washable – which makes everyone’s life a little bit easier when we’re on the go.  Head to Rothys.com/READNEXT to find your new warm weather favorites today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 296: Backlist and brunch

Readers, after a move today’s guest craved community and an outlet for her “pent-up book energy.”She started a book club in her new neighborhood and quickly discovered getting started wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be. Today, Shweta Hegde walks us through the steps she took to form a bookish community and provides some friendly encouragement for you to get that book talk going. This was only Shweta's latest move: she grew up in India in a military family—so she moved a lot as a kid. In each new town she sought out that magical place that opened up her whole world: the library.Readers, prepare to be consumed by bookish nostalgia as Shweta recalls her first experience at the library and the magical realization that she could take a whole stack of books home with her. We also talk about how the library never lost its magic, how Shweta continues to love exploring new worlds in the pages of her books, and Anne helps her find books with characters she can really get attached to. To see a list of those books check out our website at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/295.Our 300th episode is coming soon! At this momentous occasion, we want to celebrate all that’s happened over the past 5 and a half years—and we’re looking for your input. We’d love to know something YOU learned from the show. Visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/learned300 to learn more about how to participate. We can’t wait to hear from you.Thanks to this week's sponsors:There’s no “one size fits all” solution for hair care. That's why Prose customizes products for you and your hair needs instead of trying to cover all hair types in one product line. Go to prose.com/readnext for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and 15% off.Ritual believes daily changes can lead to big results, so start small today. Ritual's multivitamins use vegan-certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free ingredients. Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off your first three months!Bombas performance socks are built to be nothing but comfortable and supportive. With special moisture-wicking yarn, stay-up technology, and an extra layer of cushiony comfort. Bombas is offering my listeners 20% off their first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 295: Unleash your pent-up book energy

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a teenager on the show—and today’s guest isn’t here to talk about YA. Katie Guenthner has long been reading classics, historical nonfiction, and the most formidable books she can find at the library in order to uphold her status as an “advanced reader.” After listening to countless readers wax poetic about reading for escape on WSIRN, Katie realized that's what was missing in her reading life. Now she’s ready to trade Charles Dickens for the lighthearted stories she’s been eschewing for too long. Anne recommends books that will help Katie take herself less seriously as a reader and help her welcome more fun reads to her library holds list. And we guarantee today’s conversation takes some turns you are NOT expecting, that you’re really gonna enjoy.  Visit our website for the full list of books discussed on today's episode and to leave Katie your recommendations for fun reads she should read next.Thanks to our sponsors:Away suitcases are thoughtfully designed to last a lifetime with great details like an interior organization system that includes a built-in compression pad and a hidden laundry bag that separates your dirty clothes. Shop the entire Away lineup and start your 100-day trial at awaytravel.com/readnext20. Policygenius makes it easy to compare home & auto insurance in one place. The Policygenius team can look for ways to save you more, including bundling your home & auto policies. If they find a better rate than what you’re paying now, they’ll switch you over — for free. Start comparing at policygenius.com.Happier with Gretchen Rubin is the podcast from the author of the #1 bestseller The Happiness Project. Each week she shares insights and practical solutions like a “Happiness Hack” and a “Try This at Home” tip to help you be happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. Listen wherever you listen to What Should I Read Next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 294: Dickens ruined my reading life

As a city planner in Calgary, Caylee Dyck knows how to problem solve and prioritize in order to create better communities and a more liveable cities–built environments people feel good spending time in. But when it comes to her reading life, Caylee is struggling to create a pleasing, welcoming, workable model for choosing what to read next. With over 900 titles on her To Be Read list and more than 150 ebooks on her Kindle, she's feeling a bit overwhelmed.Anne helps Caylee transform her literary landscape with practical, actionable, and sometimes (as you’ll hear) tangible tips for tackling her TBR. Then gets her started off by highlighting a few titles from among her digital ebook downloads that Anne think she’s likely to love. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your unread books, we hope you find a solution that works for you in today’s episode.To see the list of the books we discuss from Caylee's Kindle downloads, including the books Anne recommends, visit the podcast website at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/293Thanks to today's sponsors:Rothy’s shoes are seamless and fully machine washable, making them ultra comfortable and ultra convenient. Every time they need a refresh, you can simply toss them in the washing machine! Check out all the amazing shoes and bags available right now at Rothys.com/READNEXT.Brooklinen has something for your every comfort need. I’m talking buttery soft and breathable sheets; plush and absorbent towels; cozy robes; and comfy loungewear you’ll want to put on and never take off. WSIRN listeners can use promo code READNEXT for $20 off with your purchase of $100 or more at Brooklinen.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 293: Streamline your (digital) TBR

Regular listeners know good book talk often blends the heavy and the light—and that is certainly true for today's show. Today's episode is tons of fun, and has us thinking about our own life-changing literary experiences.As an avid library user and member of two book clubs, our guest Loren Mueller has no problem adding potential life-changing reads to her To Be Read list, and then diving in. But she does have trouble remembering specific details from what she read—and today, we’re gonna figure out what to do about it.We discuss ways to retain what you read while reading for the fun of it, and why an “easy” reading experience means something different to every reader.Check out the show notes post on our website for the full list of books discussed today and a transcript of the show.One of my go-to tips for any reader who wants to learn more about themselves as a reader is to start a book journal to capture what they’ve read, what they want to read, and other important info that will better their reading lives. That's why I’m thrilled to offer my own beautiful and functional journal.     The journal is called My Reading Life and it’s available September 21st but you can preorder a copy now and we've got some fun preorder bonuses for those of you who do just that. Learn more about My Reading Life and the bonuses at modernmrsdarcy.com/journal.Thanks to this week's sponsors:Bombas performance socks are built to be nothing but comfortable and supportive. And like all their socks, for every pair of Bombas performance socks you buy, they donate a pair to someone in need. They’ve donated over 45 million pairs so far! Bombas is offering WSIRN listeners 20% off your first order.Ritual uses vegan-certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free ingredients—and their sources—are out there for the whole world to see because they believe you deserve to know what you’re putting in your body and why. Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off your first three months!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 292: A life-changing library trip

Behind the scenes at What Should I Read Next? and Modern Mrs. Darcy, we have a team of readers who are bursting with bookish enthusiasm.Our producer Brenna paired us up in our virtual recording studio, matching team members you’ve never heard discuss books together on the show. Our reading tastes are vastly different, but we quickly discovered that talking about books creates instant connections—even when reading preferences don’t seem to match up at all. We had the best time discussing what summer reading means to us, what we’ve read and loved lately, and what we hope to read next before the season is over.We hope today's collection of bookish conversations inspires you to ask your coworkers, friends, or family members what books they’ve loved recently. And, of course, we hope you find your next great read among the abundance of titles we talk about today. See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page.Thanks to our sponsors:Brooklinen is the perfect place to find all the comforts for home, including ultra-soft towels — they offer varying levels of plushness, so you can choose the towel experience that feels most spa-like to you! WSIRN listeners can use promo code READNEXT for $20 off, with a minimum purchase of $100 at Brooklinen.com.There’s no “one size fits all” solution for hair care. Instead of trying to cover all hair types in one product line, Prose customizes products for you and your hair needs. Go to prose.com/readnext for your FREE in-depth hair consultation and 15% off.ThirdLove knows the science behind top-to-bottom comfort without sacrificing style—from perfectly fitted bras and underwear to quality sleepwear. Right now, ThirdLove is offering WSIRN listeners 20% off your first order at ThirdLove.com/READNEXT!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 291: The best books of summer (so far)

Today’s guest describes herself as a serial starter who might have started up to 10 books before finishing one. She even keeps moving through several books at once by reading different genres at different times of the day.Shanel Sparr is an artistic Jill of all Trades–acting, directing, crocheting and designing clothes. But as an avid collector of hobbies, reading still holds a distinct place in her life—and she highly values being well-rounded as a reader.Shanel loves books that explore a character’s interior landscape, especially when that’s packaged in a surprising way, and doesn’t mind going a bit dark, or eerie. Although she has found she has a limit—and so today I’m looking for titles that walk the fine line of addressing hard things without tipping into overly tragic.See all of the books we discuss or follow along with a transcript on the show notes page.You can learn more about all of Shanel's artistic endeavors on her website.Thanks to our sponsors:Discover what it’s like to be comfortable and confident all the time with Betabrand. Try their dress pant yoga pants or the new Yoga Denim collection and get 30% off at Betabrand.com.READNEXT.Start summer off on the right foot with Rothy’s. With sandals in an array of colors and shoes made for exploring, their newest styles have you covered. Plus, their spacious, washable bags are perfect for summer getaways. Through August 1st, 2021, take $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more at Rothys.com/READNEXT.Ritual is the multi-vitamin reimagined. Reimagine your daily rituals with Ritual’s delayed-release capsule design–delivering high-quality nutrients, including Vitamin D3, in just 2 daily pills. Ritual is offering WSIRN listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit Ritual.com/READNEXT to start your Ritual today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 290: Fiction is my oldest friend

Today’s guest created a unique plan to help him tackle the books one “must read before they die,” but now he’s looking for less planning and more bookish serendipity. Author, blogger, and podcaster Neil Pasricha hosts the show 3 Books, where he talks with avid readers about the three most formative books in their lives. The show originated as a way for Neil to find lesser known titles and backlist books to boost his reading life. Now, he finds himself assigning too much “reading homework,” and he’s looking for ways to spend more time connecting with each book he reads instead of breezing through to the next checkmark on his TBR.Between two book podcasters we cover a lot of ground today. Be sure to check out the show notes for a full list of the titles. You just might find a formative book for you.You can find Neil writing on his website or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.And don't forget to listen to my episode of 3 Books recorded (partially) in the Rare Books Room at the Strand.Thanks to our sponsors:ThirdLove knows the science behind top-to-bottom comfort without sacrificing style—from perfectly fitted bras and underwear to quality sleepwear. Putting on your essentials feels like indulging yourself every day. You deserve some TLC, ThirdLove Comfort, so right now they are offering WSIRN listeners 20% off your first order at ThirdLove.com/READNEXT!BetterHelp wants you to start living a happier life today! BetterHelp is committed to matching you with the right therapist, so they make it easy and free to change counselors if needed. It’s also more affordable than traditional offline counseling and financial aid is even available. Better Help has a special offer for WSIRN listeners: get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/READNEXT.Are you looking for ways to be happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative? Try Happier with Gretchen Rubin, the podcast from the author of the #1 bestseller The Happiness Project. Each week she shares insights and practical solutions like a “Try This at Home” tip and a “Happiness Hack.” Listen wherever you're listening to this podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 289: A ridiculous plan to read more books

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.

hubhopper

What Should I Read Next?

hubhopper