What Should I Read Next?
Books & Literature
About
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.
Episodes
- Ep 524: Short books that still feel substantial
In this episode, Anne and guest Lee Weick discuss finding substantial and thought-provoking short books. They review several titles, including "Vera, or Faith" by Gary Shteyngart and "The Summer Book" by Tove Jansson, to help listeners dis…
- Ep 523: Some people read the Great Books, so why not me?
Cheryl, a reader who recently completed a classics reading project, wants to incorporate more non-classics while maintaining reading momentum. This episode features Anne and team member Ginger Horton discussing how Cheryl can balance struc…
- Ep 522: Keeping things light in my reading life
In this episode, Anne Bogel and guest Angela Frith explore strategies for selecting books that offer warmth and stimulation without unnecessary stress. They delve into various genres like memoirs, historical fiction, and fantasy to find ti…
- Ep 521: Everything L.M. Montgomery and how to build a deeper reading roster
Anne and Kate Scarth, chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies, discuss L.M. Montgomery. They also explore building a deeper reading roster, focusing on genres like books with literary women, detective stories, books centered on houses, magical re…
- Ep 520: Why are so many promising-sounding titles not working for me?
Kelly Krause discusses her struggles with finding promising books and explores techniques to improve her reading list. She considers whether analyzing past reads or writing reviews could help her discover more favorable titles. The episode…
- Ep 519: Let's plan a Read the USA project
Mary Pogue embarks on a "Read the USA" project, a reading challenge to read a book from each U.S. state. She consults with the host of "What Should I Read Next?" for book recommendations for the remaining states on her list.
- Ep 518: Striking a feel-good balance in your reading life
Indie bookstore owner Nikkya joins Anne to discuss balancing professional and pleasure reading. They explore how to branch out into new genres like historical fiction, romance, and mysteries, and offer specific title recommendations.
- Ep 517: Seeking contemporary novels to complement Jane Austen classics
Tzipi Turner, a Jane Austen fan, aims to complete all of Austen's works. She plans to pair each classic with a contemporary book to maintain her enthusiasm for reading the remaining titles on her list. She discusses this strategy with Anne.
- Ep 516: Don't overthink your buddy reads
Ruth and her sister have a book club, but they're struggling to find books that both reflect their diverse tastes and spark conversation. This episode helps them find titles to bridge the geographic gap and strengthen their bond through re…
- Ep 515: I can't read all the books, and that's okay
In this episode, Holly Dyer shares her 2026 reading goals, which include focusing on reading fewer books, spending more time with each chosen title, and re-reading old favorites. Anne offers insights and ideas to help Holly achieve her obj…
- Ep 514: Seeking heartwarming, oh-so-discussable reads
In this episode, Anne helps guest Madeline Janney find heartwarming and discussable books for a mother-daughter book club in New Orleans. They discuss structuring conversations and finding books that suit their overlapping reading tastes.
- Ep 513: Maggie O’Farrell on writing for the page and screen
Maggie O’Farrell joins Anne to discuss her creative process, exploring why certain stories resonate with readers and viewers. They explore emotional resonance in storytelling for both page and screen.
- Ep 512: I'm looking for 5-star stunners
In this episode of What Should I Read Next?, Anne Bogel and guest Meredith Wiggins discuss strategies for finding 5-star books. They explore common reading challenges and offer insights into discovering standout titles that resonate with r…
- Ep 511: Ask Anne Anything: 10 Year Anniversary Edition
This episode features a replay of an Ask Anne Anything event, celebrating 10 years of the podcast. Anne answers questions from the Patreon community during this unscripted event. It reflects the atmosphere of the Patreon community.
- Ep 510: Finding classics that shine on audio
Janae Mast is looking for classics in audio format with engaging narration. This episode explores titles that provide immersive reading experiences and new insights.
- Ep 509: Your favorite book discoveries from 10 years of WSIRN
This episode celebrates "What Should I Read Next?" by featuring listener call-ins about books discovered through the show over the past ten years. It compiles popular themes, surprises, and memorable reading moments shared by the audience.
- Ep 508: Anne's Best Books of 2025
In this episode, Anne Bogel and Will Bogel share Anne's favorite book reads of 2025. It is an annual tradition for the podcast.
- Ep 507: Our team recaps our 2025 reading year
The team from "What Should I Read Next?" recaps their 2025 reading year, discussing individual reading experiences, including unexpected wins and aspects that did not work. This episode is the last for 2025.
- Ep 506: A new way to think about your reading in the coming year
Callie Dean shares her 2026 reading challenge, where she plans to read a book starting with each letter of the alphabet. She discusses the challenge and book choices with host Anne, who also suggests titles to fill gaps in Callie's reading…
- Ep 505: Recs for a reader in search of "best in class" books
Kate Mosesso, an improv comedian, shares her community-inspired reading project, where she reads books recommended by loved ones. She discusses plans to evolve the project for 2026. Anne offers recommendations and tips for Kate's upcoming…
- Ep 504: Niche and nerdy narrative nonfiction
In this episode, Anne and Laura Howard discuss how Laura discovered she prefers nonfiction over historical fiction. They explore strategies for finding engaging and shorter nonfiction books about history, given Laura's specific interests a…
- Ep 503: Which cozy mysteries are right for me?
Anne helps Amber Richcreek explore the cozy mystery genre. Amber is a pre-k teacher from Bellingham, Washington, who enjoys baking and photography. She is a lifelong reader and fan of emotional, character-driven contemporary fiction, but i…
- Ep 502: Choosing book gifts your friends will love
Anne Bogel and guest Meredith Amadee discuss how to choose book gifts for friends and book club members. They also talk about what makes a good literary gift and recommendations for backlist selections.
- Ep 501: Crafting a personal curriculum for a lifelong learner
In this episode, Amy St. Amand shares her approach to creating a personal curriculum for her reading life. She discusses her progress so far with Anne Bogel, who then recommends nonfiction books to help Amy explore her chosen topics furthe…
- Ep 500: The little things that add up to a rich reading life
This 500th episode of "What Should I Read Next?" features host Anne discussing the podcast's Patreon community with Shannan Malone. Anne also welcomes back previous guest Michelle Acierno Loftus to explore how her reading life has evolved…
- Ep 499: Weird, nerdy, and totally delightful: our conversation with Kevin Wilson
This episode features an interview with author Kevin Wilson, who discusses his writing approach, the themes in "Run for the Hills," and how his unique style is shaped by "weirdness." The conversation also touches on the Modern Mrs Darcy Bo…
- Ep 498: Books that feel like your favorite comfort TV shows
This episode of "What Should I Read Next?" explores how to find books that offer the same comforting feelings as re-watching favorite TV shows. Host Anne offers recommendations to listener Kayla King, who is looking for alternatives to her…
- Ep 497: The magic of bringing book lovers together
This episode of "What Should I Read Next?" features a conversation with Sarah Moriarty, Executive Director of the Charleston Literary Festival. They discuss the process of curating a literary festival, offer advice for attendees, and highl…
- Ep 496: Warm and inviting stories of hearth and home
Jemima Welsh is looking for comfort reads featuring warm homes, unique families, and domestic scenes. Host Anne provides recommendations for this style of book.
- Ep 495: Fall Book Preview sneak peek
This episode offers a sneak peek into the annual Fall Book Preview, presented by Anne. It highlights literary and contemporary fiction selections and details how to access the full preview and related content.
- Ep 494: Books brimming with creativity, philosophy, and grace
In this episode, Sarah Kellogg, a cover designer, joins Anne to discuss the art of cover design and her reading life. They explore how to balance old and new books to infuse creativity and grace into the reading experience. Anne also provi…
- Ep 493: Books that take you on an epic journey
Candice Brown-Murray shares her experiences with reading as an empty nester, balancing reading with her busy life, and her favorite author. The episode explores her current reading habits and her relationship with books.
- Ep 492: Reflective nonfiction about finding your path
Lynn Bain, an accidental entrepreneur, is looking for business books that she can connect with, despite her usual preference for fiction. She and Anne discuss and identify titles that align with Lynn's reading preferences and offer persona…
- Ep 491: Our team's best books of summer (Part 2)
This episode features the What Should I Read Next? team, including Will Bogel, Ginger Horton, Leigh Kramer, and Holly Wielkoszewski, sharing their favorite books of summer. The discussion covers various genres, recommending titles for dive…
- Ep 490: Our team's best books of summer (Part 1)
The team from What Should I Read Next? shares their top book recommendations for the summer. This episode features discussions with Shannan Malone, Donna Hetchler, and Brigid Misselhorn, covering a range of genres including family drama, s…
- Ep 489: The satisfaction of sinking into a good book
Anne Bogel speaks with author Julie Berry about writing, finding good books, and Berry's experience as a bookstore owner. They also discuss Berry's new release and how she navigates book recommendations.
- Ep 488: Reading goals that are just lofty enough
Anne and Olivia Haber Greenwood discuss Olivia's reading goals, focusing on novels with ensemble casts and multiple points of view. Olivia is looking for books where each character has a distinctive voice. They explore different titles to…
- Ep 487: Sci-fi, fantasy, and a sense of possibility
Holly Wielkoszewski talks about her evolving reading tastes, shifting from fantasy to sci-fi. She explores current trends and her favorite books within these genres, highlighting titles for listeners who share similar interests.
- Ep 486: Setting-driven stories, accidental reading themes, and winning characters
Ellen Heath, a reader from the Atlanta area, shares her preferences for setting-driven stories, winning characters, and accidental reading themes. She also discusses her unique method for choosing her next read and her desire to not finish…
- Ep 485: A midyear reading check-in
Anne and Shannan discuss their midyear reading check-in, talking about their current reading experiences, what they are excited about, and strategies for making adjustments to get the most out of their reading. They also cover the history…
- Ep 484: A summer to slow down and sink into what you love
Chelsea Siler, an early childhood special education teacher, is seeking ways to slow down and find joy, escape, and growth in her summer reading. She is looking for immersive, character-driven stories.
- Ep 483: Help me find my new go-to summer author!
Stephanie Edwards-Gass, a dedicated reader of Elin Hilderbrand, is searching for a new author to enjoy during the summer. She discusses her preferences with Anne, looking for complex characters, a strong sense of place, and intricate plot…
- Ep 482: Diving into evocative ocean reads
This episode features librarian Noelle Leong, who is looking for book recommendations related to the ocean, encompassing pop science, stories set by the ocean, or books where the ocean acts as a character. The discussion focuses on finding…
- Ep 481: A reading life that comes in waves
Evan Carlson, an actor and poet, seeks fiction recommendations that can engage him as much as nonfiction. He discusses his reading preferences with Anne and looks for titles that will excite him. They explore how he might find suitable fic…
- Ep 480: Branching out with escapist, emotionally resonant novels
In this episode, Tynisha Coleman joins Anne to discuss her reading preferences, which include escapist and emotionally resonant novels. She seeks books that offer a sense of purpose and enjoyment while avoiding those that lead to despair.…
- Ep 479: Balancing backlist with shiny new releases
This episode discusses how readers can balance new book releases with their existing backlist titles. It explores strategies for incorporating new reads into a reading plan without completely derailing it.
- Ep 478: A snippet from the 2025 Summer Reading Guide
This episode offers a snippet from the 2025 Summer Reading Guide, discussing 35 books across six categories, with a focus on Family Sagas. It also previews the live Unboxing party, which provides insights into various reading experiences.
- Ep 477: A summer reading road trip
Anne and Will Bogel discuss their process for creating the yearly Summer Reading Guide. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 guide and upcoming Unboxing parties.
- Ep 476: Offbeat, intricately plotted books for an ambitious reading project
Anne and Kathryn discuss reading projects, focusing on books for an ambitious reading goal. They talk about strategies for tackling reading lists and managing reading project fatigue.
- Ep 475: Help for a fiction lover who wants to read more nonfiction
This episode features a fiction lover who wants to read more nonfiction. The discussion focuses on strategies to integrate nonfiction books into her reading life. Topics include exploring unread shelves and refining reading habits.