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 Guides, and wondered if Anne could help her select books from this year's Guide that might fit her desired summer vibe.

Today, Anne is helping one particular reader decide what to read next. But more than that, she's walking you through the thought process of considering what to read next in light of what you already know about your reading life.

Find the list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/528.

Chapters:

02:58 Meet Ashley

07:13 What brings Ashley to What Should I Read Next?

12:44 The River by Peter Heller

16:27 The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

19:57 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

22:34 The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

38:35 Fair Chase by Travis Mulhauser

43:54 Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel

50:39 Country People by Daniel Mason

55:29 What will Ashley read next?

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