Today's guest is feeling stuck between quality and quantity in her reading life. With all of the end-of-year reading reflections happening lately, Anne is here to help if you're also facing this situation.

Caroline Hines lives on a Christmas tree farm, which is not really related to today's book-talk, but feels like the perfect setting for our final episode of the year. When she wrote in to get Anne's help, Caroline mentioned that since she started tracking her reading against a numerical goal, she's felt an unwelcome shift in her reading life. Rather than reaching for the heftier reads she suspects she'll love, even though they take her longer to finish, she finds herself dashing through fast-paced thrillers because she knows she'll read them quickly, not because she thinks they're perfect for her.

Today she and Anne discuss the pros and cons of using a numerical reading goal, and how Caroline might enjoy that glorious feeling of falling headfirst into a book more often.

Find the full list of titles mentioned and share your suggestions for Caroline by leaving a comment on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/459.

A quick note: our team will be taking the next two weeks off to enjoy good books and good times with our loved ones. We'll be back in January with a brand new episode—Anne's Best Books of 2024! In the meantime, enjoy our archives, or explore all of our bonus episodes, author chats, and more in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon community.

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When Anne was invited to speak at WriterFest, a creative gathering for aspiring writers, published authors, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters in Nashville, we couldn't wait to share that conversation with all of you.

Today we're sharing Anne's conversation with WriterFest co-founder Ami McConnell. From books and reading to the common themes they've heard people are experiencing in their creative lives right now, it's a conversation to spark your own creative spirit.

Thank you again to WriterFest co-founders Ami McConnell and Sara Wigal and to their their amazing teams and volunteers who made this event happen.

Let us know if you have a book or a creative moment you'd like to share by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/458.

We're so looking forward to sharing our annual Team's Best Books of the year! This has become a tradition, and this year, we'll be gathering for this live party on December 19th. Members of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and our Patreon Community are invited: this fun event is just one of many ways we say thank you for your financial support. Find out more and become a member at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.

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Cozy reading season is nearly here in the northern hemisphere, and today's guest wrote in with a unique question: how can she create a cozy reading experience when she's nearly always listening to audiobooks on the go?

Lauren Worley is joining Anne today from Virginia. Lauren's work keeps her in the car and on the road quite a bit, so Lauren’s fully embraced audiobooks. But she doesn't just want to listen while she's driving: she's curious how she could create a cozier reading experience in her car.

Today she and Anne talk about what Lauren's looking for, from small tweaks to make car listening feel more cozy, to the titles she defines as cozy audiobooks (which might not be what you'd expect.) Anne shares titles that might fit Lauren’s criteria, as well as ways she can invite that cozy reading atmosphere into her experience, even when she’s on the road.

Share an audiobook you've found cozy or a reading tip for Lauren by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll find the full list of titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/457.

If you are on the hunt for perfect gifts to give the tough-to-shop-for readers in your life, my reading journal makes a great gift. My Reading Life is the perfect companion for any adult, with 100 blank entries to record what they've read, a place to keep track of their to-be-read list, and lots of book lists to help them pick what to read next. I also have a version for kids and the young-at-heart: My Reading Adventures has the same elements as well as features that will appeal kids and teenagers. Or, check out my I'd Rather Be Reading bundle, which includes my book, I'd Rather Be Reading, a matching sticker, button, and exclusive bookmark. Shop now wherever you get your new books or at our shop, ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop.

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Diagnosing readerly dilemmas is one of our favorite things to do around here, and today Anne is helping Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager Ginger Horton figure out the answer to a reading question that's been plaguing her.

Ginger recently came to Anne with a conundrum: she loves books set in New England, but not every book set in New England. She loves books set in New England autumn, but not every New England autumn book. What is the particular combination of bookish ingredients that makes a New England story a win for Ginger?

She was stumped, and wanted Anne's help in diagnosing what exactly is going on in this part of her reading life. Today Anne and Ginger explore what goes into Ginger's winning reading formula and share a long list of New England inspired titles.

Find that list of books mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/456. And while you're there, tell us about a New England book you love by leaving a comment.

If you're shopping for gifts to bring readerly delight to your holidays, our shop has you covered. From sweatshirts to our buttons, book darts, and stickers, there's a pick for any recipient on your list. Our tried and true "To Be Read" tote also makes perfect packaging for a bookish holiday gift. Find these goodies and more at ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop.

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Today's guest is the beloved author, Elif Shafak, whose latest title was a 2024 Summer Reading Guide pick.

Elif's works are so particular and set very much in a specific time and place, yet they also feel so inclusive. Elif's stories explore universal themes like home and belonging, exile and displacement. She also leverages her Turkish heritage and accesses storytelling traditions that are sometimes unfamiliar to Western readers.

Elif is one of Anne's favorite writers working right now, in large part because she attempts things no other writer would think of. Today, they talk about that as well as the mythologies and metaphors that make her books so engrossing. 

Find the list of titles mentioned in today's show at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/455.

If today's episode delivered the type of bookish conversation you'd love more of, come check out our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. In this vibrant community space, we enjoy live author talks, classes, and special events like the upcoming Our Team's Best Books of the Year event. Sign up or purchase a gift membership for your favorite reader at modernmrsdarcy.com/club. 

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Our annual gift recommendation episode is here! Today, Anne is joined by members of the Modern Mrs Darcy team to respond to your requests for gift-giving ideas for the readers in your life. Thanks to all of our listeners who sent in their questions: we loved sharing our best recommendations for the readers you love.

Whether you hear your request in today's episode or you didn't get around to submitting a question, we're confident you'll walk away with some great gifting ideas today. We've gathered the long list of titles shared in the show notes, which you'll find at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/454.

Looking for something to pair with a book (or a book-inspired gift)? Our merchandise shop is full of good stuff for the readers in your life. Check out what's available at ModernMrsDarcy.com/shop.

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When today's guest, Dana Reams, told us about the cozy reader's gathering she intends to hold later this month, our team instantly wanted to RSVP "yes."

Since we can't all gather at Dana's house this season, we thought we'd do the next best thing and have her on the podcast. Today, Anne is chatting with Dana about her delightful concept for this gathering. You'll hear how Dana creates richly textured, immersive reading experiences, both for herself in her own reading life and in times like these when she seeks to offer other friends and readers a sense of community and belonging in a season that could use a little boost of coziness. Plus, Dana and Anne will each share a selection of books with cozy vibes.

Find the list of titles mentioned and leave a comment to share your cozy readers gathering tips at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/453

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We've been wanting to talk short stories for awhile here on the podcast. When today's guest wrote in with a readerly conundrum on just this topic, it was the perfect opportunity to explore this literary topic in conversation.

Jessica Crockett is joining Anne today from Chicago, where she works as a French-to-English patent translator. When she's not enjoying board games or ballroom dancing, she'll often be found reading. And today, she'd love Anne's help in untangling her relationship with short stories.

Jessica really wants to love short stories: she's read a few collections that really work for her, but she's also found she keeps buying short story collections that she either never picks up or wanders away from. Jessica is wondering whether she's missing something in her short story reading experience, if she needs a change in approach. Today she and Anne dive into her situation and talk about what makes short story collections shine.

Find the full list of titles mentioned and other links from today's conversation on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/452.

If you are interested in short stories like today's guest, this is the perfect time to join our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, because this November we are reading short stories together. Come join our Book Club to enjoy a full year of author talks, classes like Greek mythology for readers, and big events like Fall Book Preview and our upcoming Team Best Books of the Year. Join us for short stories by signing up at ModernMrsDarcy.com/club.

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Today we are thrilled to welcome Nikki May to the show. Her new book This Motherless Land is a reimagining of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Anne was especially intrigued by this because Mansfield Park is the novel of Jane Austen's that seems most overlooked when it comes to retellings.

Today, Anne has questions, and Nikki May has answers. Among some of the gems you will hear are Nikki's personal connection to Jane Austen generally and Mansfield Park in particular, the personal experiences that informed This Motherless Land, and the complexity of belonging and not belonging as explored in these pages.

Anne and Nikki also discover their shared appreciation for family novels, especially complicated, messy families, and Nikki shares some of her favorites today.

Find the full list of titles mentioned at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/451.

Our annual traditional holiday gift-giving episode is just around the corner. If you'd like to give a bookish gift to a reader in your life and you'd like our team's help, please email [email protected] with the subject line "Gift Help". In your email, please include details about who are you shopping for, a little bit about their reading life, and any ideas you have or the direction you'd prefer to go. We'll read some of your requests and answer lots of reader inquiries on our upcoming episode. 

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Readers, like so many of you, we have such fondness for Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountain region, which is desperately hurting in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We’ve been thinking constantly of those affected, both in Asheville and now in Florida in the aftermath of Milton.

While it feels like nothing we can do can touch the enormity of what is happening on the ground, today Anne is sharing fond memories of her very first visit to Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountains, along with actual literary matchmaking audio from an event at Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville’s downtown. After sharing that clip with you, Anne talks a bit about what's changed since this 2017 conversation, and also shares a handful of her favorite North Carolina books.

Malaprop's is closed while they assess the damage caused by Helene, so they're directing those who wish to support the local book community to two organizations: BeLoved Asheville, and The Binc Foundation. To help not only Malaprop's but the local community in Asheville, we're donating all proceeds from today's episodes to these two organizations. That means both advertising revenue, and any affiliate earnings we get when you shop at our links below.

If you'd like to support the Asheville community during this time, we thank you for listening today, and encourage you to check out these two organizations, too.

Portions of this episode originally aired in December 2017 as Episode 108: What Should I Read Next LIVE from Asheville.

Find the full list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/450.

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