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.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 1:19:19
Anne is back with the latest episode in a new-ish series in which she invites a team member to join her in recommending titles for a guest. Today Anne is joined by Patreon…
Sep 22, 2026 · 44:59
Today, Anne is talking all things fall books with our executive producer, Will Bogel. They'll discuss the 2026 Fall Book Preview, which came out last Thursday, September 17th. In…
Sep 15, 2026 · 1:07:56
Today's guest wants to experience the satisfaction of engaging in what she calls meaningful reading more often, but she finds herself easily distracted by the new and shiny. Jane…
Sep 8, 2026 · 1:05:14
When today's guest felt something shift in her reading life, she found herself turning to other forms of entertainment instead of the books she typically enjoys. Jacquelyn Duggan…
Sep 1, 2026 · 1:03:29
Today's guest is recently retired and is excited to have more time to read in this chapter of life. She wants to find good books and, in particular, long books that she can…
Aug 25, 2026 · 59:01
Last week you heard part one of our team’s selections for their best books of summer. And as promised, today we’re back with another round of book talk. In today’s episode,…
Aug 18, 2026 · 50:19
For years now, our team members have joined Anne on the podcast in late summer to share the books they’ve been loving most this season. Last year, we split this conversation into…
Aug 11, 2026 · 51:31
We hear from many readers who set reading goals informed by their to-be-read stacks, whether physical or digital. Today's guest has a specific and relatable goal of making…
Aug 4, 2026 · 1:13:22
If you’ve ever felt intimated by old books, or haven’t been sure you’re reading them “correctly”, it is NOT just you. We regularly hear from readers seeking tips and advice on…
Jul 28, 2026 · 1:12:13
Today's guest is a Kentucky neighbor who has both a specific reading project and a dilemma we know is shared by many readers. Emily Holladay is a pastor in Frankfort, Kentucky,…
Jul 21, 2026 · 58:38
Today we're sharing a conversation with an author who has been discussed often here on the podcast: William Kent Krueger. We originally held this author talk over in Modern Mrs…
Jul 14, 2026 · 57:22
Today Anne is joined by our Patreon Community Manager, Shannan Malone for a third year as they dive into their reading lives for a midyear check-in. We know this is a…
Jul 7, 2026 · 48:56
We often talk about backlist books around here because there is a wealth of delight to be found in titles that aren't getting the buzz and attention of recent releases. In fact,…
Jun 23, 2026 · 1:00:01
Today's guest is navigating a tough season, and as a result she is looking forward to a summer of books with heart that won't be too emotionally draining. Kayla Crum is searching…
Jun 16, 2026 · 43:53
Anne dives into the world of beach reads with Kristina Forest, contemporary romance writer and author of the 2026 MMD Summer Reading Guide title, The Summer Girlfriend. In the…
Jun 9, 2026 · 58:57
We love a summer reading project of any style, and when Anne read the submission from today's guest and her quest for what she is calling a short summer of reading, she wanted to…
Jun 2, 2026 · 1:00:35
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…
May 26, 2026 · 53:37
Today's book lover is seeking a literary doorway into the creative world of art and museums. Kristine Parsons doesn't have an art background. She works as a county road…
May 19, 2026 · 22:55
This week, Anne is sharing an excerpt from our 2026 Summer Reading Guide Live Unboxing. To mark our 15th Guide, we’re inviting you to listen in as she tells you all about this…
May 12, 2026 · 56:44
I am delighted to welcome our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager, Ginger Horton, back to the show to talk about this year's 15th annual Summer Reading Guide and dive…
May 5, 2026 · 54:24
Today Anne is talking books with Lee Weick, a Michigan-dwelling former teacher and grandmother who knows that variety keeps her reading life going. Lee loves big, long books and…
Apr 28, 2026 · 1:02:34
After completing a classics reading project, today's guest really wants to keep her reading momentum while also bringing more non-classics back into her reading life. Today we're…
Apr 21, 2026 · 1:00:30
We often hear from readers who wish to avoid heavier topics in their reading lives, and today Anne is talking with a guest hunting for books that feel light, warm, and…
Apr 14, 2026 · 1:05:37
Many of you will well understand our team's excitement when we saw today's guest submission land in our inboxes. Today, Anne is talking with Kate Scarth, chair of L.M. Montgomery…
Apr 7, 2026 · 55:18
Today's guest would love to add more four and five-star picks to her reading list and she's curious about techniques that might help get her there. Kelly Krause is a first grade…
Mar 24, 2026 · 1:03:56
We hear about all different kinds of reading challenges around here, and today's guest is seeking titles to help mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mary Pogue lives…
Mar 17, 2026 · 52:59
Indie bookstore owner Nikkya joins Anne today to talk about the pain points in her reading life. Nikkya reads widely for her work as owner of Obodo Serendipity Books in…
Mar 10, 2026 · 52:45
It's no secret that we are fans of Jane Austen, completist author aspirations, and reading projects of all stripes. So when Tzipi Turner's guest submission landed in our What…
Mar 3, 2026 · 50:11
Today's guest is looking for titles to help bridge the large geographic gap between her and her sister. Ruth Werwai hails from Vancouver, Canada, but she's lived in Germany with…
Feb 24, 2026 · 56:29
Bookshelf overwhelm is a common concern around here, so we know today's conversation will resonate with many readers. Our guest today is Holly Dyer, whose name might be familiar…
Feb 17, 2026 · 1:01:31
We often hear from book club members who are interested in finding the right picks for their reading groups. Today Anne explores a deliciously fun twist on this idea with guest…
Feb 10, 2026 · 45:43
Readers, we have a special episode for you today: Anne is talking with one of her favorite authors, Maggie O'Farrell. They're not just talking about one book, one film, or one…
Feb 3, 2026 · 1:06:59
Today's guest has been on a long run of three or three-and-a-half-star reads. This isn't bad, but it's not what she's looking for, so she and Anne dive into this conundrum…
Jan 27, 2026 · 58:39
Across the years, we've periodically hosted Ask Anne Anything events in our Patreon community, and today you're hearing a replay of our latest gathering. These live events invite…
Jan 20, 2026 · 58:25
Our guest today is searching for classics in audio format, with narration that brings stories and characters alive. Janae Mast lives in small town, Kansas, where she's a…
Jan 13, 2026 · 34:36
At the end of last year, you heard us ask for your help to create this celebratory episode. For ten years now, you've been telling us how this show has bolstered your reading…
Jan 6, 2026 · 47:25
We're kicking off 2026 and a year of exciting milestones today! On January 12th, we are celebrating 10 years of our podcast: we'll be sharing a few special podcast episodes to…
Dec 16, 2025 · 1:01:35
As we wrap up our ninth year together, Anne invites our What Should I Read Next? team members to join her and share insight into what the past twelve months have meant in each of…
Dec 9, 2025 · 59:53
Today's guest has been participating in reading challenges for nearly a decade, and she's putting a unique spin on this tradition in 2026 that you'll hear about today. Callie…
Dec 2, 2025 · 56:50
We love unique reading projects around here, and today's guest has maintained hers since 2021. We're going to hear all about it and explore how she's adding a new twist for 2026.…
Nov 25, 2025 · 48:10
Historical fiction is a popular genre among many, but today's guest learned a lot about her reading life when she realized this genre wasn't for her! Today Anne is talking with…
Nov 18, 2025 · 52:21
Breaking into a new genre can feel intimidating. Today Anne is talking with a reader who is keen to explore cozy mysteries, but isn't sure where to begin. Amber Richcreek lives…
Nov 11, 2025 · 1:01:19
We all know that book gifts are the best gifts, and today Anne is talking with a devoted reader who's come to the show looking for guidance on selecting great bookish gifts for…
Nov 4, 2025 · 1:03:56
When she discovered the idea of a personal curriculum, today's guest couldn't wait to apply this concept to her reading life. Amy St. Amand, a primary care clinical pharmacist…
Oct 28, 2025 · 1:01:13
Today marks a major milestone: the 500th episode of What Should I Read Next! To celebrate, Anne is joined by two guests today. First, you'll hear her in conversation with our…
Oct 21, 2025 · 1:05:16
One of our favorite things to do in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club is connect with the authors we all love. Every so often we have the opportunity to share one of those…
Oct 14, 2025 · 43:26
Returning to favorite TV shows is a common stress management strategy. Today’s guest would love to find books that deliver the same soothing feelings she gets from re-watching…
Oct 7, 2025 · 45:31
Book events and festivals are always a favorite around here. Today's conversation dives deep into the art and craft of creating an engaging literary festival as Anne welcomes…
Sep 30, 2025 · 53:57
When the world feels heavy, many of us reach for books. Today's guest is looking for a specific style of comfort reads. Jemima Welsh is joining Anne today all the way from…
Sep 23, 2025 · 37:09
,The team at MMD HQ has always been enthusiastic about fall reading. We shared our first Fall Book Preview back in 2019, and last week we released the seventh annual edition.…
Sep 16, 2025 · 59:49
Today we're diving into what feels like a particularly nerdy niche of the reading life as Anne is joined by an expert reader. Sarah Kellogg is a cover designer at a big five…
Sep 9, 2025 · 58:40
Today's guest is facing a shift in her reading life now that she's an empty nester. Candice Brown-Murray lives in South Florida with her husband, children, and dogs. Her career…
Sep 2, 2025 · 54:34
We love fielding very specific readerly requests that will also appeal to a wide range of readers, and today's episode is just that. Lynn Bain describers herself as an accidental…
Aug 26, 2025 · 39:03
Today we're sharing Part 2 of our summer superlatives episode, featuring four more of our team members talking about the books they've loved most this season. Our executive…
Aug 19, 2025 · 39:01
Readers, we’re back today with an annual tradition we know so many of you look forward to, as our team joins Anne to talk about their favorite books of the summer and what’s…
Aug 12, 2025 · 1:05:15
Today's guest isn't only a reader with a specific readerly conundrum, she is also a beloved author. Anne has recommended Julie Berry's work to several past guests, and Julie also…
Aug 5, 2025 · 59:35
Novels featuring an ensemble cast of characters and multiple points of view are a favorite for today's guest, and she'd love Anne's help in finding more of this particular type…
Jul 29, 2025 · 53:50
Today's guest has joined Anne in conversation on the podcast before, but now our media production specialist Holly Wielkoszewski is in the spotlight as they explore her evolving…
Jul 22, 2025 · 1:00:46
Ellen Heath, a reader from the Atlanta area, shares Anne's passion for urban planning, but that's not all they talk about today. Ellen is looking for immersive settings,…
Jul 8, 2025 · 57:52
A midyear reading check-in has become a small tradition around here, and today Anne is welcoming team member Shannan Malone back to the podcast. Today, you'll hear Anne and…
Jul 1, 2025 · 46:11
Today's guest is looking for ways to slow down and sink into what she loves most as she plans her summer of reading. Chelsea Siler is an early childhood special education teacher…
Jun 24, 2025 · 1:02:42
We often discuss auto-buy authors and completist authors around here, and today's guest is a completist on a mission to discover her new favorite summer author. Stephanie…
Jun 17, 2025 · 50:25
We always love reading on a theme, and today's guest would love to see her real-life love of the ocean mirrored in the pages of her books. Noelle Leong is a science and…
Jun 10, 2025 · 48:26
Nonfiction books often change the way that readers see the world, and today's guest Evan Carlson is on the hunt for fiction that packs the same punch as the nonfiction works he…
Jun 3, 2025 · 55:23
Feeling more confident about finding the right reads is a common bookish goal. In today's conversation, Anne welcomes Tynisha Coleman to the show to talk about her current…
May 27, 2025 · 1:09:38
Every year we get some variation of this question: how can a reader like today’s guest, Elise Brancheau, balance all the shiny new books of summer with the backlist titles that…
May 20, 2025 · 10:33
We're taking you behind the scenes of our 2025 Summer Reading Guide and sharing an excerpt from our live Unboxing party. Our 2025 Guide includes 35 books across a range of genres…
May 13, 2025 · 56:40
We're kicking off Summer Reading Season with our fourteenth annual Summer Reading Guide, coming this Thursday! Today on the podcast Anne is joined by a special guest who is…
May 6, 2025 · 1:10:42
Reading projects take all shapes and sizes, and today's guest has set a goal to read all the Women's Prize for Fiction shortlists and winners. Today, Anne is talking books with…
Apr 29, 2025 · 45:59
Today's guest is an avid reader, retired social worker, and What Should I Read Next? completist who lives in New Jersey. Jill Jaclin has a reading conundrum: she really wants to…
Apr 22, 2025 · 48:22
Readers, if you are feeling burned out right now, you are not alone. In our team meeting last week, we talked about the fact that things are hard right now. That's why this feels…
Apr 15, 2025 · 57:46
When the world feels heavy, many of us look to books for distraction, inspiration, or reassurance. Today's guest has a unique spin on what she's seeking and would love Anne's…
Apr 1, 2025 · 53:55
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.…
Mar 25, 2025 · 1:04:42
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,…
Mar 18, 2025 · 54:30
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…
Mar 11, 2025 · 1:05:29
Readers, we often receive questions from you about our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and what actually goes on in our online reading community, and today's guest is here to help…
Mar 4, 2025 · 57:54
Today's guest is a mood reader who often finds herself falling down a reading rabbit hole. Madelyn Kresinske is an elementary school librarian, wife, and mom who reads widely…
Feb 25, 2025 · 1:03:45
Today's guest has a common readerly dilemma: what to do when reading tastes change? In her submission to join Anne on the show, Philadelphia dweller and avid book thrifter Phoebe…
Feb 18, 2025 · 1:02:08
Today's guests excel in pairing the perfect read with worldwide destinations: joining Anne today are her friends, fellow book lovers, and podcasters Mel Joulwan and Dave…
Feb 11, 2025 · 43:57
Every year on the Modern Mrs Darcy blog, Anne shares a post about what's saving her life right now, and today she's joined by team member Shannan Malone to talk about what's…
Feb 4, 2025 · 53:30
Today's guest has a bookish birthday trip in the works. When Barbara Andrade DuBransky told us about her tradition of taking big trips with her best friend to mark big life…
Jan 28, 2025 · 1:00:53
Readers, today we're thrilled to share a delightful conversation with Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, authors of The Personal Librarian. This conversation…
Jan 21, 2025 · 12:35
We hosted our Spring Book Preview last week, and if you missed out on that event you're in luck: today we're sharing an excerpt to whet your spring reading appetite! In this…
Jan 14, 2025 · 49:24
Many of the readers we talk to tune into the seasons to inspire their next read, and today's guest has a twist on the usual seasonal reading dilemma: Nell Cavallo is joining Anne…
Jan 7, 2025 · 58:32
We're kicking off 2025 with a special episode: today Anne is joined by her husband Will Bogel to discuss Anne's best books of the past year. Every week here on the show, we take…
Dec 17, 2024 · 50:30
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…
Dec 10, 2024 · 1:07:48
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…
Dec 3, 2024 · 56:04
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…
Nov 26, 2024 · 1:10:16
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…
Nov 19, 2024 · 51:42
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…
Nov 12, 2024 · 49:06
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…
Nov 5, 2024 · 38:06
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…
Oct 29, 2024 · 57:17
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…
Oct 22, 2024 · 51:32
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…
Oct 15, 2024 · 53:27
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…
Oct 8, 2024 · 1:00:23
Ontario reader Emma Sweeney wants to explore books that incorporate elements from the horror genre. She's not interested in books that give her nightmares, but she's found that…
Oct 1, 2024 · 56:13
This fall, we were excited to hear from you about the books that haunt you. and today's guest sent in a submission that caught everyone on our team's eye. We loved her…
Sep 24, 2024 · 18:14
Last week we hosted our sixth annual Fall Book Preview, and today we're sharing a taste of that event with you. In today's mini-episode, you'll hear Anne talk about three book of…
Sep 17, 2024 · 1:01:41
Our reading community truly spans the globe: today Anne is in conversation with Evie, who is joining us from northern Greece. Evie grew up in Boston and after visiting family in…
Sep 10, 2024 · 1:13:27
If you love a good campus novel for fall, you'll love today's conversation between Anne and academic dean Karen Gold. Karen works at the oldest independent boarding school in the…
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