What Should I Read Next?

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 Darcy Book Club, and which we're sharing with you today as we explore Krueger's book This Tender Land.

This conversation feels especially timely and has been on our minds and on our tongues, as This Tender Land was inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, a timeless story that many of you tell us you're looking forward to seeing on screen this summer in the new blockbuster adaptation film.

Today's conversation and your enjoyment of it does not hang on whether you know anything at all about The Odyssey, or whether you've read anything by Kent Krueger yet. Join us as we explore the power of a good story well told, how authors make creative decisions, and the backstories behind Krueger's beloved series and his decidedly different standalone novels. You'll also hear the story behind his favorite pair of boots.

Let us know if you're looking forward to seeing (or reading) The Odyssey this summer in the comments section. Find that along with the list of titles discussed on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/534.

For more conversations like this one, join us over in the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club, where we're excited about our upcoming annual observance of Austen in August, followed by our Fall Book Preview in mid-September. We'd love to have you join us for our live events. Members also enjoy our robust community featuring dedicated book forums, buddy reads, classes, and more happenings. We hope you'll find your book people in Book Club. Find out more and join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/club.
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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 conversation that many of you have come to look forward to every year. Anne has been reflecting and planning for this episode for a long time, and she's excited about what Shannan is bringing to share today. You'll hear about what's been happening so far in each of their reading lives and where recalibration or adjustment may be called for as they head into the second half of 2026.

We'd love to hear your midyear reflections: please leave a comment on our show notes page to share an answer to any of the questions Shannan and Anne discuss today. You'll find that link along with the list of all of the titles discussed today at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/533.

Our Patreon community features more conversations with Anne and our team. We rely on our Patreon community members to keep everything running: their financial support is a critical part of how we create our episodes and pay our team. A huge thank you to everyone who is already a paid supporter, and if you're interested in more conversations like today's or want to be part of making What Should I Read Next? happen each week, we would love it if you'd consider joining us as a monthly or annual member on Patreon. Find out more at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.

Chapters

05:46 What Anne and Shannan are discussing in this episode

06:30 Shannan’s reading intentions for 2026

09:34 Anne’s intentions for 2026

18:33 Making space in your life (and your reading life)

20:08 Shannan’s previous five-star reads

34:45 Anne and Shannan explore midyear review questions
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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, one of our most frequent requests from listeners and prospective guests is "help me find backlist gems."

We are riffing on that theme by sharing a backlist episode with you: today Anne is resurfacing a conversation that we still talk about and hear about all the time, in part because of the guest's absolutely unique way of choosing her next read. Today Anne is chatting with reader Elizabeth Cooper, in an episode we originally aired in July 2020 as Episode 244, You Love to Read, Don't Ruin It.

Elizabeth came here looking for books she described as brain candy: books with a killer premise, pages that practically turn themselves, and totally satisfying endings. This is a great conversation, and we're excited for you to hear it again or for the first time.

Find the list of titles mentioned today at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/532.

Reflecting on our reading lives is an endless source of joy and discovery, and over the past few years, What Should I Read Next? Patreon community manager Shannon Malone has joined Anne for a mid-year reading check-in. They're doing that again this year, and that brand-new episode will be landing in your podcast apps next week. If you're new to this idea, check out our conversations from 2024 and 2025: those are both linked on our show notes page.

Chapters

03:27 Meet Elizabeth

10:24 Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

12:54 Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

17:42 The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

32:03 Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

36:49 Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

40:13 Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia

43:48 What will Elizabeth read next?
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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 for what she calls light but not fluffy reads, and she's not exactly sure where to find the types of titles she's looking for.

Kayla's an RN and freelance writer living in Grand Haven, Michigan, where she enjoys making the most of her Lake Michigan proximity by spending time outside with her family and reading on the beach when she can fit it into her schedule. When it comes to her summer reading quest, Kayla's identified a specific type of story that is really working well for her. Today, Kayla is hoping Anne can help her understand why this specific setting is working so well, because she'd love to discover more books that satisfy in the same way.

You'll find the list of titles mentioned today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/531.

Early summer is our busy season around here, and we know that's the case for many of you as well. Our team will be taking next week off, but we will be back in your podcast players the following week. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy exploring our archives of over 500 episodes. Visit us at modernmrsdarcy.com/podcast to explore both recent and backlist episodes.

Chapters:

04:29 Meet Kayla

07:38 Kayla’s search for books with heart during a season of grief

19:55 The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

22:04 Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

26:10 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

28:02  Havoc by Christopher Bollen

32:28 A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

36:45 Make Nice by Ryan Effgen

41:28 Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

45:02 The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman

48:32 Road Ends by Mary Lawson

54:43 What will Kayla read next?

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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 Guide, Anne described it as a sweet summer romance bursting with bookishness and baked goods. The beach setting was inspired by a handful of real places and Kristina's deep and abiding love for the Jersey Shore. Anne and Kristina chat all about that today, along with some of Kristina's very favorite titles for beach reading season. Whether you need a paperback to toss in your beach bag, or you won't be going anywhere near the beach anytime soon and would welcome a vicarious vacation, today's conversation has titles you may enjoy.

Find the list of books mentioned on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/530.

Chapters

02:29 Meet Kristina Forest

05:46 Kristina’s journey to becoming an author

17:19 Kristina on writing a beach read

20:10 The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

32:46: Kristina’s favorite beach reads
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