Episode Summary: Ep 468 – Books for an Adventure Out West

In Episode 468 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel engages in a captivating conversation with Madeline Krasinski, an elementary school librarian, wife, and mom, who is preparing her family for a significant road trip out west. This episode delves deep into Madeline's unique reading habits, her favorite and least favorite books, recent reads, and Anne's tailored book recommendations to complement Madeline's upcoming adventure.

1. Guest Introduction: Madeline Krasinski [00:00 – 05:35]

The episode kicks off with Madeline sharing her distinctive reading quirk:

Madeline Krasinski [00:00]: "Maybe it would be helpful to know that my reading sin is that I always read the last page of every single book before I start it."

Anne responds warmly, setting a welcoming tone for the discussion. Madeline introduces herself as a passionate librarian in North Carolina, commuting to a private school in Virginia, and expresses her excitement about her dynamic role and the spirited student body she interacts with daily.

2. Exploring Madeline's Reading Habits

a. Favorite Books [18:33 – 28:14]

Madeline shares three books that have profoundly impacted her:

1. "The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession" by Michael Finkel [18:37]

   • Overview: A true crime narrative about Stefane Breitweiser and his girlfriend Anne Catherine, who became notorious for stealing $2 billion worth of art across Europe.
   • Notable Insight: Madeline is fascinated by Breitweiser's motive, emphasizing his pure love for art rather than financial gain.
   • Quote:

     Madeline Krasinski [20:16]: "So he actually lived in the attic apartment of his mom's house. And he stored all of the art, like displayed it on the walls, it was out on the shelves. And he just wanted it for the pure love of having it, not for doing anything with it."

2. "The Age of Magical Notes on Modern Irrationality" by Amanda Montel [22:53]

   • Overview: This book delves into cognitive biases and the pervasive nature of overthinking in the information age.
   • Personal Connection: Madeline relates deeply to the themes, aligning with her enneagram type 5 wing 6, identifying as a troubleshooter and problem solver.
   • Quote:

     Madeline Krasinski [23:57]: "It just hit me. I have a major over tendency to overthink, overanalyze."

3. "The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity" by Nicholas Day [25:50]

   • Overview: A middle-grade nonfiction account of the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, intertwining multiple perspectives to highlight the event's impact on the artwork's fame.
   • Award Recognition: Won the Sibert Medal for the best informational book for kids in 2024.
   • Quote:

     Madeline Krasinski [27:03]: "It's all because this heist happened."

b. Books Not Liked [28:14 – 35:02]

Madeline discusses a book that didn't resonate with her:

• "The Fury" by Alex Michaelides [28:19]
  • Overview: A thriller featuring an unreliable narrator named Elliot, an ex-movie star navigating complex relationships.
  • Reason for Dislike: Madeline found the narrative style and the protagonist's unclear motivations unsettling.
  • Quote:

    Madeline Krasinski [29:35]: "I like to know that the person's telling me what they're truly thinking."

c. Recent Reads [30:24 – 37:42]

Madeline highlights her latest read:

• "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey [30:35]
  • Overview: Set on Shearwater Island, the novel explores a family's life amid climate crises, infused with mystery elements.
  • Engagement: Madeline was immediately drawn into the story, appreciating its character-driven narrative and environmental themes.

3. Preparing for an Adventure Out West [37:42 – 58:45]

Madeline is gearing up for a family road trip to the Grand Canyon, marking her first visit to the far west. The trip is inspired by author Jason Chen, whose book "Grand Canyon" was part of her daughter's summer reading list. Madeline seeks both fiction and nonfiction to enrich her understanding of the western landscape, its history, art, and natural beauty.

a. Reading Goals for the Trip

Madeline aims to immerse herself in literature that provides backstory, facts, and contextual understanding of destinations like Arizona, Utah, Zion, Bryce, and other national parks. Her goal is to connect deeply with the regions they will explore, leveraging books to set the tone and enhance the travel experience.

4. Anne's Book Recommendations for Madeline [43:06 – 58:45]

Understanding Madeline's preferences and upcoming adventure, Anne suggests a curated list of books:

1. "A Walk in the Park" by Kevin Fedarko [43:04]

   • Genre: Narrative Nonfiction
   • Overview: Chronicles Fedarko's epic traverse of the Grand Canyon, blending adventure with historical and cultural insights.
   • Quote:

     Anne Bogel [43:06]: "The Emerald Mile is this fascinating, just epic feeling story of what Fedarko calls the fastest ride in history through the Grand Canyon."

2. "I Am the Grand Canyon: The Story of the Havasupai People" by Stephen Hurst [53:04]

   • Genre: Historical Nonfiction
   • Overview: Focuses on the Havasupai tribe's connection to the Grand Canyon and their historic battle to reclaim their native lands.
   • Quote:

     Anne Bogel [53:05]: "This is the story of their why. Why is this tribal leader saying I am the Grand Canyon?"

3. "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon" by Michael Patrick Giglieri and Thomas Myers [48:36]

   • Genre: True Crime Nonfiction
   • Overview: A riveting account of all known fatalities in the Grand Canyon, offering perspectives from park rangers and exploring the challenges of maintaining safety in the unforgiving landscape.
   • Quote:

     Anne Bogel [48:36]: "The storytelling is amazing. The cautionary tale quotient is quite high."

4. "Three Keys" by Laura Pritchett [54:59]

   • Genre: Fiction
   • Overview: A novel about a midlife woman embarking on a quest to unlock properties with emotional significance, paralleling themes of grief and self-discovery.
   • Quote:

     Anne Bogel [54:59]: "It's like her discovering maybe her new why, if I'm hearing what you're saying about the book correctly."

5. Additional Recommendations:

   • "Brave the Wild: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon" by Melissa Elsevigny
     • Overview: Chronicles the pioneering efforts of two women botanists exploring the Grand Canyon in 1938.
   • "Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West" by Wallace Stegner
     • Overview: Explores the life of John Wesley Powell and his contributions to the understanding and exploration of the Western United States.

5. Final Thoughts and Plans [57:47 – 58:45]

Madeline decides to begin her trip preparation with "A Walk in the Park," finding it aligns perfectly with her desire to immerse herself in the Grand Canyon's environment and history. She appreciates Anne's thoughtful recommendations and looks forward to enhancing her travel experience through these literary journeys.

Madeline Krasinski [58:13]: "I think I'm going to start with a walk in the park because that one sounds like it's going to maybe lead me down a lot of other rabbit holes of preparation for our trip."

Anne expresses her excitement for Madeline’s upcoming adventure, hoping that the recommended books will provide both preparation and enjoyment.

6. Conclusion

Episode 468 beautifully intertwines Madeline's personal reading journey with her real-life adventure preparations. The conversation highlights the profound impact literature can have on shaping and enhancing travel experiences. By selecting books that resonate with her interests and upcoming plans, Madeline exemplifies how reading can serve as both a guide and a companion in life's journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Krasinski [00:00]: "Maybe it would be helpful to know that my reading sin is that I always read the last page of every single book before I start it."

• Madeline Krasinski [23:57]: "It just hit me. I have a major over tendency to overthink, overanalyze."

• Anne Bogel [43:06]: "The Emerald Mile is this fascinating, just epic feeling story of what Fedarko calls the fastest ride in history through the Grand Canyon."

• Madeline Krasinski [58:13]: "I think I'm going to start with a walk in the park because that one sounds like it's going to maybe lead me down a lot of other rabbit holes of preparation for our trip."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 468, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and book recommendations that align with both Madeline's reading preferences and her family's adventurous spirit.