Episode Summary: Ep 473: Refining an Out-of-Date TBR System

Introduction

In Episode 473 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel delves into the complexities of managing a personal "To Be Read" (TBR) list with her guest, Emily Wytle. Released on April 15, 2025, this episode tackles the challenges of maintaining a reading system that aligns with one's evolving literary tastes and mental well-being.

Guest Background

Emily Wytle, a dedicated reader and academic, shares her journey of balancing extensive reading habits with her academic pursuits. Currently residing in Wales, Emily is on a hiatus before embarking on her PhD studies at Oxford, focusing on gender discrimination in Russian family law. Her background includes dual law degrees from Canada and the UK, along with active involvement in human rights activism and remote work for a law firm. Emily's passion extends beyond reading to knitting and volunteering, painting a picture of a multifaceted individual navigating a period of personal and professional flux.

Emily's Reading Challenges

Emily reveals a significant struggle: her longstanding love for historical fiction no longer satisfies her, and her attempts to engage with nonfiction have proven emotionally taxing. With a StoryGraph TBR list nearing 1,000 titles, Emily finds herself overwhelmed by books that no longer resonate with her current mental state. She explains:

"I've been struggling to find books that are right in this exact moment for me… books that would distract me from what was going on in the world" (05:06)

This extensive list, accumulated over more than a decade starting from her high school years, has become a source of stress rather than enjoyment. Emily’s system—reading two fiction and one nonfiction book in the order available at her local library—often leads her to books that don't align with her present needs, causing her to read books that aren't beneficial for her mental health.

System Refinement Discussion

Anne Bogel empathizes with Emily's predicament, emphasizing the importance of a reading system that evolves with one's life circumstances. She suggests creating a curated list of around 100 books, preserving Emily's extensive history while focusing on titles that serve her current emotional and intellectual needs. Anne remarks:

"It's about sitting with the idea of what would serve spring 2025… what do you want right now is the question" (19:23)

Emily considers this approach, acknowledging the value of a manageable and relevant TBR list. They discuss the possibility of purging older titles that no longer fit her interests, allowing for a refreshed and intentional selection of books that provide the desired mental escape without exacerbating her anxieties.

Book Recommendations

Throughout the episode, Emily shares her literary preferences by highlighting three books she loves, one she doesn't, and what she’s currently reading:

1. "Babel" by R.F. Kuang (27:36)
   A fantasy novel set in Oxford, blending mystical elements with linguistic magic. Emily appreciates its deep character development, exploration of colonialism, and the intricate use of language, aligning with her love for linguistics and sagas.

2. "The Pull of the Stars" by Emma Donoghue (31:58)
   Historical fiction set during the Spanish flu in Dublin, this book offers a claustrophobic yet immersive experience through the eyes of a hospital worker. Emily values its educational aspect and emotional depth, particularly its portrayal of grief and complex relationships.

3. "Word Slut" by Amanda Montel (35:34)
   A feminist linguistics nonfiction work that examines gender stereotypes in language. Emily highlights its impact on her understanding of conversational patterns and its relevance to her studies in gender discrimination.

Book She Didn't Enjoy

Emily also discusses a book that fell short of her expectations:

• "Queen of the Night" by Alexander Chee (36:07)
  Despite widespread acclaim, Emily found the writing style confusing and felt the male author struggled to authentically portray female perspectives. The book's complexity and character development did not resonate with her, leading to disappointment.

Current Reading

Currently, Emily is reading "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily Danforth (38:06). Although it deals with themes of injustice, Emily appreciates its balance of hope and joy alongside its exploration of grief and complex relationships, making it a welcome addition to her reading list.

Anne’s Recommendations

Anne recommends three books tailored to Emily’s desire for emotionally impactful yet non-injustice-centered narratives:

1. "I Know This Much Is True" by Wally Lamb (48:40)
   A profound family drama that delves into mental illness, trauma, and the complexities of brotherly love. With its extensive narrative and emotional depth, it's a fitting suggestion for Emily's appetite for sagas and character-driven stories.

2. "Last Summer on State Street" by Toya Wolf (54:43)
   A coming-of-age novel set in 1990s Chicago, focusing on three young girls navigating friendship and impending displacement from their housing projects. Its succinct yet poignant storytelling aligns with Emily’s preference for heartfelt, impactful narratives.

3. "You Didn’t Hear This from Me: Mostly True Notes on Gossip" by Kelsey McKinney (55:14)
   A nonfiction exploration of gossip's role in society, blending humor with scholarly insights. This recommendation taps into Emily’s interest in language and linguistics while offering a fresh perspective devoid of her usual distressing themes.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Emily expresses enthusiasm for Anne’s recommendations, particularly drawn to "You Didn’t Hear This from Me" as a potential palate cleanser before tackling the more extensive "I Know This Much Is True." The conversation underscores the importance of adapting one’s reading system to current personal needs, highlighting the therapeutic and reflective power of literature.

"Fictional problems are cathartic? Yes, in a way that real problems are not. That's my theory." (42:21)

Anne and Emily part on a hopeful note, with Emily eager to implement the suggested changes and Anne encouraging her to report back on her progress.

Notable Quotes

1. Emily Wytle on Her Reading Struggle:

   "I've been struggling to find books that are right in this exact moment for me… books that would distract me from what was going on in the world." (05:06)

2. Anne Bogel on System Refinement:

   "It's about sitting with the idea of what would serve spring 2025… what do you want right now is the question." (19:23)

3. Emily Wytle on Cathartic Fiction:

   "Fictional problems are cathartic? Yes, in a way that real problems are not. That's my theory." (42:21)

Final Thoughts

This episode of What Should I Read Next? offers a deep dive into the often-overlooked aspect of managing a personal reading list in alignment with one’s current life phase and mental health. Through Emily’s candid sharing and Anne’s insightful guidance, listeners gain valuable strategies for refining their TBR systems to better serve their present needs, ensuring that reading remains a source of joy and solace.