Podcast Summary: What Should I Read Next?
Episode: Ep 477: A Summer Reading Road Trip
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Anne Bogel
Guest: Will Bogle
Introduction to the Summer Reading Guide
In this episode of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel welcomes her husband, Will Bogle, to discuss the highly anticipated 2025 Summer Reading Guide. The conversation delves into the evolution of their annual guide, the creative process behind its development, and the fresh theme they have adopted this year.
Notable Quote:
Anne: “We keep doing it year by year because we think we do a great job. And I think 2025 is really special.” [07:18]
Choosing the Road Trip Theme
The central theme for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide is a "road trip," a concept that emerged organically during their planning sessions. This theme not only influences the visual layout of the guide but also integrates various features like pit stops and audiobook recommendations that resonate with the journey motif.
Notable Quote:
Will: “This year's theme is road trip. And we had a lot, a lot of fun with that.” [13:28]
Anne elaborates on the metaphorical and literal interpretations of road trips, emphasizing that readers don't need to embark on an actual journey to enjoy the guide’s offerings. The theme allows for a diverse selection of books that embody the spirit of travel, adventure, and personal growth.
Book Selection Process
Anne shares insights into the meticulous process of curating the 35 main selections for the guide. This year, all featured books are set to be published between April and August 2025. The selection involves extensive reading, evaluating potential picks, and making tough decisions to ensure a balanced and engaging list.
Notable Quote:
Will: “Getting to the 35 titles that are in the Summer Reading Guide is a job, right?” [19:14]
Anne discusses the challenges of staying updated with a vast influx of new releases and the importance of finding "sleeper gems" that might not yet have widespread recognition. The introduction of categories and remixes this year helps in organizing the selections and making them more accessible to readers with varying preferences.
Categories and Remixes
This year's guide features distinct categories such as family dramas, tales of love and friendship, mystery and thriller, memoir and nonfiction, historical fiction, and literary and contemporary fiction. Additionally, the "Books Remixed" feature offers alternative ways to explore the selections, such as highlighting debut authors or books set in different global locales.
Notable Quote:
Anne: “We wanted to carry it pretty literal in our layouts. In the guide, we imagine going places in motor vehicles.” [08:28]
Anne emphasizes the importance of categorizing books by tone and theme rather than strict genres, allowing readers to discover books that might blend multiple genres or defy conventional classifications.
Innovative Features: Pit Stops and Audiobooks
To enhance the thematic experience, the guide includes "pit stops" — sections that spotlight books set in specific geographical locations or featuring journey-related narratives. These pit stops often include recommendations for backlist books and highlight local independent bookstores.
Moreover, the 2025 guide expands its audiobook feature, curating a selection of titles that are particularly enjoyable in audio format. Anne highlights the integration of past favorite books that align with the road trip and journey themes, catering to readers who prefer listening to their books during their own travel experiences.
Notable Quote:
Anne: “We have these pit stops throughout the guide that are set in places that kept popping up.” [16:28]
Challenges in Curation
Anne and Will candidly discuss the difficulties in selecting the final list of books, including navigating the vast number of available titles and making decisions about which books to exclude despite their personal favorites. The shift towards more digital reads has influenced their selection process, as physical copies are less visible in their household, making it harder to keep track of potential picks.
Notable Quote:
Will: “I just can't keep up. You tell me a little bit about what it is, and then the next time you're telling me about this book, it's a totally different author, totally different book.” [21:49]
Anne reflects on the balance between discovering new titles and maintaining a cohesive guide, ensuring that each book aligns with the overall theme and offers a unique reading experience.
Publishing and Distribution of the Guide
This year marks a significant shift in how the Summer Reading Guide is distributed. For the first time, Anne and Will are offering printed copies of the guide, in addition to the traditional digital PDF format. These printed guides are meticulously designed to mirror the magazine-style layout and are available for purchase through their online shop. However, printing and shipping logistics pose challenges, such as delays and limited availability to U.S. addresses only.
Notable Quote:
Anne: “If you're a print person, like I totally get that, but it's gotten really, really expensive.” [54:02]
Will highlights their collaboration with their design team to ensure the quality and aesthetic appeal of the printed guides, making them a desirable keepsake for readers.
Merchandise and Additional Offerings
To complement the Summer Reading Guide, Anne and Will introduce new merchandise themed around the road trip concept. Items such as bookish hats, concert-style tees featuring independent bookstores, and themed stickers are available in their shop. These items not only serve as fun accessories for readers but also promote the communal spirit of the What Should I Read Next? community.
Notable Quote:
Will: “The stickers are just adorable. So check those out in the shop.” [56:13]
Engaging the Community and Looking Forward
Anne encourages listeners to engage with the guide through community memberships and a la carte purchases, which include access to exclusive content like live unboxing sessions and bonus episodes. She underscores the importance of community feedback in shaping future editions of the guide and emphasizes the continuous discovery of new books beyond the guide’s release.
Notable Quote:
Anne: “Sometimes those come from places we're not expecting.” [46:50]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the collaborative effort involved in creating the Summer Reading Guide and the excitement surrounding its release. Anne invites listeners to join their communities, explore the new guide, and partake in the shared love of reading.
Notable Quote:
Will: “Talk about bookish puns, totally intended.” [57:12]
Anne leaves listeners with a motivational note, quoting Rainer Maria Rilke:
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading. Happy reading everyone.” [57:26]
How to Access the 2025 Summer Reading Guide:
- Members of the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club and What Should I Read Next? Patreon receive exclusive access to the guide.
- A La Carte Purchases: Available online at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop for digital PDFs and printed copies.
- Printed Guides: Order through the shop and expect delivery via U.S. mail after unboxing day.
- Merchandise: Explore themed hats, tees, and stickers in the online shop.
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This episode provides a comprehensive look into the thoughtful and creative process behind the 2025 Summer Reading Guide, highlighting the dedication of Anne and Will in enhancing the reading experiences of their listeners.