Summary of "Ep 481: A Reading Life That Comes in Waves"

What Should I Read Next?
Host: Anne Bogel
Guest: Evan Carlson
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 481 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel welcomes Evan Carlson, a devoted nonfiction reader, actor, and poet from Chicago. The episode delves into Evan's unique reading journey, characterized by fluctuating reading habits and specific challenges in maintaining a consistent reading practice.

Guest Introduction

Anne Bogel begins by introducing Evan Carlson, highlighting his background and his passion for books that transform his worldview. Evan shares that he recently graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in acting and has moved to Chicago to pursue his acting and writing aspirations while managing a day job.

Evan Carlson (05:12):
"I want to be an actor, and I am an actor, and I write poetry and screenplays and all these things, or I write them when I actually make time for it."

Exploring Evan's Reading Patterns

Evan describes his reading life as one that "comes in waves," oscillating between periods of intense reading and phases of minimal engagement. He recounts a recent month-long surge where he devoured poetry and nonfiction but then struggled to find enjoyment in his subsequent reading choices.

Evan Carlson (06:47):
"Often comes in waves... Anytime that I had any free time, I was just reading and reading and reading poetry and nonfiction, even fiction."

The Impact of Social Media on Reading

A significant barrier for Evan is the pervasive influence of social media and his phone, which disrupt his reading sessions. Despite efforts like deleting Instagram, he finds himself distracted by other digital platforms, leading to interruptions in his reading flow.

Evan Carlson (10:29):
"I think it's not what I want because... social media and my phone... you scroll on my laptop instead."

Categories of Evan's Reading Choices

Evan categorizes his reading into three distinct genres, typically juggling three books simultaneously within these categories: poetry, nonfiction, and fiction.

Poetry

Evan has a profound appreciation for contemporary poetry, finding joy in discovering new poets. His engagement deepened after taking a poetry class under Professor Mike Tuney, whose recommendations expanded Evan's poetic horizons.

Evan Carlson (11:29):
"I usually read about three books at once because of these categories... one is a book of poetry... always reading new poetry and getting excited by it."

Nonfiction

His nonfiction selections often revolve around writing, theater, acting, and memoirs. Evan prefers authors he admires, which provides a consistent starting point for his nonfiction exploration.

Evan Carlson (12:17):
"Usually that's books about writing or books about theater and acting or books about that are memoirs or something."

Fiction

Fiction is Evan's favorite category, yet it presents the most challenges. He tends to gravitate towards familiar genres like Young Adult (YA) fiction but aspires to branch out into other types of fiction to rekindle his enthusiasm for reading novels.

Evan Carlson (12:45):
"It's the category that I maybe love the most, but that I have the most difficulties with... It's usually a YA book right now, which I love YA, but I want to branch out."

Challenges with Fiction Reading

Evan struggles with maintaining momentum after finishing inspirational books, finding it hard to transition to new fiction reads when compared to rereading familiar works like Harry Potter. This inconsistency often leaves him in a state of low engagement with fiction.

Evan Carlson (09:08):
"I see myself as the kind of person who could sit down and read War and Peace in a year, but in practice, it's very sporadic."

Anne’s Recommendations

Recognizing Evan's desire to rekindle his interest in fiction, Anne offers tailored book recommendations:

1. Audition by Katie Kitamura
   A compact novel exploring themes of acting and authenticity, praised for its engaging narrative structure and accessibility.

2. Bluets by Maggie Nelson
   A genre-defying work blending prose poems with personal reflections on love, loss, and the color blue.

3. These Heathens by Mia McKenzie
   An upcoming novel that intertwines fiction with historical figures, challenging preconceived notions through the protagonist's transformative journey.

Anne Bogel (44:31):
"Bluets is 240 numbered prose poems... written from the perspective of someone who is deeply in love, like completely obsessed with the color blue."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Anne expressing enthusiasm for Evan's chosen next reads and encouraging listeners to explore similar paths in their own reading journeys. Evan appreciates the recommendations, particularly Audition, which aligns with his preference for concise and thought-provoking literature.

Evan Carlson (50:27):
"They all really do interest me, so I do think I will pick up all of them. So I appreciate these terrific recommendations, but I think that Audition is the one that I'll pick up first."

Notable Quotes:

• Evan Carlson (05:12):
  "I want to be an actor, and I am an actor, and I write poetry and screenplays and all these things, or I write them when I actually make time for it."

• Evan Carlson (10:29):
  "I think it's not what I want because... social media and my phone... you scroll on my laptop instead."

• Evan Carlson (35:43):
  "Things that challenge me in that way, nonfiction, that almost feels like a page turner to me, that presents me with new ideas that force me to look at life differently is what I really love."

• Evan Carlson (38:26):
  "What we have is story and words and all this stuff. And the stories that we tell ourselves can be subverted by other stories."

Final Thoughts

Evan Carlson's candid discussion offers valuable insights into the ebb and flow of a passionate reader's life. His experiences underscore the importance of finding engaging and meaningful literature to sustain a consistent reading habit. Anne Bogel's thoughtful recommendations aim to bridge the gap Evan experiences, providing him with pathways to rediscover his love for fiction.

Connect with Evan Carlson:
Website: evincarlsonactor.com

Discover More:
Full list of recommended titles and additional resources are available at What Should I Read Next Podcast.

Happy Reading!