What Should I Read Next? Podcast: Episode 485 – A Midyear Reading Check-In

Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Anne Bogel
Guest: Shannon Malone, Community Manager

Introduction

In Episode 485 of "What Should I Read Next?", host Anne Bogel engages in a midyear reading check-in with Shannon Malone, the podcast's Community Manager and co-host of the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. This episode is designed to help listeners reflect on their reading habits, assess their progress, and adjust their goals for the latter half of the year.

Midyear Reflections on Reading Goals

Anne opens the conversation by acknowledging the positive feedback from listeners about the Summer Reading Guide. She emphasizes the importance of using resources like the reading guide to discover new books that align with one's current tastes and life circumstances.

“There's always time for good books, so this time of year is perfect for reflection on your reading life.” – Anne Bogle [00:51]

Shannon shares her strategy for 2025: focusing on quality over quantity. She set a goal to read 25 five-star books throughout the year, inspired by Gretchen Rubens' mantra "25 and 2025."

“I just want to focus on reading 25 great books this year.” – Shannon Malone [06:46]

Anne contrasts her approach, which is less methodical and more intuitive, relying on gut feelings to select books. She appreciates how their differing strategies complement each other.

The 10 Midyear Check-In Questions

The core of the episode revolves around 10 curated questions designed to evaluate and enhance the listeners' reading experiences. Below are the questions along with Anne's and Shannon's insightful responses.

1. Best Book You've Read So Far

Anne's Picks:

• Fiction: History of Sound by Ben Shattuck
  Anne describes it as surprising, delightful, and experimental, appreciating its unique storytelling.

  “It was surprising and delightful and smart and evocative.” – Anne Bogle [33:28]

• Nonfiction: Essays Run towards the Danger by Sarah Paul
  She found the memoir impactful and timely.

  “Knocked my socks off.” – Anne Bogle [33:28]

Shannon's Picks:

• Fiction: River Has Roots by Amol El Mohtar
  Currently her favorite fiction read for its compelling narrative.

  “It's currently still sitting at the top of my Apple note.” – Shannon Malone [34:43]

• Nonfiction: Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert
  Highly recommends it as an excellent memoir.

  “That's the best thing I've read in nonfiction.” – Shannon Malone [35:40]

2. Best Sequel You've Read So Far

Anne:

• Looking forward to Heart the Lover by Lily King, a follow-up to Writers and Lovers.

  “It's a follow up to 'Writers and Lovers.'” – Anne Bogle [35:58]

Shannon:

• Recommends Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert as a follow-up to Eat, Pray, Love.

  “I really feel that it is a great follow up for 'Eat, Pray Love.'” – Shannon Malone [36:22]

3. New Release You Haven't Read Yet but Want To

Anne:

• Excited to read These Days by Lucy Caldwell, recommended by Andrea Griffith.

  “I thought, hmm, this sounds good for me.” – Anne Bogle [37:41]

Shannon:

• Looking forward to Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, appreciating Reid's writing style despite some reservations.

  “I love Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style.” – Shannon Malone [38:18]

4. Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Anne:

• Struggles to choose due to over 140 exciting fall releases, highlighting the abundance of good books.

  “There are lots of good stuff.” – Anne Bogle [39:23]

Shannon:

• Anticipates Katabasis by R.F. Kuang and Confession by Alix E. Harrow, expressing both excitement and apprehension.

  “I'm hoping, praying, hoping, praying that the publication version of it will have footnotes.” – Shannon Malone [40:04]

5. Biggest Disappointment

Anne:

• Received a new children’s book from Maggie O'Farrell, which fell short of her expectations.

  “The new Maggie O'Farrell was descending. And, like, no.” – Anne Bogle [42:31]

Shannon:

• Disappointed with Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman, which did not meet her expectations for atmosphere and noir feel.

  “It wasn't what I was expecting.” – Shannon Malone [43:23]

6. Biggest Surprise

Anne:

• Surprised by Endling by Maria Riva for its bold and experimental storytelling, which kept her engaged despite confusion.

  “It was weird and bold and experimental but not so far out.” – Anne Bogle [46:16]

Shannon:

• Enjoyed Physical Education, finding it engaging contrary to her expectations of it being boring.

  “It sounds like I might not have as much time to read...so I just want to focus on reading 25 great books this year.” – Shannon Malone [49:12]

7. Favorite New Author

Anne:

• New to her, Joan Silber, whose family and relational dramas offer unique perspectives.

  “She writes family and relational dramas that are very compact.” – Anne Bogle [49:44]

Shannon:

• Favored Amol El Mohtar for River Has Roots and looks forward to his backlist.

  “I really love the 'River Has Roots,' which released on March 4.” – Shannon Malone [50:53]

8. Newest Fictional Crush or Favorite Character

Shannon:

• Developed a crush on Kristin Kish from "Top Shelf," reflecting on the allure of real people over fictional characters.

  “I love Kristin Kish from Top Shelf. She was a contestant.” – Shannon Malone [51:49]

Anne:

• No specific character mentioned, focusing more on book discussions.

9. Book That Made You Cry

Shannon:

• Moved by How to Read a Book by Monica Wood and Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker.

  “I read it and I cried. I blame you for this.” – Shannon Malone [53:03]

Anne:

• Unspecified but notes emotional impacts from various books over the years.

10. Book That Made You Happy

Anne:

• Enjoyed These Heathens by Mia Maya McKenzie for its engaging protagonist and uplifting narrative.

  “I was grinning.” – Anne Bogle [54:37]

Shannon:

• Loved the ending of River Has Roots, finding it perfect and satisfying.

  “The ending was so satisfying.” – Shannon Malone [55:23]

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Anne and Shannon conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to conduct their own midyear reading check-ins. They emphasize the importance of personalizing one's reading goals to ensure a fulfilling reading life, whether it be for escape, education, or pure enjoyment.

“Reading is personal... we want to be happy in your reading life, whatever that looks like.” – Anne Bogle [05:24]

They also tease a bonus episode featuring team members answering the same ten questions, promising more insights and book recommendations for the community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anne on Reading Personalization:

  “Reading is personal... finding the right books for right now and managing the tension between stretching ourselves and sinking into something we love.” – Anne Bogle [07:01]

• Shannon on Quality over Quantity:

  “I just want to focus on reading 25 great books this year.” – Shannon Malone [06:46]

• Anne on Disappointment:

  “The new Maggie O'Farrell was descending. And, like, no.” – Anne Bogle [42:31]

• Shannon on Emotional Reads:

  “I read it and I cried. I blame you for this.” – Shannon Malone [53:03]

Conclusion

Episode 485 serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to evaluate and enhance their reading habits. Through thoughtful questions and candid reflections, Anne and Shannon provide guidance on balancing reading goals with personal life, ensuring that one's reading journey remains enjoyable and fulfilling.

Whether you're striving to reach specific reading milestones or simply looking to rediscover your love for books, this midyear check-in offers insightful perspectives to help you navigate the rest of 2025's reading adventures.

Happy reading!