Ep 510: Finding classics that shine on audio

Summary

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What Should I Read Next? – Ep 510: Finding Classics That Shine on Audio

Host: Anne Bogel
Guest: Janae Mast
Aired: January 20, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode kicks off 2026 with guest Janae Mast, a self-described lifelong Kansan, stay-at-home mom, and avid book recommender for her friends. Janae seeks Anne’s help in building a shortlist of immersive and accessible classics—especially those that come alive on audiobook—with compelling narration, strong atmosphere, and rich character development. Anne and Janae unpack why audiobooks particularly suit certain classics, share their favorite titles, and discuss what makes an audio version truly "shine."

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Meet Janae & Her Reading Life

• Janae lives in Hutchinson, KS, and cherishes her community, family life, and active book club.
• She loves reading and giving recommendations but rarely has someone do the same for her.
• "It kind of feels like, you know, when you're the one always giving the back rubs but never getting a back rub. And today I get a back rub. So thanks for giving me a literary back rub." (Janae, 06:17)
• Her reading ebbed during social teen/twenty years, revived by Goodreads and her book club in adulthood.
• Since becoming a mom, audiobooks are her main reading format—especially vital during postpartum.

2. What Janae Loves in Books & Audiobooks

• Seeks rich, transportive settings ("I want to sink into and feel transported to a different place or time" – Anne, 05:43)
• Values character-driven stories and immersive language; resists books with little character growth.
• Notes classics often feel more approachable in audio: “Sometimes if it’s old English…it makes it just flow better on audio for me. And then also sometimes there’s a great accent, and that just...adds to the story.” (Janae, 29:43)
• Accents, vivid narration, and nuanced performances hook her into classic literature.
• Loved: These Precious Days (Ann Patchett), The Dean’s Watch (Elizabeth Goudge), The Correspondent (Virginia Evans).
• Didn't Love: Jamaica Inn (Daphne du Maurier) – “I despised this book with a passion...there was very little to no character development.” (Janae, 25:12)

3. Classics on Audio: Why They Matter

• Anne emphasizes classics can intimidate, but audio versions make them accessible.
• Full-cast performances or strong single narrators lend new dimension.
• "Audio can be such an accessible way...you can find like a full cast performance that feels like you're listening to a play or a radio show." (Anne, 37:32)
• The nuances of old language and dialect become enhancements, not obstacles, when performed well.
• Prefer classics on audiobook over print for digestibility and atmosphere: “When it is on audio, I love it and it adds to the story...when it is on physical copy, then it makes it harder for me to digest.” (Janae, 39:01)

4. Janae’s Current Reading Patterns & Requests

• Enjoys reading literary nonfiction, historical explorations, and “classics” in a broad sense (“stood the test of time” rather than strict definitions).
• Recently read: Woman Watching (Marilyn Simmons), Endurance (Alfred Lansing).
• Wants a shortlist — not an overwhelming pile — of quality classics with superb narration to help anchor her reading life, especially for the upcoming postpartum season.

5. Literary Matching & Recommendations

Anne skillfully “matches” Janae’s tastes with a thoughtfully curated list of classics for audio:

Detailed Recommendations (with Notable Quotes & Timestamps):

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, narrated by Rachel McAdams
  “I think perhaps hearing what I've heard from you about what you enjoy and what you hope for your postpartum reading life, that could be a lot of fun. Especially the version narrated by Rachel McAdams.” (Anne, 42:29)
• Middlemarch by George Eliot
  Serialization of provincial English life with character development; previously read and enjoyed in print by Janae.
• The End of the Affair by Graham Greene, narrated by Colin Firth
  Literary, atmospheric, WWII London setting blending character depth, big questions, and moral complexity. Notably read by Colin Firth, though Janae admits: “I don't keep track of narrators' names. I just hear voices and I'm like, oh, this guy. Oh, this girl. I love this one.” (Janae, 47:03)
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  Discussed as a gothic novel with high character development – enjoyed by Janae even as she usually resists gothic mood (48:52).
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, narrated by Ruby Dee
  “In the audio version, it was incredible. I...forget who read it, but she was incredible.” (Janae, 49:46)
  Anne spotlights Ruby Dee’s narration as transformative.
• Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick (Hurston, short stories, with intro by Tayari Jones)
  “Short stories usually aren’t my thing...I want to give it a shot because of your recommendation.” (Janae, 53:24)
• Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston, nonfiction narrated by Robin Miles
  True story of Cudjoe Lewis, last survivor of the last slave ship.
• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  Pastoral adventure about rabbits—“Channeling Elizabeth Goudge” with themes of loyalty, courage, and gorgeous description. “I think somebody whispered this in your ear...I checked it out from the library so many times before I finally read it.” (Anne, 54:42)
  Janae: “Yes, I’m going to start it today. I just know I will.” (Janae, 56:07)
• A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle (Crosswicks Journals, nonfiction)
  “Knowing your love for These Precious Days, The Dean's Watch, The Correspondent...I think she could be really, really great for you.” (Anne, 56:16)
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Andy Serkis
  “He was so good that I had to know who was doing it.” (Janae, 59:51)
• Honorable Mentions:
  • The Blue Castle (Montgomery), Rumor Godden’s novels (In This House of Brede, An Episode of Sparrows), PG Wodehouse for lighter fare.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Book Club Life:
  “Leading the book club is one of my favorite things that I do. It's so much fun to plan parties...We're just a big part of each other's lives.” (Janae, 11:08)

• On Good Narration:
  “Ann Patchett is a great reader.” (Janae, 20:03)

• On the Power of Setting:
  “She does paint these just beautiful pictures...where you feel like you’re there.” (Janae, 36:26)

• On Classics on Audio:
  “When it's on audio, I love it and it adds to the story and to the experience of the reading and I find it interesting and fascinating.” (Janae, 39:01)

• On Immediate Next Read:
  “It's really hard to choose, except that I just can't say no to Watership Down because it's literally sitting right there waiting for me to listen to. So I have to start there.” (Janae, 60:15)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 - Janae refuses to finish books she dislikes, except for book club picks
• 06:17–09:31 - Janae introduces herself, family, community, and reading background
• 12:15–14:03 - How audio became essential to her reading life
• 17:26–22:48 - Three books Janae loves and why
• 25:12–27:40 - Jamaica Inn — why it missed the mark
• 29:43–31:43 - What Janae wants from her reading life now: specifically, classics on audio
• 32:33–33:32 - Anne and Janae align on the definition of a “classic”
• 37:32–40:04 - Why audiobooks are a gateway for classics: accessibility, language, performance
• 42:29–54:42 - In-depth book recommendations & reasoning
• 60:15 - Janae chooses Watership Down to read next

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Episode Tone & Takeaways

Friendly, enthusiastic, empathetic, and filled with literary curiosity. Lively exchanges abound, with Anne matching her recommendations closely to Janae’s needs—a postpartum mom wanting comfort, character depth, rich settings, and an enhanced experience through quality narration.

This episode is a goldmine for listeners seeking approachable classics on audio, a nuanced discussion of why narration matters, and examples of tailored book matchmaking. Anne’s recommendations and rationale offer practical, concrete starting points, demystifying classics while celebrating the unique qualities that make them beloved.

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For More:
Find the full list and links at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com or follow the show on Instagram @whatshouldireadnext.

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Transcript

[A]

I must say I despised this book with a passion and I would not have finished this book. I don't have anything against not finishing books and I would not have finished it except it was a book for my book club and so I wanted to finish it to be able to talk about it and defend my argument that I did not like it.

[B]

Hey readers, I'm Anne Bogle and this is what Should I Read Next? Welcome to the show that's dedicated to answering the question that plagues every reader. What should I read next? We don't get bossy on this show. What we will do here is give you the information you need to choose your next read. Every week we'll talk all things books and reading and do a little literary matchmaking with one guest. Readers With a fresh year of books ahead, many of us are setting goals, trying new tracking methods and exploring fresh ways of observing what we're reading and what it means to us. Here at what Should I Read next and modern Mrs. Darcy, we have lots of tools you can use to keep your reading life on track and that is however you want to do it. For instance, our beautiful Ampersand Leuchtturm journals are back in stock. Our team hand selected these colors last year with reader inputs and we have tried and tested many journal over the years and I can tell you that these are truly fantastic. They come with dotted and numbered pages of creamy ink proof paper and are perfect for your book journal, daily diary, bullet journal or any other way you'd like to use them. If you're looking for a bit more structure, check out my Reading Journals, My Reading Life for Adult Readers and my Reading Adventures designed with younger or younger at heart readers in mind. Each version comes with custom reading lists to be read lists, literary quotes, and plenty of room to record and reflect on what you've read and what you would like to read next. Find the reading journal of your [e-mail] shop where you'll also find perfect accessories like stickers, pencils and book darts. If you've been thinking about joining Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, you might not know that they get 10% off shop orders, but anyone can order from modernmrsdarcy.com shop readers. Now that the holidays are over, you may be taking a closer look at your budget after spending on gifts, travel, special meals and more. If you're looking for ways to cut your regular spending, Mint Mobile is here to help you out with 50% off unlimited premium Wireless plans. Having a reliable wireless plan is a must. These days, but that doesn't mean it needs to cost an arm and a leg or lock you into a long term contract. With Mint Mobile. You can bring your existing phone, phone number and list of contacts, but instead of paying big monthly fees, you'll save 50% on three, six or 12 months of unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. Saving money on monthly essentials like our wireless plan means more money for buying books, so I'm always interested in ways to trim our regular budget. If I were in the market for a new wireless plan this month, I'd definitely be checking out Mint Mobile this January. Quit overspending on Wireless with 50% off unlimited premium wireless plans start at 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com readnext that's mintmobile.com readnext Limited time offer upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for 12 months. Plan required equivalent to 15 bucks a month taxes and fees Extra initial plan term Only greater than 50 gig may slow when network is busy Capable device required Availability, speed and coverage varies. See MintMobile.com readers as we launch the New year, we're checking in on short and long term goals at my house. Like how we're doing on financial planning. As a business owner, my finances are not as straightforward as they were when I just got a regular paycheck. But I'm sure many of you can appreciate one big question that is on our minds a lot these we have four kids. How are we going to pay for college? Whatever your financial questions, Fearless Finance is here to make getting personalized advice affordable and accessible. Your Fearless Finance Advisor meets with you virtually so you don't have to take even more time out of your schedule for in person meetings or worse, put off getting financial help because scheduling is too hard. Whether you have a big question or a small one, whether you need to build a plan from scratch or tweak the one you've got, they've got the experience and knowledge to point you in the right direction. When you work with Fearless Finance, you're not locked into any high fees, commitments or requirements for minimum net worth. In the past, Will and I worked with a different firm that charged a percentage of our portfolio and we realized that those fees really added up and we didn't like that we got charged even if we didn't need the meetings or didn't need any maintenance on our financial plan. That is a big reason why I recommend Fearless Finance. They charge by the hour so you only pay for the time you use down to a quarter hour and I love knowing I can act on their recommendations with confidence because I know they make those recommendations based purely on what is best for me and my needs. Visit fearlessfinance.com today. You can chat with a planner for free to make sure it's a good fit and you'll get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code readnext. That's Fearless Finance. Com. Today's guest is looking for books that she can sink into and feel transported to a different place or time. She is especially on the hunt for classics that come alive in an audio format. Janae Mast lives in small town Kansas where she's a stay at home mom to her young son and looking forward to the arrival of her second child this spring. Janae's found that the audio format works especially well for her in this season of life and she's particularly drawn to classics in this format. As Janay wrote in her submission, accents and good readers really make the text, plot and characters come alive. Can I point her to titles with particularly good narration and work especially well in that format? And she's looking for classics. She would especially love ideas for classics on audio that offer immersive reading experiences, that prompt curiosity and that teach her new things about a moment in time or significant historical event. I love this quest for Janee and cannot wait to explore titles that may fit her listening criteria this spring. Let's get to it. Janee, welcome to the show.

[A]

Thank you so much for having me. I am so excited to be here and it's such an honor. I feel like I have a lot of friends who come to me and say like oh, what should I read? I need some recommendations. And I love that. I absolutely love giving recommendations and saying what are you in the mood for? What books do you like? But I don't always feel like I have a lot of people I can do that with and it kind of feels like, you know, when you're the one always giving the back rubs but never getting a back rub. And today I get a back rub. So thanks for giving me a literary back rub.

[B]

I am glad to step into your circle.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

So that it becomes a circle and not a line. Although, like what lucky readers that they have a friend to turn to and say help me find a good book.

[A]

I love it. I love that so much. Yes.

[B]

Janae, I'm so excited to talk today and thank you for being our first like Listener guest of 2026. It's a big day.

[A]

It's my pleasure.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Well, I can't wait. We are so excited by your submission readers, if you don't know what I'm talking about. Janae sent in info on her reading life at what Should I read next podcast.com guest and our team went, ooh, that sounds fun. To kick off the year. So thank you, Janae.

[A]

Yes, thank you.

[B]

Okay, I'd love to start by giving the readers a glimpse of who you are. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

[A]

I live in Hutchinson, Kansas and have lived here all of my life or close by, and I love it here. My 16 year old self would fall over dead if I would hear myself say that, but I do genuinely love it here and I can picture myself here the rest of my life. Who knows where I'll be, but I could picture that. And if you would drive into town, you'd probably be like, why would anyone live here? But it's the people. We have a great community here and I live here with my husband and our one and a half year old son. And we're very excited to welcome our second son in March. So we'll have crazy, wild and fun times this coming next few months.

[B]

Congratulations.

[A]

Thank you. I'm a stay at home mom and I love it. It's challenging and hard, but like, love it so much. Never wish to go back to work and I'm so privileged that I don't have to. And cost of living is low. But we love to travel, so we are able to travel quite a bit. And our two big destinations this year were the Netherlands and New York City, and Amsterdam and New York are now some of my favorite cities that I've ever been to and very different cities, but I loved both of them. And we love traveling with a baby as well, which is a new challenge, but super fun as well. When I'm home and have free time, I love to read. I love to sew and go thrifting. I like to paint and do interior decorating, going for walks and spending time outside. And then we also, we just love being involved in our community and our church and we love to host people in our home. And that's a little bit about me.

[B]

Well, thank you. Oh my gosh. I have so many literary. Well, I guess and travel questions about the Netherlands and nyc. We'll see if that weaves its way into our conversation today.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

Janee, could you paint me a picture.

[A]

Of your reading life as a kid? I loved to read. Like many readers on this show, I Wouldn't say I just read like a crazy amount as a kid or like that was, you know, my number one thing. But I did really love it. And I have memories of, you know, just having a whole day where I could read a whole book and it was so much fun. And then in my teens and twenties, I was very social and just had time for friends and didn't have time for reading and so kind of got into a slump. And then after I was married, my sister in law, who is a big reader, was telling me about, you know, all these different books she's heard about and maybe has read. And I was just like, how do you know about so many books and how do you find out about books? And so she got me onto Goodreads and I feel like that really just like got me back into reading and I started reading again and getting excited about reading. And so like for the last probably six years or so, reading has become a really big part of my Life. There was one year a few years ago where I read 75 books, which was too much for me, but it was like crazy that I had gone from reading maybe one or two books to that many. So it's a really big part of my life. I don't read nearly as much now with being a mom, but I try to read a little bit every day. And so it is like just a really big part of it feels like a big part of my identity. And then I also started a book club, I think it was four years ago with one of my friends. And the women in the book club have just become like such a big part of like my reading life and my just friendship circle. And leading the book club is one of my favorite things that I do. It's just like so much fun to plan parties and yeah, we're just a big part of each other's lives. So that's a big part of my reading life. And then I usually have about like one to two physical books going. Like I usually have a fiction book that I read before bed and then sometimes like a little essay book or something like that on the side. And then audiobooks at this stage feel a lot easier with the stage of life I'm in. Just with pregnancy and postpartum, my reading has felt weird and a little off sometimes. But audiobooks feel easier to get through.

[B]

I know that's a big part of what brings you to the show today.

[A]

Yes, it is. Yeah, I really feel like I want more. Like I want a lineup of good audiobooks because I often feel like, if I don't have a good audiobook to reach for, I'm reaching for YouTube or just kind of like random podcasts, which isn't always a bad thing, but I would rather be reading not a bad thing.

[B]

And what I'm hearing is if your reading life is feeling weird, like, are you reaching to stabilize it a little bit?

[A]

Yeah, totally. Yeah. I feel like in. In postpartum especially, it was just really hard for me to find anything that was interesting enough to keep my attention, but gentle enough to take or process in postpartum and all the different things you're dealing with. So I think if I have something that grabs me and takes me in with it but isn't, you know, harsh and devastating at the same time.

[B]

So this is the voice of experience speaking?

[A]

Yeah, Yeah, I think so. And I think I know a little bit more what to expect with second postpartum, and I'm hoping for a little bit of a list, perhaps.

[B]

Okay, so you'd really like reading, especially in audiobooks, to be part of your life come March, and today we want to help you get ready.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay. Well, this sounds fun. We're not going to talk about genres right now. We'll wait for that. But what we're going to do is talk about what you've loved in the past, get a better feel of what you're hoping to assemble into this lineup of good audiobooks, and see where it takes us. How does that sound?

[A]

Sounds perfect.

[B]

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[A]

I chose these books by just not overthinking it.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

Yes, right. They're kind of a funny like combo of books. I don't feel like they go together and they're not like a big theme throughout them. But I just chose them because I like them.

[B]

I mean, Janae, the unifying theme is you love them all. So let's get started. What's the first book you love?

[A]

So the first book I chose is these Precious Days by Ann Patchett. And I love Ann Patchett's writing. I haven't, I'm not a completist. I haven't read all of her books, but I've read her most recent ones, probably from El Canto on, I would say. And I just love, love her writing, specifically her non fiction writing. But, but I love her novels as well. In these Precious Days she writes essays, personal essays, and she talks about growing up with three fathers. She talks about purging and getting rid of things in her house. She talks about her experience during the pandemic and art and dogs and writing and knitting and just like normal life things. And one of the kind of big reoccurring themes and stories continued story in the book is her friendship with Suki Tom Hanks assistant and kind of her new friendship with her and how that whole story with her. And I think one of the big reasons why I love this book is because Ann Patchett has a way of writing experiences and thoughts and feelings in a way that I can relate to but would never have known how to put into words. And I can either relate to them on a personal level or just kind of as like a general human experience. And she makes her experience relatable. And I love that. I just love that in an author when they can write something. And I go, yes, I experienced that too, or yes, I can totally understand that from your perspective without me knowing how to say that. And I think I've read this book like I don't know, I want to say four or five times. And I'm not a big rereader. But this is the kind of book where I'm just like, oh, I'm in a reading slump. I think I should read these Precious Days or oh, it's a new year. I think it's time to read these Precious Days again. So I just, I love, love this book.

[B]

Okay. Is that when you Read in print or is that audio?

[A]

I've done both. My friend actually gave me a signed copy, personalized and signed copy, for my birthday. So I read it in hard copy first, and then I think the rest of the times I've read it on audio.

[B]

As we think about audiobooks, I'm just interested to hear what works, especially if it's worked for you four or five times.

[A]

Yes, exactly. Ann Patchett is a great reader.

[B]

I'm glad to hear that because she's given herself some stiff competition with having celebrity narrators.

[A]

Yes, she has.

[B]

Janae, what's the second book you love?

[A]

The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Gouge. And I am also not a completist of hers, but love lots of her books. And this book is set in the 19th century in a little English village, remote English village, and there's a cathedral there. And the dean of this cathedral is the main character in the story. And he is this shy, insecure man who's unsure how to relate to the village people or his parishioners and even his own wife. He kind of almost worships his own wife, and he doesn't know how to, like, even barely relate to her. But in spite of, like, his awkwardness and everything, he has this really deep, genuine love for everybody around him, everybody in his village. And he just, like, he doesn't know how to express it, and he just feels so kind of, like, trapped in his own body. But then he meets the watchmaker in the town and they form this super unlikely friendship, and it's like they come together and it's like God shows up for both of them in really unexpected ways through their friendship, and they both grow and in the different ways that they need. And it's like very little plot, but so much incredible character development. And I've heard her book, especially the Dean's Watch, but I can see, I could see it in her other books as well. But I've heard her writing criticized as kind of having, like, very idealistic characters and not very realistic, which I can see. But that's, in a way, sometimes why I like her book so much is because, like, after I, I finished the Dean's Watch, all I could think of was just like, I just want to be like that dean. I just want to genuinely love everybody around me like the dean. And he was so imperfect in his, you know, he wasn't like just this saint that knew exactly what to do all the time, but his heart was just so pure, and he loved everybody so genuinely. And I think that's Why I love her books is because usually there's a character where I go like, oh, I just, I want to be like that person. So it is a little bit, like, idealistic and a little unrealistic, but it's a little bit why I like it. But, yeah, very character driven.

[B]

So it can feel aspirational. And it's okay with you that it doesn't necessarily feel 100% real, like it's painting a picture of what maybe the world could be like, though? Won't be.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Okay. I think we're going to spend more time talking about Elizabeth Gooch before we're done today.

[A]

Okay, great.

[B]

Janae, what's the third book you love?

[A]

The third book I love is a new book, and I think you had it in your summer reading guide. I think that's where I learned about it, but it is the Correspondent by Virginia Evans, and I loved this book. It was just the perfect book for the right time. For me, it's a story of this woman looking back on her life and making sense of her life. Through her letters written and she particularly examines one of or the hardest season of her life. And through her courage to look at the hard things from her past, she finds, like, incredible forgiveness and healing like in the very sunset years of her life. And I just thought it was incredibly well done, incredibly well written. And the character, just the way she grew at that point in her life was so hopeful to me because I feel like sometimes it's more portrayed as, like once you reach a certain age, then that's just who you are. But this woman was still learning and growing and finding healing. And I just thought it was so beautiful. And I just bawled at the end of the book. I couldn't take what happened at the end in the very best way. I couldn't take it. But it was. It was an amazing book.

[B]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And yes, that was Summer Reading Guide.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Janae, I heard you say as we launched into these books that they didn't really have any common themes, but I don't know, they're really painting a picture for me.

[A]

Okay, well, I'm glad to hear that.

[B]

Okay, well, I'll see if I can do that thing you really enjoy and articulate that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, what comes next. Would you tell me about a book that was not right for you? And I think it's important we hear why did it not align with your taste? Was it bad timing? Was it about a topic that you don't read about when you like, know what you're actually choosing. What did you choose?

[A]

So the book I chose for this was Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier. I must say I despised this book with a passion. It was. And I would not have finished this book. I don't have anything against not finishing books, and I would not have finished it except it was a book for my book club. And so I wanted to finish it to be able to talk about it and defend my argument, but I did not like it. I did not like this book because. Well, there were a number of things. The biggest reason, I would say, was because there was very little to no character development. And that is a theme I love. I love character development. And I don't mind plot, but if there's plot, like, if it's a very plotty book without characters being developed, then I just. I'm not. I'm not interested. And I feel like that's what this book was. It's a story about this. This girl who is. I don't remember how old she is, but I would say teens or early 20s. And her mom passes away, and on her deathbed, she has her daughter make this promise that she'll go live with her sister, the girl's aunt. And the girl promises this, but she doesn't want it. She wants. She would rather stay in their village on their farm, but she goes to live with the aunt, and the uncle ends up being a very shady character, and things just go downhill from there, and she gets involved in this whole big scheme, and it's. I felt like it was supposed to be scary, but it wasn't scary enough for what it was supposed to be, but it was too scary for me, and I felt like there was just very little. Yeah. Character development. And it felt very. Even the plot felt very contrived to me. Like, everything somehow, you know, she. The girl was always the hero, and everything fell into place just too perfectly. And. But, yeah, the character development, I think, was the biggest thing. But the whole. It's a very gothic novel as well, and I don't. I don't love creepy, dark, gothic style things. And so it just, overall, was not. Definitely not the right book for me.

[B]

Janae, I'm extrapolating a little here, but it sounds like you. You didn't like the mood, the gothic atmosphere.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But also, perhaps we could think about this as a portrait of a certain kind of relationship and the effects of that playing out over time. And that wasn't a relationship you wanted to be a part of and didn't Want to see what was going to unfold? You were looking for a different kind of journey?

[A]

Yeah, totally.

[B]

Okay. Janae, what have you been reading lately?

[A]

I just finished Woman Watching by Marilyn Simmons, and I really enjoyed this. It's a biography about a woman who is born in Sweden, and then she moves. Well, she ends up in Russia during the war because she's a nurse, and then she marries a Russian soldier and he gets killed, and then she is stuck in Russia without her husband and can't get out for a number of years, and then she actually ends up going to Canada and becomes a natural scientist and studies birds, and she just has a super interesting life. I did really enjoy the book. I did it on audio, but it did get a little bit long for me. And then I also just finished Endurance by Alfred Lansing. And this is by. This is about Shackleton and his quest to walk across Antarctica on foot with his team and how everything went wrong. I really enjoyed that book. It was super depressing in a lot of ways, just because of all the horrible things they had to endure and how cold and miserable it was. But just the endurance they had was incredible. And so I would definitely. I did end up giving it five stars.

[B]

Okay, and, Janae, what are you looking for in your reading life right now? Now, we've already heard you say a lineup of audiobooks, but what would you like to add to that, or how do you want to flesh that out?

[A]

I think I want to stop feeling like I don't have an audiobook to reach for, which I have had a few recently, but there was definitely a period recently where I didn't, and now I'm done with my audiobook and feel that again. And one thing. Well, there's a few different genres I love specifically love on audio, and that one of those is classics, and I love classics I've read not a ton, but the ones I've read, I've really enjoyed, and I tend to enjoy them more when I listen to them instead of read them. And I think it's partially because sometimes if it's like, old English or a little bit of a different way of speaking, it makes it just flow better on audio for me. And then also sometimes there's a great accent, and that just, I feel like adds to the story. So, yes, I would love to have some really good classics to sink in to on audio. I read Anna Karenina last fall and really enjoyed it. It was, like, by far the biggest book I've ever read, but I honestly, like, zoomed through it, and it was super interesting and fascinating to me. Really got into the story. Now, I'm not saying I have to have 900 page books. That's my recommendation.

[B]

That is not the request.

[A]

That's not the request. But I do love classics on audio, and I would love to have a nice lineup of good classics to sink into. Also, I do. Like I said, my reading has been weird, or specifically, the first few months postpartum, they were weird. And I kind of expect that again. And if we have time and you want to recommend me some good literary fiction that I can have on my nightstand, that's great. Totally fine. If we don't have time for that.

[B]

Okay, Janae, I want to start with a question that I want to apologize for in advance. You graduated all your schools a long time ago. But when you say classic, what do you have in mind?

[A]

You know, I am not super rigid about what a classic is. If you look on my. I have a, you know, a little tag or whatever on my Goodreads of classics I've read. And I'm sure that some people who would look at that and they'd be like, that is not a classic. That does not count. But to me, a classic is something that has stood the test of time. It doesn't need to be a household name, but it needs to have been around long enough for it to have stood. Stood the test of time.

[B]

Okay, so we're not going to get fussy about it. We're just looking for books that have been around a while. I mean, books with staying power that may feel old, but still feel like they speak to the human experience.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, I'm thinking of what you said about Ann Patchett, how she really, like, writes about the specific in a way that feels relatable and maybe even. You didn't use this word. Universal.

[A]

Yes, totally. Wendell Berry.

[B]

So Wendell Berry is writing today, but he's in the right wheelhouse.

[A]

Yes, he is. I feel like he writes classics. I don't know, I just feel like the way he. Which I've actually only read Hannah Coulter of his, but he's another author where I read the book and I go, yes. Like, oh, my word. Like, how did he think to write that? And that, to me, feels classic. You know, that feels like a classic. I know I wouldn't. I don't know if I would classify it as a classic just because they are newer books, but I do feel like he writes classics.

[B]

Janae, that gives me a lot to work with, and I'm wondering if you can help me figure out something I'm curious about. You have mentioned a time where you felt like you didn't have any audiobooks to turn to, and I'm wondering if that's because you felt overwhelmed by options. Nothing sounded good, nothing was readily available that, like, was really speaking to you. The reason I'm asking is if you want to read classics on audio, it seems like there are so many to potentially reach for for. Is it too many? Did you not know which ones are right for you? Like, I'd love to make you a lineup, but I want to make sure the books in it are actually going to serve you when the time comes.

[A]

Yes, that makes sense. Most of the time in my life, I've had plenty of books on my shelves, saved on my everand or wherever that I could always. I can always find a book to read. Something will strike my fancy at the time, but in postpartum and, like, pregnancy and kind of some of those weird months, it's not that I don't have things saved or things on my shelves. It's that maybe I don't have anything that sounds right or strikes my fancy at the time. And specifically about classics, I think what you touched on is that, yeah, there are so many classics on audio, but it's overwhelming to find the right one. And sometimes I can be a little picky about the reader as well. And so if the. If I want to read the book but the reader doesn't sound right, then I'm like, I'm not. I'm not gonna, you know, spend 18 hours on that. So I think it's a combo of things, but a little bit of, like, I don't know what I want right now, and also maybe not having the energy to look for it or to, like, find it. And so a short list would be helpful of, you know, a quality story with a quality reader.

[B]

I think I can work with that. And I feel like we have a lot to choose from. Okay, yes. Let's recap. The books you loved were these Precious Days by Ann Patchett, the Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge, and the Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier was not for you. And lately you've been reading Woman Watching by Marilyn Simmons and Endurance by Alfred Lansing. Now, I remember in your submission, you said something about really loving the setting and atmosphere of some of the classics you've read and enjoyed. And that got me wondering about your love for Elizabeth Goot. I feel like she's so big on setting and atmosphere and, like, these really Lush descriptions. I just want to know what comes up for you right now.

[A]

That is so true. I do think that is huge. I think you're right on that. Character development is always a big thing for me, which Elizabeth Gooch is big on. But she does paint these just beautiful pictures of either nature and the woods that are surrounding this little cottage and with a beautiful gate and vines growing over it where you feel like you're there. And I think Ann Patchett does that well as well. And Tom Lake. I feel like I'm in the Cherry Orchard and it's hot and you're picking cherries and you can just, like, feel it, you know? So I think you're touching on something there. I think that is. That is true. I think it. And I think I can kind of do that with, like, Jane Austen as well, where you feel how cold it is and how snowy and the anxiety around, you know, are we going to get caught in the snow out in the middle of nowhere in our carriage and won't have anywhere, any. Anybody to help us, you know? So I think you're right. I think that is big.

[B]

Well, that's helpful. And I'm going to be thinking about the language a lot. Okay. I want to take a minute and talk about, like, what is so great about classics on audio. I feel like this is a drum that we have beat in Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, and that it's worth talking about today. Like, a lot of people get really intimidated by old books, and audio can be such an accessible way for that. Like, it's fantastic for readers who just. They want to get lost in a story. They don't want to feel like they're in English class. For some of these old books, you can find, like, a full cast performance that feels like you're listening to a play or a radio show. Classics on audio are also really great for people who love the power and distinctiveness of the old language. Something that trips up a lot of readers. And Janae, I don't know how this feels to you as you've, like, stepped into this section of the library bookstore, Literary Sphere on purpose, is that a lot of times with these older books, we really notice the language in a way that we don't notice reading something that was published this year. Like, the authors are using older words and phrases of their time, because of course they are. Or we may notice, like, a recognizable quote that became famous over time from this book. And so people who really enjoy this type of writing can find that in the classics. How do what's your relationship with like the language of old books. Is that cool? Is that an obstacle? Is this something you even notice listening on audio?

[A]

I think when I'm reading it in hard copy, I'm actually reading Emma by Jane Austen right now and it's a little bit more of an obstacle. When I'm reading a physical book on audio, though, I feel like it is an enhancer to the story and the time and the history. I feel like it makes it more interesting and fascinating like in Anna Karena how I just feel like all the different, like the ways that religion and politics were so mixed and the language surrounding that is so fascinating and gives a lot to the book. So I think it does vary. When it's on audio, I love it and it adds to the story and to the, to the experience of the reading and I find it interesting and fascinating. And then when it is on physical copy, then it makes it harder for me to digest.

[B]

Okay, Janae, I think what we want to do is give you a list, more than three, but not too many so as not to overwhelm you. We want this to feel manageable and not like mire you in choices. And I think what I want to do is leave it to you to decide what's right for right now and what you might want to save and see what feels good.

[A]

Amazing.

[B]

Okay. And I think we're going to mix in some. Do we count that as a classic yet? I don't know. Maybe. But it does seem right for Jana kind of books.

[A]

Awesome. Okay, that's great. I'm so excited.

[B]

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[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Have you read or listened to Anna Green Gables? Because I think you might not need. Not need. But I think perhaps hearing what I've heard from you about what you enjoy and what you hope for your postpartum reading life, that that could be a lot of fun. Especially the version narrated by Rachel McAdams.

[A]

Oh yes. Okay, so I don't know who read it, but I have listened to Anne of Green Gables and I love. I love it. I have also read the Blue Castle, which I love.

[B]

Oh my gosh, I was just reading something about. Okay, we shared. It was something like kind of silly but completely wonderful, like all the Anna Green Gables. It might have been like male leads ranked. We shared it in links. I love on modern Mrs. Darcy and I've been like itching to read the Blue castle for the first time in 20 or 30 years, ever since.

[A]

Oh yes, I think I need to reread that as well. I read it on Kindle, which I don't love reading digitally as much, so I think an audio reread of the Blue Castle would actually be really fun.

[B]

Next, how about Middlemarch by George Eliot?

[A]

Yes, I read Middlemarch several years ago, actually. I read that on physical copy and took me a long time to get through it. I don't know how big that book is, but it was big for me for a physical book. But I really, really enjoyed it. And you're definitely on the right track.

[B]

Okay, let's say more about that. Readers, if you relate to the finished. Jane Austen, really enjoyed those. Not sure what to read next. George Eliot, especially. Middlemarch, is such a good one. This is, in Elliot's own words, a study of provincial life that features this close look at several young couples who fall or think they've fallen in love. And you're watching. I mean, you're watching this, like, small village drama play out, but also, like, a much larger meditation on happiness and, oh, gosh, I'm kind of allergic to this word in literary settings, but virtue and meaning and calling, and you get to see, like, just in a more like, dishy way, like, who's gonna find happiness and who won't and why, like, what's gonna get in their way and how is the gossip gonna turn things upside down? And something I especially loved about reading Middlemarch is I didn't read it till I was in my 30s and. And finally realized, oh, I have been reading so many Middlemarch allusions for decades and just had no idea what I was missing out on because I'd never read the source material. So for a nerd like me, that was a lot of fun. Janae, did you relate to that part?

[A]

It's been too long for me, honestly, to even remember a lot of those details, so I can't say for sure, but I did love it. I do remember that much.

[B]

I'm glad to hear it. Have you read any Graham Green?

[A]

I have not.

[B]

Okay, well, he is often included in novels everyone should read, and Best of the Century and classics you should have read in high school, like, these kind of list. And he was really a multi talented author. He wrote entertainments, that was his phrase for his, like, spy novels. But he also wrote, like, works that he thought of as serious and grounded and deep and literary and lasting. And this one, he thought kind of blurred the line between the serious and the entertainment. And I plucked it for you because it has some of the similar themes that we see in Elizabeth Goudge, about people struggling with calling and meaning and religion with these really vivid descriptions. This novel is set in World War II London. It's about war and love and betrayal and art. There's a novelist at the center of this who wants to write about a civil servant. And this is his reason to finally meet his neighbor so he can find out about the, like, small details of his life. And when he meets his neighbor, he meets his neighbor's wife, with whom he begins this torrid affair that goes on for Some time, despite her being so, so guilty and him being so jealous. But then he is nearly killed by a bomb in the blitz and it changes the whole trajectory of everything. I'm not sure when a novel of life and death and redirection is right for you to read. I don't know if this is like a February read or an April read, but I wonder how this is sounding to you. And also if it matters that it's read by Colin Firth. There are other versions available, but there is a version read by Colin Firth available that I will vouch for.

[A]

I must confess, Ann, that I don't keep track of narrators names. I just hear voices and I'm like, oh, this guy. Oh, this girl. I love this one. So I must confess, I don't know who Colin Firth is, but if you recommend him, then I am sure he's great.

[B]

That might not mean anything to you, but he is the actor who played Mr. Darcy in the 1995 version with Jennifer Ella.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

He was in Bridget Jones Diary, the King's Speech.

[A]

Yes. Okay. Amazing. Yes. Another thing, I don't keep track of his actors names. I just see them and like, oh, I love that guy. Oh, he's back. But yeah, that's great. This one's super interesting, this book. Another thing I didn't mention earlier, but something I really love is books that spark conversation for my husband and I. My husband gets super bored with questions like, how was your day? And how was work? And he's like, good, not too bad. But when we start talking about history and politics and what I'm reading and all of that, then we have these really good conversations. And I love when I'm reading books that I'm like, oh, hey, did you know this happened in World War II? Or can you tell me more about this part of that history? Do you know anything? And so those. These kind of books spark those conversations, which I love. Hmm.

[B]

Well, this is definitely a novel about big questions. I think you could find plenty to talk about. And for better or worse, it's six and a half hours, so this is on the shorter side. Now, I feel like since you said you haven't read a lot of classics, you're looking to read more. We might want to talk about Jane Eyre. That feels like an obvious direction to go, but it's also gothic. What do you think? Yes.

[A]

So I have read Jane Eyre, actually, and I loved it, which I did say I don't like gothic, but I did love her for some reason. I think there was enough character development and other kind of atmosphere than just the dark and gothic. There was enough hope, perhaps, that I did really enjoy it, but it has been a while, so maybe a reread would be good.

[B]

I'm glad you read it. That's really interesting. And while it does have that gothic mood, you have character development aplenty in that. That one. Okay. Have you read any Zora Neale Hurston?

[A]

I have read Their Eyes Were Watching God, and I loved it. That was probably one of the best books I read that year.

[B]

Okay. Did you read it on audio?

[A]

Yes, I did.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I've. I think I've opened the physical copy and I was like, wow, that would be so hard for me. You know, just the different ways that they talk and stuff. But in the audio version, it was incredible. I for, like I said, I forget who read it, but she was incredible.

[B]

Well, the audiobook, narrated by Ruby Dee is one of those books that I think I heard you say some audiobooks really enhance the reading experience.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And the way she reads the text, the prose, like her exclamations, her dialect, really incredible. Do you think?

[A]

Yes. You can feel the story through her voice. I feel like you can feel the emotions and the atmosphere, and it's incredible. She does an incredible job.

[B]

Janae, since you enjoyed Their Eyes Were Watching God so much, there's a couple different directions you could go with Zora Neale Hurston, if you so choose. She had a new short story collection published just a few years ago, which I know sounds kind of funny because she died in 1960, but this collection of short stories includes pieces that contemporary readers have never seen before because they were published in periodicals. And journals that are not in circulation are very difficult to track down today. So there's 21 new pieces written between it's like 1921 and 1940. And one of my favorite parts about this audiobook is that Tayari Jones does this in incredible forward. I love Tayari Jones as a novelist, and I haven't read much in the way of nonfiction from her, but in this foreword, she was writing about one of her literary inspirations, Zora Neale Hurston, and she shared about her personal connection to the material, but also just some straight up fascinating stuff, like Zora Neale Hurston lied about her age for years. Here's why. Here's when it happened. Here's why she. She did it. Probably just like these little juicy life details that are so interesting. And I said that was the excellent forward that might actually have been in the introduction by editor Genevieve West. But What I do want to say is don't skip those, like, quote unquote extra pages. They're so fascinating. So 21 pieces in all, lots of different tastes and samplings of things. And I'm thinking about how much you love the nonfiction collection these Precious Days. That could be a lot of fun if I didn't say it's called Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick. And it's just new the past few years, excellent on audio. And then you could also read a nonfiction work of hers that's narrated by Robin Miles. I know you said you don't know who the people are, but I love Robin Miles. She's phenomenal. Lots of readers find audiobook narrators they love and they find new authors because they follow the narrator to their next read. But Barracoon is a novel that I don't think I picked up until it was recommended to me by a podcast guest. And then I thought, well, that's so short. I love Robin Miles. I'm going to listen to the audiobook version of this and get some more. Azora Neale Hurston in My Life. So in this non fiction story, she's talking about the true story of Cudjoe Lewis, who was believed to have been the last survivor of the last slave ship that came from Africa to the United States. And Hurston spent many moons interviewing Lewis to get his whole story before he died. And he was like 90 at the time. Like he'd seen some stuff. And this is. This is his story about Barracoon. So I don't know how that sounds to you, but you definitely have some different directions you could go just with one author and with the, like, broad category of classics here.

[A]

Yes, those both sound super interesting. Hitting a straight lick with a crooked stick. Am I getting that right? Yes, yes, I have heard of that. And I must confess I stayed away from it because it was short stories. And I struggle with short stories, which is weird because I tend to love essays. But I want to give it a shot because of your recommendation. I think I might like it. And then also Barracoon sounds super interesting. Like I said, I love. I do read a lot of nonfiction and narrative nonfiction on audio is awesome. So that sounds really interesting as well.

[B]

Okay, I'm glad to hear it. Janae, I'm wondering because of the tone of the books, you've really enjoyed channeling Elizabeth Goudge if you've read Richard Adams's Watership Down.

[A]

I have not.

[B]

Okay. Do you know about it? Do you know that this is like a Classic about a brave band of rabbits in the English countryside.

[A]

I need to look at my audiobooks right now, but I'm almost feeling like I just borrowed that on Libby. I need to check. I did. I have it on Libby right now. And I've just been like, I don't know. I don't know anything about this. Do I want to start this? This is crazy. This is awesome. No, I want to start it right now.

[B]

Well, I think somebody whispered this in your ear and it spoke to you. So I'm glad that this can be the confirmation. And really, I checked it out from the library so many times before I finally read it. And I may have done the same thing. Like, I'm sorry, what? Like, why do I have this book? But so many readers, including on this podcast, spoke so fondly about it and it showed up on so many book lovers favorite books of all time lists that I finally thought, like, well, I can invest six hours of my life or whatever to find out what is happening here. But this is a 1972 classic about this book. Band of rabbits bravely coming together in the bucolic English countryside. I mean, bucolic until, like, the scary humans threatened their very existence. And it's so, like, I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it because, I mean, it's about rabbits. So, like, as a human reader, you have enough distance from it, I think, to get, like, a different kind of perspective on what it means to be human. But Adams is interrogating these huge themes like love and courage and loyalty and human nature. And you do have violent encounters in this book, alternating with these gorgeous portrayals of the idyllic English countryside in a way that feels very Elizabeth Gooch to me. I'm glad you have it waiting for you. Might you read that soon?

[A]

Yes, I'm going to start it today. I just know I will.

[B]

Okay, I'm glad to hear it. Have you read any Madeleine l' Engle's nonfiction?

[A]

No, I haven't, but she's. It's been on my list.

[B]

Knowing your love for these precious days, the Dean's watch, the correspondent people thinking about what matters in life while narrating the daily living of it. I think she could be really, really great for you. The place I would recommend beginning is with her Crosswicks journals and specifically a Circle of Quiet. That's book one. So these are nonfiction slice of life stories about love and marriage and life and living. When I first read these, I was, I think, in my 30s. And she talks about the tired 30s in this book. And she talks about how, like, she gets really crappy when she's not doing her work, like capital W work. And her kids told her to sit down at the typewriter and write for a little while and she got so cranky, like, mom, what are you doing? And I really enjoyed that, like, very relatable aspect, even as she's writing about a life that is so different from mine. But in these pages, Langel is musing on her life and her career and especially at the time she wrote these books, like, it's very clear that she's writing about herself as she's trying to figure it out, viewing herself as a work in progress and working through it in part by writing about it in the pages of this volume. The Crosswicks Journals is a four book collection. The next, after A Circle of Quiet is the Summer of the Great Grandmother, then the Irrational Season, then two part Invention. Walking on Water is another one that I think you may find very interesting. I mean, there's all kinds of stuff you could read about Madeleine Lengle, but you don't need a zillion. You just need a place to get started. I don't have personal experience with the Crosswicks Journals on audio, but I have heard anecdotally that they're quite good, as narrated by Pamela Allmond.

[A]

That's all I need to know.

[B]

Janae. I also wonder about Rumor Garden, especially in this House of Reed and an episode of Sparrows, which I have to say was put into my life by your fellow. No, not Kansan, Oklahoman. Sorry. Is it still legit as far as you're concerned?

[A]

Yes. Fellow Midwestern. Totally.

[B]

I wonder if PG Wodehouse could be a really fun diversion. Different kind of stories, very different tone, light hearted, snappy. And then this is going to sound like maybe oddball compared to the rest, but Elizabeth Gouge was a huge Tolkien fan and I wonder if you could get swept up in a wonderful story if you listen to the Hobbit and then the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it could keep you busy for a million years, or at least like a hundred hours. Yes, but I wonder if that's something you've done or considered, because I think maybe it has a lot of the things that appeal to you in there.

[A]

I have read, actually I read the Lord of the Rings on physical copy, which did take me forever, and then my husband and I read the first two and I don't think we made it quite through the last one together on audio, which was really fun, but I haven't ever done the Hobbit on audio, and I think that sounds really fun. It's been years since I've read the Hobbit.

[B]

I mean, people love the old 20 year old now, narration by Martin Shaw. And I know you don't know who people are, but readers may want to know that there's a newer edition out read by Andy Serkis, and that's gonna appeal to a lot.

[A]

He's incredible.

[B]

What do you mean? Yes, he's incredible.

[A]

You know, people look at you. Well, I do know him because he did read the Lord of the Rings ones that we listened to, and he was so good that I had to know who was doing it.

[B]

I believe you, Janae. We talked about a lot of books today. What rises to the top? What do you think you might pick up? I wonder if I know the answer, if it's the obvious one.

[A]

I love this list. I love just having options to go to and places to start and having recommendations. This has been so fun for me to have somebody recommend books to me that you think I would love. So this has just been so fun. It's really hard to choose, except that I just can't say no to Watership down because it's literally sitting right there waiting for me to listen to. So I have to start there. But so many of the other ones look so exciting and so interesting.

[B]

Well, I think it was meant to be. Thank you for talking books with me and I wish you all the best for your 2026 reading life and your coming big changes and new arrivals.

[A]

Thank you so much, Anne.

[B]

Hey, readers. I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Janae and I love to hear what you think she should read next. Find Janae on Goodreads and find the full list of titles we talked about today@what shouldireadnext podcast.com we have all the books and links you need right there. Follow our show on Instagram at what Should I Read Next? And follow along for stories, updates, and quotes from our latest episodes. Subscribe to our email list to get a reminder of what's new on the podcast and in the world of what Should I Read? Read Next in your inbox, sign up at what Should I read next? Podcast.com newsletter. If you would please take a moment to check your favorite podcast player or app and make sure you're following us and downloading new episodes, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance. Whether that's Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, whatever you use, Taking a moment to like, follow, subscribe and subscribe Download helps our show grow, and really, it shows the networks that listeners like you want more of what you're hearing from us each week. This matters in really practical ways to us. So thank you, and thank you to the people who make the show happen. What Should I Read Next? Is created each week by Executive Producer Will Bogle, media Production specialist Holly Wokachevsky, Social Media manager and editor Lee Kramer, Community Coordinator Bridget Mistlehorn, community Manager Shannon Malone, and our whole team at what Should I Read Next? And Modern Mrs. Darcy HQ, plus the audio whizzes at Studio D Podcast Production readers. That's it for this episode. Thanks so much for listening. And as Reiner Maria Rilke said, ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading. Happy reading, everyone.