Ep 229: Works of literary fabulousness

03/31/20 • 41 min

2 Listeners

Why do some books with heavy topics leave you feeling uncomfortable, while other books tackling difficult subject matter make you feel understood and connected to humankind? Today, guest Mandy Lambert and host Anne Bogel pick apart the ingredients of Mandy's favorite and least favorite books to discover the subtle difference between a hard book that pays off in the end, and a hard book that’s just... hard.

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/229

You can hear more from Mandy on her blog: thisbrightlife.home.blog

Bonus episodes for you:

Readers, it is a difficult and confusing time. So this past week, we released two bonus episodes on Patreon to meet you where you are, plus some special events.

The first bonus episode is available to everyone. It's a book recommendation that has helped Anne during times of great loss and grief, and we think a lot of readers could use it in their life right now. Give it a listen at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext/posts, and feel free to share it with readers and other loved ones in your life.

Second, a patron-exlusive episode recommending 5 happy, hopeful reads, something many of you have written in to tell us you need right now. You can find this exclusive episode at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext/posts, along with 31 other bonus episodes and livestream replays!

Finally, if you are looking for bookish community during an isolated time, now is a wonderful time to check out everything happening in our Patreon community. We are holding our quarterly Spring livestream on April 9th, which is a community get-together with Anne and Brenna to chat about what we've been reading off our home bookshelves, and share recommendations with other readers. We hope you can will join us!

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Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/229

You can hear more from Mandy on her blog: thisbrightlife.home.blog

Bonus episodes for you:

Readers, it is a difficult and confusing time. So this past week, we released two bonus episodes on Patreon to meet you where you are, plus some special events.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Ep 228: HELP! I can't stop quitting books

So, you hate the book you’re reading. Or maybe you just feel blah about the book you’re reading. Or maybe the book you’re reading is good, but a different book on your shelf just looks so appealing, and you can’t help reaching for it... suddenly, you have a stack of 5 half-read books on your nightstand, and you’re still browsing the library catalog for something new. If you relate to any of those scenarios, today’s episode is for you. Guest Jamie Wright is a self-proclaimed “book quitter”, and she’s asked for Anne's help turning things around.

Click over to the podcast website for the transcript and full list of books mentioned in this episode: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/228

Readers, whether you are looking for an escape from the news or for something to entertain kids who are suddenly at home we, have Spotify playlists of back episodes of What Should I Read Next for all your binging, relaxing, or bibliotherapying needs. Find them all at https://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/spotify.

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Next Episode

Ep 230: Don't overthink your reading life

A note from Anne — I’ve been soooo looking forward to sharing today’s episode with you. Today we’re sharing the live audio from my book tour stop at the Strand in New York City. This evening in their gorgeous rare books room was MAGICAL. The room was packed with avid readers (and quite a few What Should I Read Next alums, which is what we like to call our past guests). It couldn't have been a better night, and I am so happy and thankful that now you get to listen in in today's episode.

But. I can't talk about that night—or this episode—without telling you that sharing it feels bittersweet. This was my second—and last, for now—book tour stop for Don't Overthink It and one of the Strand's last events before closing their doors due to covid-19. My heart goes out to the Strand, its employees, and all of New York City. I hope to see you all again soon.

For the time being, it's a solace to be able to bring you the live audio from that night at the Strand. This episode is ALL ABOUT What Should I Read Next; I’m reflecting on the show in a way that I really haven’t done publicly. I hope you find it interesting, illuminating, and entertaining. In the next segment I’m joined by a Strand bookseller to do some on-the-fly literary matchmaking for our live audience.

Let us know how we did in the comments at: http://whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/230

Visit The Strand online at www.strandbooks.com, and follow their gorgeous Instagram account @strandbookstore.

More What Should I Read Next Live:

As Anne mentions in this episode we have a special One Great Book style bonus episode that's available to everyone over on our Patreon page. Anyone can listen to that here.

But now would also be a great time to become a Patreon supporter. This week we're having our quarterly live stream with Patreon supporters. Join us as we chat about what's happening behind the scenes, what we're reading now, and give recommendations for what some of you should read next.

We'll do another live event next month as we kick off summer reading season with the Summer Reading Guide Unboxing. This is the most fun event we do all year.

We hope you will join us now over on Patreon.

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