What Should I Read Next?

Ep 509: Your favorite book discoveries from 10 years of WSIRN

January 13, 2026

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  • Episode Ep 509: Your favorite book discoveries from 10 years of WSIRN celebrates the podcast's 10th anniversary by featuring listener voicemails detailing books they discovered or finally read because of What Should I Read Next? 
  • The core format of What Should I Read Next, which involves personalized matchmaking conversations, is credited with bolstering and transforming listeners' reading lives by finding the universal in the specific. 
  • Listener contributions, including voicemails and comments, are vital to the show's success, leading to book discoveries not only for the guests but also for the hosts and the wider community. 

Segments

Episode Introduction and Anniversary Kickoff
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(00:00:08)
  • Key Takeaway: What Should I Read Next? is celebrating its 10th anniversary, having aired its first episode on January 12th, 2016.
  • Summary: The episode marks the 10th anniversary of What Should I Read Next? and over 500 episodes. The celebration features listener stories and moments shared in response to a call for contributions. Listeners are also invited to submit questions for an upcoming ‘Ask Ann Anything’ special episode via Patreon.
Sponsor: American Giant Clothing
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(00:02:26)
  • Key Takeaway: American Giant Classic Full Zip hoodies and cotton slub tees are highlighted for their durability, comfort, and US-based manufacturing.
  • Summary: American Giant clothing is promoted as durable, comfortable, and made to last a lifetime, with specific mention of their Classic Full Zip hoodie and cotton slub tees. The brand is committed to local communities that create their products. Listeners can save 20% on their first order using code READNEXT at American-Giant.com.
Sponsor: Wayfair Home Upgrades
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(00:03:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Wayfair offers a wide variety of affordable home goods, simplifying tasks like finding the right-sized planters for indoor plants.
  • Summary: Wayfair is presented as a one-stop shop for home upgrades, including decor, storage, lighting, and furniture. The host detailed successfully using Wayfair’s filters to find a specific, large planter for a ficus. Shoppers can find countless small and large upgrades for every home style.
Listener Contributions and Show Philosophy
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(00:05:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The show’s foundational concept relies on listeners sharing three loved books, one disliked book, and recent reads to generate personalized recommendations.
  • Summary: The episode focuses on listener-shared book discoveries that resulted from the show’s 10 years of operation. The podcast emphasizes deep conversations about why readers love or dislike books, not just listing titles, to provide a framework for listeners’ own reading lives. Listener feedback, including data charts, confirms the show’s positive impact on reading satisfaction.
Listener Voicemails: Wendell Berry and Maggie O’Farrell
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(00:10:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Wendell Berry’s Jaber Crow and Maggie O’Farrell’s This Must Be the Place are frequently cited reader discoveries, with Berry’s work noted for its poetic prose.
  • Summary: Sue discovered Wendell Berry’s Jaber Crow (Episode 28) in 2020, finding joy during a tough time. Janet and Karen also praised Jaber Crow, with Karen quoting Berry: ‘be joyful even though you’ve considered all the facts.’ Karen also highlighted The Great Believers by Rebecca Mackay (Episode 237) for its exploration of memory.
Listener Voicemails: Louise Penny Series
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(00:13:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Louise Penny’s Three Pines series, introduced via Episode 357, provided a significant, unifying reading connection between a mother and daughter.
  • Summary: Gina discovered the Three Pines series, featuring Detective Gamash, through the podcast and considers it a blessing to her life. Kathy noted that Louise Penny’s mysteries created a welcomed uniting factor for conversations with her mother. Colin advised that while Still Life is good, Louise Penny hits her stride by book four, leading him to pre-order subsequent titles.
Listener Voicemails: Family Dramas and Shark Heart
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(00:15:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Valerie Perrin’s Fresh Water for Flowers and Emily Habel’s Shark Heart were impactful discoveries, with the latter praised for its sad yet hopeful narrative about a man turning into a shark.
  • Summary: One listener found Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin, enjoying its complicated family mystery elements. Stacey Levine and another caller both loved Shark Heart by Emily Habel (mentioned in a 2023 summer reading guide), despite its strange premise, calling it one of the best books they read.
Sponsor: Mint Mobile Wireless Savings
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(00:17:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Mint Mobile is offering 50% off unlimited premium wireless plans starting at $15 a month for a limited time in January.
  • Summary: Mint Mobile’s January special offers 50% off unlimited premium wireless, with plans starting at $15 a month, requiring upfront payment for 3, 6, or 12 months. The service uses the nation’s largest 5G network and includes unlimited talk and text with high-speed data. Switching is easy by bringing your own phone and number.
Sponsor: Quince Clothing Staples
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(00:19:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Quince’s Mongolian cashmere sweaters and other staple pieces like denim and coats offer elevated style with features like wide rib necklines.
  • Summary: Quince clothing, including cashmere sweaters in colors like ivory and Heatherstorm Blue, is recommended for layering and polished looks. The pieces are designed to be versatile, easily dressed up or down. Listeners receive free shipping and 365-day returns by visiting quince.com/readnext.
Listener Voicemails: Unique Single Recommendations
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(00:20:23)
  • Key Takeaway: The Murderbot Diaries provided immense reading joy, while Peter Miller’s Shopkeeping led to a treasured, signed copy and a visit to his Seattle bookstore.
  • Summary: Kristy Hanks became obsessed with The Murderbot Diaries after hearing about it repeatedly, finding it a fun reading experience. A listener found Peter Miller’s Shopkeeping (Episode 434) while traveling to Seattle, visited the featured bookstore, and obtained a signed copy. Charlotte McConaughey’s Once There Were Sheep was a delightful step outside one listener’s comfort zone, leading to her becoming a completist.
Listener Voicemails: History and Memoir
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(00:23:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Clint Smith’s How the Word is Passed offered a new historical lens, inspiring a listener to revisit Monticello with his perspective in mind.
  • Summary: Suzanne Harley highly recommends Clint Smith’s How the Word is Passed for its historical content told through a beautiful, different lens, particularly relevant to Virginia history. She also mentioned enjoying A Ghost in the Throat and a book about national parks by Connor Knowlton. Meredith Amity found The Sentence by Louise Erdrich (Episode 205) to be a perfect, discussable book for her book club post-pandemic.
Listener Voicemails: Author Interviews and Memoir
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(00:26:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Author interviews, such as the one with R. Eric Thomas, successfully introduce listeners to new voices, like his memoir Congratulations, the best is over.
  • Summary: Barb discovered author R. Eric Thomas and adored his memoir, Congratulations, the best is over (Episode 392), appreciating his voice, real content, and joy. Julie Farber loved Brendan Slocum’s The Violent Conspiracy (Episode 366), praising the author’s bass voice and humor, and shared it with her book club. The show occasionally airs full book club author chats, like the one with Slocum.
Listener Voicemails: Genre Representation and Gratitude
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(00:29:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The podcast validates listeners with minority genre preferences, such as sci-fi/fantasy fans, by featuring authors like Sarah Novich and Julie Berry.
  • Summary: Mary discovered The Lovely War by Julie Berry (Episode 205), appreciating its blend of Greek ties, historical fiction, and romance. Lindsay found True Biz by Sarah Novich (Episode 501) impactful due to its positive and accurate representation of disability, relevant to her work as an SLP. Audrey felt seen by the episode dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy recommendations, validating her genre preferences.
Conclusion and Call to Action
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(00:35:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Patreon community financial support is essential for the continued production of What Should I Read Next?, enabling weekly episodes and bonus content.
  • Summary: The host reiterates gratitude for all listener contributions, noting that many more titles were mentioned but could not be played. Patreon members receive bonus episodes every Friday and access to special events like the upcoming 15th annual summer reading guide in May. Listeners are encouraged to comment on the show notes page with their discoveries and follow on Instagram.