What Should I Read Next?

Ep 514: Seeking heartwarming, oh-so-discussable reads

February 17, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Madeline Janney is forming a mother-daughter book club in New Orleans, seeking books that bridge her contemporary romance preference with her mother's taste for true crime and nonfiction, while also favoring titles set in or connected to New Orleans. 
  • The desired conversation structure for the mother-daughter book club should be light, focusing on characters, plot, and setting accuracy (especially regarding New Orleans), rather than deep literary analysis. 
  • Madeline values books with lovable, unpretentious, and relatable characters that deliver a heartwarming tone, contrasting with her negative experience of Lily King's *Farewell Mr. Longings* due to perceived pretentiousness and character confusion. 
  • The host encourages listeners to share their recommendations for Madeline's book club via the podcast website. 
  • Listeners are directed to find links for Madeline (Instagram, Substack, Goodreads) and the full list of discussed titles at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com. 
  • The episode concludes by urging listeners to follow "What Should I Read Next?" on podcast platforms to support the show and directs them to modernmrsdarcy.com/subscribe for email updates. 

Segments

Podcast Introduction and Housekeeping
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(00:00:13)
  • Key Takeaway: What Should I Read Next? provides information for readers to choose their next read without being prescriptive.
  • Summary: The podcast, hosted by Anne Bogle, aims to help readers select their next book by offering information rather than bossy recommendations. Listeners are invited to subscribe to various bookish newsletters via modernmrsdarcy.com/subscribe. The show features literary matchmaking with one guest each week.
Sponsor Segment: Wayfair
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(00:01:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Wayfair offers a wide selection of home goods, including lighting, accent pillows, mirrors, and faux plants, often at lower prices.
  • Summary: The host used Wayfair to find solutions for imperfect home lighting situations, specifically mentioning a tall brass lamp that improved task lighting. Wayfair’s selection covers essentials for refreshing various home areas like study spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Sponsor Segment: American Giant
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(00:03:11)
  • Key Takeaway: American Giant products, such as their classic full-zip hoodie and slub cotton tees, are made in the USA and designed for longevity.
  • Summary: The brand focuses on well-made staples using breathable long-staple cotton that maintains shape after laundering. Listeners can receive 20% off their first order using code READNEXT at American-Giant.com.
Guest Introduction and Book Club Setup
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(00:04:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Madeline Janney is launching a two-person book club with her mother in New Orleans, pairing monthly reads with visits to new local restaurants.
  • Summary: Madeline, an early intervention speech therapist, seeks help finding books that overlap with her and her mother’s differing tastes (romance/contemporary vs. true crime/nonfiction). The goal is to lightly structure their discussions over lunch without making the process too formal.
Madeline’s Life and Mardi Gras
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(00:07:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Madeline is a New Orleans native working as a speech therapist for young children, and she is currently participating in Mardi Gras season as a member of the Crew of Dolly.
  • Summary: Madeline enjoys cooking, yoga, and pickleball in her free time. The Crew of Dolly is a walking group that dresses as Dolly Parton to raise funds for the New Orleans chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The episode is airing on Mardi Gras Day, coinciding with Madeline’s parade participation.
Madeline’s Reading Preferences
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(00:12:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Madeline’s go-to genre is contemporary romance (rom-coms), citing authors like Emily Henry and Annabelle Monaghan, but she is open to nonfiction on social justice topics and avoids heavy fantasy/sci-fi.
  • Summary: She enjoys reading about older protagonists (30s/40s) and values community reading experiences, often using the library to try new titles without pressure. She prefers books where characters are not mired in confusion or excessive self-reflection.
Book Club Structure and Overlap
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(00:17:48)
  • Key Takeaway: The book club’s focus should be on shared experiences and generating conversation about characters and plot, especially if the setting is New Orleans, which the locals enjoy critiquing for accuracy.
  • Summary: Madeline and her mother want questions that facilitate discussion without formal literary analysis, aiming to uncover new aspects of their relationship. The host suggests questions focusing on initial expectations, surprises, character enjoyment, and the overall feeling of the story.
Recommended Books for the Duo
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(00:50:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Lou Burney’s November Road is recommended as a perfect starting point because its historical noir mystery setting appeals to both Madeline’s interest in plot and her mother’s interest in true crime elements, while the past setting mitigates scariness.
  • Summary: Recommended titles include Sarah Broom’s memoir The Yellow House (heavy but powerful look at New Orleans East) and Clint Smith’s nonfiction How the Word is Passed, which explores the legacy of slavery through historical sites, including the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana. Rick Bragg’s essay collection My Southern Journey is suggested for its wistful, funny stories about the South and New Orleans food.
Guest Farewell and Book Club Hope
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(01:03:43)
  • Key Takeaway: The host expresses hope for Madeline’s new book club to be successful and enjoyable.
  • Summary: The host wishes Madeline well with her new reading endeavor, noting that the selected book fits the criteria discussed. Madeline expresses excitement about adding the suggested titles to her To Be Read (TBR) list. The segment concludes with the formal thank you and farewell to the guest.
Listener Engagement and Resources
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(01:04:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Listeners are directed to multiple online platforms to find episode details and connect with the show and guest.
  • Summary: Listeners are invited to share their own reading recommendations for Madeline via the podcast website, whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com. The full list of titles mentioned in “What Should I Read Next? Ep 514: Seeking heartwarming, oh-so-discussable reads” is available online. Madeline can be found on Instagram, Substack, and Goodreads, with links provided on the show’s website.
Subscription and Support Calls
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(01:04:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Following the podcast on listening apps and signing up for specific email lists are crucial ways listeners can support the production.
  • Summary: Listeners are encouraged to follow the show on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Overcast, as this action tangibly helps the podcasters. Sign-up options for regular updates are available at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/slash newsletter or via modernmrsdarcy.com/subscribe. The show acknowledges the team responsible for its weekly creation.
Closing Remarks and Quote
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(01:05:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode closes with an inspirational quote from Rainer Maria Rilke emphasizing the joy of reading among others.
  • Summary: The episode officially concludes after thanking the production team. The closing sentiment is reinforced by a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke: “ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” Listeners are wished happy reading.