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What Should I Read Next Ep 119: A book snob breakthrough

Today’s guest Carly Friedman is a working mom, an advisor at her local university, and has a totally unique goal for her 2018 reading life that I CANNOT WAIT for you to hear about. I’ll give you a hint: backlist.

Today we’re covering nonfiction titles for people who love to learn, Carly’s budding romance with audiobooks, novels with a strong sense of place and time, what moves a book from your bookshelf to your bedside table, and so much more.

What Should I Read Next #119: A book snob breakthrough with Carly Friedman

Books mentioned in this episode:
Some links are affiliate links. More details here.

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, by Daniel James Brown (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, by Sherman Alexie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic’s Wild Ride to the Edge and Back, by Kevin Hazzard (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Thing Around Your Neck,  by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• Author Haruki Murakami (try 1Q84: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
author Agatha Christie (try And Then There Were None: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author Ray Bradbury (try Fahrenheit 451: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author Bill Bryson (try A Walk in the Woods: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author Margaret Atwood (try Alias Grace: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author John Steinbeck (try East of Eden: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author Toni Morrison (try Beloved: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• author Maya Angelou (The Heart of a Woman: Amazon  | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Dry, by Jane Harper (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
• Author Louise Penny (try Still Life: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
A Wrinkle In Time, by Madeleine L’Engle (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K. LeGuin (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neal Hurston (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Beartown, by Fredrik Backman (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Brith of the FBI, by David Grann (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Leonardo da Vinci, by Walter Isaacson (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother, by James McBride (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Five Carat Soul, by James McBride (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Good Lord Bird, by James McBride (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Song Yet Sung, by James McBride (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Miracle at St Anna, James McBride (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
In Other Words, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Clothing of Books, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Lowland, by Jhumpa Lahiri (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Commonwealth, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage, by Ann Patchett (Amazon Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Truth and Beauty: A Friendship, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Patron Saint of Liars,  by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
The Magician’s Assistant, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Run, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)
Taft, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble IndieBound)
The Getaway Car, by Ann Patchett (Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound)

Also mentioned: 

“The Bookstore Strikes Back”, Ann Patchett via The Atlantic
Apply to be a guest on WSIRN!

What do YOU think Carly should read next? Tell us all about it in comments. 

95 comments

Leave A Comment
  1. Brittany says:

    2017 was the year I discovered audiobooks and my life is forever changed! Currently listening to The Book Thief on audiobook (I read the physical book 5 years ago) and it is so amazing. I loved The Kite Runner so much but I get it is so devastating and I can see why it might be hard to read for some people.

    • Rachel Schwandt says:

      I think the narration of the Book Thief is fabulous. It reads beautifully, but to hear it is golden. Another one from many years ago was My Antonia by Willa Cather….beautifully narrated.

  2. Leeanne says:

    I feel absolutely the same way about the Kite Runner. I stopped reading early on after a very graphic scene and could not pick it up again. It is still on my shelf to read thinking perhaps I can handle it, but not sure…

    This WSIRN episode is expanding my already long TBR list. Love it!

    • Carly says:

      As I say in the podcast, not every book is for every reader and The Kite Runner was just NOT for me.
      I would love to hear what books you are adding to your TBR list!

      • Leeanne says:

        I usually come away with at least one book from Anne’s podcasts. Your episode completely hit a chord with me. I have added to my TBR list after listening to this episode the following:
        “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”
        “The Thing Around Your Neck”
        “Flight Behavior” (recently also recommended to me by an Instagram friend when I mentioned that I was just okay with “Prodigal Summer”)
        “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (which I own but moved up closer to the top of the list)
        “The Left Hand of Darkness”
        “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
        “The Color of Water” (which I think Anne recommended to you).
        I too got hooked on audio books last year and it has greatly expanded the number of books I am able to read each year. I still love books in hand because I have better comprehension, but the audio books are great for commuting and cooking/cleaning etc.

        • Carly says:

          I hope you love all of these books! They are all soooo good 🙂

          I secretly want to know your reaction to “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and “The Left Hand of Darkness” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God”… okay, all of them 🙂

          • Leeanne says:

            If it is okay with you, I will follow you on Instagram and let you know via Direct Message.
            My book Instagram account is bigbluebox_31806.

  3. Stacy says:

    Loved this episode so much! Carly really captured all the reasons I love non-fiction books. With that in mind I would recommend Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life by Jonathan Gould. He did a wonderful job of telling the story of Redding’s life as well as incorporating the history of blues/soul music and civil rights issues into the book. Really, really good.

    As far as authors to explore, I would suggest Connie Willis since you do seem to like sci/fi. She writes such wonderful time travel novels.

    I’d also like to second Anne’s recommendation of Jhumpa Lahiri – I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read by her. I tend to like her short stories better than her novels though.

  4. Laura says:

    You captured so many of the reasons I love nonfiction- it teaches you about fascinating things, puts you in someone else’s life in a different time and place, etc… I’d recommend West with the Night by Beryl Markham if you haven’t read it. Also- Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes who Fought Them By Jennifer Wright (it’s actually really funny and the audio is good!). Love the idea of reading an author a month since I have 5 Ann Patchett novels sitting unread on my shelf. Great episode!

  5. Emily says:

    Carly, loved this episode! I sat this morning and brainstormed authors I might choose if were to do a challenge like yours! I am interested in hearing what other authors you’ve got in mind for the year ahead?

    • Carly says:

      I THINK this is my plan for the year but it may definitely change!

      January – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
      February – Ann Patchet
      March – Neil Gaiman
      April – Maya Angelou
      May – James McBride
      June – Margaret Atwood
      July – Jhumpa Lahiri
      August – Haruki Murakami
      September – Agatha Christie
      October – Stephen King (because… halloween!)
      November – Zora Neale Hurston
      December – Barbara Kingsolver

      Who would be on your list? 🙂

      • Emily says:

        Here’s what I was able to come up with!
        January- Margaret Atwood
        February- James Baldwin
        March- Ian McEwan
        April- Zadie Smith
        May- John Krakauer
        June- Ann Patchett
        July- Stephen King
        August- Toni Morrison
        September- Ernest Hemingway
        October- Agatha Christie
        November- Jane Austen
        December- C.S. Lewis

        Looks like we might have some similar ideas!! I hope you enjoy Lahiri’s work! ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ was a favorite of 2017 for me- her characters are so rich!

      • Amy says:

        Two Stephen King recos (both audio): In Writing which is his memoir on how he came to be a writer and his ongoing process. He narrates it himself. And 11/22/63 which is long but fantastic and worth the time investment.

  6. Emily says:

    Carly, I really enjoyed this podcast and I was especially interested in your 2018 reading challenge to read one author a month. I would love to hear about some other authors you’re considering for the year ahead!!

    • Carly says:

      This is my current plan, but it may definitely change! I am so glad you enjoyed this episode – it was SUCH a blast to be involved.

      January – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
      February – Ann Patchet
      March – Neil Gaiman
      April – Maya Angelou
      May – James McBride
      June – Margaret Atwood
      July – Jhumpa Lahiri
      August – Haruki Murakami
      September – Agatha Christie
      October – Stephen King (because… halloween!)
      November – Zora Neale Hurston
      December – Barbara Kingsolver

      • MARJORIE says:

        What an excellent list! I love your idea of going deeper with specific authors. I am a huge audiobook fan myself much for the same reasons you gave on the podcast. I also love how the narrator can bring a book alive when the accent or sense of place is important. This is the case for Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing. I listened to the “Lowlands” and I do not know if I would have loved the book as much without the narrator. I have listened to several Haruki Murakami books as well. One book you might not think of by Murakami is “Dance, Dance, Dance.” Unlike some of his books, it has a clear ending and it reminds me of the original Twin Peaks. Also, I just listened to Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees.” What a wonderful book – Family, used tires, motherhood, the Cherokee Nation, friendship, belonging, Guatemala, alienation, sanctuary, Kentucky, love, hope, Turtle, and “Bean Trees.” I could distract your plan with other audio books, but will restrain myself 🙂

        • Carly says:

          Love it!!! Thank you so much for the recommendations. I will definitely listen to “The Lowlands”. I loved reading The Bean Trees and cant wait to enjoy Dance, Dance, Dance.

          I’m so lucky to have “met” so many readers and audiobook fans!!

  7. Amy says:

    What a great episode Anne and Carly. I really enjoyed hearing Carly’s personal reading goals. I will definitely be reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. You may be interested in a new book coming out February 20th called Educated: A Memoir: Tara Westover. “An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.” Really looking forward to reading this book. Not part of your goal this year, but you could add it to your TBR. 🙂 Like you, I can relate to not having a favorite author. Well, other than Dickens, but it would be nice to have a present day favorite living author. Best wishes to you in 2018! Let us know who you end up picking as your fav this year.

    • Carly says:

      Thank you! I think you will really enjoy “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and I will definitely check out “Educated: A Memoir”! I loved “A Gentleman in Moscow too. Such a lovely book!

  8. I think Tracy Kidder would be a great author for Carly. I haven’t read his last couple, but loved House and Among Schoolchildren.

    Mary Roach is also great for curious readers!

    I loved your suggestions. Bel Canto is one of my favorites.

    Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors. Her early ones (Bean Trees, Pigs in Heaven, etc) were charming. Poisonwood Bible is one I can’t forget!

  9. Last year was also my first year trying audiobooks and now I ALWAYS have one to listen to. I started with non-fiction because I was afraid I couldn’t pay attention to fiction, but then I tried Beartown on Audio and now I listen to both. Some of my favorites on audio are memoirs and these were ones I loved:
    The Sound of Gravel
    Lab Girl
    Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again
    Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner (This was my first audiobook ever and I was hooked!)
    I also loved Henrietta Lacks and I added A Thousand Naked Strangers to my must-read list. I love medical memoirs.

    • Carly says:

      I loved Lab Girl (read as a paperback) and Working Stiff sounds like a GREAT pick for me. Have you read Black Man in a White Coat or Atul Gwande’s books? I absolutely love Atual Gwande!

      • Being Mortal is a favorite and I tell everyone to read it. I didn’t mention it to you because I figured you had read it. I haven’t heard of Black Man in a White Coat so I will check that one out. Looks like you are getting plenty of recommendations to keep you reading for awhile!

  10. Tracy Tobias says:

    Loved your suggestions, Anne. I do not know the first one, but I was also thinking Jhumpa Lahiri – one of my favorite authors. I would also like to suggest Geraldine Brooks. She has both fiction and non-fiction and her books are all so different. She has led a very interesting life. Her non-fiction book, The Nine Parts of Desire based on her experiences among Muslim women of the Middle East was fascinating. Her book, March, won the Pulitzer. She would be a great pick for one of your months.

    • Carly says:

      Aaauuughhh you just added so many books to my TBR list! I can’t thank you enough. I have read “People of the Book” but not Brooks’ other books.

  11. Kristin says:

    I loved this episode! I have always been a prolific reader, but never read nonfiction (because it was “boring”) and it wasn’t until I moved and joined my local library book club that I discovered it’s joys and now I read a lot (mostly on audio while driving/chores/exercising because if I actually get time to curl up with a book, I want it to be indulgent!) Anyway, here are a few of my favorite authors:
    -Erik Larson: I have read all his books and really enjoy them! I think they’ve been classified on the podcast as narrative nonfiction. He is excellent at telling a story (usually centered around an event) and weaving together different perspectives. They are full of facts and details but read like a gripping novel!
    -Mary Roach: I saw her mentioned above! She writes very “science-y” books, but also very readable with history and studies and humor. I enjoyed “Gulp” (digestive system), “Stiff” (cadavers), “Boink” (Sex). You never knew you would find these topics so fascinating!
    -I second Bill Bryson! I enjoyed “Notes from a Small Island” and “At Home: A short history of private life” (History of the fork, anyone?)

    • Kristin says:

      Oops, I wrote too much! I also loved “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (bookclub pick from years ago) and “Born a Crime” was one of the best books I read in 2017. I recommend “Touching History” about airports and air traffic controllers on 9/11. It was one of the first non fiction books I read voluntarily and changed my life by starting me on my nonfiction journey. Anyway, I love your mission for 2018 and it inspires me to make my own reading mission!

      • Carly says:

        Touching History looks fascinating! Oh my, there is nothing better than getting book recommendations from readers with similar tastes! I’m thinking I might need to drop one of my planned authors in favor of Mary Roach. I have been seriously meaning to read her books for so long! I have already read a few of Erik Larson’s books and really enjoyed them as well! Thank you so very much for your comments and suggestions! ❤️?❤️

  12. Kelly Petersen says:

    I haven’t even finished listening to the podcast and I just had to come write a comment. I too am a college advisor, and your reading challenge totally resonates with me! I turn 40 in December, so I’m reading “40 by 40” this year – but I might use this idea to guide my reading choices for 2019. I wanted to recommend that you listen to the audiobook of The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. She is one of my favorite authors, and I particularly enjoyed listening to this one because so much of it takes place in Mexico. I’m on Goodreads too, and would love to connect! If you’re interested, send me a friend request (Kelly Petersen). Ok – back to listening to the rest of the podcast! 🙂

    • Carly says:

      Kelly, I would be SO THRILLED to friend you on goodreads! Unfortunately, there are several people with your name. Maybe you can friend me? I’m Carly Friedman in San Antonio 🙂

      I am definitely adding The lacuna to my list of Kingsolver books! Thank you for the suggestion.

  13. Cassie W says:

    I think Carly would enjoy reading John Krakauer’s books this year. Missoula was so interesting, and Under the Banner of Heaven is on my TBR.

  14. Amy says:

    Some non-fiction authors to try:
    Mary Roach (Packing for Mars was great on audio)
    Jon krakauer (journalistic style, true stories)

    • Carly says:

      I have been meaning to read Mary Roach’s books for the longest time but had not heard for Krakauer until everyone’s recommendations to the podcast. I will definitely read something by them both soon! Thanks!

  15. Elva says:

    I so loved this podcast!! You’re list is amazing, Carly. Bill Bryson, Jhumpa Lahiri, Barbara Kingsolver, James McBride….favorites! Please do include Bill Bryson in your list for the year somewhere, or sneak in some by him? He is a fantastic writer…humorous, educational, so knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects and he has traveled and written thereof! What’s not to love?! He also reads some of his own books? On biography and autobiography, have you read ‘Red Notice’ by Bill Browder? This was a book dealing with a world I was not as familiar with but I was so intrigued and thrilled by his story. Also any by Oliver Sacks? The only one of his I read was ‘An Anthropologist on Mars’. He is a neurophsycologist and writes of fascinating cases he has worked with. Highly recommended.

    • Carly says:

      I love Oliver Sacks! I really should read more of his books and will definitely check out Red Notice – it looks fascinating!

  16. Elva says:

    How could I forget my newest favorite!! Ruth Reichl, author of ‘Garlic and Sapphires’, ‘Tender at the Bone’ and ‘Comfort Me With Apples’. Tastefully done food memoirs order New York Times restaurant critic.

    • Carly says:

      Oh my goodness!!! I looked up her books on goodreads and they sound AMAZING. To think I might have gone years without discovering her! I can’t thank you enough. So look forward to reading them.

    • Ellen W says:

      Another vote for Ruth Reichl – she was one of the first memoirist I read as an adult and I think I’ve read all of her books.

  17. corinne says:

    Carly-

    Loved your episode and the way you talk about book. I thought about Tracy Kidder as a potential author for you this year. He writes mostly non-fiction about a completely diverse range of topics, writing, immigration, public health, architecture, money; which all sound so very dry and yet his books read like novels. I would read anything he writes on any topic.

    Hope you have a wonderful year reading. Thanks, again.

    Corinne

    • Carly says:

      You are the second or third person to suggest Kidder. I will take that as a sign and request a couple of his books today! Thank you so much.

      • corinne says:

        Mountains Beyond Mountains was my fave, but I also enjoyed Strength in What Remains and House. And I second Mary Roach for you too and Jon Krakauer. Happy Reading.

  18. Sydney says:

    Carly – I have had Sherman Alexie’s memoir on my TBR shelf for awhile, but your description has inspired me to push it to the top. If you liked the structure of that, take a look at Bill Hayes memoir – Insomniac City – part photography, part diary of his life with Oliver Sacks, and part love letter to New York City, it was a real gem!

    • Carly says:

      I hope you enjoy Alexie’s Book! It was so good that I may reread it, which is rare for me!

      Insomniac City looks amazing! I’m going to request it from my library today. It seems like a great book for my interests. Thank you!

  19. Xiomara Miner says:

    I love ,love white walls!after 6 houses with lots of colored walls,I just got my wish,all White Walls!Its complemented my decor.I can change from contemporary to modern anytime,withoutpainting walls.Xmas decor looks amazing too.I like fresh and airy rooms.I have even gone nautical decor with white walls.Its great.I will be keeping them for a long time.And yours looks great.I wouldnt change a thing.

  20. Jill W says:

    Great episode. I think you would like Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood With Britain in its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson. I really learned a lot from that book about a time period I thought I already knew a lot about.

    With your love of the south, and desire to drill down on a single author, I would recommend any and all of Joshilyn Jackson’s books.

    I love the idea of a moth of Neil Gaiman. My favorites are The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Stardust, Neverwhere, and The Graveyard Book. He has a wonderful voice so I’d opt for audio on any of those that you can. Also, if you have never read/heard his speeches Make Good Art or Why Our Future Depends on Libraries, those are great. His books of essays are wonderful as well. I’m a big fan, can you tell? ; )

    • Carly says:

      Thank you so much for the suggestions! Citizens of London looks like something I will really enjoy – I added it to my HUGE TBR list. I have had The Almost Sisters on my TBR list for a while and will try to get to it soon!

      I too just adore Neil Gaiman. He is brilliant!

  21. Liz says:

    I so enjoyed your episode and your dedicated reading challenges- such a great idea! I’d recommend Joyce Carol Oates for you. I understand she’s an acquired “date” as well (I enjoy her, my mom abhors her) but she certainly is prolific and has rich characters. I particularly liked “Them”. Thanks for a great listen!

  22. Susan Bradford says:

    I just listened to this episode today and really enjoyed it. I added quite a few titles to my TBR list! Jhumpa Lahiri is one of my favorite authors and I hope you enjoy reading her books. I also am new to audio books. Have you ever listened to the audio of A Wrinkle in Time? There is a version read by Madeline L’Engle and it is sooooo good!

  23. Sharyn says:

    I’m so thrilled to find people who enjoy non-fiction as much as I do. I’m definitely the anomaly in my book club. After listening to the episode, I felt so validated about my reading choices. Thanks Carly, for being my reading kindred spirit.

  24. Elizabeth says:

    I’m late to comment, but I loved the episode, too! There were lots of books that I had never heard of but sound really good. It was funny because I had just finished reading A Wrinkle in Time for the first time when I listened to this episode. So fun! Also a friend had just recommended Ann Patchett to me, too! It was nice to have Anne’s thoughts to help me decide what to read of Patchett’s. Good luck with your exploding TBR! 🙂

  25. Abby says:

    Carly mentioned a book she read and liked related to a mother-son relationship (sorry I can’t remember the title of that book!). Because of that, I’d recommend “The End of Your Life Book Club” by Will Schwalbe. It’s a memoir that shows us Will’s and his mother’s relationship throughout the end of her life (no spoiler alert needed since it’s in the title of the book!). This book has the added bonus of potentially adding more books to your TBR list 🙂 Enjoy!

    • Carly says:

      “The End of Your Life Book Club” looks like such a great pick for me! Thank you so much for the suggestion. Okay, I can never add another book to my TBR list ever again – it is too long with so many great books! 🙂

  26. Kimberly says:

    Hi Carly! I loved your episode l, and the mini challenges you have created in addition to the number of books challenge! Thanks fo sharing. I recently just finished The Color of Water, and you must do this on audio. I have been meaning to read this book for months, but when I saw the audio was available in Overdrive I immediately snapped it up. Two readers, so well done!! Can we be friends on GoodReads!!!???? https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8971541-kimberly

  27. Carly says:

    Thank you SO MUCH for the suggestion to listen to The Color of Water on audiobook! I am even more excited now. I just friended you on goodreads – yay! So glad to have “met” you!

  28. Libby says:

    For a nonfiction fan I’d recommend Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl. She was the restaurant critic for the NYT, and the book is about her deceptive ways of visiting restaurants without tipping them off to who she was. Super fun topic, and she’s been a writer for many years so of course the book itself is great too. She had a pretty extensive backlog you can check out if you like that one also!

  29. Lisa Trombitas says:

    I’ve recently discovered this podcast and have been binge-ing. This is by far my favorite episode, and I’ve added a of of books and authors to my list. I love the idea of reading several books by an author, and am in the process of doing that myself. I recently watched a Netflix documentary about Joan Didion, and have just finished one of her novels, and am browsing for more. I’m saving her more recent grief memoirs for later. Maybe someone to consider for one of your monthly explorations?
    I think I may follow your lead and listen to more audiobooks. What’s available through my library is limited and with long waiting lists, so I think I’m going to bite the bullet and get yet another monthly subscription.
    Thanks Anne, for a great episode and a brilliant podcast!

  30. Ellen W says:

    For another great non-fiction author Erik Larson comes to mind. I’ve read Dead Wake about the sinking of the Lusitania and The Devil in the White City about the world’s fair in Chicago and one of the first serial killers in America. I would imagine his other books are just as good.

  31. Diane says:

    Hi Carly and Anne,
    I didn’t read through all the comments but I would like to recommend The Stranger In the Woods. Such a fascinating true story about a young man, living in Maine who left society but was finally found out. Reads like a mystery!

  32. Emily says:

    Anne! What is the book you mentioned at the beginning?!?! I grew up in Charlotte and then moved away after getting married so my spouse could start medical school. That was 11 years ago but I’m dying to know what the book is that deals with people doing their medical training and is partly set in Charlotte.

  33. Lindsey says:

    I’m not all the way through the episode yet, but if Carly does a Bill Bryson month, I highly recommend One Summer: America, 1927. I loved it so much. Very much in the style of Erik Larson where nonfiction reads like fiction.

  34. RA says:

    Hi, Carly! I’m catching up on my backlog of WSIRN. 🙂 Great episode! Judging from the comments, it looks like your list of authors is in good shape, but I just want to put a pitch out there for Madeleine L’Engle! I know you love A Wrinkle in Time, but have you read her memoirs or adult fiction? Her work is really so varied. My super-duper favorite memoir of hers is Two-Part Invention, about her 40-year marriage. I also adore her collections of poetry. If you yet haven’t dipped in to her other works, I think it would be so interesting for you! Good luck!

  35. Anne says:

    Great episode! I have added several to my TBR list.

    A great non-fiction author (that I’m surprised no one mentioned) is Malcolm Gladwell. I think Carly would love his style. My suggestion would be to start with “What the Dog Saw.”

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