What SHOULDN’T I Read Next?
If you like to read books, one of the questions you will ask yourself often is “What should I read next?”. I am a reader and this is a question I ask myself. But “what shouldn’t I read next?” is another question I have to ask myself and one you may need to ask yourself too.
My reading life was definitely stuck in January 2018. I had decided I would stop buying books and instead read the books I had previously purchased but that languished on the shelves unread. At that time I had 242 physical books to read. Fast forward to May 2020 when the number of owned and unread books had multiplied to 613. From January 2018 to May 2020, I had read hundreds of books. Yet I had purchased hundreds more. Instead of meeting my personal goal of decreasing the quantity of unread books, the number had more than doubled. You know the discouragement and shame I felt if you have ever gone backwards on a goal or project.
This reality coupled with a lack of enthusiasm for many of the titles on my shelves, COVID-19 quarantine blues, and a sea of yellow stickers denoting unread books caused a tremendous feeling of overwhelm (in addition to the discouragement and shame).
Staying present in the book I was in became more difficult. I had a sense of rushing to try to get MORE books finished. And I was still buying every book that sounded good to me or a friend was reading. I wanted to own it to read it SOMEDAY and to not forget about it. My buying was out of control. My reading enjoyment diminished.
My reading life was stuck! I was stuck!
I have been told by several trusted friends that I am wise. Let’s just say my friends are right, then here is a question. Why could I, a wise person, not just stop buying books and read what I already owned?
Enter Anne Bogel with her creative gems - the Modern Mrs. Darcy (MMD) blog, MMD Book Club, Patreon community, and What Should I Read Next (WSIRN) podcast - and her sage advice.
As a WSIRN Patreon member, I learned about a special request for podcast submissions. The team was looking for people who wanted help “shopping” for their next reads from their own shelves. Quarantine had removed the ability to get books readily from the library and bookstores. I sent in a submission, my stomach housing butterflies, complete with my three favorites, one not-for-me title, what I want for my reading life, and my owned and unread list of 613 titles.
When the email came confirming that I would be on the show, I was giddy, like I had won the lottery or been crowned Queen.
The entire experience from beginning to end was fabulous. Everyone was professional, fun, helpful, and generous. Talking with Anne on recoding day was one of the most fun experiences - talking books, laughing, sharing my favorites - of my life.
On May 26, 2020, What Should I Read Next podcast Episode 236 released - my episode - titled What Shouldn’t I Read Next. ❤️ I won’t spoil all the details or tell you her advice for me, books she recommended, the ending, or what I learned. For all that, please enjoy the episode and show notes. I will tell you it’s a happy ending and that Anne helped me to understand what motivated my behavior (hint - it has to do with connection). 🥰
I will also share that this experience reminded me that sometimes we need perspective. A friend or coach who has distance can offer us that perspective. Anne did that for me and my reading life. What situation are you experiencing right now that you need a friend or coach to help you with? Where are you stuck? Maybe you are stuck in life, work, or relationships? Don’t stay stuck. Ask someone you trust for perspective. Ask for advice or help.
Anne ends her shows by encouraging us with the words “Happy Reading!” I love those words when I listen to each episode. Hearing them from her mouth specifically to me, as we recorded my episode, was a dream come true. As a WSIRN alum, I promise to happily read every chance I get and to pass along the bookish enthusiasm and love.
Thanks to all the team at WSIRN headquarters, especially Anne and Brenna. Books make the world a better place - and so do YOU! Happy reading, everyone! 📚
