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What Should I Read Next?

Ep 524: Short books that still feel substantial

05 May 2026

Transcription

Chapter 1: Who is Lee Weick and what is her reading background?

0.352 - 13.345 Lee Weick

Also, some of the ones I'm really interested in are in that very, very long book list. And so for me to get to them, I have to have you tell me some short books I can read so I can get to those long biographies.

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13.866 - 34.131 Anne Bogle

I will see what I can do. Hey readers, I'm Anne Bogle, and this is What Should I Read Next? Welcome to the show that's dedicated to answering the question that plagues every reader. What should I read next? We don't get bossy on this show.

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Chapter 2: What does Lee look for in her reading life?

34.432 - 59.479 Anne Bogle

What we will do here is give you the information you need to choose your next read. Every week we'll talk all things books and reading and do a little literary matchmaking with one guest. Readers, the Summer Reading Guide release is just around the corner, which means it's the time of year we welcome many new members to our Patreon community.

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59.939 - 78.448 Anne Bogle

When you join us there, you get immediate access to all our past Summer Reading Guides and seasonal previews, plus our weekly bonus episodes, and of course, this year's 15th Summer Reading Guide and live unboxing event. Choose from monthly or annual membership options that help you enjoy all that we do over in Patreon while also financially supporting our show and our team.

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78.968 - 95.513 Anne Bogle

Many of our members join us for the summer reading season and then stick around for events and community all year long. They love it there and I think you may too. Find out more at patreon.com slash what should I read next. That's patreon.com slash what should I read next.

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Chapter 3: What is 'Vera, or Faith' by Gary Steingart about?

96.674 - 110.029 Anne Bogle

Readers, you'll usually find me listening to audiobooks while I'm doing my makeup, but that doesn't mean it's something I want to linger over. I like to keep it simple so I can move on with my day, and Merit Beauty makes that easy while still delivering the fresh, polished look I prefer.

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Chapter 4: What insights does 'Patriot' by Alexei Navalny provide?

110.41 - 126.809 Anne Bogle

Merit features a collection of clean, thoughtfully curated essentials designed to help you look put together in minutes. Their products do more with less and are designs you can easily swipe on and blend with your fingers, no fancy tools or multi-step process needed. I especially love their lipsticks and shade slick tinted lip oils.

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Chapter 5: Why is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' a favorite for Lee?

127.069 - 146.71 Anne Bogle

And their minimalist complexion stick does double duty as both foundation and concealer when I want a bit more coverage. Plus, anytime I'm putting products on my face, it's great to know that they're vegan, cruelty-free, and made with nourishing skincare ingredients. Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their signature makeup bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.

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146.73 - 153.057 Anne Bogle

That's M-E-R-I-T beauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.

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Chapter 6: What themes are explored in 'The Vaster Wilds' by Lauren Groff?

153.037 - 184.562 Unknown

For over a hundred years, the world has been captivated by Hollywood. The stuff that dreams are made of. Where stars are born. But just beneath the stardust lie a million more fascinating stories that, when sewn together, form an incredible history. The Secret History of Hollywood. Available now wherever you get podcasts.

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186.196 - 202.98 Anne Bogle

Readers, today I'm happy to get to talk books with Leigh Weick, a Michigan-dwelling former teacher and grandmother who knows that variety keeps her reading life going. She loves big, long books and is most satisfied with her reading life when she's reading those books, those big books, on a regular basis.

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203.541 - 220.119 Anne Bogle

And she already has half a dozen such books that she's looking forward to reading on her To Be Read list. But as you will hear, Leigh has learned that the rhythms of her reading life require a nice steady supply of books on the shorter side, or she'll never be able to read the 800 or 900 page ones.

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Chapter 7: What makes 'Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give' by Ada Calhoun significant?

220.66 - 243.583 Anne Bogle

The sticking point here is Leigh is feeling stuck when it comes to finding those shorter reads, especially those right around 200 pages. Less would not be unwelcome, but she wants them to still feel substantial, thought-provoking, and interesting. Well, I personally keep an eye out for audiobooks about this length. I love a short audiobook. So my mind is already bursting with ideas for Leigh.

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244.084 - 264.027 Anne Bogle

But I can't wait to hear more from her about what she enjoys, especially what kinds of books she finds interesting, because that's a really personal question. I hope by the end of our time together, I can put a few shorter books on Leigh's radar that sound right up her alley. Let's get to it. Leigh, welcome to the show.

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264.327 - 266.649 Lee Weick

I am thrilled to be here, Anne. Thanks for having me.

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267.35 - 270.072 Anne Bogle

Oh, the pleasure is mine. I'm excited to dig in today.

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Chapter 8: What should Lee read next based on her preferences?

271.073 - 278.259 Anne Bogle

Leigh, we love to start by just giving our listeners a glimpse of who they are hearing from. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

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279.18 - 289.329 Lee Weick

I'm a former teacher, the mother of eight, and grandmother of one delightful granddaughter named Daisy, which I know is a name near and dear to your heart.

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289.969 - 290.51 Anne Bogle

Yes, it is.

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291.23 - 314.787 Lee Weick

I'm coming to you from northern Michigan, but I grew up in Georgia. One of my favorite things was when I was a teacher, I loved teaching reading. Even now, when I have an opportunity to tutor children, I love to teach reading. Initially, it was to first graders and then to my own children, who are some of the most well-read, voracious readers I've ever met. They have a sibling book club.

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315.323 - 319.569 Lee Weick

which obviously I'm not a party to, but it's a great.

320.21 - 321.832 Anne Bogle

You can still be happy to know what's happening.

321.852 - 341.719 Lee Weick

Yes, absolutely. Delighted. I'm on staff with a nonprofit called World Orphans. We focus on family preservation. And in my free time, I enjoy lake activities and baking, but mostly reading. And the best times are always the ones with my granddaughter who lives down the road.

342.695 - 348.762 Anne Bogle

Well, that sounds lovely. Now tell us about your reading life, whatever you think we need to know.

349.903 - 371.487 Lee Weick

Well, my father taught me to read when I was about four, and I've been a voracious reader ever since. As a child, I especially loved biographies. So in second, third, fourth grade, I read every biography in the library. That came back to me during college when I had little time to choose my own

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