Ep 528: What should I read this summer?

From What Should I Read Next? by Anne Bogel

June 2, 2026 · 1h 1m · Episode 527

About this episode

Anne helps guest Ashley Cornelius select books from the Summer Reading Guide that fit her desired summer vibe.

Every year we remind readers that our Summer Reading Guide isn't a list of books you should read, it's a list of books you could read. Today's guest knows that reading is personal, and that's why she's here to get Anne's help figuring out which titles from the 2026 Guide she should prioritize. Ashley Cornelius lives in Santa Barbara with her family, where she's a high school science teacher. Ashley reached out to tell us about the books she's loved and one she didn't from past Summer Reading Guides, and wondered if Anne could help her select books from this year's Guide that might fit her desired summer vibe. Today, Anne is helping one particular reader decide what to read next. But more than that, she's walking you through the thought process of considering what to read next in light of what you already know about your reading life. Find the list of titles discussed today on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/528. Chapters: 02:58 Meet Ashley 07:13 What brings Ashley to What Should I Read Next? 12:44 The River by Peter Heller 16:27 The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty 19:57 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore 22:34 The Cartographers by Peng…

People in this episode

Host: Anne Bogel

Guest: Ashley Cornelius

Topics covered

summer reading
book recommendations
personalized reading
reading guides
guest interview

Keywords

summer reading guide
book selection
reading life
personalized recommendations
Ashley Cornelius

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The River, The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi, The God of the Woods, The Cartographers, Fair Chase, Enormous Wings, Country People