What Should I Read Next?

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Ep 498: Books that feel like your favorite comfort TV shows

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Oct 14, 2025

Guest

Kayla King

Join Kayla King, a lifelong reader and dairy farmer from Pennsylvania, as she seeks book recommendations that evoke the comfort of her favorite TV shows like Friends and The Office. She shares her love for quirky, heartwarming stories and her recent reading challenges. Kayla discusses what makes a book feel like a TV comfort, and Anne suggests a variety of novels, from Becky Chambers' character-driven sci-fi to zany adventures by Carl Hiaasen and cozy romances by Sarah Adams, providing the perfect reading alternatives to binge-watching.

43:26

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

Red Rising As Epic Worldbuilding

Kayla included the Red Rising saga to represent the epic, immersive sci‑fi worldbuilding she loves.
She compared its scale and cast-driven immersion to Star Wars-style epics.

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ANECDOTE

When Mystery Fails To Engage

Kayla disliked The Paris Apartment because she didn't care for the characters or the contrived plot.
By the end the reveal didn't matter because she wasn't invested in the characters' journeys.

insights

INSIGHT

Emotional Anchor Enables Investment

Kayla needs at least one emotionally open character to feel at home in a world, even in thrillers or epics.
Without that anchor, plots feel flashy and readers won't invest emotionally.

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Guest Introduction and Reading Background

05:13 • 2min

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Why Find Books That Feel Like TV Comforts

07:39 • 7min

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Kayla's Favorite Comfort Shows and Their Appeal

14:44 • 4min

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A Thriller That Didn't Work

19:10 • 4min

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What Makes a Book Feel Like a Comfort Show

23:17 • 2min

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Books That Already Felt Like TV

24:49 • 2min

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Recommendations: Becky Chambers' Wayfarers

26:58 • 3min

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Recommendations: Carl Hiaasen and Middle-Grade Options

29:55 • 3min

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Recommendations: Kevin Kwan's Lavish, Comedic Worlds

33:11 • 4min

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Recommendations: Small-Town Romance Series

36:57 • 5min

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Picking What to Read Next

In 'Hoot', Carl Hiaasen crafts a story about friendship, environmentalism, and integrity. The novel follows Roy Eberhardt, a new student in Florida, as he joins forces with Beatrice and Mullet Fingers to save a colony of burrowing owls threatened by the construction of a pancake house. The book explores themes of growing up, teamwork, and standing up for what is right.

#14419

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Fever Beach

Carl Hiaasen

#12317

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Happy Place

Emily Henry

In 'Happy Place', Harriet and Wyn, a recently un-engaged couple, pretend to be together during their annual summer trip to Maine. As they confront their past and present, they discover new passions and face personal struggles, leading to a journey of self-growth and reevaluation of their relationship. The story explores themes of love, loss, and finding happiness in life's choices and relationships.

#6377

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Crazy Rich Asians

Kevin Kwan

#28381

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Flush

A Biography

Virginia Woolf

In 'Flush: A Biography', Virginia Woolf blends fiction and nonfiction to tell the story of Flush, the red cocker spaniel given to the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The book follows Flush's life from his carefree existence in the country to his adoption by Elizabeth in London, and later to Italy with Elizabeth and her husband Robert Browning. Through Flush's eyes, Woolf critiques city life, class differences, and the societal constraints on women, while also exploring the deep bond between Flush and Elizabeth despite their language barriers. The novel is a unique blend of realism and stream of consciousness, offering insights into the lives of both the dog and his owner during the Victorian era.

#22259

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Lies and Weddings

Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan's "Lies and Weddings" delves into the complexities of relationships and family dynamics within a wealthy social circle. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness amidst societal pressures. While sharing the same author as the popular "Crazy Rich Asians" series, it stands as a separate story with its own cast of characters. The narrative unfolds through various perspectives, offering insights into the motivations and desires of the individuals involved. Ultimately, the book examines the challenges of maintaining authenticity and personal fulfillment in a world obsessed with appearances.

#1105

• Mentioned in 35 episodes

The Apartment

Janet Quin-Harkin

#16190

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Wild Dark Flowers

Charlotte McConaghy

#11793

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Beginner's Pluck

Build Your Business Brick by Brick as You Learn to Fly

Liz Bohannon

#8405

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Assistant to the Villain

Hannah Nicole Maehrer

The Mistborn Trilogy is a fantasy series set in Scadrial, a world perpetually covered in ash and ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler. The story follows Vin, a street urchin who discovers she is a Mistborn, capable of using all Allomantic metals. She is recruited by a crew of thieves led by Kelsier, a charismatic rebel who plans to overthrow the Lord Ruler and bring freedom to the oppressed Skaa. The trilogy explores themes of revolution, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power. With its intricate magic system, complex characters, and epic scope, the series offers a captivating and immersive reading experience.

#77580

Red Rising Saga

Pierce Brown

The Red Rising Saga is a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized Mars and established a rigid, color-coded caste system. The series follows Darrow, a member of the lowest caste, the Reds, who is recruited by a group of rebels to infiltrate the ruling Golds and dismantle the oppressive system from within. As Darrow rises through the ranks, he faces moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and brutal battles. The saga explores themes of social justice, revolution, and the cost of war. With its intense action, complex characters, and richly developed world, the series offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience.

#33549

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Hello Stranger

Katherine Center

'Hello Stranger' by Katherine Center is a contemporary romance novel that combines humor, heart, and a touch of the unexpected. The story revolves around a protagonist who experiences a sudden change in her life, leading her to re-evaluate her priorities and relationships. Center's writing style is known for its wit, charm, and ability to create relatable characters who navigate life's challenges with grace and humor. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of human connection. With its engaging plot and heartfelt moments, the book offers a delightful and uplifting reading experience.

#76322

On Earth As It Is on Television

Returning to favorite TV shows is a common stress management strategy. Today’s guest would love to find books that deliver the same soothing feelings she gets from re-watching her favorite comfort shows.

Kayla King lives on a small-scale dairy and hobby farm in Spartansburg, Pennsylvania. A lifelong reader, Kayla's recently started to branch out from her usual genres of mysteries, thrillers, and science fiction and fantasy. When Kayla wrote in with her request to help her find books that could offer alternatives to her regular comfort TV viewing, it felt like such a relatable question.

Anne explores this idea with Kayla and leaves her with recommendations that she can reach for the next time she wants to channel those comforting vibes and while experiencing a great story in book form.

Find the list of titles mentioned today and leave your ideas for Kayla on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/498.

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