Today’s guest is Susan Meissner, a historical fiction author based in the Pacific Northwest. You might know Susan from books like Only the Beautiful and The Nature of Fragile Things: Susan is also a reader and listener and today she's here to talk with Anne about her readerly dilemma.
Susan writes character-driven, historical fiction: sometimes books like hers are described as “quiet” and she’s okay with that. Susan knows what she loves to write and what she loves to read. But lately, there have been whispers in the industry that this kind of “quieter” historical fiction is not what readers want right now. Instead, today’s readers are seeking out short, snappy, and plotty books. At least, that’s the conventional industry wisdom these days. So what does that mean for Susan and everyone else loves to read and write "quiet" books?
As a lover of these types of books herself, Anne's been mulling over Susan's query, and in today's conversation, they unpack the quiet novel and discuss its place in today’s literary landscape. They dive into questions like what it even means to call a book “quiet” and whether readers have indeed lost their appetite for them, before sharing titles that are highly character-driven while also offering incredibly compelling plots. Whether you know you like quiet books or aren't quite sure, today's show is sure to pique your curiosity.
Find the full list of titles discussed today and share your thoughts (and book recommendations) with Susan on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/423.
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Ep 289: A ridiculous plan to read more books
Ep 288: Looking for that WOW! factor
Ep 287: I want to be where the readers are
Ep 286: How to find those hidden gems
Ep 285: Books that leave you speechless
Ep 284: I need an irresistible read this summer
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Ep 281: Authors who make you feel seen
Ep 280: Epic journeys, untold stories & guaranteed great reads
Ep 279: Read these books when you need a good cry
Ep 278: The Art of cheat reading
Ep 277: Books that feel like a vacation for your brain
Ep 276: Exquisite, evocative novels
Ep 275: How many book clubs is too many book clubs?
Ep 274: #Bookstagram made me do it
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