But that's, you might be honest with the government question, maybe I'm like living out my work fantasies on the page here, I don't know.

Hey readers, I'm Ann Bogall, and this is What Should I Read Next Episode 258.

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 the show, what we will do here is give you the information you need to chew your next read.

Every week we'll talk all things books in reading and do a little literary matchmaking with one guest.

Reading for pure escapism means something different for every reader. Some of us turn to puzzle like mysteries, some of us immerse ourselves in fantastical worlds.

Today's guest stays away from doom scrolling by reading lots and lots and lots of romance.

Recovering English major, Jenna Lowenstein still enjoys the occasional literary fiction read, but these days she's picking up the books she wants to read.

Instead of forcing the books, she feels like she should read.

From spicy romance novels to thrillers with deep themes, books help Jenna set aside her high-pressure job in politics and engage with the world, without looking at her news app.

I had so much fun talking with Jenna about her romance spice level ratings, the importance of comfort reads, and what it means to read for peace, joy, and escapism.

Let's get to it.

Jenna, welcome to the show.

So glad to be here. Thanks for having me.

Well, it's my pleasure, and I have to tell you often listeners, when we chat, we wanted to sound fresh, even though you don't actually listen to us talk live, unless we have like a really special event for our Patreon community or we do something online.

We keep thinking it would be fun to record one of these lives and let everybody listen in, but I mean, Jenna, the truth of the matter is you work in politics.

And we're talking before election day, and this is going to air just after election day.

And I have no idea what the state of the world is right now, if you're listening, readers.

But we're going to dig in knowing that we're like operating in the tension.

But you work in politics. You can handle the tension, I think.

We love the tension, but I feel like this podcast taping is a little bit of escapism for me.

The same way reading is escapism for me. It's like a little welcome distraction from these crazy last 60s running up to election day.

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