I got it the day I have to tell you in that I can't decide whether I want to hug you or hate you for your daily emails.

I'm sorry.

Hey readers, I'm Ann Bogall and this is What Should I Read Next Episode 93.

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.

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.

Today's guest, Kristen Economist, has an incredible story to tell and won many people will resonate with including myself.

After experiencing a season of severe anxiety, Kristen returned from a decade-long reading sabbatical that she says brought her back to life.

She got professional help and we talk about that and she also sued anxiety with books, both fictional stories that transported her to other times and places,

and nonfiction reads about mental health and anxiety that helped her gain strategies and helped her feel less alone.

Kristen's experience with reading kicked off a personal project that she calls her 30 by 30 challenge, and of course we talk all about it in today's episode.

We also discussed Kristen's preferred kind of escapist reading, the kinds of books her book club enjoys reading together,

and a bookish brunch that will either have you drooling with envy or planning your own.

I might be doing both. You'll see what I mean.

Today's episode is truly delightful, and if you enjoy it even half as much as I did, you're in for a treat.

Let's get to it.

Kristen, welcome to the show.

Thank you for having me.

Well, we here at what should I read next HQ, meaning my IKEA table in the corner of my office here,

were so excited to get your guest's mission because of the interesting story you had about your reading life.

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