The Eclectic Reader

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit <a href="https://chelsey.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_7">chelsey.substack.com</a><br/><br/><p>Hey Readers! Welcome back to Anchor Texts, our quarterly book club and close reading series. I’m excited to continue our year of Ann Petry together with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.moonpalacebooks.com/item/Vus7kAU5V3XBC_A18boz5Q"><em>Country Place</em></a>, a slim, small town novel packed with tension. In today’s introductory episode, I’m sharing my annotations from the first two chapters, including notes on the narrator, possible themes to track, and Petry’s expertise in building suspense from the jump.</p><p>If you are new to Anchor Texts, welcome! Here are some previous posts to catch you up on our project—but please know you aren’t missing anything or “behind” if you’re just joining us now. This is a low key, loose schedule, choose-your-own-adventure kind of reading group. <strong>We will meet via video call to discuss </strong><strong><em>Country Place</em></strong><strong> on February 25 at 6 pm Central/7 pm Eastern</strong>.</p><p>Links to our book club meeting and our exclusive Discord chat await you on Substack.</p>

<p>Hey, Eclectic Readers! I’m excited to share my favorite reads of 2025 with all of you—and even more excited to welcome a special guest to this yearly wrap-up episode. My husband and former podcast co-host Curtis joins me today to discuss how parenting small children has impacted our reading lives, what books we loved this year, and what we’re hoping to read in 2026. You’ll get to experience the complete breadth of our reading tastes in this episode, with recommendations from nearly every genre.</p><p>Special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for occupying the four-year-old, and to our one-year-old for napping long enough for us to record this episode. It took an entire month to make the time, and we both had terrible colds, but we got it done!</p><p>Books Mentioned</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780062867469">The Palace of Rogues series</a> by Julie Anne Long</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780525619499"><em>The Ferryman</em></a> by Justin Cronin</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780345504975"><em>The Passage</em></a> by Justin Cronin</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780345542373"><em>The Twelve</em></a> by Justin Cronin</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593852323"><em>Audition</em></a> by Katie Kitamura</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/p/5-books-to-read-if-you-liked-audition">5 books to read if you liked </a><a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/p/5-books-to-read-if-you-liked-audition"><em>Audition</em></a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781439195260"><em>Lonesome Dove</em></a> by Larry McMurtry</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780316575171"><em>The Devil Three Times</em></a> by Rickey Fayne</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781636240534"><em>We Few</em></a> by Nick Brockhausen</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781612007755"><em>Whispers in the Tall Grass</em></a> by Nick Brockhausen</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780316441421"><em>Surprise, Kill, Vanish</em></a> by Annie Jacobsen</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Assistance_Command,_Vietnam_%E2%80%93_Studies_and_Observations_Group">MACV-SOG</a> (Wikipedia)</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9798998954702"><em>Sex of the Midwest</em></a> by Robin Ryle</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780358187547"><em>The Street</em></a> by Ann Petry</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780063260092"><em>Country Place</em></a> by Ann Petry</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/p/anchor-texts-a-quarterly-practice">The Anchor Texts Project</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780765365279">The Stormlight Archive series</a> Brandon Sanderson</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781501143519">The Dark Tower series</a> by Stephen King</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780143110637"><em>Grant</em></a> by Ron Chernow</p><p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://chelsey.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">chelsey.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Hey, Eclectic Readers! I’m taking you on a behind the scenes tour of <a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/p/the-2025-fall-romance-collection">The Fall 2025 Romance Collection</a> to share how I source books, sort books, and cement my final curated list. Along the way, you’ll find out which books did NOT make the final cut, and why. I hope you enjoy this chatty how-did-this-get-made episode, and I can’t wait to share more podcast chats with you soon. </p><p>Books Mentioned</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593952580"><em>Mate</em></a> by Ali Hazelwood</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593550403"><em>Bride</em></a> by Ali Hazelwood</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593871881"><em>People Watching</em></a> by Hannah Bonam-Young</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593977774"><em>Soul Searching</em></a> by Lyla Sage</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/dooryard"><em>After Hours at Dooryard Books</em></a> by Cat Sebastian</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781335143761"><em>The Sea Witch</em></a> by Eva Leigh</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781250393074"><em>Witch of the Wolves</em></a> by Kaylee Archer</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781662529238"><em>Learning Curves</em></a> by Rachel Lacey</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781250894748"><em>Love Walked In</em></a> by Sarah Chamberlain</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781668092330"><em>An Academic Affair</em></a> by Jodi McAlister</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://chelsey.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">chelsey.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Hey readers! I’m excited to be back on the mic for a seasonal reading wrap-up. I have more podcast episodes coming your way, including monthly reading reflections for paid subscribers. Grab a 20% discount on annual subscriptions and get your TBR lists ready!</p><p>Books Mentioned</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781538769621"><em>Reel</em></a> by Kennedy Ryan</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781668051979"><em>Let’s Make a Scene</em></a> by Laura Wood</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781668051900"><em>Under Your Spell</em></a> by Laura Wood</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781419765575"><em>Alanna: The Graphic Novel Adaptation</em></a> by Tamora Pierce, Vita Alaya, and Sam Beck</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593241943"><em>Promise</em></a> by Rachel Eliza Griffiths</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780385471442"><em>The Wedding</em></a> by Dorothy West</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781912688272"><em>Copper Script</em></a> by KJ Charles</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593852323"><em>Audition</em></a> by Katie Kitamura</p><p>Also Mentioned</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/t/electic-recs">Eclectic Recs</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://tracithomas.substack.com/p/july-reads-ranked-and-august-books">Unstacked Reads Ranked</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://fictionmatters.substack.com/p/books-that-challenged-my-attention">Fiction Matters Ranked Reading Recap</a></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://chelsey.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">chelsey.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Happy New Year’s Eve! </p><p>I’m so excited to share this special 2023 wrap-up podcast episode with you all. If you’ve followed my creative journey online for the last several years, you know I used to host a podcast called <a target="_blank" href="http://hereadsheread.org/podcast/">He Read She Read</a> with my husband and favorite bookstore browsing buddy, Curtis. We discussed books in a book club style format, shared recommendations based on audience requests, and discussed our different reading tastes and approaches to the reading life. It was a blast, and I learned so much about podcasting, sharing work with an audience, and generating entertaining, educational content. </p><p>Curtis deployed in 2020, we had our son in 2021, and we moved in 2022. It was a LOT, and we had to put the podcast on permanent hiatus. We won’t be returning any time soon, but I thought it would be fun to bring Curtis on for a special end of year episode for my Eclectic Readers. </p><p>Thank you for your continued support as I navigate new platforms and projects. I hope you enjoy today’s little blast from the past. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app-"><strong>How to listen to Substack podcasts in your podcast app.</strong></a></p><p>Books Mentioned</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780765365279"><em>The Way of Kings</em></a> by Brandon Sanderson</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593422946"><em>The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store</em></a> by James McBride</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781594481925"><em>The Color of Water</em></a> by James McBride</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780063327528"><em>Tom Lake</em></a> by Ann Pachett</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/48yIjOQ"><em>Alexander the Great</em></a> by Philip Freeman</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://amzn.to/48cD87r"><em>Hannibal</em></a> by Philip Freeman</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780525619475"><em>The Ferryman</em></a> by Justin Cronan</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593535110"><em>The Last Ranger</em></a> by Peter Heller</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781668008003"><em>The Golden Spoon</em></a> by Jessa Maxwell</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781538729663"><em>Alone at Dawn</em></a> by Dan Schilling</p><p>More of Chelsey’s 2023 Favorites</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://chelsey.substack.com/p/my-favorite-romance-novels-of-2023">2023 Romance Novels</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781778027796"><em>Out On a Limb</em></a> by Hannah Bonam-Young</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781609454517"><em>Disoriental</em></a> by Negar Djavadi</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780525655114"><em>Monsters</em></a> by Claire Dederer</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593496268"><em>Congratulations, the Best is Over!</em></a> by R. Eric Thomas</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780063207264"><em>Family Lore</em></a> by Elizabeth Acevedo</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9780593535707"><em>The Rachel Incident</em></a> by Caroline O’Donoghue</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781982185855"><em>You Could Make This Place Beautiful</em></a> by Maggie Smith</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781984881076"><em>Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club</em></a> by J. Ryan Stradal</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/1154/9781984801203"><em>A Little Devil in America</em></a> by Hanif Abdurraqib</p><p><em>Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you shop these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work in this way.</em></p><p><em>To find out more about my current reads, favorite things, and life updates follow me </em><a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/chelseyreads"><em>on Instagram</em></a><em>. If you’re interested in reading classic literature with accessible guidance and a cozy community, check out the </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-pairings/id1500764291"><em>Novel Pairings podcast</em></a><em> and </em><a target="_blank" href="http://patreon.com/novelpairings"><em>Patreon</em></a><em>.</em></p><p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://chelsey.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">chelsey.substack.com/subscribe</a>