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[00:00:00 ] JULIE BERRY: I am forcing these books on everybody who walks in the store because they're just so brilliant. And it's so much fun to have customers come back in and they're like squawking. They're like, "I had my doubts, but oh my gosh." And I'm like, "I know." So like-

ANNE BOGEL: Oh, that's the best.

Hey readers, I'm Anne Bogel, and this is What Should I Read Next?. 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.

Readers, I was so excited to see today's guest submission in my inbox. Not only is Julie Berry a reader with a specific readerly conundrum, she is also a beloved author who's joined us over in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club and whose work I've recommended several times on the show to readers here.

[00:01:55 ] You may recognize Julie Berry from her books like The Passion of Dolssa and Lovely War. But whether you're new to her work or you're already a fan, I think you'll love our conversation today as we dive into a discussion about writing and discovering smart books with big heart.

On that note, we explore the inspiration and perhaps unlikely-sounding path to publication for Julie's new book, If Looks Could Kill, due out September 16th. I loved it and couldn't wait to hear more about the story behind the story for this one.

Julie also owns an indie bookstore in her town, and today you'll hear about how this came to be and the unexpected path of Julie's becoming a bookstore owner. As an author and bookstore owner, Julie finds she's often on the hunt for books that, as she put it, shine through the clamor of blurbs and endorsements. With so many books and so much acclaim, how is a reader to find the books that they will actually love?

[00:02:49 ] Today, we get into it. And I'll share a handful of recommendations with Julie while also inviting her to tell us more about some of her favorites, plus what she's been writing lately. Let's get to it.

Julie, welcome to the show.

JULIE: Thank you, Anne. I'm thrilled to be here.

ANNE: Oh my gosh, it's a pleasure. We got to speak about Lovely War in Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, I believe pre-pandemic, and that was such a delightful conversation. It's wonderful to reconnect.

JULIE: I remember. It was.

ANNE: Julie, could you start by telling us a little about yourself? We want to give our listeners a glimpse of who you are.

JULIE: Well, I am probably best known as an author of books for young readers. I have books for, you know, little children picture books, middle grade novels, and my teen novels tend to be both crossover read by teens and adults. So I'm probably best known for Lovely War, The Passion of Dolssa, All the Truth That's In Me, and my newest book to come out in September is If Looks Could Kill.

[00:03:51 ] I'm also fairly recently, as in about four, four and a half years ago, I am an independent bookstore owner. So this has been a new jour