Taylor Jenkins Reid Wants to Turn You On to Her Favorite Regency Romances

In an email interview, the best-selling writer explained why she aimed to “chill out” after publishing “Carrie Soto Is Back” in 2022. SCOTT HELLER

What books are on your night stand?

I’m listening to “Audition,”by Katie Kitamura, reading “Hungerstone,” by Kat Dunn, and next on deck are an advanced reader’s copy of Emma Straub’s new one, out next year, and Saumya Dave’s “The Guilt Pill.”

Describe your ideal reading experience.

On a patio, looking out over a body of water, with a great mystery or romance in front of me and at least one audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan ready to go. If there’s an iced tea sweating on the table and a good place to put my feet up, all the better. I had this exact experience last summer, reading “The God of the Woods,” by Liz Moore. Every moment was perfection.

What kind of reader were you as a child?

A reluctant one! I never read much as a kid. One of the first stories to change my mind about that was Edith Wharton’s short story, “Roman Fever.” We read it in Mrs. Hearn’s 10th grade American Lit class and I remember getting to the ending a few seconds before the other students and gasping. I loved it.

What’s the last great book you read?

“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” by James McBride.

Do you prefer books that reach you emotionally, or intellectually?

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