Podcast Summary: Currently Reading | Season 7, Episode 15: Book Talks In The Wild + Reading Rituals

Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction

In Season 7, Episode 15 of Currently Reading, hosts Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb delve into the vibrant world of books with their episode titled "Book Talks In The Wild + Reading Rituals." As bookish best friends, Meredith and Katie offer insightful discussions on their current reads, explore the intricacies of their personal reading rituals, and share their heartfelt fountain wishes related to the reading experience. This episode is a treasure trove for avid readers seeking book recommendations and a deeper understanding of reading habits.

Book Talks: Current Reads

1. Finding Sophie by Imran Mahmood [05:13 - 08:00]

Katie Cobb introduces Finding Sophie as an unputdownable courtroom thriller that intertwines dual timelines to unravel the mystery of a missing teenager.

Summary:

• Plot Overview: Sophie, the 17-year-old daughter of Harry and Zara King, disappears, prompting Harry to conduct his own investigation. Meanwhile, a year later, events unfold around a murder trial.
• Themes: Obsession, marital strain, and the quest for truth.
• Author Background: Imran Mahmood, a British novelist and barrister, draws from his legal expertise to craft a taut, suspenseful narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• "Imran used the dual timeline expertly to keep me wanting more on both sides of the story." [06:36] - Katie Cobb

Review: Katie praises the book’s pacing and character development, awarding it four and a half stars despite a minor lag before the midpoint. She highlights its compelling courtroom scenes that leave readers eager for answers.

2. Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurian Berenson [08:18 - 13:21]

Meredith Monday Schwartz shares her enthusiasm for this cozy mystery featuring two sisters-in-law with contrasting personalities.

Summary:

• Plot Overview: Sisters-in-law Rose Donovan and Peg Turnbull, after decades of tension, join a bridge club where a member's death propels them into amateur sleuthing.
• Themes: Family dynamics, friendship, and the charm of small-town mysteries.
• Author Insight: Laurian Berenson crafts a relatable and heartwarming story reminiscent of classic cozy mysteries like Murder She Wrote.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's like the Odd Couple meets Murder She Wrote." [11:02] - Meredith Schwartz

Review: Meredith commends the book for its endearing leads and calming Cabot Cove vibes. She appreciates the depth given to the characters’ backstories and the novel’s ability to provide a satisfying puzzle without excessive pacing.

3. Bear by Julia Phillips [13:12 - 17:24]

Katie discusses Bear, a literary fiction piece set on the San Juan Islands, focusing on the strained relationship between two sisters.

Summary:

• Plot Overview: Sam and Elena, sisters caring for their ailing mother, encounter a bear that disrupts their lives and exposes underlying tensions.
• Themes: Nature, family bonds, and personal growth.
• Author Background: Julia Phillips paints a vivid picture of the islands, intertwining real-life issues with metaphorical elements.

Notable Quotes:

• "It feels like a fever dream that's also very real." [16:22] - Katie Cobb

Review: Katie appreciates the book’s literary depth and its exploration of personal and relational challenges. While not perfect, she rates it four stars for its immersive setting and emotional resonance.

4. Winter Hours by Mary Oliver [17:24 - 22:09]

Meredith explores Mary Oliver’s Winter Hours, her most personal collection blending essays and prose poems.

Summary:

• Content Overview: The book contains nine essays, a selection of poems, and novel prose poems that delve into themes of nature, play, and the mind-body connection.
• Highlights: Essays on Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost, and poignant pieces like "Swoon" about a spider.

Notable Quotes:

• "The lyricality of the prose made me want to read parts of it out loud." [21:45] - Meredith Schwartz

Review: Meredith finds Winter Hours both calming and inspiring, though she notes a personal struggle with the prose poem format. She values the deep connection to nature and the introspective quality of Oliver’s writing.

5. The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown [22:09 - 26:01]

Katie delves into the fantastical adventure of The Book of Doors, highlighting its transportative narrative.

Summary:

• Plot Overview: Cassie Andrews inherits The Book of Doors, a magical tome that allows her to open doors to any place she can vividly imagine. This power attracts the attention of sinister forces.
• Themes: Adventure, magic realism, and survival.
• Author Insight: Gareth Brown builds a captivating world where books hold literal power, blending fantasy with a thrilling chase.

Notable Quotes:

• "If I can clearly imagine a scene while holding the book, the next door I open will open to that place." [24:30] - Katie Cobb

Review: Katie finds the book propulsive and transportative, appreciating its imaginative premise and dynamic villain. She recommends it to readers who enjoy violent fantasy with a gripping plot.

6. Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby [26:01 - 31:17]

Meredith reviews Glass Houses, a sinister thriller set against the backdrop of a tech company retreat gone awry.

Summary:

• Plot Overview: During a corporate retreat celebrating an AI breakthrough, the team’s plane crashes on a tropical island, leading to the discovery of a high-tech palace with dark secrets.
• Themes: Technological ethics, survival, and psychological horror.
• Author Background: Madeline Ashby, a futurist, crafts a chilling narrative that blends elements of thriller and horror.

Notable Quotes:

• "This is a really smart, compelling thriller that will keep you guessing until its slightly messy ending." [30:45] - Meredith Schwartz

Review: Meredith praises the book’s initial suspense and world-building but notes that the ending felt unbalanced. Despite this, she highly recommends it for its engaging premise and atmospheric tension.

Deep Dive: Reading Rituals

Following their book discussions, Meredith and Katie transition into an engaging conversation about their personal reading rituals, categorizing them into different levels or grades based on the complexity and dedication involved.

Understanding Reading Rituals

Katie’s Framework:

• Level D (Base Level): Minimal preparation, such as carrying a Kindle for unexpected reading opportunities.
  • "I'm giving that a D grade. It's like barely passable." [33:09]
• Level C (Passable): Preparing for specific reading times, including choosing appropriate books and setting physical environments.
  • "I give myself five to seven minutes to screw around on my phone first because that kind of clears the slate for me." [37:21]
• Level B (Good): Managing reading amidst interruptions, optimizing available time even with distractions.
  • "My children allow me for a lot of grade B reading experiences." [40:38]
• Level A (Prime Level): Creating an optimal, immersive reading environment with specific rituals and setups.
  • "My phone goes across the room or upstairs to charge, so it cannot interrupt me either." [44:07]

Meredith’s Practices:

• Chapter Breaks: Ensuring to stop reading only at chapter ends to maintain comfort and continuity.
  • "I try very hard only to break on chapter breaks." [37:44]
• Physical Bookmarks: Selecting and organizing bookmarks by color, topic, and vibe to enhance the reading experience.
  • "I have metal, plastic, fabric, acrylic, you know, all the materials." [35:06]
• Series-Specific Rituals: Especially with Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels, Meredith pre-orders, waits for release day, and clears her reading space to fully immerse herself.
  • "I read the first two or three chapters on audio and then I stop. I go find my physical book." [41:02]

Notable Quotes:

• "If you don't complete your five-minute ritual of screwing around on your phone, you will instead check it for 12 seconds 18 different times during that 30 minutes." [33:27] - Katie Cobb
• "I have almost completely stopped reading books on Kindle. If they don't have the ability for me to see how many chapters are left, I will buy this book later." [39:11] - Meredith Schwartz

Fountain Wishes

At the end of the episode, Meredith and Katie share their fountain wishes, reflecting on their discussions and offering hopes for themselves and their listeners.

Katie’s Wish:

• "Each of us to consider those grades or stages of the reading life... allow yourself stages one, two, and three at any given time." [49:39]
• Focus: Embracing various reading experiences and rituals to enhance personal enjoyment and adaptability.

Meredith’s Wish:

• "I created a little ritual for myself so you can think about... something to think about." [52:39]
• Focus: Encouraging listeners to find creative ways to integrate reading into their daily lives, even amidst busy schedules.

Additionally, Meredith mentions the Perot Pals podcast, a deep dive into Agatha Christie’s Poirot series, as a resource for dedicated fans.

Conclusion

Season 7, Episode 15 of Currently Reading offers a rich blend of book recommendations and personal insights into reading habits. Meredith and Katie’s discussions provide listeners with thoughtful perspectives on current literary works and practical advice for enhancing their own reading rituals. Whether you’re seeking your next great read or looking to refine your reading routine, this episode is a valuable resource for every book lover.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Meredith Monday Schwartz: Instagram
• Katie Cobb: Notes on Bookmarks on Instagram
• Full Show Notes & Timestamps: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Join as a Bookish Friend: Support the show for exclusive content and a commercial-free experience.

Final Quote: "May your coffee be hot and your book be unput downable." [56:00] - Katie Cobb

Happy reading!