Podcast Summary: Currently Reading Season 7, Episode 18: Spreadsheet Season + Bookishness We Are Thankful For Release Date: December 2, 2024

Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie (Kaytee) Cobb

Introduction

In Season 7, Episode 18 of Currently Reading, hosts Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb dive deep into their current reading selections, explore the excitement of Spreadsheet Season, and share heartfelt moments of gratitude related to their bookish journeys. Released on December 2, 2024, this episode is a treasure trove for book lovers seeking recommendations and insights into the reading habits that shape their literary experiences.

Spreadsheet Season: Organizing the Reading Year

[01:12] Meredith Monday Schwartz:
“I'm Meredith Monday Schwartz, a mom of four and full-time CEO living in Austin, Texas.”

[01:41] Katie Cobb:
“...it is spreadsheet season. Yes. Oh my gosh. People get excited for this season and it is. And I get excited every single year when we get a new one.”

Meredith and Katie enthusiastically discuss their annual tradition, Spreadsheet Season, where they launch the Currently Reading Reading Tracker. This tool, available to patrons, helps readers organize their books, track statistics, and visualize their reading habits through charts and graphs.

Notable Quote: [05:30] Katie Cobb:
“Yes, I love that. That's exactly why we've continued to build it out year after year after year. Those Zoom spreadsheet tours, both of them get recorded... which is exactly what we want.”

[04:23] Meredith Monday Schwartz:
“...the information that you get in the charts and the graphs and you give us such pretty charts and graphs that automatically populate and load up is not only really interesting... It has definitely contributed to me making better choices for myself as a reader.”

Current Reads: Diverse Genres and Personal Favorites

Meredith’s Selections

1. The Ruins by Scott Smith
   A gripping horror novel where two young American couples on vacation in Mexico assist a German tourist searching for his missing brother, leading them into a nightmarish jungle scenario.

   Notable Quote: [16:30] Meredith:
   “There are two words that come to mind for me as I finished this novel. The first one is cinematic... The other word is visceral.”

2. The Last Detective by Peter Lovesey
   A British police procedural featuring Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond, who navigates complex cases in Bath while clashing with modern policing methods.

   Notable Quote: [34:21] Katie Cobb:
   “But Peter Diamond is his.”

3. Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
   Ina Garten’s heartfelt memoir detailing her life, marriage, and career in the food industry, emphasizing the themes of preparedness and leveraging privilege.

   Notable Quote: [25:35] Meredith:
   “...she tells her story, warts and all.”

Katie’s Selections

1. The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill
   A dual-timeline historical fiction exploring the relationship between a granddaughter, Leah, and her grandmother, Mineko, against the backdrop of pre-WWII Japan and 1990s Texas.

   Notable Quote: [20:54] Meredith:
   “That was really beautiful. Really, really well done.”

2. Bonk by Mary Roach
   An exploration of the science of sex, combining humor and in-depth research to uncover the curiosities and challenges within the field.

   Notable Quote: [29:36] Meredith:
   “I'm so glad that that was good.”

3. Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
   The second book in the Letters of Enchantment duology, blending alternate history with magical realism as protagonists Roman and Winnow navigate a war influenced by gods.

   Notable Quote: [39:03] Katie:
   “I'm obsessed with this series and that it's complete and this perfect, beautiful package.”

Bookish Moments: Personal Anecdotes

Meredith’s Moment: Overcoming Illness with Books
Meredith recounts a challenging trip to Santa Fe where she fell ill and found solace in reading a "bonkers" book, highlighting the comfort books provide during tough times.

Notable Quote: [10:09] Meredith:
“My Kindle oasis, my precious beloved was there for me all night long while everyone else was asleep.”

Katie’s Moment: Themed Bookish Meetup
Katie shares her experience attending a themed bookish meetup hosted by Kristin, complete with homemade salsa and book swaps, emphasizing the joy of community and creative gatherings.

Notable Quote: [12:30] Meredith:
“That is a major gold star. That is so much fun.”

Deep Dive: Bookishness We Are Thankful For

Inspired by an email from Angie Witt, Meredith and Katie explore their gratitude for various aspects of their reading lives, categorized into books from childhood, fictional characters, literary worlds, and lessons learned from reading.

Books from Childhood

Meredith’s Favorites:

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
• Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Katie’s Favorites:

• Roald Dahl’s classics (Matilda, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
• R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and Fear Street series

Notable Quote: [43:09] Meredith:
“Thank you, Judy Blume, because that book was very, very... I'm very thankful that it existed in my life when I was going through that period of time.”

Fictional Characters

Meredith’s Choices:

• Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov from A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Katie’s Choices:

• Ove from A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• Manu from Lobisona by Romina Garber

Notable Quote: [46:52] Katie:
“Ove changed my life. He identified the found family trope for me.”

Favorite Literary Worlds

Meredith’s Worlds:

• Emberfall from A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Bridget Kimmerer
• Various courts from A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
• Nevermore from Nevermoor series

Katie’s Worlds:

• Lunar Chronicles from Cinder by Marissa Meyer
• Green Gables from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
• The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall

Notable Quote: [53:10] Meredith:
“I wish that I could visit every one of those for the first time again.”

Lessons from Reading

Meredith’s Lessons:

• The comfort of being alone with a book
• Books as a means to find and connect with friends

Katie’s Lessons:

• There's always a book for every moment, whether it's a reread or something new
• Reading broadens one's perspective and enriches the world

Notable Quote: [50:55] Katie:
“Reading has quite literally made my world bigger beyond my own personal experience.”

Wishes: Looking Forward with Gratitude

**Meredith’s Wish:
[56:12] Meredith:
“...if you're in the market for something like that, look into the AirPod fours.”

Meredith expresses her appreciation for the new AirPods 4, highlighting their comfort, noise-canceling features, and seamless integration into her daily life, enhancing her audiobook listening experience.

**Katie’s Wish:
[60:26] Katie Cobb:
“...press Mr. Dickens and his Carol by Samantha Silva into readers' hands for this holiday season.”

Katie wishes to promote the historical fiction novel Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva, emphasizing its captivating portrayal of Charles Dickens amid Christmas pressures.

Conclusion: Staying Connected and Growing the Community

Meredith and Katie wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to connect via social media, join their Patreon for exclusive content, and engage with their growing community. They emphasize the importance of reader support through ratings, reviews, and shout-outs.

Notable Quote: [63:43] Meredith:
“Bookish friends are the best friends. Thank you for helping us grow and get closer to our goals.”

[64:16] Katie Cobb:
“Happy reading.”

Key Takeaways

• Spreadsheet Season: An essential tradition for organizing and enhancing the reading experience through the Currently Reading Reading Tracker.
• Diverse Current Reads: Both hosts share a variety of books spanning horror, historical fiction, memoirs, and police procedurals, providing listeners with a wide range of recommendations.
• Personal Bookish Moments: Reflecting on how books offer solace during difficult times and foster meaningful connections within the book community.
• Gratitude for Reading: Appreciating childhood books, beloved fictional characters, immersive literary worlds, and the life lessons gleaned from reading.
• Looking Forward: Encouraging the adoption of tools like AirPods 4 for an enhanced reading experience and promoting standout books like Mr. Dickens and His Carol for the holiday season.

Resources and Connections

• Instagram:
  • Meredith: @meredithmondayschwartz
  • Katie: @notesonbookmarks
  • Producer Megan: @megansreads
• Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Patreon: currently reading podcast
• Contact Email: email@currentlyreadingpodcastmail.com

For more detailed information, including timestamps and show notes, visit the Currently Reading Podcast website.