Season 7, Episode 19: New Book Subscriptions + Wishes To The Holiday Book Fairy
Release Date: December 9, 2024 | Hosts: Meredith Mundy Schwartz & Katie Cobb

In this festive episode of Currently Reading, Meredith Mundy Schwartz and Katie Cobb dive deep into the world of book subscriptions, share their current literary adventures, and make enchanting wishes to the Holiday Book Fairy. Whether you're seeking new reading platforms or heartwarming book recommendations, this episode is a treasure trove for book lovers.

1. Exploring New Book Subscription Services

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the evolving landscape of book subscription services. Meredith highlights growing dissatisfaction with the traditional Book of the Month service, noting, “not as happy with Book of the Month as they have been” (00:53). Katie introduces a compelling alternative: Aardvark Books.

Katie's Insights on Aardvark Books:

• Quality Over Quantity: Katie praises the superior quality of Aardvark’s book selections compared to Book of the Month, emphasizing sturdier dust jackets and better hardcover printing.
• User-Friendly App: The Aardvark app allows for nuanced filtering by genre, awards, and specific tags like "includes a dog" or "gothic," enhancing the subscription experience (04:10).
• Flexible Subscription Plans: With options to skip a month without penalties and the ability to carry over credits, Aardvark offers flexibility that appeals to discerning readers (04:34).

Meredith concurs, appreciating that Aardvark has "worked out all the kinks" in their second year of operation, providing a fresh alternative for subscribers seeking curated reading experiences (05:04).

2. Bookish Moments of the Week

Meredith shares her burgeoning relationship with audiobooks, especially during the busy holiday season. She remarks, “audiobooks really come into play” as she juggles holiday preparations (05:04). The newfound convenience of audiobooks is attributed to her new AirPods, which help maintain reading momentum without disrupting her daily tasks (08:02).

Katie echoes Meredith’s enthusiasm for audio formats, especially when multitasking with hobbies like crochet. She notes that audiobooks make it “very easy” to read while engaging in hands-on activities (07:51).

3. Deep Dive into Current Reads

Katie's Current Reads:

1. "Crow Talk" by Eileen Garvin (09:10)

   • Genre: Contemporary Fiction
   • Synopsis: The story intertwines the lives of Frankie O'Neal, a struggling PhD student, and Ann Ryan, a musician battling personal challenges. Their lives converge through the care of an injured crow named Charlie, fostering unexpected connections and healing.
   • Katie's Review: While Katie praises the book's depth and rich descriptions of the Cascade Mountains, she critiques the execution of the ending, rating it 4.25/5 stars.

2. "We Came to Welcome You" by Vincent Tirado (18:16)

   • Genre: Psychological Thriller/Horror
   • Synopsis: An interracial lesbian couple moves into a seemingly perfect gated community, only to encounter mysterious and disturbing events that challenge their sanity and safety.
   • Katie's Review: Despite appreciating the novel’s exploration of racism and homophobia, Katie finds fault with the unrealistic HOA contract premise and an unsatisfying conclusion, giving it 3/5 stars.

3. "The Night in Question" by Susan Fletcher (29:02)

   • Genre: Mystery
   • Synopsis: Flory, an 87-year-old resident of Babington Hall, investigates the mysterious fall of her friend Renata, suspected of suicide, uncovering layers of secrets within the senior residence.
   • Katie's Review: Katie lauds the book for its blend of mystery and hope, comparing it to favorites like "A Natural History of Dragons" and "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." She rates it 5/5 stars.

Meredith's Current Reads:

1. "Echo Man" by Sam Holland (13:46)

   • Genre: Serial Killer Thriller
   • Synopsis: Jess Ambrose teams up with Nate Griffin to clear her name after her house is mysteriously set ablaze. Concurrently, DCI Cara Elliott and DS Noah Deacon hunt the "Echo Man," a serial killer emulating historical murders.
   • Meredith's Review: Despite the book's gripping narrative and high production quality in the audiobook format, Meredith warns about its graphic violence and controversial ending, making it a Cautioned Recommendation for fans of the genre.

2. "Shadow of Night" by Deborah Harkness (23:20)

   • Genre: Fantasy/Romance (All Souls Trilogy)
   • Synopsis: Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Claremont navigate Elizabethan London in pursuit of the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, delving into historical magic and complex relationships.
   • Meredith's Review: She praises the richly detailed historical setting and the seamless integration of magic and romance, despite noting a “mushy middle.” Enthusiastic about continuing the trilogy, Meredith highly recommends it to fans of time-travel narratives like "Outlander."

3. "A Holiday by Gaslight" by Mimi Matthews (33:11)

   • Genre: Victorian Romance
   • Synopsis: Sophie Appersett navigates societal pressures to marry within her class while grappling with her attraction to the aloof Edward Sharpe. A Christmas gathering offers a chance to redefine their relationship beyond societal expectations.
   • Meredith's Review: Filled with holiday cheer and strong character development, Meredith describes the novella as "the perfect little Christmas confection," awarding it 5/5 stars. She emphasizes its non-spicy romance and rich historical details, making it an ideal festive read.

4. Wishes to the Holiday Book Fairy

Embracing the holiday spirit, Meredith and Katie channel their inner wishers, crafting imaginative and bookish desires.

Katie’s Bookish Wishes:

1. "Book Agra" Pill (40:19):

   • A magical pill that clears schedules, perfects reading environments, and eliminates distractions, ensuring uninterrupted reading bliss.

2. Elf on the Bookshelf (44:24):

   • A mystical elf that curates five perfect books each night, tailored to Katie’s reading mood and needs, enhancing her daily reading experience.

3. Re-Reading Switch (47:08):

   • A magical switch allowing Katie to either experience a beloved book anew or reread it with enhanced understanding, perfectly balancing nostalgia and discovery.

Meredith’s Bookish Wishes:

1. Magical Christmas Cabin (41:04):

   • The ability to stop time and retreat to a beautifully decorated Swiss Alps cabin, complete with endless snacks and panoramic views, fostering the ultimate cozy reading haven.

2. Teleportation to Friends’ Nooks (44:45):

   • The power to teleport to three friends’ cozy reading spots anytime, facilitating deep literary conversations and personalized book recommendations.

3. Narnia Closet Library (48:12):

   • A magical wardrobe transformed into an expansive, enchanted library featuring spiral staircases, twinkling lights, and talking furniture, perfect for bookish adventures.

5. Special Book Recommendation

Katie presses a heartfelt recommendation: "The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFelisi (50:36). This narrative non-fiction recounts the heroic efforts of Gander, Newfoundland, during the September 11th attacks, where residents selflessly housed thousands of stranded passengers. Katie describes it as a "perfect gift option" that restores faith in humanity, making it an excellent holiday read or gift choice.

6. Enhancing Your Holiday Reading Experience

Meredith and Katie offer practical tips to elevate the holiday reading ambiance:

• Bookish Ambiance Rooms (52:31): Utilize YouTube’s Christmas ambiance playlists to create the perfect reading environment, complete with subtle music and crackling fires.
• Ad-Free Streaming: Consider subscribing to ad-free services like YouTube Premium to maintain the serenity of your reading space without interruptions.

7. Connecting with Currently Reading

The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their community:

• Social Media: Follow Meredith on Instagram @meredithmundy and Katie @notesonbookmarks.
• Patreon: Support the show and access exclusive content by joining their Patreon.
• Show Notes: Visit currentlyreadingpodcast.com for detailed show notes, including book titles and episode timestamps.

Notable Quotes:

• Katie on Aardvark Books: “There really just no comparison. The dust jackets are sturdier, the hardcover printing is nicer...” (04:28)
• Meredith on Audiobooks: “It feels a lot less like a mass market paperback version of a hardback...” (06:00)
• Katie on "The Night in Question": “I drank this novel down in a single day.” (31:03)
• Meredith on Holiday Cabin Wish: “It's got all the snacks I could possibly want...” (41:53)

This episode of Currently Reading is a delightful blend of insightful book discussions, innovative subscription services, and magical holiday wishes, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season. Whether you're looking to discover new reads or seek inspiration for your own literary wishes, Meredith and Katie provide both thoughtful analysis and whimsical dreams to enhance your reading journey.

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