Podcast Summary: Currently Reading – Season 7, Episode 22: Our Top Ten Reads of 2024!
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Hosts Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb come together in this special Season 7 episode of the Currently Reading podcast to celebrate the culmination of their 2024 reading journeys. As avid readers and podcast hosts, they delve deep into their personal reading statistics, genre preferences, memorable characters, and, most importantly, their top ten book selections for the year. This comprehensive and engaging episode offers listeners both insightful reflections and a plethora of book recommendations to consider for their own reading lists.
1. Annual Reading Summary – Statistics and Trends
Meredith’s Reading Statistics:
- Total Books Read: 137 (her highest count, up by 4 from 2023).
- Five-Star Books: 15 books (11% of total reads).
- Genre Breakdown:
- Mysteries and Thrillers: 41% (down 8% from 2023).
- Fantasy: 14% (up from previous years).
- Horror: Now tracked separately.
- Nonfiction: 14% (double from last year).
- Poetry: 2% (only 3 books, a first for her).
- Backlist vs. Front List:
- Backlist (published before 2024): 60%.
- Front List (published in 2024): 35%.
- Future Reads (2025): 5%.
- Formats:
- Print: 46%.
- Digital: 41%.
- Audio: 13%.
Notable Quote:
Meredith [02:26]: "The stat that is the most important to me is my average rating. Making progress on that stat which I did make some incremental progress on over last year is really, really important to me."
Katie’s Reading Statistics:
- Total Books Read: 230 (40 fewer than in 2023).
- Average Rating: 4.2 (consistent with last year).
- Genre Breakdown:
- Romance: 14% (top genre for her this year).
- Fantasy & General Fiction: 11% each.
- Mystery: 8%.
- Sources of Books:
- Library: 36%.
- Backlist (published before 2024): 60%.
- Own Voices/Inclusive Reading: 48% (down from 63% last year).
- Formats:
- Print: Preferred for higher ratings.
- Digital: Less favored due to lower engagement and ratings.
- Audio: Declined in use.
Notable Quote:
Katie [06:42]: "My average reading was 4.2, which was the same as 2023. So I did just as well at picking books, even though there were fewer of them."
Meredith and Katie emphasize the value of tracking their reading habits to enhance future reading experiences, focusing on metrics like average ratings and genre preferences over sheer quantity.
2. Shifts in Genre Preferences and Publishing Houses
Meredith’s Genre Shifts:
- Decrease in Thrillers: Thrillers, now averaging a lower rating of 3.7, are less satisfying for Meredith.
- Increase in Fantasy and Nonfiction: A notable rise in fantasy and nonfiction reflects her evolving interests.
- Introduction of Poetry: A small but significant foray into poetry, comprising 2% of her reads.
Katie’s Genre Shifts:
- Romance Takes the Lead: Romance emerged as her favorite genre for the year.
- Stable Fantasy and General Fiction: Maintained a balanced interest across these genres.
- Library as Top Source: A strong reliance on library selections, including audiobooks and digital copies.
Notable Quote:
Meredith [07:21]: "Mysteries and thrillers are averaging just a 3.7, which is one of my lowest category reads. So they're really thrillers are not working for me as much."
Additionally, both hosts discuss the influence of publishing houses on their reading satisfaction:
- Meredith: Prefers publishers like Minotaur, Tor, and Atria for their consistently high-quality releases. She notes a drop in satisfaction with Del Rey Books.
- Katie: Highlights Berkeley and W.W. Norton as top publishers, appreciating their offerings in her favorite genres.
Notable Quote:
Katie [16:15]: "My top publishing house this year, again related to that bump in romance was Berkeley, followed shortly by W.W. Norton."
3. Favorite and Least Favorite Characters of 2024
Katie’s Favorites:
-
Medusa in "Stone Blind" by Natalie Haynes: A deeply immersive protagonist who resonates strongly with Katie.
Quote:
Katie [40:26]: "I just want to climb inside that book and be with Medusa and experience her life..."
Katie’s Least Favorites:
-
Odysseus from "The Odyssey" (translated by Emily Wilson): Portrayed as an unsympathetic and flawed character.
Quote:
Katie [40:27]: "He is a sack of turd wrapped in burlap... I hate him."
Meredith’s Least Favorite:
-
Nephi from "Memory of Animals" by Claire Fuller: A character Meredith found frustrating due to perceived lack of agency.
Quote:
Meredith [42:43]: "I just wanted to strangle her through the entire book."
Notable Discussion:
Meredith [42:06]: "It's one of the books that really just made me want to tear my hair out this year was 'Memory of Animals' by Claire Fuller."
This segment underscores the hosts' passion for well-crafted characters and their critical perspectives on those they find lacking.
4. Top Ten Reads of 2024
Meredith Monday Schwartz’s Top Ten Books:
-
Number 10: "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" by Ian Reed [24:14]
- Description: An unforgettable literary mystery that is short yet propulsive, delivering a profound "WTF" experience.
Quote:
Meredith [24:14]: "It is so very hard that something to make it on the list."
-
Number 9: "The Safekeep" by Yael Vanderwouden [26:34]
- Description: A surprising literary fiction piece with memorable characters and a gripping plot twist.
Quote:
Meredith [26:53]: "One of them almost made my least favorite character of the year."
-
Number 8: "The Force of Such Beauty" by Barbara Borland [34:11]
- Description: A contemporary narrative exploring the life of an American woman in a royal family, delving into the realities of princess life.
Quote:
Meredith [34:11]: "It's so juicy. This is the book 'The Force of Such Beauty' by Barbara Borland."
-
Number 7: "Mars House" by Natasha Pulley [35:01]
- Description: A science fiction story about Earth-born individuals adapting to life in a Mars colony, blending sci-fi with drama and adventure.
Quote:
Meredith [35:01]: "Natasha Poli is one of my favorite authors. She really knows how to set a scene."
-
Number 6: "The Examiner" by Janice Hallett [46:35]
- Description: A multimedia mystery conveyed through emails and syllabi, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
Quote:
Meredith [46:35]: "The construct of the book is completely different... It's geniusly done."
-
Number 5: "The Familiar" by Leigh Bardugo [51:20]
- Description: An adult-oriented fantasy novel praised for its magical structure, political intrigue, and deeply developed characters.
Quote:
Meredith [51:20]: "This is fantasy for Meredith. It's romantic and political and incredible magic."
-
Number 4: "Confessions" by Kanae Minato [56:35]
- Description: A Japanese mystery novel with rotating points of view, delivering unexpected and brilliant plot developments.
Quote:
Meredith [56:35]: "You will never, ever see where this is going. It’s brilliant."
-
Number 3: "The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett [60:10]
- Description: A seamless blend of fantasy and mystery, regarded as a perfect book despite minor disappointment with its sequel.
Quote:
Meredith [60:10]: "It is the top book... it is perfection."
-
Number 2: "The Stand" by Stephen King [67:21]
- Description: An apocalyptic dystopian horror novel celebrated as a cornerstone of Stephen King's repertoire, delving into the battle between good and evil.
Quote:
Meredith [67:21]: "The Stand is everything that is great about Stephen King."
-
Number 1: "God of the Woods" by Liz Moore [72:40]
- Description: A masterfully crafted mystery with impeccable pacing, character development, and intricate plotting, securing Meredith’s top spot.
Quote:
Meredith [72:40]: "This is my number one book of the year and really was not contested at all."
Katie Cobb’s Top Ten Books:
-
Number 10: "River Sing Me Home" by Eleanor Shearer [26:34]
- Description: A powerful historical fiction set in the Caribbean post-slavery, portraying a mother's struggle to reunite with her children.
Quote:
Katie [25:23]: "Phenomenally powerful historical fiction writing. I loved this one."
-
Number 9: "High Tide in Tucson" by Barbara Kingsolver [28:00]
- Description: An essay collection reflecting Katie’s personal connection to Arizona, evoking strong emotions and memories.
Quote:
Katie [29:04]: "I almost cried when I talked about it on the show."
-
Number 8: "Sandwich" by Kathryn Newman [34:50]
- Description: Explores the challenges of the sandwich generation, balancing care for aging parents with raising children.
Quote:
Katie [34:50]: "It made me laugh out loud. Made me cry a little bit."
-
Number 7: "Family" by Laurie Frankel [48:30]
- Description: A heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and adoption, merging personal narrative with broader themes.
Quote:
Katie [48:30]: "Examining family in all its forms. Truly excellent."
-
Number 6: "Wolfsong" by T.J. Klune [71:50]
- Description: A rich romantasy featuring werewolf romance, praised for its emotional depth and engaging characters.
Quote:
Katie [70:27]: "This is not your mother's Twilight. It is much more."
-
Number 5: "The Small and the Mighty" by Sharon McMahon [51:20]
- Description: A nonfiction work inspiring readers to build a legacy of being good and just, blending humor and heartfelt moments.
Quote:
Katie [52:51]: "It made me laugh out loud. It made me cry."
-
Number 4: "James" by Percival Everett [59:37]
- Description: A modern retelling of "Huckleberry Finn" from James’s perspective, offering a fresh and critical take on the classic narrative.
Quote:
Katie [59:37]: "I swapped this out so my children read it for history."
-
Number 3: "Ember and the Ashes Quartet" by Sabaa Tahir [64:31]
- Description: An epic, diverse fantasy series likened to "Harry Potter for grown-ups," celebrated for its intricate plot and character development.
Quote:
Katie [64:31]: "It is the perfect fit for her. Chef's Kiss. Just amazing writing."
-
Number 2: "Wolfsong" by T.J. Klune [70:23]
- Note: Katie seems to discuss "Wolfsong" again, implying a possible overlap or an error in numbering.
-
Number 1: "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker [74:48]
- Description: An emotionally charged, unclassifiable novel praised for its masterful portrayal of human relationships and emotional depth.
Quote:
Katie [74:48]: "It's devastating and beautiful. It's epic in that it takes over your heart and your brain."
5. Memorable Reading Experiences of 2024
Meredith’s Highlights:
-
Series Immersion: Reading long, immersive series such as "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan allowed her to develop deep connections with characters.
Quote:
Meredith [29:17]: "I will probably read all of this series over the course of... I love these characters. I feel like I know them."
-
Connecting with Friends: Enjoyed reading "The Spell Shop" by Sarah Beth Durst during challenging times, finding it a comforting escape.
Quote:
Meredith [53:38]: "It kept me company in the exact way that I needed in the moment."
Katie’s Highlights:
-
Shared Reading with Friends: Reading "Wolfsong" alongside her reading partner deepened her appreciation for the book.
Quote:
Katie [70:23]: "I was part wolf. And look, here he comes again."
-
In-Person Bookish Events: Attended the Tucson Festival of Books and connected with bookish friends at various bookstores, enhancing her reading experiences.
Quote:
Katie [55:16]: "These led to books like 'The Night in Question' by Susan Fletcher and 'The Guncle Abroad' by Stephen Rowley."
Notable Quote:
Meredith [29:17]: "I feel like I know [characters]... I just feel like that world is a world that I live in."
6. Insights on Tracking and Improving Reading Habits
Both hosts advocate for the importance of tracking reading habits to enhance future experiences. They discuss using tools like reading trackers to monitor statistics, genres, and personal engagement with books.
Meredith’s Insight:
Meredith [01:59]: "If you're using a reading tracker... it helps me to plan my next reading year in a way that is consistently giving me better reading years."
Katie’s Insight:
Katie [80:37]: "Using our reading tracker, you can really understand what worked well for you."
They encourage listeners to adopt similar tracking methods to gain insights into their own reading patterns, preferences, and areas for growth.
7. Favorite and Least Favorite Characters of the Year
Katie’s Favorites:
-
Medusa in "Stone Blind" by Natalie Haynes: She yearns to "climb inside that book" and live with Medusa.
Quote:
Katie [40:27]: "She just jumps off the page in this visceral manner."
Katie’s Least Favorites:
-
Odysseus from "The Odyssey": Described as the worst ever, embodying early patriarchal flaws.
Quote:
Katie [40:27]: "He is a sack of turd wrapped in burlap."
Meredith’s Least Favorite:
-
Nephi from "Memory of Animals" by Claire Fuller: A character Meredith found completely frustrating.
Quote:
Meredith [42:43]: "I just wanted to strangle her through the entire book."
8. Concluding Remarks and Community Engagement
Meredith and Katie wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to join their community as bookish friends or super friends for additional content, including exclusive discussions and access to their reading tracker. They also highlight the importance of knowing oneself as a reader to foster a more fulfilling reading life.
Notable Quote:
Meredith [81:13]: "Reader, know thyself. That is the key to a better reading life."
They invite listeners to connect with them on social media, rate and review the podcast, and engage with their content to support the growth of the Currently Reading community.
Closing Remark:
Katie [82:07]: "Happy reading, Meredith."
This episode serves as both a reflection on the past year’s reading adventures and a guide for listeners seeking their next great reads. With a blend of statistical analysis, personal anecdotes, and passionate book discussions, Meredith and Katie provide valuable insights into the art of reading and the joy it brings.