Podcast Summary: Currently Reading – Season 7, Episode 23: Virtual Reading Retreats + Enjoying Hobbies while Reading
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Hosts: Meredith (Katie) Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb
Episode Title: Virtual Reading Retreats + Enjoying Hobbies while Reading
1. Virtual Reading Retreats: Embracing Shared Reading Experiences
In this episode, Meredith and Kaytee dive into the concept of virtual reading retreats, a practice that has gained traction among book enthusiasts seeking deeper engagement with their reading material.
Kaytee shares her recent experience organizing a virtual reading retreat with her friend Betsy:
“We picked a book that we'd both read together in real time. We marked off a day on our calendars, stocked up on all things cozy... and then we settled in to read uninterrupted for hours.” [02:21]
This retreat allowed them to buddy read simultaneously, enhancing their connection and enjoyment of the book. Kaytee emphasizes the benefits of allocating dedicated time for reading, especially for parents juggling multiple responsibilities:
“Even if you don't have a full day to spare, could you grab a couple hours in the morning... It doesn't have to be all the way for it to feel special and fun.” [05:02]
Meredith adds excitement by announcing that Mary and Roxanna will take over the show in an upcoming episode to share their own top 10 book lists, highlighting the podcast’s community-driven spirit:
“We're giving them full reins. Mom and dad are going off to play and they're going to have a full episode next week.” [01:39]
2. Bookish Moments: Sharing Personal Book Experiences
Kaytee reminisces about her virtual reading retreat, detailing the setup that made the experience special:
“We marked off a day on our calendars, stocked up on all things cozy, our favorite beverages, coziest blankets...” [02:21]
This sharing of personal experiences not only illustrates the joy of dedicated reading time but also inspires listeners to create their own reading rituals.
3. Current Reads: Diverse and Engaging Book Selections
The hosts delve into their current reads, offering detailed reviews and personal insights into each book.
a. Mary’s Recommendations
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"Blood at the Root" by Ladarian Williams
- Synopsis: Follows Malik, a young man with magical powers, as he unravels the mystery of his mother's disappearance while navigating a magical university.
- Review: Mary praises the book for its fresh take on the chosen one trope, highlighting its focus on underrepresented black men in fantasy:
“Malik is a fully fleshed out, nuanced character... the characters in this story are where things really shine.” [10:23]
- Rating: ★★★★☆
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"The Light Pirate" by Lily Brooks Dalton
- Synopsis: Set in a near-future Florida plagued by climate change, the story follows Wanda’s journey from birth to adulthood amid superstorms.
- Review: Mary describes it as a compelling cli-fi sci-fi novel with elements of magical realism:
“It's literary and propulsive and really beautifully written... I ended up giving it 4.75 stars.” [16:45]
- Rating: ★★★★☆
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"Peter Darling" by Austin Chant
- Synopsis: A retelling of the Peter Pan story set ten years after Peter leaves Neverland, introducing new dynamics and a fantasy romance.
- Review: Mary appreciates the novel for its fantasy romance elements and diverse perspective:
“It's a delicious little fantasy romance written by a trans author... It’s not a children’s fantasy story.” [24:52]
- Rating: ★★★★☆
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"Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman" by Patrick Hutchinson
- Synopsis: A memoir detailing the author’s journey from a desk job to refurbishing an off-grid cabin, finding peace and purpose along the way.
- Review: Mary finds it a perfect blend of narrative nonfiction and personal growth:
“It reinforced and reminded me of the benefits of unplugging and being present.” [26:15]
- Rating: ★★★★☆
b. Meredith’s Recommendations
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"Good Morning Midnight" by Lily Brooks Dalton
- Synopsis: In a climate-ravaged Florida, Kirby and his family face natural disasters while Wanda, Kirby's newborn, begins to exhibit strange abilities.
- Review: Meredith praises its literary depth and magical realism, despite initial hesitations:
“I was a little nervous to pick up a sophomore novel... but it paid off. It was excellent.” [12:41]
- Rating: ★★★★☆
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"The Millicent School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science" by Kate McKinnon
- Synopsis: Three adopted daughters enroll in an unconventional etiquette school run by the renowned mad scientist Millicent Quib to save their town.
- Review: Meredith highlights the book’s humor and excellent narration, making it a favorite for middle-grade readers:
“Kate McKinnon... her performance is next level. It's pitch perfect.” [17:58]
- Rating: ★★★★★
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"The Calculating Stars" by Mary Robinette Kowal
- Synopsis: Set in an alternate 1950s, Elma York, a brilliant mathematician and WASP pilot, strives to become the first female astronaut amid catastrophic events.
- Review: Meredith admires its fierce feminism and science-driven narrative, drawing parallels to other empowering stories:
“It's the fierce feminism of 'Lessons in Chemistry'... it's nerdy and propulsive.” [20:46]
- Rating: ★★★★★
4. Deep Dive: Integrating Hobbies with Reading
Meredith and Kaytee explore the synergy between hobbies and reading, discussing how engaging in creative activities can enhance the reading experience and vice versa.
Kaytee shares her passion for knitting and how it complements her reading habits:
“The joy and excitement that I get from finishing a book is very present in these other hobbies.” [36:54]
Meredith talks about her crocheting and puzzling:
“Having my hands be busy and my mind taking in a story allows me to just be physically still and present in a different way.” [41:16]
They discuss practical ways to balance these activities, such as using a Kindle stand and ring remote to enable one-handed reading while crocheting:
“You need the ring remote and a stand... It is magnificent, Katie. You need the ring remote and a stand or Meredith's pillow or somewhere that you can prop it.” [56:12]
5. Fountain Wishes: Hosting Personal Desires
In the fountain wishes segment, both hosts share personal hopes related to their reading lives.
Mary's Wish:
“I wish we were at the stage in our home renovation that I had my bookshelf back... I just am ready to have my books back.” [52:45]
Meredith's Wish:
“A better way to read books one-handed... somebody's gonna fix it.” [54:28]
Mary also shares her solution with the Kindle ring remote, which Meredith considers trying:
“I ordered myself a Kindle stand and that I got the ring remote... It is the best thing in the world.” [56:12]
6. Engaging with the Community: Encouraging Listener Interaction
Meredith and Kaytee encourage listeners to share their own integrated hobbies and reading practices, fostering a sense of community:
“Please show us your bookish manis if you do them, or your fiber craft projects.” [52:10]
They also highlight the importance of connecting through social media and providing feedback to support the podcast’s growth.
7. Concluding Thoughts: Balancing Creativity and Reading
The episode wraps up with reflections on how integrating hobbies with reading can enhance personal satisfaction and improve focus:
“Being able to engage different parts of your brain in different ways in order to make the hobby more enjoyable and the reading experience more enjoyable.” [51:53]
The hosts sign off with warm wishes for their listeners, emphasizing the joy of reading and creative expression.
Notable Quotes:
- Kaytee: “Malik is a fully fleshed out, nuanced character... the characters in this story are where things really shine.” [10:23]
- Meredith: “Kate McKinnon... her performance is next level. It's pitch perfect.” [17:58]
- Mary: “Even if you don't have a full day to spare, could you grab a couple hours in the morning... It doesn't have to be all the way for it to feel special and fun.” [05:02]
- Meredith: “Having my hands be busy and my mind taking in a story allows me to just be physically still and present in a different way.” [41:16]
Connect with Currently Reading:
- Meredith (Katie): Instagram @notesonbookmarks
- Kaytee: Instagram @maryreadsandmakes
- Podcast Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
- Social Media: @CurrentlyReadingPodcast on Instagram
- Email: currentlyreadingpodcast@mail.com
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Final Wish:
“May your coffee be hot and your book be unput downable. Happy reading.” [59:11]
This episode of "Currently Reading" offers a heartfelt exploration of how virtual reading retreats and integrating hobbies with reading can enrich the literary experience. With insightful book reviews, personal anecdotes, and practical tips, Meredith and Kaytee provide valuable inspiration for book lovers seeking to deepen their engagement with both their hobbies and their favorite reads.