Podcast Summary: Currently Reading – Season 7, Episode 28: Books As Equalizers + Losing Momentum In Our Reading

Release Date: February 17, 2025

Hosts:

• Meredith Monday Schwartz – A mom of four and full-time CEO from Austin, Texas.
• Kaytee Cobb – A homeschooling mom of four from Arizona.

Overview: In this engaging episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee delve into the theme of books acting as equalizers and explore the common challenge of losing momentum in reading. They share their current reads, offer in-depth analyses of selected books, and provide practical advice for maintaining reading habits amidst life's fluctuations.

1. Bookish Moments of the Week [01:11 - 08:07]

Personal Updates:

• Meredith discusses her experiences with virtual hiring for her company, Here Comes the Guide, highlighting how conversations about books help ease interviewees' nerves and reveal their personalities.

  • "When you bring up books, the interviewee's full personality comes back." [03:42]

• Kaytee shares a personal anecdote about spending quality time with her son, Levi, who enjoys bookstores as much as she does.

  • "Walking the shelves together is like Chef's Kiss. That's a perfect Saturday for me." [07:27]

2. Current Reads [08:11 - 35:23]

Meredith's Selections:

• "Witness 8" by Steve Kavanaugh [08:11 - 11:28]

  • Genre: Legal Thriller
  • Synopsis: Follows Ruby, a former socialite now working as a maid/nanny, and Eddie Flynn, a reformed con artist turned defense attorney, as they navigate a complex murder case.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Meredith appreciates Eddie Flynn's character, likening him to Mickey Haller from The Lincoln Lawyer.
    • She praises Kavanaugh’s ability to create an eclectic supporting cast, enhancing the narrative's depth.
    • "Steve Kavanaugh... keeps the pages turning." [10:10]

• "The Great Hunt" by Robert Jordan [16:00 - 21:15]

  • Genre: High Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The second installment in The Wheel of Time series, focusing on Rand al'Thor's quest for the Horn of Valier amidst political tensions and emerging dangers.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Meredith underscores the series' intricate world-building, comparing it to J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
    • She highlights the benefits of buddy reading, sharing how discussing the book with her friend Bill enhances her understanding and enjoyment.
    • "The world that Robert Jordan is building here is as detailed in its lore and characters as anything that J.R.R. Tolkien has created." [20:30]

• "Come Closer" by Sarah Grann [23:54 - 30:50]

  • Genre: Horror
  • Synopsis: Centers on Amanda, a seemingly perfect woman whose life unravels as inexplicable and eerie occurrences threaten her sanity.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Meredith appreciates the book’s dual interpretation, viewing it both as a tale of demon possession and a portrayal of mental illness.
    • She commends the author for creating a suspenseful and page-turning narrative within a compact length.
    • "This book can be read in two ways... as a story of demon possession or as a story of a woman grappling with mental illness." [30:00]

Kaytee's Selections:

• "Bury Your Gaze" by Chuck Tingle [11:50 - 15:50]

  • Genre: Horror with Science Fiction Elements
  • Synopsis: Misha, a Hollywood screenwriter, battles his own creations—horror characters and deceased actors from his shows—who begin terrorizing his life.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Kaytee highlights Tingle’s shift from his usual erotic novellas to a more mainstream horror narrative.
    • She praises the book for its smart, engaging storytelling and effective blend of horror and sci-fi.
    • "This book was so fun. It's horrifying and it's also a delight." [15:00]

• "Revenge of the Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell [22:06 - 25:42]

  • Genre: Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: A 25-year follow-up to Gladwell’s original The Tipping Point, exploring new insights into societal changes and phenomena.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Kaytee appreciates the book’s ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging through micro-stories.
    • She reflects on how Gladwell connects historical events to contemporary issues, fostering insightful discussions.
    • "Each chapter led to us analyzing something that pushed us from one type of thinking to another." [25:00]

• "It Came from the Trees" by Ali Russell [31:08 - 35:23]

  • Genre: Middle Grade Horror
  • Synopsis: Jenna, an 11-year-old scout, investigates the mysterious disappearance of her best friend Rhys, suspecting a creature from the woods.
  • Notable Insights:
    • Kaytee commends the book for its ability to deliver suspense and fear within a middle-grade framework.
    • She recommends it for both young readers and adults who enjoy a good scare without the intensity of adult horror.
    • "This is the perfect book for your stack... it's a perfect read for a little bit of adrenaline rush." [33:52]

3. Deep Dive: Losing Momentum In Our Reading [35:23 - 48:29]

Listener Question:

• Adrian's Dilemma: Struggling to maintain focus on a book she enjoys due to fluctuating moods, leading to starting multiple books without finishing any.

Discussion Points:

• Meredith’s Approach:

  • Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting different reading seasons.

  • Advises creating systems to manage reading momentum, such as having multiple books in different formats.

  • Recommends pivoting to a book that better suits one's current mood or setting aside a book for later if it no longer captivates.

  • "Books find us when they're supposed to find us." [47:16]

• Kaytee’s Approach:

  • Utilizes external deadlines to force herself to continue with a book.
  • Suggests setting milestones, like finishing a chapter before deciding to continue or set the book aside.
  • Advocates for buddy reading to maintain accountability and momentum.
  • "Reading is so important to me as a mental health exercise that... it's worth it to... muscle myself into it." [40:25]

• Shared Insights:

  • Both hosts acknowledge the challenges of maintaining reading momentum amidst life's demands.

  • They highlight the benefits of having diverse reading options and flexible reading habits to adapt to changing moods and circumstances.

  • Emphasize that it's okay to take breaks or shift focus without feeling guilty, ensuring that reading remains a joyful and enriching activity.

  • "Seek contentment." [48:27]

4. Fountain Segment: Bookstore Queries and Wishes [48:29 - 56:41]

Discussion:

• Smut and Bookstores:

  • Meredith inquires whether explicit or "smutty" books like "Remember the Dragon with Two Peens" are available in mainstream bookstores.

    • "Can someone walk into the bookstore and buy that at a bookstore?" [49:37]

  • Kaytee responds by citing examples such as K. Robert’s Neon Gods series available at Barnes & Noble and romance-focused bookstores like Open Door and The Ripped Bodice, which are more likely to stock explicit content.

    • "There are lots of great romance-only bookstores where you're more likely to find some of that really steamy open-door stuff." [51:17]

• Special Edition Wishes:

  • Kaytee expresses a desire for aesthetically pleasing special editions of beloved books, citing examples like the re-release of The Hunger Games with sprayed edges and foil covers.

    • "I wish this week that it were easy to get pretty versions of all the books that I really love." [52:03]

  • Meredith echoes the sentiment, mentioning plans to pre-order special editions of Louise Penny's Still Life and the challenges of managing multiple editions of her favorite series.

    • "Ask me how long it took for me to pre-order that." [52:20]

Notable Quotes:

• "We don't know who this person is. Which is very fun for me." [16:09]
• "Ashes paper with sprayed edges and foil... it's so beautiful." [52:52]

5. Conclusion and How to Connect

Note: This section is excluded as per the user’s request to omit advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections.

Key Takeaways:

• Books as Equalizers: Discussions highlighted how shared interests in books can bridge gaps and reveal personalities, especially in professional settings like interviews.

• Maintaining Reading Momentum: Hosts shared practical strategies for overcoming challenges in sustaining reading habits, emphasizing flexibility, accountability, and self-awareness.

• Diverse Reading Experiences: A wide array of genres discussed, from legal thrillers and high fantasy to horror and nonfiction, showcasing the hosts' versatile reading tastes.

• Community and Shared Interests: The importance of reader communities, whether through buddy reading or specialized bookstores, was underscored as a means to enhance the reading experience.

• Aesthetic Appreciation of Books: The desire for beautiful, special editions of favorite books was a recurring theme, reflecting the hosts' appreciation for the physical manifestation of literary works.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Meredith on books easing interviewees' nerves:
  "When you bring up books, the interviewee's full personality comes back." [03:42]

• Kaytee on enjoying bookstore outings with her son:
  "Walking the shelves together is like Chef's Kiss. That's a perfect Saturday for me." [07:27]

• Meredith on Robert Jordan's world-building:
  "The world that Robert Jordan is building here is as detailed in its lore and characters as anything that J.R.R. Tolkien has created." [20:30]

• Meredith on books finding readers:
  "Books find us when they're supposed to find us." [47:16]

• Katie on muscling herself into reading for mental health:
  "Reading is so important to me as a mental health exercise... it's worth it to... muscle myself into it." [40:25]

• Conclusion on seeking contentment:
  "Seek contentment." [48:27]

Recommendation: For listeners seeking strategies to maintain their reading momentum and enjoy diverse literary genres, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Meredith and Kaytee’s candid discussions provide relatable experiences and actionable advice for readers of all backgrounds.