Currently Reading Podcast Summary
Season 7, Episode 30: New Indie Bookstores + Our Six Star Reads
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb

Currently Reading Season 7, Episode 30, titled "New Indie Bookstores + Our Six Star Reads," delves deep into the vibrant world of independent bookstores and the hosts' most cherished books. Hosted by Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb, this episode offers a blend of heartfelt discussions, insightful book analyses, and enthusiastic recommendations for avid readers seeking their next literary adventure.

1. Spotlight on New Indie Bookstores

Meredith and Kaytee kick off the episode by celebrating the expansion of indie bookstores, emphasizing the significance of supporting local literary hubs. This month, they shine a particular light on their partnership with Book Boyfriend Bill, affectionately known as Triple B in the industry.

Meredith Monday Schwartz [01:40]:
"Nobody sells a book better than Book Boyfriend Bill. And the stack is really, really good. Like legit. It's really good."

Book Boyfriend Bill will be joining them live for their March recording, offering listeners an exclusive opportunity to hear firsthand about his book selections and the magic behind the curated stacks. This collaboration promises to elevate their Indie Press List Day, described by Katie as:

Katie Cobb [02:14]:
"It's like the Super Bowl of Currently Reading."

Listeners are encouraged to join their Patreon community to gain early access to Book Boyfriend Bill's selections, enhancing the communal and interactive spirit of the podcast.

2. Current Reads: Deep Dives and Recommendations

The heart of the episode revolves around Meredith and Katie sharing their current reads, spanning various genres and showcasing their diverse literary tastes.

Meredith’s Current Reads:

1. "The Seven Sisters" by Lucinda Riley
   Meredith praises this dual-timeline novel that intertwines modern-day mysteries with historical narratives set in Rio de Janeiro and Lake Geneva. She highlights the book's emotional depth and global scope, comparing its vibe to a mix of Kate Morton and Rosamund Pilcher.

   Meredith [03:40]:
   "If you love dual timeline novels with art history, family secrets, global settings, you will absolutely want this to be your next read."

2. "The Savage Song" by V.E. Schwab
   Delving into a gritty dystopian world where violence breeds literal monsters, Meredith appreciates the book's complex characters and intense plot dynamics.

Katie’s Current Reads:

1. "All the Right Notes" by Dominic Lim
   A contemporary queer small-town romance that blends music, personal struggles, and reconnected past friendships. Katie admires the novel's rich portrayal of Filipino culture and the nuanced relationship between protagonists.

   Katie [17:00]:
   "This is a great pick if you’re looking for music-obsessed closed-door romance with Filipino representation and a male-male relationship."

2. "They Came for the Schools" by Mike Hixenbaugh
   This narrative nonfiction explores the complexities of the US education system through the lens of a Texas community, addressing themes like book bans and political influences. Katie and Meredith, both educators, find the book thought-provoking and highly relevant.

3. "Past Crimes" by Jason Pinter
   Set in a near-future world, this thriller combines true crime entertainment with ethical dilemmas surrounding virtual reality. Katie is particularly drawn to its exploration of technology’s impact on society.

4. "The Swifts, A Gallery of Rogues" by Beth Lincoln
   A middle-grade crime novel that continues the adventures of the Swift family, blending wordplay with intricate heist plots set against a Parisian backdrop.

3. Six Star Reads: Unquestionable Favorites

A unique segment of the episode is dedicated to six star reads—books the hosts love so deeply that they reject any criticism. These selections reflect profound emotional connections and exceptional storytelling that transcend typical literary appreciation.

Meredith’s Six Star Reads:

• "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell
  "The Sparrow" tops Meredith's list due to its sweeping narrative and emotional resonance.

• "The Homemaker" by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

• "10,000 Doors of January" by Rumor Gauden

• "The Stand" by Stephen King

• "The Shell Seekers" by Rosamund Pilcher

• "A Curse so Dark and Lonely" by Bridget Kimmerer

• "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles

Meredith emphasizes that these books share deep emotional impacts, rich character development, and expansive plots that leave lasting impressions.

Katie’s Six Star Reads:

• "All the Lonely People" by Mike Gale
• "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
• "Castle of Water" by Dane Hucklebridge
• "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
• "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson
• "Babble" by R.F. Kuang
• "Lobisona" by Romina Garber

Katie's selections are characterized by their emotional depth, diverse representation, and compelling narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Katie Cobb [44:56]:
"Happy Place by Emily Henry... the book is so important to me and I felt so seen and loved by the author as I read it."

4. The Emotional Resonance Behind Six Star Reads

The hosts delve into what makes a book deserving of six stars. For Meredith and Katie, it’s the profound emotional connection and the way these stories resonate with their personal experiences. This segment highlights the subjective nature of reading and the deep personal bonds readers can form with literature.

Meredith [43:03]:
"It feels like this book was written for me. It was just exactly right for me."

Katie [45:25]:
"Your opinions are wrong if you don't like those books. And that's why I don't want to hear them."

5. Fountain Wishes: Dreams for the Bookish Community

In their final segment, Meredith and Katie share their literary wishes, blending practicality with whimsical desires.

• Meredith’s Wish:
  She recommends a recent episode from Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast, praising the insightful discussion on fantasy literature.

  Meredith [51:29]:
  "If you're interested in fantasy, you'll want to hear it."

• Katie’s Wish:
  She dreams of a book cover aggregator website that showcases all the different covers of a beloved book, complete with purchasing links for each version.

  Katie [53:03]:
  "I love that it looks digital. Looks great."

Conclusion

This episode of Currently Reading masterfully intertwines the joy of discovering new bookstores with the deep appreciation of books that hold a special place in the hosts' hearts. Through engaging conversations, Meredith and Katie not only highlight their current literary adventures but also invite listeners to reflect on their own six star reads and the unique bonds they share with their favorite books. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just embarking on your literary journey, this episode offers valuable insights, heartfelt recommendations, and a sense of community that celebrates the universal love for books.

Notable Quotes:

• Katie Cobb [02:14]:
  "It's like the Super Bowl of Currently Reading."

• Meredith Monday Schwartz [05:49]:
  "Low stakes. I just want like 20 minutes worth of reading something that even if I absolutely hate it, it'll just make me sleepy sooner."

• Meredith Monday Schwartz [43:03]:
  "It feels like this book was written for me. It was just exactly right for me."

• Katie Cobb [45:25]:
  "Your opinions are wrong if you don't like those books. And that's why I don't want to hear them."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't tuned in.