Summary of "Currently Reading" Podcast: Season 7, Episode 31 – New Learning Apps + Prioritizing Our Own TBR
In Season 7, Episode 31 of the "Currently Reading" podcast, hosts Meredith Mundy Schwartz and Katie Cobb delve into the latest trends in learning apps and discuss effective strategies for prioritizing books on personal to-be-read (TBR) lists. Released on March 10, 2025, this episode seamlessly blends insightful book discussions with practical advice for avid readers navigating the ever-growing landscape of literature.
Bookish Moments of the Week
Katie's Paper Book Milestone
Katie Cobb shares a personal triumph that marks a significant shift in her usual reading habits. Typically reliant on audiobooks for about 60% of her reading, Katie excitedly recounts her week-long immersion in two paper books:
"I got sucked into enough to two books that I blasted through two books on paper... I really love reading on paper, so to have it suck me in enough that I couldn't put it down was a big deal."
— Katie Cobb [01:30]
This rare foray into traditional reading not only reignited her passion for paperbacks but also restored her reading momentum after a period of broken engagement with books.
Meredith's New Vocabulary App Discovery
Meredith Mundy Schwartz introduces a newly discovered app, simply named Vocabulary, which she praises for its engaging and beautifully designed interface. Drawing parallels to the ever-popular Duolingo, Meredith highlights the app's customizable features and its capacity to introduce and reinforce new words effectively.
"It's just like 60 seconds. It builds upon itself like Duolingo does... It's just really, really well done from a user interface perspective. And I love words."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [04:30]
She emphasizes the app’s versatility, allowing users to select specific word categories and adjust learning settings to fit their preferences, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary.
Current Reads
Katie's Book Selections
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"House of Cotton" by Monica Brashears
Katie delves into this Southern Gothic horror novel, praising its chilling atmosphere and character-driven narrative. She appreciates the book’s unique premise of Magnolia Brown modeling deceased individuals for a funeral home, which adds a macabre yet fascinating twist.
"It delivered big time on the creep factor... It's bound to piss off most plot-driven readers as it's really about the beauty of the writing."
— Katie Cobb [11:16]Despite some plot inconsistencies and unsettling themes, Katie acknowledges the book's literary merit and its ability to evoke strong emotions.
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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Translated by Emily Wilson
Katie discusses Emily Wilson’s groundbreaking translation, the first by a woman in nearly 3,000 years. She commends the translation for its fidelity to the original text and its engaging portrayal of characters beyond the often-tedious Odysseus.
"This new translation by Emily Wilson brings light and flesh to those characters in a way that I hadn't felt in the past."
— Katie Cobb [20:38]Although Katie finds Odysseus insufferable, she values the enriched perspectives of secondary characters, making the epic more accessible and enjoyable.
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"It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein
A revisit to this impactful Buddhist teaching, Katie highlights its accessible approach to spirituality through relatable anecdotes and practical advice.
"This book gave me a month of mornings to sit with Sylvia and be gently urged to stay on my mat even when things get difficult."
— Katie Cobb [25:02]She appreciates the book’s ability to inspire and prompt introspection, marking it as a must-read for those seeking personal growth.
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"The Best Way to Bury Your Husband" by Alexia Casale
Katie introduces this darkly humorous novel that tackles serious themes like domestic violence with a blend of black humor and heartfelt camaraderie among female protagonists.
"It is a dark and disturbing. It's hilarious and gave me hope for humanity. Smushing all those into one book, that's a talent."
— Katie Cobb [28:10]The book’s balance of humor and gravity makes it a compelling read that celebrates female friendship and resilience.
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"The Last Days of Night" by Graham Moore
A historical fiction masterpiece, Katie explores the intense rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over the invention of the light bulb. The inclusion of Nikola Tesla adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.
"This book is not a mystery, it's not a thriller. This is true historical fiction, but it's incredibly well researched and it puts you right in the room at a very pivotal time in American history."
— Katie Cobb [33:06]Katie praises Moore’s meticulous research and dynamic character portrayals, likening Edison to modern-day innovators like Elon Musk.
Meredith's Book Highlight
"Inheritance" by Tricia Saklicha
Meredith presents this thrilling family saga set on a Scottish island, where the Agarwal family's inheritance becomes a catalyst for deceit and danger. She commends the book for its fresh take on family dynamics and its engaging setting.
"If you like succession and you like rich people behaving badly... you're going to want to read this book."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [15:50]
Despite a somewhat disappointing ending, Meredith finds "Inheritance" a satisfying and rapid read, suitable as a quick palate cleanser between more intense books.
Deep Dive: Prioritizing Your Own TBR
Listener Lisa Revord poses a common dilemma: How do Meredith and Katie prioritize reading books they already own amidst the influx of new releases and subscriptions?
Katie's Approach: Embracing the Waves
Katie reflects on her tendency to oscillate between exclusively reading new acquisitions and ignoring her shelves altogether, often triggered by reading slumps or bursts of enthusiasm.
"I have like wild swings from one side to the other... Now I'm very like, oh, what should we read? Like, kind of wandering around aimlessly just seeing what happens."
— Katie Cobb [36:45]
Meredith's Strategies: Flexibility and Organization
Meredith offers several strategies to manage and prioritize existing books:
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Buddy Reads: Coordinating with friends to read the same book can create accountability and prioritize shelf selections.
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Rearranging Bookshelves: Physically moving books to different locations can refresh their appeal and draw attention to previously overlooked titles.
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Categorizing and Piling: Creating specific piles for certain genres or themes and allowing flexibility in reading order.
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Utilizing Formats: Switching between physical, digital, and audiobook formats to reignite interest.
"Sometimes you just kind of have to physically start moving your books around to different spaces for them to talk to you differently."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [44:54]
Combined Insights
Both hosts emphasize the importance of understanding personal reading preferences and having adaptable strategies to manage TBR lists without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.
"The only thing that matters is whether or not those books are adding to your reading life."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [48:39]
Fountain: Book Recommendations and Reading Strategies
Katie's Archive Wish: "Finding Dorothy" by Elizabeth Letts
Katie passionately recommends this historical fiction novel, celebrating the legacy of L. Frank Baum through the eyes of his wife, Maude. She highlights its rich storytelling and enduring charm.
"Finding Dorothy tells the story of L. Frank Baum... This novel hews closely to the history that inspired it while giving us a story that is totally page-turning."
— Katie Cobb [49:33]
Meredith's Reading Strategy for Interruptions
Meredith shares a practical technique to handle interruptions during reading, especially with children:
"I'm really loving the book that I'm reading right now. Let me read aloud to you and I will start just reading aloud from whatever book I'm reading and I will just not stop no matter what he says or does."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [52:xx]
This method helps maintain focus on her reading while respectfully managing interruptions.
Conclusion
In this episode, Meredith and Katie provide a rich blend of book recommendations, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice aimed at enhancing the reading experience. From celebrating returning to paper books and discovering innovative learning apps to tackling the perennial challenge of managing TBR lists, their discussions offer valuable insights for book lovers seeking to optimize their literary journeys.
Notable Quotes:
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"It's like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey to see what's going to happen next in my reading life."
— Katie Cobb [36:45] -
"If you like succession and you like rich people behaving badly... you're going to want to read this book."
— Meredith Mundy Schwartz [15:50] -
"This episode seamlessly blends insightful book discussions with practical advice for avid readers navigating the ever-growing landscape of literature."
Connect with the Hosts:
- Meredith Mundy Schwartz: Instagram
- Katie Cobb: Notes on Bookmarks
- Show Notes & More: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
For questions and book recommendations, email us@currentlyreadingpodcastmail.com.
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May your coffee be hot and your books be unputdownable. Happy reading!