Season 7, Episode 32: Reading Retreats + Boss My TBR

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb
Podcast: Currently Reading

Currently Reading, hosted by Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb, is a haven for book enthusiasts seeking insightful discussions, heartfelt recommendations, and a sense of community. In Season 7, Episode 32 titled "Reading Retreats + Boss My TBR," Meredith and Katie delve into their personal reading retreats, explore their latest book choices, and engage with listener TBR (To Be Read) lists. This episode, rich with engaging conversations and thoughtful critiques, offers listeners a deep dive into the hosts' literary worlds.

Bookish Moments of the Week

Meredith's Annual Reading Retreat
Timestamp: 01:19

Meredith kicks off the episode by sharing her excitement about returning from the annual reading retreat. This year, she and her friends enhanced their experience by extending it to a five-day extravaganza. She highlights the importance of a structured schedule to differentiate the retreat from a typical girls' trip. Meredith praises their third Airbnb selection for its perfect blend of private reading nooks and communal spaces, situated by a picturesque lake—“It was the perfect mix of spaces, comfy spots, independent reading spots, group spots, game-playing spots, and it was right on the lake.” [03:02]

Katie's Solo Reading Retreat
Timestamp: 04:10

Inspired by Meredith's retreat, Katie shares her initiative to embark on a solo reading retreat. Feeling overwhelmed by her busy schedule as a homeschooling mom, Katie decided to block off an entire weekend dedicated solely to reading. She emphasizes the necessity of intentional self-care practices, such as maintaining hydration, managing caffeine intake, and eating healthily to optimize her reading sessions. Katie likens her preparation to an "elite athlete training regimen for readers" [06:56], underscoring her commitment to making the most of her solitary retreat.

In-Depth Book Discussions

Meredith's Book Choices

1. "Finders Keepers" by Stephen King
   Timestamp: 07:21

   Meredith introduces "Finders Keepers," the second novel in Stephen King's Bill Hodges trilogy. She provides a comprehensive synopsis, detailing Morris Bellamy's obsession with author John Rothstein and the ensuing heist to steal Rothstein's unpublished manuscripts. Meredith praises the character development and King's masterful storytelling, noting, “This is probably the best heist novel I've ever read. The character development in the story beyond the heist is incredible.” [10:00]

2. "Poirot: The Greatest Detective in the World" by Mark Aldridge
   Timestamp: 17:09

   Transitioning to nonfiction, Meredith discusses Mark Aldridge's comprehensive compendium on Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. She highlights its value as a reference for Christie enthusiasts, appreciating its detailed accounts of every novel, short story, and adaptation. Meredith remarks on the book's aesthetic appeal and its utility in enhancing her own reading experience: “This is a must-have if you are an Agatha Christie obsessive like I am.” [16:56]

3. "Victorian Psycho" by Virginia Lato
   Timestamp: 29:12

   Meredith excitedly reviews "Victorian Psycho," a satirical take on Victorian-era horror. She lauds the book for its humor, gory horror elements, and sharp critique of the patriarchy. Meredith describes the protagonist, Winifred Naughty, as “one of the funniest, snarky characters that I have read in a long time.” She praises the book's unapologetic approach and its celebration of Victorian horror, awarding it five stars for its engaging and darkly comedic narrative. [28:49]

4. "The Lost Library" by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
   Timestamp: 32:20

   Meredith wraps up her book discussions with "The Lost Library," a middle-grade novel infused with mystery and bookish charm. She appreciates the collaborative effort of Stead and Mass, highlighting its appeal to young readers and book lovers alike. Meredith expresses delight in the book's ability to inspire her children’s love for reading: “This beautifully illustrated cover and this wonderfully bookish middle-grade mystery went on the future read-aloud shelf for my kids.” [32:20]

Katie's Book Choices

1. "The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon
   Timestamp: 12:40

   Katie revisits her cherished backlist pick, celebrating its rich character development and historical backdrop. She praises Chabon's ability to blend magic with the gritty realities of World War II-era Brooklyn, stating, “Each character is really deftly explored...they were living, breathing friends on these pages.” Despite minor pacing issues, Katie commends the novel's emotional depth and recommends it as a favorite. [12:40]

2. "Night Wherever We Go" by Tracy Rose Peyton
   Timestamp: 20:32

   Delving into historical fiction, Katie reviews "Night Wherever We Go," a poignant narrative set on a struggling Texas plantation. She commends Peyton for tackling heavy themes such as forced pregnancies and the resilience of enslaved women. Katie notes the book's beautiful writing and emotional resonance, despite her reservations about the abrupt ending: “This was a really excellent book and it made me think about a lot of things.” [20:32]

3. "Victorian Psycho" by Virginia Lato
   Timestamp: 29:06

   Katie collaborates with Meredith in discussing "Victorian Psycho," finding it a unique and engaging read despite not being her usual preference. She appreciates the book's satirical edge and dark humor, aligning with Meredith's enthusiastic review. [29:06]

4. "The Lost Library" by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
   Timestamp: 32:20

   Joining Meredith in this discussion, Katie lauds "The Lost Library" for its delightful blend of mystery and literary love. She echoes Meredith's sentiments about its appeal to young readers and its potential to inspire her own children’s reading habits. [32:20]

Boss My TBR: Listener Recommendations

Emily's TBR List
Timestamp: 33:25

Emily, a middle school librarian, shares her TBR list comprising five books:

• Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
• My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
• Station Eternity by Mira Lafferty
• S by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst
• Vicious by V.E. Schwab

She describes herself as a "mood reader" who enjoys compelling plots and relatable characters, listing favorites like House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune and the Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab [34:10].

Meredith and Katie’s Recommendations for Emily

Meredith suggests:

• Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
• Vicious by V.E. Schwab
• My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman [35:42]

Katie agrees with Sweep and adds:

• Vicious by V.E. Schwab
• Station Eternity by Mira Lafferty [35:42]

Bethany's TBR List
Timestamp: 40:29

Bethany shares her five TBR books:

• Murder @ Gold's Nest by Jess Kidd
• The Last Party by Claire McIntosh
• Out by Natsuo Kirino
• Baby X by Kyra Peacock
• The Stolen Child by Ann Hood

She expresses a desire to transform these selections into completed reads, highlighting her appreciation for books that delve into the human experience through various genres [40:29].

Meredith and Katie’s Recommendations for Bethany

Meredith recommends:

• The Stolen Child by Ann Hood
• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
• I Cheerfully Refuse by Lee Ferrier [35:42]

Katie suggests:

• Vicious by V.E. Schwab
• Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
• Station Eternity by Mira Lafferty [35:42]

They emphasize the importance of diversifying her reading with both mysteries and character-driven narratives to align with her literary preferences.

The Fountain: Listener Wishes

Sydney's Wish: Find and Replace Feature
Timestamp: 49:23

Sydney expresses a wish for a "find and replace" functionality in Kindle books to personalize reading experiences. Specifically, she wants to change character names that conflict with her personal life, such as her daughter's name in Immortal After Dark. Katie enthusiastically supports this idea, highlighting common reader frustrations with names that bear unintended meanings: “Sometimes, it's the little things that make our reading life just the tiniest bit better.” [51:23]

Meredith's Wish: Audio Pronunciation Adjustments
Timestamp: 51:23

Meredith shares her own wish related to audiobook narrations, lamenting mispronunciations that detract from her listening experience. She cites an example from the Wheel of Time series where a character's name is mispronounced as "urine," expressing her desire for customizable pronunciation settings in audiobooks: “I just can't take it.” [51:23]

Conclusion

In this episode, Meredith and Katie not only share their personal experiences with reading retreats but also offer thoughtful book recommendations tailored to their listeners' TBR lists. Their engaging discussions, enriched with personal anecdotes and insightful critiques, provide a comprehensive guide for fellow book lovers seeking their next great read. The episode concludes with heartfelt wishes from listeners, highlighting the community's desire for more personalized and enjoyable reading experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Meredith on the perfect reading retreat Airbnb: “It had all the right mix of spaces... and it was right on the lake and we just... it was perfect.” [03:02]
• Katie on her solo reading retreat preparation: “Future Katie is going to be very grateful to present Katie or past Katie at that time. And I'm so looking forward to just taking a small break.” [04:49]
• Meredith on "Finders Keepers": “This is probably the best heist novel I've ever read. The character development in the story beyond the heist is incredible.” [10:00]
• Katie on "Night Wherever We Go": “I did enjoy, if that's the right word, the journey on the way there... It completely captured me.” [24:10]
• Meredith on "Victorian Psycho": “This is a five-star book in so many ways... If you are the right reader, this is the right book.” [28:49]
• Katie on listener Sydney’s wish: “Sometimes, it's the little things that make our reading life just the tiniest bit better.” [51:23]

Connect with Currently Reading:

• Meredith: @eredithmonday on Instagram
• Katie: @notesonbookmarks on Instagram
• Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Patreon: Join as a bookish friend for exclusive content and community support

Currently Reading thrives on the support and engagement of its listener community. Whether you're seeking personalized book recommendations, eager to share your own reading journey, or simply looking to connect with fellow book lovers, Meredith and Katie invite you to join their vibrant literary discussions each week.