Podcast Summary: Currently Reading – Season 7, Episode 34: "Reading What We Want + Our Reading Life Temp Checks"
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb
Podcast Title: Currently Reading
Bookish Moments of the Week
The episode kicks off with Meredith sharing a pivotal moment in her reading journey. She recounts deciding to skip the next Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot novel, Mystery on the Blue Train, despite her admiration for Christie’s work. Meredith realized that forcing herself to read a book she wasn't excited about was diminishing her joy for reading. She emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to diverge from a strict reading list to maintain passion for books.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [01:44]: “Just skip the GD book. Just go. Go on to the next one. Which I did. And I now I'm almost finished with it. That's been so wonderful.”
Katie echoed this sentiment, highlighting the autonomy readers have over their own reading choices.
Katie Cobb [02:58]: “Nobody else gets to boss your reading, Meredith. Not even you, right?”
Current Reads Discussion: The No Prep Challenge
Embracing the spirit of April Fool’s Day, Meredith and Katie embarked on a unique challenge: discussing their current reads without prior preparation. Neither host knew the other's selected books, leading to spontaneous and genuine conversations.
1. The Ousawa Murders by Riku Onda
Discussed by: Meredith
Meredith delved into The Ousawa Murders, a Japanese mystery novel centered around a family gathering that turns tragic when 17 out of 18 attendees die from poison. The sole survivor, a blind young woman, becomes the focal point of unraveling the mystery. Meredith praised the book's intricate construction and memorable scenes but noted its lower Goodreads rating (3.6) due to its complex character development and non-traditional clues.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [08:24]: “The construction of the book is kind of like an origami crane. It folds in and folds out and that really, really adds to the story.”
While Meredith found the narrative voice engaging, she critiqued the perceived lack of fair play in the mystery's resolution, which made the book a "slog" at times. Nonetheless, she awarded it a solid four stars.
2. Mrs. Death by Selena Godden
Discussed by: Katie
Katie introduced Mrs. Death by Selena Godden, a contemplative work where Death is personified as a woman recounting her millennia-long experiences to an assistant named Wolf Williford. The narrative explores themes of grief and the human condition, wrapped in poetic prose. Katie appreciated the book's artistic depth and its encouragement for personal creative journeys, though she acknowledged its lower Storygraph rating (3.6).
Katie Cobb [14:35]: “If you're not interested in death, a book with death in the title twice is probably not the book for you.”
She recommended it for readers interested in philosophical and artistic explorations rather than those seeking a straightforward narrative.
3. House of Frank by Kay Sinclair
Discussed by: Katie
House of Frank is Katie’s third pick, categorized as a cozy fantasy with deep themes of grief and community. Set in a memorial garden, the story follows Psycho, a witch grappling with her unique powers and personal loss. Katie admired the book’s rich world-building and representation but felt that excessive internal dialogue detracted from the narrative’s emotional impact, resulting in a moderate rating of three and a half stars.
Katie Cobb [28:14]: “It’s a very standard thriller. It just didn’t give me that much to chew on.”
4. Burn After Reading by Katherine Ryan Howard
Discussed by: Meredith
Meredith tackled Burn After Reading, expressing disappointment despite her admiration for author Katherine Ryan Howard. The thriller diverged from Howard’s typical crime fiction strengths, leading Meredith to rate it lower than her expectations. She critiqued its predictability and lack of the nuanced storytelling found in Howard’s other works.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [34:53]: “Even after reading the setup, I honestly have very few memories of this book, which was the problem.”
Despite this, Meredith reaffirmed her respect for Howard’s oeuvre, recommending her other titles like Rewind and 56 Days as must-reads.
5. Resurrectionist by A. Ray Dunlap
Discussed by: Katie
Concluding the current reads segment, Katie enthusiastically reviewed Resurrectionist by A. Ray Dunlap. Set in 19th-century Scotland, the novel intertwines medical history with a gripping narrative of body snatching to advance medical science. Katie lauded the book’s atmospheric setting and intricate plot, awarding it an impressive 4.75 stars.
Katie Cobb [40:26]: “Everything about it just makes you want to like, like it's gross. And also you just want to be there and be like, oh, I can see everything that's happening.”
She highlighted the book’s blend of historical context and compelling storylines, marking it as a standout addition to her collection.
Deep Dive: Reading Life Temp Check
In the second half of the episode, Meredith and Katie conducted a personal assessment of their reading lives, reflecting on how external factors influence their reading habits.
Meredith’s Reading Life
Meredith shared a positive outlook on her current reading experience, noting an increase in library usage and a focus on hidden gems that resonate deeply with her. She is also experimenting with tracking her Goodreads ratings against her personal ratings, a practice that has enriched her reading strategy.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [47:16]: “My books are definitely going to be lower again from last year. But the good news is that they are really good books.”
Katie’s Reading Life
Conversely, Katie opened up about her struggles with maintaining her usual reading volume amidst significant life changes, including a recent separation and increased responsibilities as a single parent. She candidly discussed how emotional and societal pressures have led to a decrease in her reading, attributing it to factors like "doom scrolling" and the need to prioritize family time.
Katie Cobb [48:38]: “It's harder to get excited about a book. It's harder to find what I want to read.”
Despite these challenges, Katie remains optimistic, emphasizing the quality of books she selects and the support she receives from the podcast community.
Katie Cobb [52:34]: “The average star rating is very high. I have also DNF'd more. Like I've trusted myself more to be like, you know what, Katie, Current Katie cannot do this.”
Meredith commended Katie for her resilience and underscored the non-linear nature of reading lives, encouraging listeners to adapt their reading habits to fit their personal circumstances.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [54:51]: “Our reading lives are very affected by the seasons that we're living. It's not just a straight line.”
Visit to the Fountain: Wishes
To wrap up the episode, Meredith and Katie shared their wishes for the reading community, inspired by suggestions from their listeners.
First Wish: "Previously On" Page for Series
Meredith introduced a popular wish from listener Em—the addition of a "Previously On" page for series books. This page would provide a concise recap of previous installments, aiding readers in recalling essential plot points before diving into new books in a series.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [59:45]: “Previously on this is a wish for the fountain for our series books.”
Second Wish: A Reading Repair Manual
Katie voiced a heartfelt wish for a "reading repair manual," akin to home maintenance guides she’s been using. She envisioned a manual that offers strategies and solutions for common reading challenges, such as what to read during difficult emotional times.
Katie Cobb [60:38]: “My wish is that the reading repair manual would also exist in the world and that it could be like, if you are going through a divorce, flip to this page.”
Meredith expressed her approval, likening it to the magical precision found in Ellery Adams’ novels where the perfect book is always within reach.
Meredith Monday Schwartz [63:15]: “Kind of like those cozy novels where you could magically find the exact book you need.”
Closing Remarks
The hosts concluded the episode on a supportive and uplifting note, reinforcing the idea that reading is deeply intertwined with one’s life experiences and emotions. They encouraged listeners to embrace their unique reading journeys and remain connected with the readerly community.
Katie Cobb [64:25]: “It is what it is.”
Meredith Monday Schwartz [64:23]: “Reading is not just sitting in front of a book and being entertained.”
Connect with the Hosts:
- Meredith Monday Schwartz: Instagram
- Kaytee Cobb: Notes on Bookmarks
- Podcast Production: Megan Putovong Evans (Instagram)
- Show Notes & Book Titles: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
- Social Media: @currentlyreadingpodcast
- Support as a Bookish Friend: Join for $5/month for exclusive content and ad-free episodes.
Notable Quotes:
- Meredith: “Nobody else gets to boss your reading, Meredith. Not even you, right?” [02:58]
- Katie: “My wish is that the reading repair manual would also exist in the world...” [60:38]
- Meredith: “Reading is not just sitting in front of a book and being entertained.” [58:24]
This episode of Currently Reading offers a candid exploration of the hosts' current literary engagements, personal reflections on their reading habits, and creative wishes for enhancing the reading experience for all book lovers. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just embarking on your literary journey, Meredith and Katie provide insightful perspectives and relatable stories that resonate with every type of reader.