Currently Reading Podcast
Season 7, Episode 35: "Piles of Books + How We Purge Our Shelves"
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb
1. Episode Overview
In Season 7, Episode 35 of Currently Reading, Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb delve into the delightful chaos of accumulating books and the essential practice of purging their shelves. The episode blends personal anecdotes, in-depth book discussions, and insightful strategies for managing book collections, all while maintaining their trademark spoiler-free and engaging conversations.
2. Managing Piles of Books
Meredith and Katie kick off the episode by celebrating their love for book piles, emphasizing that while they might struggle with other clutter, books remain a cherished exception.
- Meredith: “I am anti piles of anything except books. Books are the only thing that piles of them can be left around my house.” [01:03]
- Katie: “Clear all the surfaces. Put away the dishes. The dishes, the mail, everything. Right. Clothing. Ew. Put it away. Books.” [01:11]
They express how book piles add a cozy and aesthetic touch to their homes, highlighting books as both treasured possessions and decorative elements.
3. Patreon Community and "All Things Murderful"
As the first episode of the month, Meredith and Katie briefly discuss their Patreon community, which supports the podcast by keeping it ad-free. They spotlight their exclusive content, "All Things Murderful," which delves into murder-themed books and related media.
- Katie: “[...] the rapport, the conversation between you and Elizabeth is what keeps people coming back to that content.” [03:20]
- Meredith: “For a lot of people, it is worth the $5 a month that it costs to become a Patreon subscriber.” [04:33]
They emphasize the value of their Patreon offerings, including book recommendations, discounted links through Fabled Bookshop, and access to a vibrant Facebook community.
4. Bookish Moments of the Week
The hosts share personal updates and bookish experiences, setting the stage for their current reading selections.
- Katie: Describes meeting Bumi Eshola and receiving children's books in Finnish, reflecting her passion for language learning. [01:46]
- Meredith: Discusses a leadership retreat where they explored the benefits of tracking their reading habits, highlighting the Currently Reading tracker. [08:19]
5. Current Reads
a. "There Are Rivers in the Sky" by Elif Shafak
Katie reviews this historical and contemporary fiction that intertwines three narratives across centuries, connected by water and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
- Katie: “[...] bringing the water to life, that knowledge really sings through the prose.” [15:34]
- Meredith: “Every time we read one of those books that makes us work is really, really worth it.” [15:39]
She praises Shafak’s meticulous research and the book’s profound impact, rating it 4.5 stars.
b. "This House is Haunted" by John Boyne
Meredith introduces a gothic murder mystery by John Boyne, setting it in 1867 England with a governess encountering supernatural occurrences.
- Meredith: “[...] it's the perfect story to read on a rainy day in fall or winter and it would be a great one to save for October reading because it's very ghostly.” [20:02]
- Katie: Expresses excitement and surprise that Boyne ventured into the gothic genre. [20:22]
Despite a lower Goodreads rating, Meredith rates it 4.25 stars, commending its pacing and atmospheric storytelling.
c. "The Trees" by Percival Everett
Katie discusses this darkly humorous and socially critical novel set in Money, Mississippi, featuring recurring brutal murders connected to historical lynchings.
- Katie: “[...] Percival Everett continues to grow on me as an author. [...] The Trees is not satire per se, it's more like dark humor and social criticism.” [33:12]
- Meredith: “I'm so glad this one was good. [...] I can't wait to read that one.” [37:27]
Both hosts appreciate the book’s unputdownable narrative, combining grotesque elements with sharp humor, culminating in a 5-star rating from Katie.
d. "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins
Meredith heralds this latest addition to The Hunger Games series as a standout prequel, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy before the original series events.
- Meredith: “[...] it just felt nostalgic. [...] I gobbled this book up in an afternoon.” [40:21]
- Katie: Shares enthusiasm for the book’s release despite initial frustrations with other prequels. [43:19]
Meredith underscores the book’s emotional depth and satisfying connection to the original trilogy, rating it 5 stars.
6. Listener Question: How Do We Purge Our Shelves?
Responding to a listener's inquiry, Meredith and Katie explore their personal strategies for decluttering their book collections.
- Katie: “It feels like clearing my chakras to purge my shelves. [...] I just love getting rid of all the things.” [47:10]
- Meredith: “These are books that you do not need to keep a physical copy of. [...] My energy is refreshed and books that are still on the shelf now look a little bit different.” [52:48]
They discuss the emotional aspects of letting go, the importance of maintaining a manageable collection, and how purging revitalizes their reading environment.
7. Wishes at the Fountain
a. Katie's Wish: Request for Laughs
Katie wishes for book recommendations that guarantee laughter, seeking titles that blend observational humor with heartwarming elements akin to shows like Ted Lasso and The Good Place.
- Katie: “[...] I want the kind of feel-good observational humor you get from a great sitcom like Abbott mixed with the sweetness of Ted Lasso.” [57:04]
b. Meredith's Wish: Reflection on Publishing Trends
Meredith expresses concern over the publishing industry's shift towards quantity over quality, likening it to fast fashion and questioning the future of literary excellence.
- Meredith: “[...] are we in an age where publishing is becoming as quantity over quality [...] Are we not capable of the next great American novel anymore?” [59:15]
She hopes for more community discussions around these trends to foster awareness and mindful reading choices.
8. Conclusion
Meredith and Katie wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their community on Instagram, join their Patreon for additional content, and continue sharing their love for books. They leave listeners with heartfelt wishes to enjoy their reading journeys and find joy in every page.
- Katie: “Happy reading, Meredith.” [63:43]
- Meredith: “Happy reading, Katie.” [63:47]
Notable Quotes
- Meredith: “Books are the only thing that piles of them can be left around my house.” [01:03]
- Katie: “It feels like clearing my chakras to purge my shelves.” [47:10]
- Meredith: “There's a weird emotionality about that. Like that doesn't mean that I didn't love that book.” [47:44]
- Katie: “Humor, that humor is exactly what I need right now.” [58:37]
- Meredith: “Are we in an age where publishing is becoming as quantity over quality [...] Are we not capable of the next great American novel anymore?” [60:31]
Connect with Hosts
- Meredith Monday Schwartz: Instagram
- Katie Oeson: Instagram
- Show Producer: Megan Puttivong Evans (Instagram)
- Podcast Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast
Join the Community
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Happy reading, and may your bookshelves be ever inspiring!