Podcast Summary: Currently Reading — Season 7, Episode 39: Brain Farts + Reading Canadian

Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Episode Title: Brain Farts + Reading Canadian

1. Supporting the Podcast: Patreon Highlights

In this episode, Katie and Roxanna kick off by discussing the importance of Patreon support in maintaining an ad-free listening experience for their audience. Katie emphasizes the simplicity of joining Patreon and the benefits it brings, including access to bonus content and community groups.

Katie Cobb [00:45]: "Your support gets you so much extra content, keeps the show ad free, and helps keep this woman-owned small business running every month."

Roxanna shares a heartfelt insight into how the ad-free format enhances her listening experience, especially when she uses the podcast as a calming background while falling asleep. She contrasts this with her experiences of disruptive ads in other podcasts.

Roxanna Kasamkara [04:16]: "It's so great and really with so many more podcasts that now are on these platforms with these really annoying ads, all the more reason to support on Patreon to keep your favorite podcast ad-free."

2. Bookish Moments: Enhancing Reading Practices

Roxanna delves into her recent adjustments in reading habits inspired by the "Currently Reading" tracker. She highlights her efforts to incorporate more diverse voices and genres into her reading list, noting a significant increase in the percentage of diverse authors she engages with.

Roxanna Kasamkara [07:06]: "My diverse and own voices reading was way, way down, like single digits, right? This year I set a goal to intentionally seek out more diverse voices."

She also reflects on her approach to nonfiction, opting for shorter, more digestible content like magazine articles to avoid feeling overwhelmed by lengthy, dense books. Katie complements this by suggesting essay collections as a suitable alternative.

Katie Cobb [10:39]: "I think that's gonna be a good fit for you too."

3. Current Reads: Diverse Selections and Reviews

Roxanna's Picks:

• Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

  Roxanna praises this National Book Award-winning novel for its innovative screenplay-like format and its poignant exploration of identity and societal roles. She commends Yu's ability to blend humor with deep emotional resonance.

  Roxanna Kasamkara [14:20]: "He trusts you to kind of follow him where he goes... his writing is so sharp. It's hilarious one moment and it's gut-wrenching the next."

• Hum and the Shiver by Alex Bledsoe

  This urban fantasy set in rural Tennessee blends Southern Gothic elements with subtle magic. Roxanna appreciates the authentic portrayal of Appalachian culture and the book's immersive, atmospheric storytelling.

  Roxanna Kasamkara [23:35]: "It's a really interesting setup... very different than the Appalachian stories I normally see."

• Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday by Saad Hussain

  A futuristic tale combining elements of buddy cop narratives with ancient magic and dystopian technology. Roxanna describes it as a "buddy cop movie crossed with ancient magic and a futuristic tech dystopia," lauding its originality and engaging plot.

  Roxanna Kasamkara [34:00]: "It's packed with big ideas, but it never feels heavy. It's a great way to portray a community and talk about its traditions and loyalty."

Katie's Picks:

• Coven by Soman Chainani

  Katie introduces this graphic novel as a fresh addition to Chainani's "School for Good and Evil" universe. She highlights its exploration of justice, goodness, and villainy through engaging illustrations and a compelling narrative.

  Katie Cobb [18:18]: "It does say ages 8 and up on this front flap here. I would absolutely hand it to my middle-grade readers."

• Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

  While intrigued by the title, Katie expresses disappointment that the book focuses less on octopuses and more on a complex love story intertwined with horror elements. She critiques the book for juggling too many themes, ultimately rating it three and a half stars.

  Katie Cobb [32:36]: "I really wanted too badly to give it more than that."

• Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday by Saad Hussain

  Katie is enthusiastic about this novella, appreciating its brevity and impact. She describes it as a "short, sharp, hilarious, and honestly, totally original" story that serves as a perfect palate cleanser.

  Katie Cobb [35:30]: "This one I need. Definitely."

• Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wispell

  A monstrous romance filled with gore and dark humor, Katie enjoys the book's adventurous spirit despite its grisly content. She rates it 4.5 stars, praising its originality and emotional depth.

  Katie Cobb [43:37]: "I loved it. I loved it."

• Happy Place by Emily Henry

  Reflecting on a two-year-old favorite, Katie recounts the profound emotional impact this romance novel had on her, describing it as a book that "broke my heart open."

  Katie Cobb [65:11]: "This book broke my heart open... while my story did not end in a happily ever after, this book does and it delivers."

4. Fun and Funny Deep Dive: Reading Canadian with Elbows Up

Katie and Roxanna engage in a lively discussion about Canadian reading stereotypes, infusing humor with cultural insights. They debunk common myths, such as all Canadians being lumberjacks or exclusively wearing flannel, and celebrate the rich diversity of Canadian literature.

Roxanna Kasamkara [47:30]: "Everybody needs to discover Canadian authors. We have a very vibrant literary scene here."

They highlight favorite Canadian authors like Margaret Atwood, Louise Penny, L.M. Montgomery, Emma Donoghue, and emerging voices such as Kevin Sylvester. Roxanna advocates for exploring beyond well-known names, encouraging listeners to delve into awards like the Giller Prize to uncover hidden gems.

Roxanna Kasamkara [49:28]: "There's so much amazing can lit beyond kind of the big names."

The hosts also share amusing anecdotes, such as misconceptions about Canadian readers using maple syrup as "book lube," which Katie humorously corrects.

Katie Cobb [59:03]: "Lube makes things slide and maple syrup makes things sticky. That doesn't make any sense."

5. The Fountain: Listener Wishes and Host Desires

In their segment of wishes, Roxanna expresses a desire for a streamlined method to transfer Kindle highlights and notes directly into a Google Doc, eliminating the cumbersome multi-step process currently required.

Roxanna Kasamkara [66:27]: "If anybody has any solutions for that, that is less than four steps, I would love to hear about them."

Katie wishes to reintroduce “Happy Place by Emily Henry” to listeners, emphasizing its enduring emotional impact and recommending it as a heartfelt summer romance read.

Katie Cobb [65:11]: "This book broke my heart open. And really, now, two years later... I hope you will pick it up as your romance of the summer."

6. Closing Remarks

Katie and Roxanna wrap up the episode by reiterating their favorite book recommendations, encouraging listeners to support the podcast through Patreon, and sharing their social media handles for further engagement. They leave listeners with a final dose of camaraderie and well-wishes for enjoyable reading experiences.

Katie Cobb [72:10]: "Bookish friends are the best friends. Thank you for helping us grow and get closer to our goals."

Roxanna Kasamkara [72:14]: "Happy reading Katie."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Katie Cobb [00:45]: "Your support gets you so much extra content, keeps the show ad free..."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [04:16]: "It's so great and really with so many more podcasts... all the more reason to support on Patreon..."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [07:06]: "My diverse and own voices reading was way, way down..."
• Katie Cobb [10:39]: "I think that's gonna be a good fit for you too."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [14:20]: "He trusts you to kind of follow him where he goes..."
• Katie Cobb [32:36]: "I really wanted too badly to give it more than that."
• Katie Cobb [43:37]: "I loved it. I loved it."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [49:28]: "There's so much amazing can lit beyond kind of the big names."
• Katie Cobb [59:03]: "Lube makes things slide and maple syrup makes things sticky."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [66:27]: "If anybody has any solutions for that, that is less than four steps, I would love to hear about them."
• Katie Cobb [65:11]: "This book broke my heart open..."
• Katie Cobb [72:10]: "Bookish friends are the best friends. Thank you for helping us grow and get closer to our goals."
• Roxanna Kasamkara [72:14]: "Happy reading Katie."

Conclusion

Season 7, Episode 39 of Currently Reading offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse literary selections, enriched by the hosts' personal insights and humorous takes on Canadian reading culture. Listeners are treated to thoughtful book reviews, engaging discussions on enhancing their reading habits, and a playful deep dive into cultural stereotypes, all while fostering a supportive community through Patreon.