Currently Reading Podcast: Season 7, Episode 40 - "Bookish Friends Step Up + Boss My TBR"
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb, the dynamic duo behind the Currently Reading podcast, dive deep into their literary journeys in Season 7, Episode 40. This episode, titled "Bookish Friends Step Up + Boss My TBR," offers listeners an engaging exploration of their current reads, personal bookish moments, and an interactive segment where they help manage listeners' reading lists.
Bookish Moments of the Week
Katie Cobb opens the episode by sharing a personal anecdote about her "past self" planning a reading retreat that didn't go as intended due to unforeseen high-priority tasks. At [01:27], she reflects:
"I knew that this reader was not going to be able to go away to a place with no Internet... So I made the diplomatic grown-up decision that was right for me at the time."
Meredith Monday Schwartz responds with empathy, praising Katie's ability to adapt:
"Past Katie really did help you out. It was just this last week, Katie..." ([03:32])
In a heartwarming turn, Meredith discusses the overwhelming support from their listeners regarding the podcast's "deep dive" segments. At [03:04], she shares her gratitude:
"We got dozens and dozens of emails from all y' all letting us know how you felt about the deep dives... I just thought it was incredibly generous."
Katie echoes this sentiment, highlighting the community's enthusiasm and the collaborative nature of the show.
Current Reads
Katie Cobb’s Selections
-
"My Friends" by Fredrik Backman
Katie introduces this newest release by her favorite Swedish author at [05:40]. She describes the novel’s rich narrative centered around Louisa, an 18-year-old artist grappling with loss and searching for meaning. Katie praises Backman's ability to blend personal growth with poignant relationships:
"Fredrik Backman... is still a window into the human experience... I loved it. I gave it five stars." ([08:35])
-
"Night Film" by Marisha Pessl
Transitioning to a literary thriller, Katie delves into Scott McGrath's obsession with unraveling the truth behind Ashley Cordova's apparent suicide. She appreciates the book's immersive mixed-media approach:
"This is a singular experience. It's very immersive... I was never bored, and I didn't want to stop." ([14:25])
-
"The Big Four" by Agatha Christie
Katie explores this unique Agatha Christie novel, noting its departure from traditional mystery genres into global espionage. She discusses the book's historical context and Agatha’s personal challenges during its creation:
"This book is so much of an outlier... But I'm bound and determined to read everything that she wrote." ([22:19])
-
"Most Ardently" by Gabe Cole Novoa
In a rare move, Katie shares her immediate excitement about finishing this trans Pride and Prejudice remix. She praises the emotional depth and representation within the narrative:
"I sobbed like a beautiful baby while reading this one... This book will definitely be on my favorites of the year list." ([26:16])
Meredith Monday Schwartz’s Selections
-
"Night Film" by Marisha Pessl
Meredith complements Katie's choice, further emphasizing the book's intricate blend of psychological horror and mystery.
-
"The Big Four" by Agatha Christie
She provides additional insights into the book's serialized origins and Christie’s personal turmoil, enhancing the listener's understanding of its unique structure.
-
"Reincarnation Blues" by Michael Poore
Towards the episode’s end, Meredith introduces a personal favorite, connecting it to her recent past life regression experience:
"Every life that Milo lives is a different story that we get to walk with him... It is Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore." ([51:42])
Boss My TBR
In this interactive segment, Meredith and Katie engage with listener-submitted reading lists, affectionately "bossing" their TBRs to help manage and prioritize books.
Listener Highlight: Dactyl JD
Dactyl JD shares a meticulously organized TBR, emphasizing an alphabetical arrangement by author. Meredith and Katie offer personalized recommendations, suggesting starting with "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan for a quick win, followed by "The Word is Murder" by Anthony Horowitz, and concluding with "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton. Their thoughtful approach not only respects the listener's organizational preferences but also provides tailored guidance to enhance their reading experience.
Listener Highlight: Terry Melton
Terry offers a diverse selection, shifting from heavy romance to unique and engaging reads during a hectic work period. The hosts adeptly recommend books like "To Shape a Dragon’s Breath" by Monique Black Goose and "A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World" by C.A. Fletcher, ensuring Terry's TBR aligns with her current needs for both escapism and emotional resonance.
The Fountain (Bookish Wish) Segment
Katie Cobb expresses her wish for embracing new experiences, inspired by her journey into belly dancing:
"I want to apply this same principle to our reading lives, that we would allow ourselves to reach beyond what feels comfortable or like business as usual." ([49:08])
Meredith Monday Schwartz complements Katie's adventurous spirit by sharing her recent past life regression and highlighting the book "Reincarnation Blues", weaving personal experiences with literary recommendations seamlessly.
Conclusion
Meredith and Katie wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to connect via Instagram, email, and their website. They emphasize the importance of community support, urging listeners to become patron subscribers for exclusive content and to share their love for the show through ratings and reviews.
"May your coffee be hot and your book be unputdownable." ([55:04])
This episode exemplifies the essence of the Currently Reading podcast: a blend of personal anecdotes, thoughtful book discussions, and interactive community engagement, making it a must-listen for avid readers seeking both recommendations and a sense of literary camaraderie.