Podcast Summary: Currently Reading Season 7, Episode 46: Witchy Names + All About Morning Reading Release Date: June 23, 2025

Currently Reading, hosted by Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb, delves deep into the literary lives of its bookish best friends. In Season 7, Episode 46, titled "Witchy Names + All About Morning Reading," the hosts explore a variety of books ranging from science fiction thrillers to middle-grade fantasies, while also sharing personal anecdotes and discussing the importance of morning reading rituals. This detailed summary captures the essence of their engaging conversation, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Bookish Moments of the Week

Meredith’s Maine Adventure [00:40 - 05:23] Meredith recounts a memorable family trip to Maine, where her complete family gathered at a beach house in Drake's Island, Wells, Maine. Describing it as her "new happy place," she highlights the serene ocean views and the cozy, snuggled-up atmosphere that contrasted her previous experiences in Hawaii. A standout moment was meeting Roxanna’s daughter, Kieran, whom Meredith affectionately calls her "bookish soulmate." She shares a heartwarming scene from a library book sale where she joyfully loaded Kieran with books, enhancing their bond through shared literary interests.

Meredith Monday Schwartz:
"If I could have put her and I could have fit her in one of my suitcases easily, it was only by my strength of will that I did not take Karen home, because she is my heart. I love her so much."
[00:42 - 03:18]

Katie’s New Tattoo Tribute [06:40 - 09:35] Katie reveals her new tattoo inspired by Brene Brown's Braving the Wilderness. The phrase "Strong back, soft front, wild heart," written in her mother's handwriting, serves as a personal mantra developed over seven years. She explains the deep personal significance and the process of getting matching tattoos with her sister Sylvie, emphasizing its visibility and constant reminder of resilience and openness.

Katie Cobb:
"This one's very, like, in my face or almost on my face. Not on my face all the time. It makes me happy."
[08:54 - 09:35]

2. Current Reads

Meredith’s Selections:

1. Ascension by Nicholas Binge [09:50 - 14:36] A gripping science fiction thriller where an inexplicable mountain taller than Mount Everest mysteriously appears in the Pacific Ocean. The protagonist, Harold Tunmore, a quirky physicist, is recruited by a shadowy organization to investigate the anomaly. The novel’s epistolary format, with Harold’s unsent letters to his niece, adds depth to his introspective journey. Meredith praises the book’s construction and emotional depth, noting its exploration of spirituality and personal history.

   Meredith Monday Schwartz:
   “This book is a lot, but again, in a great way, it's sad.”
   [10:32 - 14:36]

2. Hearts Strange and Dreadful by Tim McGregor [15:31 - 23:20] A historical horror set in 1821 Rhode Island, following Hester Stokely, an orphan with healing abilities during a deadly plague. Meredith critiques the book’s pacing but acknowledges its evocative setting and memorable horror scenes. While not entirely successful for her, she recognizes its potential appeal to fans of slow-burn historical horror.

   Meredith Monday Schwartz:
   “This one was not a hit for me.”
   [15:31 - 23:20]

3. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans [35:00 - 36:13] An epistolary novel featuring Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer who communicates through handwritten letters. As Sybil confronts her painful past, the novel intertwines personal growth with a subtle mystery. Meredith lauds the character development and emotional impact, describing it as a likely top contender for her favorite books of the year.

   Meredith Monday Schwartz:
   “This is the Correspondent by Virginia Evans, and I loved it with my entire being.”
   [35:00 - 36:13]

Katie’s Selections:

1. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry [15:16 - 19:15] A spirited romance revolving around Alice and Hayden, professional rivals vying to write the biography of Margaret Ives, a reclusive figure with a scandalous past. Katie appreciates the novel’s humor, strong sense of place, and the multi-timeline storytelling that enriches the narrative.

   Katie Cobb:
   “This was Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.”
   [15:16 - 19:15]

2. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari [26:05 - 30:50] A nonfiction exploration of modern attention deficits and digital distractions. Johann Hari documents his three-month digital detox and examines societal impacts on focus and mental well-being. While Katie praises the book’s insights and personal relevance, she criticizes the practicality of its solutions and the feasibility of implementing extended detoxes in today’s world.

   Katie Cobb:
   “I knocked a half star off my final rating because I didn't feel like it delivered fully on its promise.”
   [26:05 - 30:50]

3. Amari and the Despicable Wonders by Bebe Alston [37:02 - 41:17] The third installment in a middle-grade fantasy series featuring Amari Peters, a young black girl navigating a world of magical beings. Katie celebrates the book’s enriched world-building, character development, and the seamless continuation of the series’ narrative, making it her favorite thus far.

   Katie Cobb:
   “This is Amari and the Despicable Wonders by Bebe Alston.”
   [37:02 - 41:17]

3. All About Morning Reading

Meredith’s Morning Ritual [42:15 - 54:34] Meredith shares her morning reading routine, which combines non-fiction or poetry with morning pages—journaling techniques inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. She emphasizes the importance of scheduling this time as a non-negotiable meeting on her calendar, using the Structured app to maintain consistency. This practice enhances her productivity and creativity throughout the day.

Meredith Monday Schwartz:
"For years, I was very hesitant to journal on paper because I was like, but what if people find it."
[42:15 - 54:34]

Katie’s Morning Reading Habits [45:51 - 55:24] Katie echoes Meredith’s dedication to morning reading, describing her own routine of prioritizing books in the morning to ensure they are not neglected. She incorporates reading with her morning workout and coffee, followed by journaling with a bullet-point system to track progress. Katie notes that this habit translates into a more organized and productive day.

Katie Cobb:
"It's my favorite way to start the day. Get up, work out, get the coffee, start reading, make your to-do list."
[45:51 - 55:24]

Discussion on Implementing Morning Reading [50:20 - 54:34] Both hosts discuss strategies to maintain morning reading habits, such as protecting time through scheduling and adapting the practice to fit personal needs. They highlight the flexibility and personal significance of morning reading as a tool for mental clarity and creativity.

4. The Fountain: Wishes and Reflections

Meredith’s Wish for Bookish Community [55:34 - 59:42] Meredith shares her wish for listeners to engage in book clubs of various formats—traditional, current reads, or unique structures—that foster community and enrich literary experiences. She reflects on her own journey from solitary reading to enjoying the camaraderie of reading circles, encouraging others to find their preferred method of communal reading.

Meredith Monday Schwartz:
"Make blurbs matter. Make. Make blurbs. Great again."
[55:34 - 59:42]

Katie’s Support and Anticipation [58:41 - 59:45] Katie builds on Meredith’s wish, emphasizing the profound impact of reading in community on her own life. She encourages listeners to explore different types of book clubs and highlights the joy of shared literary discussions.

Katie Cobb:
"Find a way to read in community, whether it's your historical fiction with women's back book club, or whatever else you can do with it."
[58:41 - 59:45]

5. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by reminding listeners where to connect with them on social media, access show notes, and support the podcast. They emphasize the value of bookish community and encourage listeners to join various reading groups to enhance their literary journeys.

Katie Cobb:
"Bookish friends are the best friends. Bookish community is the best community."
[60:27 - 61:08]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "This is one of those books that I'm gonna say is not for every reader or even for this reader unless I'm in the right mood." — Meredith Monday Schwartz [10:32]

• "Sometimes my read with Katie turns into a morning read where I'm like, okay, well we usually read about 30 pages a day also." — Katie Cobb [48:38]

• "But it turns out a lot of people have said I really would love to get more of this content." — Meredith Monday Schwartz [54:30]

Conclusion

Season 7, Episode 46 of Currently Reading offers a rich tapestry of literary discussions, personal stories, and practical advice on cultivating morning reading habits. Meredith and Katie’s heartfelt conversations and diverse book recommendations provide listeners with both inspiration and actionable strategies to enhance their own reading lives. Whether you're seeking your next great book or looking to build a meaningful reading routine, this episode delivers valuable insights and a sense of community that resonates with every book lover.

Happy Reading!