Podcast Summary: Currently Reading – Season 7, Episode 49: "The Listener Press!"

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb
Episode Type: Listener Press Episode

Overview

In Season 7, Episode 49 of the Currently Reading podcast, hosts Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb dedicate the episode to their listeners by showcasing a special "Listener Press" segment. In this episode, passionate readers from around the globe share their favorite book recommendations, providing a diverse array of genres and narratives. Meredith and Katie dive into each recommendation with enthusiasm, offering their insights and reactions, enriched by memorable quotes from the listeners' descriptions. This episode serves as a treasure trove of book suggestions, perfect for listeners seeking their next great read.

Listener Press Highlights

1. "The Glorious Heresies" by Lisa McInerney

   • Listener: Katie Drummonds from Delaware
   • Timestamp: [02:01]
   • Summary: Katie introduces The Glorious Heresies as exemplary dark Irish fiction, highlighting its themes of murder, drug dealing, and atmospheric London settings.
   • Notable Quote:
     "While there is a hopeful thread, we are really here for the delicious murder, the drug dealing, the prostitution, the dead bodies wrapped in carpets and thrown in the Thames." ([02:10])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith echoes the allure of the London setting, while Katie appreciates the backlist selection, expressing excitement about revisiting familiar terrains.

2. "The Last Woman in the World" by Inga Simpson

   • Listener: Carly from suburban Sydney, Australia
   • Timestamp: [03:40]
   • Summary: Carly describes this atmospheric apocalyptic novel set in near-future Australia, focusing on themes of survival, trauma, and motherhood.
   • Notable Quote:
     "Inger Simpson blends lyrical prose with slow building suspense, crafting a tale that feels slow and deliberate while somehow pulling us along with a fast-moving plot." ([04:59])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts express excitement for Australian fiction and draw parallels to previous listener presses, appreciating the continuity in genre preference.

3. "Motel Styx" by Michelle Von Eschen and Jonathan Butcher

   • Listener: Katherine from Long Beach, California
   • Timestamp: [06:01]
   • Summary: Katherine presents this extreme horror and psychological thriller set in a world where human corpses are legally used recreationally, exploring deep themes of grief and consent.
   • Notable Quote:
     "This book runs a range of emotions. It's funny, it's sad, there's some questionable power dynamics in the workplace." ([42:38])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith praises the boldness of the recommendation, and Katie admires Katherine’s candid introduction, acknowledging the book's challenging content.

4. "Zero Stars. Do Not Recommend." by MJ Wassmer

   • Listener: Kristin Kessinger from Elk Grove Village, IL
   • Timestamp: [09:09]
   • Summary: Kristin shares Zero Stars, a debut novel that combines apocalyptic scenarios with personal growth, societal critiques, and a touch of humor.
   • Notable Quote:
     "I laughed out loud. I teared up and I kept furiously turning pages to see what would happen next." ([10:37])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts appreciate the blend of humor and apocalyptic themes, noting its suitability for summer reading and its appealing cover design.

5. "Northwoods" by Daniel Mason

   • Listener: Samantha from Michigan
   • Timestamp: [11:41]
   • Summary: Samantha recommends Northwoods, an intricately researched novel following a house through various historical eras, emphasizing themes of legacy and change.
   • Notable Quote:
     "Each chapter is written in a different style. Some include songs, some are epistolary. One of my favorite chapters is actually an epistolary chapter." ([13:43])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie commend the unique narrative structure and the book’s enduring presence in listeners' minds, highlighting its cross-generational appeal.

6. "Another" by Paul Tremblay

   • Listener: Joanna from Western Massachusetts
   • Timestamp: [16:19]
   • Summary: Joanna introduces Another, a middle-grade horror novel that delves into themes of friendship, family connections, and contemporary issues like cyberbullying and anxiety.
   • Notable Quote:
     "Its horror style is best described as Creeping Dread and that is one of my absolute favorites." ([16:19])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie express anticipation for the release, relating it to their interest in middle-grade horror and praising its timely themes.

7. "Farthing" by Jo Walton

   • Listener: Melinda from Hillsboro, Oregon
   • Timestamp: [17:05]
   • Summary: Melinda presents Farthing, an alternate history mystery set in a 1949 where Hitler has conquered Europe, focusing on political intrigue and dark societal shifts.
   • Notable Quote:
     "There is a much darker element. While this book was originally published in 2006, it feels very much like it is speaking to our current timeline." ([18:46])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Enthusiasm for alternate history narratives shines through, with hosts noting the book's relevance and compelling storyline.

8. "Sky's End" by Mark Gregson

   • Listener: Lindsay Strater from Wichita, Kansas
   • Timestamp: [19:21]
   • Summary: Lindsay shares Sky's End, a young adult fantasy adventure that follows a 16-year-old's quest to save his sister by entering a brutal competition to kill sky monsters, filled with themes of leadership and found family.
   • Notable Quote:
     "It's a dystopian novel that's the first book of a trilogy. I hope you all enjoy it." ([20:20])
   • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts are eager to explore this trilogy, appreciating its epic adventure and heartwarming themes.

9. "Catherine" by Anya Seton

   • Listener: Merit Madine Wachsmith from Seattle, Washington
   • Timestamp: [21:19]
   • Summary: Merit recommends Catherine, a historical fiction novel set in 14th-century England, exploring the romantic and political struggles of John of Gaunt and Catherine de Roeth.
   • Notable Quote:
     "This is a compelling read as fresh today as it was back then." ([22:13])
   • Hosts' Reaction: The hosts laud Merit’s expertise in historical fiction, emphasizing the book’s timeless appeal and rich narrative.

10. "Finnegan of the Rock" by Melina Marchetta

    • Listener: Kelsey from Abbotsford, BC, Canada
    • Timestamp: [23:07]
    • Summary: Kelsey introduces Finnegan of the Rock, a backlist young adult fantasy trilogy that intertwines themes of exile, political intrigue, and the quest for reclaiming a homeland.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Characters are nuanced, complex, and relatable. This world is gritty and brutal, yet beautiful too." ([24:30])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts are impressed by the depth and complexity of the trilogy, noting its enduring impact and captivating storyline.

11. "Nesting" by Roshan O'Donnell

    • Listener: Stephanie from Maryland
    • Timestamp: [26:00]
    • Summary: Stephanie presents Nesting, a debut novel that delves into the struggles of a young mother fleeing an abusive husband amidst the Irish housing crisis.
    • Notable Quote:
      "O'Donnell's writing offers a powerful, hopeful story about reclaiming autonomy and rebuilding a life in the face of adversity." ([27:35])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie commend the book’s heartfelt portrayal of resilience and systemic challenges, recognizing its emotional depth.

12. "A Change of Habit" by Sister Monica Clare

    • Listener: Erin Gill from Macon, Georgia
    • Timestamp: [28:30]
    • Summary: Erin recommends A Change of Habit, a memoir detailing Sister Monica Clare's transition from a Hollywood advertising executive to an Episcopal nun, emphasizing themes of solitude and personal transformation.
    • Notable Quote:
      "It really spoke to me to find moments of quiet and solitude where you can." ([29:42])
    • Hosts' Reaction: The hosts appreciate the memoir’s introspective journey, relating it to similar narratives of personal reinvention.

13. "The Murderer's Ape" by Jacob Vegelius

    • Listener: Lea from Düsseldorf, Germany
    • Timestamp: [30:10]
    • Summary: Lea introduces The Murderer's Ape, a middle-grade novel featuring Sally Jones, a gorilla engineer navigating friendship and resilience amidst a murder mystery.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Few books have moved me so completely. This was an experience in every sense of the word." ([31:50])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Enthusiasm for the book’s unique premise and compelling narrative shines through, with Meredith highlighting the captivating cover design.

14. "Splendid Little Schemes" by Robyn Strong

    • Listener: Hannah from Austin, Texas
    • Timestamp: [35:33]
    • Summary: Hannah presents Splendid Little Schemes, a domestic thriller set within the Mormon mommy culture, exploring themes of manipulation, friendship, and societal pressures.
    • Notable Quote:
      "If you enjoyed watching the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, then I think you'll like this one a lot too." ([35:03])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie express interest in the book’s exploration of complex social dynamics, appreciating its nuanced portrayal of MLM schemes.

15. "Clean" by Alia Trabuco Serran

    • Listener: Ana from London
    • Timestamp: [36:30]
    • Summary: Ana recommends Clean, a Spanish-translated novel that serves as a murder mystery and social commentary on class, power, and survival in Santiago de Chile.
    • Notable Quote:
      "It reminded me a little bit of Demon Copperhead in the sense that what stands out from the novel is such an original strong voice." ([37:05])
    • Hosts' Reaction: The hosts admire Ana’s focus on translated literature, valuing the cultural depth and the book’s compelling narrative voice.

16. "Camelot and Vine" by Petrae Bouchard

    • Listener: Sheri Slater from Muskegon, Michigan
    • Timestamp: [37:30]
    • Summary: Sheri shares Camelot and Vine, a historical fantasy novel where an actress escapes to the Cotswolds and is transported to the 6th century, blending legend with personal healing.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Bouchard takes us on a wild and circuitous ride full of historical correctness of what life might be like in the 6th century." ([37:35])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts are captivated by the book’s adventurous premise and historical richness, anticipating its appeal to fans of legendary escapes and personal transformation.

17. "Sky Daddy" by Kate Folk

    • Listener: Tiernan from [Location Not Specified]
    • Timestamp: [41:14]
    • Summary: Tiernan recommends Sky Daddy, a novel about Linda, a woman who believes her destiny is to marry an airplane, exploring unconventional love and self-discovery.
    • Notable Quote:
      "If you're looking for a book that is well written, fantastic pacing, and just something totally out of the ordinary, I really suggest picking up Sky Daddy." ([41:22])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie are intrigued by the book’s offbeat premise, appreciating its uniqueness and the emotional range it promises.

18. "Names for the Dawn" by C.L. Beaumont

    • Listener: Gretchen from Oregon
    • Timestamp: [44:03]
    • Summary: Gretchen introduces Names for the Dawn, a heartwarming story of Will Avery, a trans man park ranger in Alaska, and his blossoming relationship with Nick Rajwat, a wolf biologist.
    • Notable Quote:
      "It's a story of friendship. Fierce, selfless, and unwavering." ([44:55])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Both hosts are moved by the narrative’s focus on identity and love, praising the atmospheric cover and the book’s emotional resonance.

19. "Withered Hill" by David Barnett

    • Listener: Clare from Norwich, UK
    • Timestamp: [45:22]
    • Summary: Clare presents Withered Hill, a modern folk horror novel detailing Sophie’s eerie experiences in an isolated village, intertwining suspense with dark folklore.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Katie, this is the book that I am currently reading." ([46:21])
    • Hosts' Reaction: Meredith and Katie express immediate interest, noting the book’s horror elements and its compelling cover, eager to delve into its mysterious narrative.

20. "The Stone Carvers" by Jane Urquhart

    • Listener: Matt from Toronto
    • Timestamp: [48:01]
    • Summary: Matt recommends The Stone Carvers, a quintessential Canadian novel following German Canadian siblings navigating love, loss, and legacy amidst the backdrop of World War I.
    • Notable Quote:
      "It's a beautiful novel that's full of heart, beauty, and spirit." ([48:08])
    • Hosts' Reaction: The hosts applaud the recommendation, acknowledging its significance in Canadian literature and expressing excitement to explore its lyrical storytelling.

Closing Remarks

In wrapping up the episode, Meredith and Katie express heartfelt gratitude to their listeners for their thoughtful and engaging book recommendations. They encourage listeners to share the episode on social media, support the podcast through ratings and reviews, and join their Patreon community for exclusive content. The hosts reflect on their excitement to delve into the myriad of books introduced, highlighting their diverse genres and the passionate endorsements from their audience.

Notable Closing Quote:
"May your coffee be hot and your book be unputdownable." ([52:30])

Connect with the Hosts

• Meredith Monday Schwartz: Instagram
• Katie Cobb: Notes on Bookmarks
• Podcast Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Show Notes: Available on the podcast website with book titles and timestamps.
• Support & Patreon: Become a Bookish Friend

Conclusion

Season 7, Episode 49 of Currently Reading offers a rich and varied collection of book recommendations from dedicated listeners, each bringing unique perspectives and genres to the table. Whether you’re a fan of dark fiction, historical narratives, or imaginative fantasy, this episode provides a plethora of options to satisfy every book lover’s appetite. Meredith and Katie’s engaging discussions and genuine enthusiasm make this listener press episode a standout, ensuring that even those new to the podcast will find plenty of inspiration for their next literary adventure.