Currently Reading Podcast
Season 8, Episode 1: Deciding Once + What We Did On Our Summer Break
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Meredith Mundy Schwartz and Katie Cobb, the dynamic hosts of the beloved Currently Reading podcast, return with the premiere episode of Season 8. This episode delves into their latest book selections, offers insightful discussions on selected titles, and shares personal anecdotes from their summer adventures. Here's a comprehensive summary of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes.
1. Episode Kickoff and Patreon Highlights
[00:00 – 05:50]
Meredith and Katie begin the episode by welcoming listeners back to Currently Reading. They briefly touch upon the podcast's commercial-free model, supported by over 3,000 Patreon subscribers. Meredith emphasizes the value Patreon members receive, including access to their additional show Love and Chili Peppers, a romance-focused spin-off hosted with Rebecca Hoffer.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “All of currently reading is commercial free except we do one little ad at the beginning... [but] you guys talk all things romance and that show gets all the chili peppers.” [02:30]
2. Bookish Moments of the Week
[05:50 – 10:04]
Katie shares a heartwarming "bookish moment" from her recent buddy reading experience. She recounts synchronously finishing The Bookshop by Evan Friss with her reading partner Katie, culminating in a simultaneous reading of the final words—a truly exhilarating experience for her.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “I was so thrilled. It was just like a capstone to this long and winding trip that I had been on.” [07:20]
Meredith adds her own bookish moment, inspired by a method shared by Rachel Stott to decide her next read. She grapples with an "earworm" of this decision-making strategy over several weeks.
3. Current Reads Overview
[10:04 – 38:27]
a. Playground by Richard Powers
[10:10 – 14:13]
Katie introduces Playground, praising its intricate narrative that intertwines the lives of two women and two men against themes of climate change, technology, and deep-seated friendships. She highlights the novel's global scope and character-driven storytelling.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “Katie and I read this one together and variously were just enraptured by it, angry at it and obsessed with the different storylines trying to piece these plots together.” [12:11]
Meredith echoes the sentiment, expressing admiration for the book's ability to connect with readers on multiple levels.
b. Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
[14:13 – 18:47]
Meredith presents Until August, a posthumously published novella by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The story follows Ana Magdalena Bach’s annual visits to a Caribbean island, where she engages in a secretive ritual that challenges her understanding of herself and her marriage. Meredith is particularly moved by the novella's sensory-rich narrative and its departure from Marquez's typical magical realism style.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “It's the final novel written by one of my favorite novelists... It feels like an enjoyable afternoon of reading until you finish it and are left to think about it for days and weeks afterwards.” [16:20]
c. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
[18:47 – 24:10]
Katie discusses I Who Have Never Known Men, a speculative fiction novel from 1995. The story centers on a young woman among 40 women confined underground, grappling with isolation and the unknown world above. The narrative raises profound questions about society, humanity, and personal identity without providing explicit answers.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “It's about the journey more than the answers, for sure.” [23:24]
Meredith adds that while the book may frustrate readers seeking clear resolutions, it offers a deep introspection into human nature, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling.
d. The Game is Murder by Hazel Ward
[24:10 – 28:18]
Meredith introduces The Game is Murder, an interactive mystery novel where readers are invited to solve a decades-old family murder. Set in a London mansion, the book engages readers with witness testimonies, shifting evidence, and hidden motives, culminating in a satisfying resolution.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “The last 15% of this book was so satisfying that it raised the book rating by a full half star for me.” [26:13]
Katie mentions that reading it in print enhances the sleuthing experience, as flipping through physical pages allows for better engagement with the mystery elements.
e. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
[28:18 – 32:53]
Katie shares her enthusiasm for The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, a mixed-media novel involving emails, transcripts, and text messages to unravel a cult suicide case. The book’s format makes it highly engaging and difficult to put down, earning high praise from both hosts.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “We filled every corner of my car. I had an ice chest on the way out that I didn't need on the way back.” [44:34]
Meredith concurs, emphasizing the importance of reading this book in print to fully appreciate its structure and immersive storytelling.
f. So Far Gone by Jess Walter
[32:53 – 38:27]
Meredith discusses So Far Gone, a five-star novel that intertwines dark comedy, family drama, and thriller elements. The story follows Reese Kinnick, who isolates himself after a family conflict, only to be pulled back into chaos when his grandchildren are kidnapped by extremist elements linked to his past.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “Every single sentence was incredibly weird, readable...” [37:10]
Katie echoes the appraisal, noting the book's timely themes and authentic dialogue, making it a standout read for fans of dark humor and family-centric narratives.
4. Summer Break Adventures
[38:27 – 46:50]
a. Meredith's Summer Break
Meredith shares that her summer was occupied with intensive work commitments, including leadership meetings and personal challenges. She candidly expresses that her reading during this period was modest, without any standout projects.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “I have two jobs... my summer break was I got some reading done, but not anything like fantastic or interesting.” [39:15]
b. Katie's Epic Road Trip
In contrast, Katie recounts her adventurous summer road trip with her four children. Covering nearly 5,000 miles across 16 states and into Canada, they visited nine independent bookstores, met over 50 bookish friends, and acquired nearly 100 books. Katie highlights the joy of connecting with the book community and deepening partnerships with bookstores featured on their Indie Press List.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “We bought nearly 100 books. Wow. Which is a lot of books.” [44:33]
She describes the trip as both exhausting and enriching, reinforcing her role as the extroverted force that energizes their podcast endeavors.
Meredith's Reflection:
Meredith appreciates Katie's ability to handle the extroverted aspects of their podcast activities, allowing her, as an introvert, to manage more behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
5. Bookish Wishes and Community Engagement
[46:50 – 52:40]
a. Katie's Wish: Bookstore Crawls
Katie expresses a desire for readers to embark on their own bookstore adventures, whether it's visiting bookstores outside their usual spots, supporting independent shops, or integrating bookstore visits into their travels.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “I want to encourage all of us to make time for a bookish journey.” [47:00]
b. Meredith's Wish: Deep Book Conversations
Meredith hopes listeners engage with The 10 Things to Tell You podcast, specifically episode 272, which features deep, meaningful discussions about books and life. She emphasizes the importance of profound conversations that extend beyond mere book talk.
Notable Quote:
Meredith: “One of the biggest changes that has taken place for me as a reader since we started the podcast is how much I love these deeper dives into specific books.” [51:30]
6. Closing Remarks
[52:40 – 53:59]
The hosts conclude by sharing their social media handles, encouraging listeners to join their Patreon community, and reminding them to rate and review the podcast. They leave listeners with warm wishes for enjoyable reading and delightful coffee.
Notable Quote:
Katie: “Happy reading, Meredith.” [53:58]
Meredith: “May your coffee be hot and your book be unputdownable.” [53:55]
Final Thoughts
In this season opener, Meredith and Katie balance thoughtful literary discussions with personal experiences, offering listeners both book recommendations and a glimpse into the lives of the hosts. Their passion for reading and the book community shines through, making this episode a must-listen for avid readers seeking their next great book and a sense of connection within the literary world.