Currently Reading Podcast: Season 8, Episode 2 Summary

Release Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie (Kaytee) Cobb

1. Introduction

In Season 8, Episode 2 of the Currently Reading podcast, hosts Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb dive deep into their current reads, assigned summer books, and introduce a new reading game called Reader Roulette. The episode is structured to provide listeners with rich insights into their literary journeys, complete with personal anecdotes and thoughtful critiques.

2. Bookish Moments of the Week

a. Meredith's Morning Reading Routine

Meredith emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s optimal reading times based on personal energy levels. She recently revamped her morning routine to prioritize reading and journaling over additional work commitments. Meredith shares:

“I made a very intentional decision that I was going to take that extra time and devote it just to more reading at the time of day that I am sharpest…” (02:53).

This adjustment has allowed her to engage more deeply with her nonfiction and literary fiction selections, enhancing both her personal and professional life.

b. Katie's Reader Roulette

Katie introduces a spontaneous reading method she's dubbed Reader Roulette, where she selects her next book by spinning a metaphorical wheel, leading her to unexpected and serendipitous reads. She explains:

“Every time I finished a book, I spun the wheel to wait for one to find me. Sometimes that meant a really hard scroll through my libro…” (05:17).

This approach has expanded her literary horizons, introducing her to books she hadn't previously considered, fostering a sense of adventure in her reading habits.

3. Current Reads

a. Meredith's "Hide and Seek" by Andrea Mara

Meredith delves into her latest read, "Hide and Seek" by Andrea Mara, an Irish domestic crime fiction novel. She provides an in-depth synopsis:

“When our lead character, Joanna, moves her family into their dream home in a very upscale Dublin suburb, she discovers her new house was once home to a missing three-year-old girl…” (10:25).

Meredith praises Mara’s ability to intertwine two timelines—1985 and 2018—to unravel suburban secrets without relying on graphic content. She highlights the book's spoiler-free suspense and its appeal to fans of authors like Lisa Jewell and Alice Feeney.

b. Katie's "You'd Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith

Katie explores "You'd Could Make This Place Beautiful", a poignant memoir by Maggie Smith (not the actress). She shares her emotional connection to the book, which centers on themes of motherhood, self-love, and navigating personal heartbreak. Katie reads a compelling excerpt from the title poem:

“Life is short. Though I keep this from my children
Life is short and I've shortened mine in a thousand delicious ill-advised ways…” (18:54).

She applauds Smith’s poetic narration and her ability to convey profound emotions through concise, impactful verses.

4. Assigned Summer Reads

a. Meredith's "Razor Blade Tears" by S.A. Cosby

Meredith discusses her assigned summer book, "Razor Blade Tears", a novel that intertwines themes of grief, vengeance, and interracial friendships. She provides a brief overview:

“This book is about two fathers, one Black and one white, who meet at the funeral of their murdered sons...” (29:15).

While Meredith acknowledges the book's strengths in character development and its significant messaging, she offers a nuanced critique, mentioning that some elements felt "overwrought" and "preachy" for her personal taste.

b. Katie's "4th Wing" by Rebecca Yarros

Katie reviews "4th Wing", the latest installment in Rebecca Yarros's fantasy series. She outlines the plot involving Violet, a scribe turned Dragon Rider, navigating a perilous academy filled with political intrigue and personal challenges. Katie notes:

“Hundreds of cadets try out every year. Fewer than half make it out alive, and not all of them bond with a dragon...” (34:51).

She critiques the book’s representation of disability, feeling that Violet’s chronic condition was initially significant but became sidelined as the story progressed. Despite this, Katie praises the book's engaging storyline and the emotional investment it fosters.

5. Book Discussions and Opinions

Meredith and Katie engage in thoughtful discussions about their assigned books, comparing them to previous reads and exploring themes such as:

• Acceptance and Preachiness in "Razor Blade Tears":
  Meredith mentions feeling that the book sometimes prioritized its message over organic storytelling, leading to moments that felt forced.

• Disability Representation in "4th Wing":
  Katie expresses concerns about the tokenistic portrayal of Violet’s disability, suggesting it lacked depth as the narrative continued.

Both hosts acknowledge the complexities of tackling heavy themes and the balance between delivering important messages and maintaining storytelling finesse.

6. Wishes at the Fountain

a. Meredith's Wish for Bookish Projects

Meredith encourages listeners to embark on personal bookish projects or quests, such as reading through specific book lists or exploring different literary genres. She suggests:

“This could be reading through a very specific book list… or like I'm working my way through all of Agatha Christie…” (55:10).

This initiative aims to add structure and purpose to one's reading habits, fostering continuous literary growth.

b. Katie's Wish for a Focus Chamber

Katie shares her concept of a Focus Chamber—a dedicated, distraction-free space designed to enhance reading focus. Inspired by her experiences with modifications in her environment, she describes:

“I like the idea of this focus chamber for reading. And it could be your bedroom or it could be somewhere else in your house that's technology-free and has the perfect reading setup…” (55:42).

This wish underscores the importance of creating conducive environments for immersive and undistracted reading sessions.

7. Conclusion

Meredith and Katie wrap up the episode by reiterating their recommendations and encouraging listeners to engage with their content through social media and Patreon. They emphasize the joy of shared literary experiences and the continuous pursuit of meaningful reading.

Notable Quotes:

• Meredith on Morning Reading:
  “I was going to take that extra time and devote it just to more reading at the time of day that I am sharpest…” (02:53)

• Katie on Reader Roulette:
  “Every time I finished a book, I spun the wheel to wait for one to find me…” (05:17)

• Katie reading Maggie Smith’s poem:
  “Life is short. Though I keep this from my children…” (18:54)

• Meredith on "Razor Blade Tears":
  “For this reader, nuance and show me is so much more important than big cinematic fight scenes…” (34:34)

• Katie on "4th Wing" Audio Experience:
  “It's like putting blinders on a horse. It lets my mind wander in the shower in a completely different way…” (55:10)

For more detailed discussions and to connect with Meredith and Katie, visit CurrentlyReadingPodcast.com or follow them on Instagram.