The Currently Reading Podcast

Season 8, Episode 35: Bookish Bedrooms + Our Book Budgets
Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz & Kaytee Cobb
Date: April 6, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Meredith and Kaytee delve into the joys of book-inspired decor, recent reads across genres, and a thoughtfully candid "deep dive" into their personal book budgets and spending philosophies. The episode blends book reviews, an exploration of readerly habits, and community highlights—emphasizing the balance between indulgence and intentionality in building a reading life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bookish Moments of the Week

[04:34–11:27]

Kaytee’s Bookish Moment:

• Watched the adaptation of Project Hail Mary twice and was blown away.
• Initially skeptical about Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace but changed her mind:

  “I am so happy to eat my words...the entire film from the first moment to the very last post-credit sound effect is perfect.” (05:22 - Kaytee)

• Highlights the sound design and the emotional core; praises the adaptation despite minor scientific inaccuracies.

Meredith’s Bookish Moment:

• Redecorated a guest bedroom inspired by a murder-themed teacup (pink and green, floral, says “you have been poisoned.”)
• Styled the room with "bookish" art and curated a small, themed book collection—poetry, orphan-centered middle grade, Edward Gorey art, and Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson.

  “It looks very ladylike and put together, but then it’s also very murdery.” (09:43 - Meredith)

2. Recent Reads

[11:54–41:15]

Kaytee’s Reads:

• Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson [11:56]

  • Middle grade debut from a renowned YA horror author.
  • Brooklyn girl investigates a suspicious drowning on Martha's Vineyard.
  • Read both solo and aloud with her kids (ages 7–15)—everyone loved it; strong detection elements and family discussion.

    “They were like little detectives...put their heads together after we finished reading.” (14:57 – Kaytee)

  • Rated ~4.5 stars.

• In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado [21:15]

  • Memoir by the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits.
  • Explores overcoming trauma, community, and mountaineering.

    “It was not an easy read by any means...but it’s worth it.” (24:36 – Kaytee)

  • Praised author’s narration in the audiobook.

• North is the Night by Emily Rath [29:48]

  • Finnish myth-inspired fantasy romance; first in a new duet.
  • Centers on friendship, magic, and a journey into the land of the dead.
  • Noted for its “three chili peppers” of spice and strong female bonds.

Meredith’s Reads:

• The Deep by Nick Cutter [16:09]

  • Adult horror set in the Mariana Trench—a disease called The Gets induces worldwide forgetting.
  • Describes strong first third but falters later on; compares unfavorably to Crichton's Sphere.

    “It’s the last 50 pages where everything completely fell apart for me.” (19:53 – Meredith)

• The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie [25:00]

  • Miss Marple mystery (though Marple appears only after the 75% mark).
  • Focuses on poison pen letters in a small English village; praised for atmosphere and character work.

    “This is a masterclass in atmosphere...the way that suspicion can poison a community.” (28:10 – Meredith)

• Good People by Parnima Sabet [34:07]

  • Literary mystery about an Afghan refugee family in Virginia, told entirely through outsiders’ perspectives.
  • Noted for its “documentary” oral history format, shifting testimony, and exploration of narrative reliability.

    “It is literary fiction, but it’s a literary mystery, and I want you to hold onto that distinction because it changes everything...” (35:44 – Meredith)

  • Both hosts loved the book; Kaytee commends the full-cast audio.

3. Deep Dive: Book Budgets & Habits

[41:15–55:28]

The Reader Question

• Ellen asks about Meredith and Kaytee’s book spending: habits, budgets, where they buy, limits, subscriptions, and any changes since starting the podcast.

How Podcasting Changed Their Habits

• Kaytee: Receives more publisher offers and galleys than pre-podcast, meaning she spends less on new releases but not less overall—just on different bookish things.
• Meredith: Reflects on formerly strict budgets (“I was probably in my 40s before I could buy a decent set of bookshelves”) to now freely spending—especially at indies as a way of giving back.

Limits & Philosophies

• Kaytee:

  • Chooses not to track a book budget strictly—books are her one “vibes” area.
  • Uses the “Gus Gus level” (a stack so high she can barely carry it) as a physical limit in bookstores.
  • Prefers paperbacks for cost and reading experience.

    “The very first thing I hide in the Reading Tracker spreadsheet every year is the book budget tab and column...” (47:11 – Kaytee)

• Meredith:

  • No longer limits spending, prioritizes books over other discretionary items.
  • Purchases in-store as a way to support indies.

Book Subscriptions & Podcast Support

• Subscriptions:
  • Meredith: Book of the Month, Goldsboro (UK first editions).
  • Kaytee: None currently; has tried many but prefers “mood reading.”
• Supporting Content:
  • Both support fellow book podcasts via Patreon and subscriptions to Storygraph, Libro.fm.
  • Currently Reading buys two copies monthly of every Indie Press List pick (one for each host) from the spotlight indie store, with no discounts or affiliate deals—spending $2,200–$2,900/year.

    “That’s guaranteed 10 books worth of sales for that bookstore right off the bat. Right. So I do keep track of that because I think it’s fun and interesting.” (53:49 – Kaytee)

Notable Quotes

• “I am not a profligate spender in a lot of ways in my life, but around books, I am.” (45:46 – Meredith)
• “Books are the one place that I allow myself to...go on vibes, which is not a budgeting strategy, y’all.” (47:11 – Kaytee)

Community Takeaways

• Both agree that everyone’s reading budget will look different and encourage listeners to share their own.

4. Community Corner & Grab Bag

[55:28–59:17]

• Sophie’s Reading Theme: “Pierre/Get Off the Pot”—encouraging a focus on reading or letting go of long-owned books.
• Susan’s Discovery: Inside Literary Prize, judged by currently incarcerated individuals, introduces the hosts to new perspectives and curiosity about prize panels.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ryan Gosling has chemistry with a centrifuge.” (07:06 – Meredith, discussing the Project Hail Mary adaptation)
• “It looks very ladylike and put together, but then it’s also very murdery.” (09:43 – Meredith, on her teacup-themed guest room)
• “But she [Miss Marple] is worth the wait, even if she is not heading the charge in this book.” (28:14 – Meredith)
• “This book is structured as a documentary—literally testimonial, witness accounts, short, rotating perspectives.” (36:06 – Meredith, on Good People)

Important Timestamps

• 04:34 – Bookish Moments of the Week
• 11:54 – Recent Reads (Book Reviews Start)
• 16:09 – The Deep by Nick Cutter (Meredith)
• 21:15 – In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado (Kaytee)
• 25:00 – The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie (Meredith)
• 29:48 – North Is the Night by Emily Rath (Kaytee)
• 34:07 – Good People by Parnima Sabet (Meredith)
• 41:15 – Deep Dive: Book Budgets & Acquisition Habits
• 55:28 – Community Corner & Before You Go/Grab Bag
• 59:17 – Show wrap-up and contacts

Episode Tone & Language

Friendly, honest, occasionally cheeky, always thoughtful and supportive of reader diversity and choice. Both hosts model transparency about privilege and past experiences, aiming for inclusivity and encouragement in the reading community.

Summary Takeaway

This episode stands out as a blend of insightful book chat and practical reading life wisdom. The hosts’ open conversation about evolving book budgets and supporting the broader bookish ecosystem exemplifies currently reading’s ethos: authenticity, community, and an unabashed passion for books—no matter one’s budget or TBR pile.