The Read Well Podcast: Episode 103 – "Reading Used to Be Magical. What Happened?"
Host: Eddy Hood
Release Date: June 30, 2025
1. Introduction and Personal Anecdote
Eddy Hood opens the episode with a heartfelt story from his recent vacation experience. He recounts sharing a room with his 11-year-old son on a cruise ship, where instead of engaging in typical cruise activities, his son chose to immerse himself in a book under a small table lamp. This moment evoked pride in Eddy as both a father and the host of The Read Well Podcast.
“He is just enthralled in this story. One, made my heart proud as dad, as the host of the Read Well Podcast. And two, I thought, there's something strange with this kid...”
[00:00]
Key Themes:
- The contrast between childhood reading habits and adult reading motivations.
- The importance of fostering a natural love for reading without external pressures.
2. The Loss of Reading Wonder
Eddy reflects on his own journey with reading, highlighting a shift from reading for pure enjoyment during childhood to reading for advancement or ego as an adult. He shares a poignant memory of his childhood friend who inspired his love for reading through hefty fantasy novels.
“I was just in awe because these weren't like picture books that most of the kids read. These were five, 600 page books.”
[03:15]
Key Themes:
- The transformation of reading motivation from wonder to obligation.
- The nostalgic longing to regain the uninhibited joy of reading as experienced in youth.
3. Rekindling the Joy of Reading
Eddy emphasizes the need to rediscover the sense of wonder that fuels a genuine love for books. He encourages listeners to read without an agenda, free from concerns about page counts or the perception of others.
“Put up lights, to have that moment in your house with all the lights off, maybe light a candle, open up your favorite book... one where you're not worried about what it says of you.”
[15:30]
Key Themes:
- Creating a conducive environment to enhance the reading experience.
- Shifting focus from reading as a task to reading as a joyous activity.
4. Book Recommendations
Eddy shares his recent reading choices that align with rekindling wonder. He highlights Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach series, starting with "Annihilation".
“Annihilation... It's just a really fun exercise in reading to start up that sense of wonder.”
[18:45]
Book Overview:
- Annihilation: A mysterious narrative set in Area X, a wildlife preserve with alien-like phenomena, exploring themes of exploration and the unknown.
Visual Appeal:
- Eddy praises the book covers for their depiction of strange creatures, enhancing the allure of the series.
5. Building Reading Rituals
Eddy advocates for transforming reading into a meaningful ritual, akin to childhood practices like making hot cocoa or snuggling with a favorite blanket. He urges listeners to reflect on their reading motivations and incorporate elements that spark joy and curiosity.
“Maybe how you might benefit from just throwing a little more wonder into the experience.”
[22:10]
Key Themes:
- Personalizing the reading experience to make it more engaging.
- Moving away from viewing reading as a mandatory activity to embracing it as a pleasurable ritual.
6. Community Update: Edgewater Bookstore & Lockbee Products
Eddy provides an update on his bookstore, Edgewater Bookstore, and his recent partnership with Lockbee, a company offering quality journals and everyday carry (EDC) products. He details specific products that enhance the reading and note-taking experience:
- Lockbee's Notebook Folio:
- Designed to hold multiple notebooks for various purposes (work, creative, to-do lists).
- Features include pen holders and pockets for business cards.
“It just holds my notebooks, keeps my business cards and my pen, and I just carry it with me everywhere so that I don't lose my thoughts.”
[30:50]
- Lockbee's Tool Roll:
- A versatile accessory for carrying tools used in book marking and everyday tasks.
- Includes compartments for pens, markers, flashlights, and other essentials.
“I keep my tabs and my pens and what have you. But then I've got a little flashlight, a nail clipper...”
[34:20]
Key Themes:
- Integrating practical tools to support an enriched reading and note-taking process.
- The aesthetic and functional alignment of Lockbee products with the ethos of Edgewater Bookstore.
7. Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Eddy wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the community through likes, subscriptions, and sharing. He reiterates the podcast's mission to help listeners get the most out of their reading experiences.
“Remember to read slowly, take notes, and apply the ideas.”
[45:00]
Call to Action:
- Visit the Read Well Podcast website at thereadwellpodcast.com for daily posts, book notes, and reading tools.
- Support the community by subscribing and sharing the podcast with fellow readers.
Key Takeaways
- Rediscovering Wonder: Transition from reading as a duty to reading as an adventure can rekindle the magic that childhood reading offers.
- Intentional Reading Rituals: Creating a personalized and enjoyable reading environment enhances engagement and retention.
- Practical Tools: Utilizing specialized journals and carrying essential tools can streamline the note-taking and idea-capturing process.
- Community Engagement: Sharing your reading journey and connecting with like-minded individuals enriches the overall experience.
Eddy Hood’s episode serves as a heartfelt reminder to reconnect with the pure joy of reading, encouraging listeners to embrace books with the same enthusiasm and wonder they had as children. By sharing personal anecdotes, practical advice, and valuable resources, The Read Well Podcast continues to inspire and support readers in cultivating meaningful reading habits.