Currently Reading is a podcast dedicated to the love of books and reading. Two bookish friends discuss what’s on their nightstands, in their earbuds, and on their Kindles right now, in addition to books they’ve loved forever, and a variety of other readerly topics. Looking for your next great book? You'll find tons of book recommendations every week.
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 8: Stardust
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . Stardust by Neil Gaiman 1:29 - Previews Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. Stardust by Neil Gaiman Illustrated Version illustrated by Charles Vess HP Illustrated Editions by JK Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay Alex Awards Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. Stardust on Prime GLAAD Media Awards 7:26 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen Turning the goats and chariot into the inn The killings of the brothers The ending that isn’t The climax that IS Changes from Book to Movie Story timeline The Power of Stormhold stone Witch hair Yvain’s leg TrisTRAN Yvain’s hatred of Tristran Tristran’s “heritage” reveal Yvain’s attempt to cross the wall Left out of the adaptation Charmed, the small hairy man Unicorn fight with the lion Nursery rhymes Another Missing Sister Una’s freedom Added to the movie Gay pirates! Alberic → Shakespeare Tristran’s haircut Climax scene in the Witches’ home Casting and alternates TrisTRAN: Charlie Cox → Ben Barnes, Orlando Bloom, Daniel Radcliffe, Shia LaBeouf, Toby Maguire, Hayden Christianson Yvain: Claire Daines → Sarah Michelle Gellar, Hayden Panetierre, Reese Witherspoon, Brittany Snow Lamia: Michelle Pfieffer → Tilda Swinton, Nicole Kidman, Emma Thompson Captain Shakespeare: Robert Deniro → Burt Reynolds, Al Pacino Narrator: Ian McKlellan → Patrick Stewart Problematic elements Neil Gaiman’s sexual assault charges The Graveyard Book movie on hold Good Omens series on hold Lack of racial diversity as well Women as property Women’s inability to lead 35:50 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Gay pirates A feeling of “rushing” The romance The pirates - HA Worst and best actors. Primus Victoria Michelle Pfeiffer Charlie Cox Worst and best book characters. Tristan The Unicorn Yvain 48:00 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Series scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Movie on IMDB 51:31 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel Where would you travel with a Babylon Candle? How would you want to die if your ghost was captured at the moment of death? 54:53 - End Credits I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurdardottir I Remember You is rentable through many outlets Connect With Us: Currently Reading Podcast | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch
9/27/2024 • 56 minutes, 50 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 7: A Trick of the Light
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped except for broad sections, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. 2:41 - Putting the Book Into Context A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny Published Aug 30, 2011 by Minotaur Books 4.32 rating on Goodreads Seasonal setting - Summer (but to Roxanna June is not very summery in Canada so it might be considered Spring to some) Book Awards: Anthony Award for Best Novel in 2012 Critic Reviews Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book 11:15 - The Setup 13:03 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first paragraph The pacing of the novel Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny Louise Penny as Clara Themes: “play between light and dark - chiaroscuro”, the topic of AA, “intimacy” Clara and Peter’s relationship A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny Back in Three Pines but doesn’t feel very cozy Jean-Guy’s addiction 58:40 - Superlatives Favorite Scene Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description Is this book skippable? Favorite Quote No spoilers this episode! The next book will be The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. September’s IPL comes to us from Bright Side Bookshop in Flagstaff, Arizona Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business. All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor’s Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
9/6/2024 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 23 seconds
❤️&🌶️with Kaytee and Rebekah - Episode 1
We are so excited to preview our newest content for Patreon supporters of the show! Going forward, this episode series will live on Patreon, where you can join us for $5 a month to support the show and get ALL our awesome bonus content! This is a special series just for the Bookish Friends of the Currently Reading Podcast who love swooning and sexy times. We are thrilled to have you join us for this new bonus content, focused entirely on the best-selling genre fiction in the book world: Romance! *Please note that all book titles linked below are Bookshop links unless specified. These are affiliate links that kick a bit of money back to us while keeping your cost the same! What We Are Currently Reading: Out of the Blue by Kathryn Nolan (Rebekah) Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb (Kaytee) We’re Opening the Door On: Why read Romance at all? A Listener Press: From Katie P. - Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner Let Us Light Your Fire: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (Rebekah’s Pairing) Bride by Ali Hazelwood Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur (Kaytee’s Pairing) SEND IN YOUR LISTENER PRESSES to [email protected]. We want to hear from you! To Get in Touch: Kaytee | Meredith | Rebekah Currently Reading on Email | Instagram |Website
7/23/2024 • 32 minutes, 45 seconds
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 7: The Umbrella Academy
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabrielle Ba 2:29 - Previews Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. The Umbrella Academy - Vol 1: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. The Umbrella Academy on Netflix 10:16 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen Pregnancy/birth scenes Vanya turning into the White Violin Transition into superheroism Vanya getting upset enough to play with the orchestra Changes from Book to Movie Time of birth of the kids Five’s disappearance and reappearance Fleshing out of characters Diversity of the cast Hazel and Cha-Cha are moved up from later volumes Saving of Earth at the end Left out of the adaptation Carnival Fire and Dr. Terminal Why Ben is dead Why Diego is called the Kraken Heartstopper by Alice Oseman Wolfsong by TJ Klune Added to the movie Hazel and Cha-Cha Detective Patch Leonard Peabody/Harold Jenkins The Handler The Day that Wasn’t/The Day that Was Klaus’ journey into the past (Vietnam) Suspicion around Hargreeves’ death The sibling relationship General Thoughts Cinematography Elliot Page being credited correctly Dr. Terminal and Eiffel Tower being included Bad guys can’t shoot good guys: Stormtrooper Effect Bowling alleys are slippery Actors can’t play violin Problematic elements Nothing of note Casting and mis-casting Visual representation of characters Reginald Hargreeves: Colm Feore → Jeff Goldblum Number 1/Luther: Tom Hopper → Alan Richson Number 2/Diego: David Cataneda → Josh Cigara Number 3/Allison: Emme Raver-Lampman → Zoe Kravitz Number 4/Klaus: Robert Sheehan → Nicholas Holt Number 5/Five: Aiden Gallagher → Mike from Stranger Things Number 6/Ben: Justin H Min → Simu Liu Number 7/Vanya: Elliot Page → Emme Rossum, but really no one Pogo: Adam Godley 44:06 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. The adaptation is so dark in the filming of it All the things Soundtrack Sense of humor Worst and best actors. Leonard Peabody Agnes, the Waitress Klaus Worst and best book characters. Diego Hargreeves Vanya 53:33 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads The Review I read aloud Series scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Movie on IMDB 58:09 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel Would you use your superpowers on your kids? How do you think the world will end? 1:02:29 - End Credits Stardust by Neil Gaiman Available on Paramount + Connect With Us: Currently Reading Podcast | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch
7/5/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 6: Bury Your Dead
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped except for broad sections, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. 1:56 - Putting the Book Into Context Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny Published Sept. 28, 2010 by Minotaur Books 4.36 rating on Goodreads Seasonal setting - Winter Book Awards: Anthony Award for Best Novel in 2011, The Agatha Award, The New Blood Dagger Award, The Arthur Ellis Award, The Barry Award, and the Dilys Award Critic Reviews Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book 7:20 - The Setup 16:22 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first paragraph The pacing of the novel The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny Quebec vs American History Anglophone vs. Francophone history and culture Themes: “bury your dead”, “with time” P.345 - Not everything buried is actually dead. The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny One bit of lightness in the entire novel Location, Location, Location Relationship between Beauvoir and Ruth Zardo Who leaked the video? Enneagram Corner The Ending 1:14:36 - Superlatives Favorite Scene Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description Favorite Quote No spoilers this episode! The next book will be A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. May’s IPL is brought to you by Commonplace Books in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the special insights of an independent bookseller The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Roxanna | Kaytee Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
5/31/2024 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 25 seconds
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 6: The Dry
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . The Dry by Jane Harper 1:07 - Here’s the Setup 3:41 - Previews Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. The Dry by Jane Harper Force of Nature by Jane Harper The Exiles by Jane Harper The Lost Man by Jane Harper Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. The Dry (2021) Force of Nature (coming 2024) 6:57 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen Historical flashbacks The actual dryness Catching Scott Whitlam Aaron Falk’s ostracization Anything left out that shouldn’t have been There are pieces of the movie that don’t make sense without the book Clyde PD Grant’s role in Ellie’s death The note that implicates Aaron/his dad Defacing Falk’s car Love triangle/sexual tension Luke’s death details and the bike tire marks Added to the movie Suspense building elements Mushy middle Weird product placements Pub room versus big hotel Casting and mis-casting A few non-Australians were cast! But very few Falk - Simon Baker, Ryan Kwanten Gretchen - Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Margo Robbie, Toni Collette, Naomi Watts Raco - just a Hemsworth Whitlam - another Hemsworth, let’s go with Chris Gerry - Hugo Weaving, Geoffrey Rush, Mel Gibson Problematic elements Discussion of the “gay f-word” 44:06 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. The note that implicates Aaron Mushy middle Cinematography and score The dryness, and the climax scene Worst and best actors. Young Luke Raco, the actor Eric Bana as Falk Worst and best book characters. Mal Deacon and Grant Dow Luke Hadler Raco Karen Hadler Aaron Falk 1:01:27 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes 1:05:07 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel If you were to commit a murder, do you think you could get away with it? And how would you do it? What’s the scariest thing in Australia: the snakes, the spiders, the wildfires or the drought? 1:09:49 - End Credits The Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way Available on Netflix - Season 1 Connect With Us: Currently Reading Podcast | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch
4/26/2024 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 19 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 5: A Brutal Telling
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped except for broad sections, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. 3:45 - Putting the Book Into Context The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny Published Sept. 29, 2009 by Minotaur Books 4.20 rating on Goodreads Seasonal setting - Autum Book Awards: Anthony Award for Best Novel in 2010 Critic Reviews Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny 10:50 - The Setup 16:22 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first paragraph First paragraph hooks the reader so completely Reminds Meredith of the Vera series by Ann Cleeves The pacing of the novel The deliberate pulling away from the “quaint village mystery” Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree Quality of writing itself - if it could be written as a whole series in today’s publishing Themes: human behavior, conscience, Thoreau’s Walden, contentment, fathers p.172 quote about conscience p. 298 quote about happiness p.175 quote about Walden P. 495 quote about fear and contentment The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny Side plot with Jean-Guy and the notes left by Ruth Zardo The Oddness Factor (is usually in superlatives but gets talked about early in this episode!) The Ending 1:15:31 - Superlatives Biggest Flaw Character MVP p. 403 Favorite Character Biggest loser Best food description Fear Factor 1:29:47 - Within the Series Is this book skippable? Favorite Quote (gets asked after the skippable portion so I added it here for time stamp sake) 1:34:08 - SPOILERS AHEAD HERE Next episode’s read: Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. March’s IPL is brought to you by our anchor store, An Unlikely Story. Trope Thursday with Kaytee and Bunmi - a behind the scenes peek into the publishing industry All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the special insights of an independent bookseller The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Roxanna | Kaytee Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
3/22/2024 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 9 seconds
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 4: A Christmas Carol
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 1:24 - Here’s the Setup 2:50 - Previews: Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. A Muppet Christmas Carol on Disney Plus Spoken Word Grammy Nomination! 7:35 - The Cutting Room: Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen. Hustle Bustle of the city Lines from the book Each of the three ghosts Final scene Anything left out that shouldn’t have been. Marley’s jaw Scrooge’s sister Belle’s life/missing song Ignorance and Want Dead man Alibaba during Scrooge’s childhood Columbian coffee commercial Scrooge’s lines quoted back to him Casting and mis-casting “Played by Kermit” Scrooge - Michael Caine Ian McClellan? Richard Harris? Swapping Muppet roles Two Marleys Problematic elements. Classism versus other isms Body commentary Topper’s treatment of the girl he’s crushing on 40:05 - Award Season: Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Bob Cratchit’s family Hillbilly horses Ghost of Christmas Past The giant raw turkey Musical numbers Fozziwig Worst and best actors. Tiny Tim Ghost of Christmas Past Michael Caine Waldorf and Statler Worst and best book characters. The Cratchit family Ebeneezer Scrooge Ghost of Christmas Present Fred 51:43 - Book/Flick Energy: Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads George C. Scott version from 1984 The Man Who Invented Christmas on Amazon Prime Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Jim Carrey - Christmas Carol on Netflix George C. Scott version from 1984 56:51 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel: What are your top 3 favorite Christmas carols? O, Holy Night Angels We Have Heard on High Strange Way to Save the World Carol of the Bells Do You Hear What I Hear - Whitney Houston Joy to the World - Mariah Carey If you had to pick a classic to adapt with muppets, which would you choose? Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee If you could travel in time, but only one direction, which would you choose? 11/22/63 by Stephen King 1:04:02 - End Credits The Color Purple by Alice Walker 1985 film version with Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey (can stream on Max and rent most places) Connect With Us: Currently Reading | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch
12/22/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 45 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 4: A Rule Against Murder
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped except for broad sections, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. 2:40 - Putting the Book Into Context A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny Publication date (2009) 4.21 rating on Goodreads Seasonal setting - Summer Book Awards: Crimewriters of Canada Award for Excellence in 2009 Critic Reviews Alternate Title: The Murder Stone Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book 9:25 - The Setup 8:46 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first paragraph Perfect prologue - sets us up for Manoir Bellechasse, but then chapter 1 goes back to Three Pines shortly An entire family of characters we as readers cannot really root for Mic drop moments Flimsy mystery, great building of suspense The pacing of the novel Quality of writing itself - last major action scene Themes: Rest, oppressive heat, paradise lost, prisons, things being unnatural, bravery in vulnerability The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny Still Life by Louise Penny Character Development - Gamache’s misstep 57:08 - What Do We Need to Know? History within the book as it pertains to reality The Oddness Factor 1:07:11 - Superlatives Biggest Flaw Favorite Quote Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description 1:22:37 - Within the Series Is this book skippable? Setting the foundation 1:23:34 - SPOILERS AHEAD HERE Easter eggs to future books Next episode’s read: The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny No Spoilers this episode! Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. December’s IPL will be a yearly recap from us, so we can give our beloved Indies a break for the holidays! Trope Thursday with Kaytee and Bunmi - a behind the scenes peek into the publishing industry All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the special insights of an independent bookseller The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Roxanna | Kaytee The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!
12/15/2023 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 54 seconds
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 3: Red, White & Royal Blue
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 2:39 - Here’s the Setup 3:26 - Previews: Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. Red, White and Royal Blue on Amazon Prime 10:03 - The Cutting Room: Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen. Cakegate V&A Museum Hospital Visit Emails and text messages History, huh? Anything left out that shouldn’t have been. June Claremont! The White House Trio! Mostly characters! Divorce storyline Nuance in the book 25:47 - skip ahead to skip the sex talk 29:18 - you can come back now. We’re all done with that section. Casting and mis-casting. Alex - Taylor Zakhar Perez Michael Cimino Noah Centineo Anthony Ramos Henry - Nicholas Galatzine Timothee Chalamet Tom Holland Cole Sprouse Ellen - Uma Thurman Connie Britton Laura Dern (throwback to Jurassic Park) Amy - Aneesh Sheth Pez - Malcolm Atobrah Ncuti Gatwa Zahra, Oscar, Cash Problematic elements. Openly acknowledging the diversity of cast and characters 40:21 - Award Season: Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Absence of June Dumbing down of the story Losing the fall into love Shirtless and nekkid shots Good romance scenes Worst and best actors. Oscar Alex (Taylor) Henry Worst and best book characters. Prince Philip Raphael Luna Congressman Richards June Ellen Alex 53:12 - Book/Flick Energy: Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Single All the Way TinaRey’s review 59:14 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel: What type of cake would you want dropped on you from a height? What superpower would you want to have? 1:02:16 - End Credits A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens The Muppet Christmas Carol can be watched on Disney+ Connect With Us: Currently Reading | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch
10/20/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 22 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 3: The Cruelest Month
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. 1:56 - The Set Up The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny (one L simply due to demographic of readers? Please don’t fight me over this!) 3:05 - Putting the Book Into Context Publication date Seasonal setting - Spring, around Easter Book Awards: Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2008, Nominated for: The Anthony Award, The Macavity Award and the Barry Award for Best Novel of 2008 Critic Reviews Alternate Title: Cruelest vs Cruellest - that’s the only difference dependent on geographic location of publishing. Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book Currently Reading Season 5: Episode 45 w/Ezeekat 8:46 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first few paragraphs A seance as the driving source of the mystery Still Life by Louise Penny One note character in Madeline/lack of care for her as a character Gamache not introduced until chapter 9 Pg. 69 - Make note for future reads Gamache as a father and grandfather figure versus an inspector The pacing of the novel Quality of writing itself Themes: Regeneration, Resurrection and its unpredictability, jealousy, equanimity, grief, platonic love, Character Development - Gamache’s Pride, Beauvoir The Fear Factor 55:58 - What Do We Need to Know? Village of Three Pines - The Hadley House, Hazel’s House A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny Homes as a driver for the plot/characters The Oddness Factor Gamache’s accented English 1:06:00 - Superlatives Favorite scene Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description 1:16:32 - Within the Series Is this book skippable? Setting the foundation Favorite quote *Does the reading of passages take you out of the conversation or help enhance it? Let us know at the socials below! Next episode’s read: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny No Spoilers this episode! Connect With Us: Please note the change in Meredith’s Instagram handle. This was recorded prior to the change. Meredith is @meredithmondayschwartz on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram [email protected] Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading
9/15/2023 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 48 seconds
Popcorn in the Pages - Episode 2: Jurassic Park
Welcome, readers. We are so excited to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don’t shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Kaytee and Shad will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We call these the bowling lane bumpers, and they’ll help guide the conversation and keep us from rabbit trails. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. . . . . Jurassic Park by Michael Chricton James Patterson Stephen King 1:59 - Here’s the Setup. 3:07 - Previews. Book Name and release date. Sales info and awards. Jurassic Park by Michael Chricton The Lost World by Michael Chricton Crispr Gene Editing Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. Jurassic Park (film) - can be watched on Peacock Jurassic World films 6:48 - The Cutting Room. Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen. Seeing dinos on screen for the first time The very first T-rex attack scene Velociraptors in the kitchen and paddock Anything left out that shouldn’t have been. Fewer dinosaurs and dinosaur swaps Pterodactyl scenes The main conflict driver in the movie versus the book Mini wooly mammoths! Problematic elements. “Leg-forward” movie scenes Cutting out Costa Rican characters Sexualizing Ellie Sattler Casting and mis-casting Dr. Alan Grant Sam Neil - Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfus, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Costner. Dr. Ellie Sattler Laura Dern - Robin Wright, Helen Hunt, Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow John Hammond Richard Attenburough - Sean Connery Ian Malcolm Jeff Goldblum - Jim Carey, Michael Keaton, Ted Danson, Johnny Depp Dennis Nedry Wayne Knight The kids: Lexy and Tim Joseph Mello and Arianna Richards Arnold and Wu Samuel Jackson and BD Wong 29:55 - Award Season. Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Editing errors Beginning of the book setup and epilogue Characters teleporting Velociraptors in the visitor center Dinosaurs on the screen Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Worst and best actors. Arnold/Samuel L Jackson Harding/Jerry Molen Malcolm/Jeff Goldblum Hammond/Richard Attenborough Sattler/Laura Dern Worst and best book characters. Lexy Dennis Nedry and John Hammond Grant and Sattler Ian Malcolm 52:14 - Book/Flick Energy. Book scored on a 5 star scale. Lost World by Michael Chricton The Folio Society special edition of Jurassic Park Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes 1:01:10 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel. How many corgi-sized T-rexes could you take in a fight? Which extinct animal would you bring back to life? Woolly Mammoth Meatball Who is your favorite muppet? Muppet Christmas Carol Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 1:02:16 - End Credits. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Red, White and Royal Blue is coming to Amazon Prime Video on August 11th! Connect With Us: Find the show @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Meredith is @meredith.reads on Instagram Shad is in the Bookish Friends Facebook group (for Patrons only) currentlyreadingpodcast.com [email protected] Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading
7/28/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 36 seconds
A Journey to Three Pines - Episode 2: A Fatal Grace
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode. As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. 2:02 - The Set Up A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny 3:34 - Putting the Book Into Context Publication date (mentioned that it is the last book pre-iPhone which comes into play later) The rating is higher on Audible than Goodreads, speaking to the quality of narration. Seasonal setting - Winter Book Awards: Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2007 Critic Reviews Release date confusion Alternate Title: Dead Cold (Canadian title), TV Show on Amazon Prime titled this episode “Whiteout” Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book 9:37 - A Deeper Exploration First few paragraphs Still Life by Louise Penny Gamache is not introduced until chapter 8 Immediate body shaming of CC’s daughter by CC herself The Oddness Factor P.148 highlighting the oddness of the murder The Canadian Perspective Exploration of art used in A Fatal Grace The pacing of the novel The Villagers and the Village itself Themes: Three Pines as a place of respite, Introspection and the acceptance of oneself, Light and Dark The comparison of CC, Peter and Clara Morrow Vulnerability and authenticity at superpowers Lack of small children belonging to main characters The Fear Factor 46:57 - What Do We Need to Know? Village of Three Pines - The Bistro, The Hadley House How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny Enneagram Corner Introduction to Arnoult 1:00:22 - Superlatives Biggest flaw or disappointment Fat shaming and appearance shaming Favorite scene Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description Favorite quote 1:20:44 - Within the Series Setting the table Favorite quote Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny Next episode’s read: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny No Spoilers this episode! Connect With Us: Please note the change in Meredith’s Instagram handle. This was recorded prior to the change. Meredith is @meredithmondayschwartz on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram [email protected] Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading
6/30/2023 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 32 seconds
Season 5, Episode 41: Summer Reading + Book Hangovers
On this week’s episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: summer reading guides and plane reading Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading lately Deep Dive: we are chatting about the dreaded book hangover, the ways we deal with it, and what it means about our reading lives. The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives As per usual, time-stamped show notes are below with references to every book and resource we mentioned in this episode. If you’d like to listen first and not spoil the surprise, don’t scroll down! We are now including transcripts of the episode (this link only works on the main site). The goal here is to increase accessibility for our fans! *Please note that all book titles linked below are Bookshop affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but a small portion of your purchase will come back to us to help offset the costs of the show. If you’d prefer to shop on Amazon, you can still do so here through our main storefront. Anything you buy there (even your laundry detergent, if you recently got obsessed with switching up your laundry game) kicks a small amount back to us. Thanks for your support!* . . . . 1:44 - Bookish Moment of the Week 2:01 - MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide 2:15 - Sarah’s Bookshelves Summer Reading Guide Sarah’s Patreon if you want access to Summer Shelves 2:22 - Modern Mrs. Darcy’s FREE minimalist reading guide MMD Full Reading Guide 2:34 - Paperback Summer Reading Guide w/FictionMatters 2:40 - Kellyhook.readsbooks on Instagram 5:53 - Current Reads 6:13 - Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas (Kaytee) 6:36 - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 6:54 - Libro.fm 10:17 - Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson (Meredith) 10:37 - Parnassus Books 14:21 - The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 16:15 - If Only You by Chloe Liese (Kaytee) 20:19 - Drowning by TJ Newman (Meredith) 21:53 - Falling by TJ Newman 22:47 - Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 24:28 - The Marriage Act by John Marrs (Kaytee) 24:38 - The One by John Marrs 28:52 - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Meredith) 31:33 - A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer 33:59 - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 34:00 - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 35:18 - Furyborn by Claire Legrand 35:20 - City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 37:21 - The Dreaded Book Hangover (or is it dreaded??) 37:41 - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 38:10 - Babel by R.F. Kuang 38:31 - The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow 44:08 - A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 45:59 - The Wager by David Grann 47:37 - Meet Us At The Fountain 47:45 - If you liked my current reads, I wish you’d go back to each other and read their first books. (Kaytee) 48:04 - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 48:14 - Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese 48:25 - The One by John Marrs 49:07 - I wish everyone would try pink or brown noise to help focus their reading. (Meredith) Connect With Us: Meredith is @meredith.reads on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Mary is @maryreadsandsips on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram [email protected] Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading
5/22/2023 • 53 minutes, 43 seconds
Season 5, Episode 18: So Many Tentacles + Book-Adjacent Gift Ideas
On this week’s episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Meredith are discussing: Bookish Moments: pet conspiracy against Meredith + airport friendships Current Reads: A whole slew of books that might be hard to listen to us talk about for various reasons Deep Dive: the goodies to buy for the bookworm that doesn’t need books The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives As per usual, time-stamped show notes are below with references to every book and resource we mentioned in this episode. If you’d like to listen first and not spoil the surprise, don’t scroll down! We are now including transcripts of the episode (this link only works on the main site). The goal here is to increase accessibility for our fans! *Please note that all book titles linked below are Bookshop affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but a small portion of your purchase will come back to us to help offset the costs of the show. If you’d prefer to shop on Amazon, you can still do so here through our main storefront. Anything you buy there (even your laundry detergent, if you recently got obsessed with switching up your laundry game) kicks a small amount back to us. Thanks for your support!* . . . . 1:25 - Bookish Moment of the Week 3:12 - HH Holmes Murder Castle Puzzle 8:13 - An Immense World by Ed Yong 10:13 - Current Reads 10:28 - Glass Houses by Louise Penny (Meredith) 11:10 - A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny 16:53 - Still Life by Louise Penny 18:45 - The Measure by Nikki Erlick (Kaytee) 21:30 - Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Episode 123 w/ Nikki Erlick 23:03 - The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell (Meredith) 29:22 - The Kraken’s Sacrifice by Katee Robert (Kaytee) 29:52 - The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert 29:54 - CR Season 5: Episode 3 SKIP TO 35:11 IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT KRAKEN SEX!!! 35:27 - The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch (Meredith) 37:28 - Fabled Bookshop 42:56 - Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton (Kaytee) SKIP TO 46:37 IF SEXUAL ASSAULT IS YOUR TRIGGER 45:01 - Know My Name by Chanel Miller 45:03 - Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson 46:37 - Bookish Gifts We Want to Give and Receive 48:19 - Mug Warmer 49:09 - Book Darts 49:40 - Pilot FriXion Pens 49:55 - Pilot FriXion Highlighters 50:52 - Sharpie Pen 51:43 - Libro.fm 51:53 - Scribd 51:44 - Bookshop.org 52:10 - Thriftbooks 52:35 - Fabled Story Bound Subscription 53:29 - Currently Reading Patreon 53:37 - Fabled Bookshop 54:24 - Currently Reading Tote 54:51 - Currently Reading Zazzle store 55:17 - Lego Bookstore 55:59 - Galison Puzzles 56:01 - White Mountain Puzzles 56:27 - Barefoot Dreams throw blanket 56:54 - Meet Us At The Fountain I wish, if you are looking for cozy holiday reading, that you read the Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton. (Meredith) 57:32 - Aunt Dimity’s Death by Nancy Atherton (#1 in series) I wish that book festivals and author events get as much hype as Taylor Swift tickets. (Kaytee) Connect With Us: Meredith is @meredith.reads on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Mindy is @gratefulforgrace on Instagram Mary is @maryreadsandsips on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram [email protected] Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading