Currently Reading

Season 8, Episode 19: Reading Short Books + Deep Dive w/ Megan P. Evans

December 8, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The episode features guest host and producer Megan P. Evans, who steps in for the regular hosts, leading to a deep dive into how her role has profoundly impacted her life and reading habits. 
  • Megan P. Evans's involvement has shifted her reading almost entirely to library usage and podcast recommendations, while also providing her with a fulfilling, flexible career that supports her family life. 
  • The hosts celebrated finishing large reading projects (like *Lonesome Dove*) and advocated for the value of shorter books, with Megan P. Evans wishing for listeners to embrace them as valid reading experiences. 

Segments

Introduction and Guest Host
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(00:00:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Producer Megan P. Evans is filling in as a guest host for this episode of Currently Reading during Thanksgiving weekend.
  • Summary: The episode opens by welcoming listeners to Currently Reading, emphasizing a focus on book talk over chit-chat. Producer Megan P. Evans joins Katie Cobb as a guest host, stepping in because the regular hosts were busy during the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend. This setup signals a segment dedicated to learning more about Megan’s reading life.
Bookish Moments Shared
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(00:02:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Megan P. Evans celebrated finishing the large classic Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, while Katie Cobb enjoyed building the Wicked Lego Bookends while rewatching the movie.
  • Summary: Megan’s bookish moment was conquering Lonesome Dove as her one big book for the year, which she loved and plans to follow up with The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor in 2026. Katie’s moment involved immersing herself in building the pink and green Wicked Lego Bookends, finishing the build precisely as the movie’s song ‘Defying Gravity’ played.
Current Reads Showcase
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(00:06:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Megan highlighted three short, impactful reads: The Book of Eye (a 160-page 2025 release), The Deep End (a cozy mystery series starter), and Above the Fire (a short, atmospheric winter survival novel).
  • Summary: Megan championed short books, starting with The Book of Eye by David Greig, a highly engrossing 160-page novel about three survivors in 825 CE Scotland. She also recommended The Deep End by Julie Mulhern, the first in the Country Club Cozy Mystery Series, praising its protagonist Ellison as an established adult, unlike typical cozy mystery leads. Finally, she shared Above the Fire by Michael O’Donnell, a tense, short post-apocalyptic novel focusing on a father and son surviving in the New Hampshire wilderness.
Katie’s Current Reads
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(00:10:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Katie recommended Blackwood’s Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivy, noting its magical realism and suitability for cold weather reading, despite not reaching the heights of Ivy’s previous work, The Snow Child.
  • Summary: Katie featured Blackwood’s Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivy, which she found best suited for cooler weather after an initial attempt in the spring failed to connect. The book follows Birdie and Arthur in isolated Alaska as they navigate survival and an unpredictable relationship, featuring the author’s signature dreamy, magical realism vibe. Katie noted that while it was a good read, it did not surpass her enjoyment of Ivy’s earlier novel, The Snow Child.
Deep Dive: Megan’s Podcast Impact
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(00:35:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Megan P. Evans transitioned from a dedicated listener to the show’s editor/producer, a role that perfectly suits her introverted nature while providing professional accomplishment and flexibility for her family.
  • Summary: Megan began as a listener in 2019 while working as a librarian, eventually volunteering to update the press list spreadsheet, which led to her current role. She values the autonomy and the ability to work remotely, which has been crucial for staying home with her two children. She estimates 80% of her current reading material comes directly from the podcast’s recommendations across its various segments.
Fountain Wishes
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(00:50:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Megan wished for listeners to stop discounting short books, while Katie wished for a national, televised ‘Book Parade’ event similar to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
  • Summary: Megan’s wish focused on validating short novels, urging listeners not to feel guilty counting them toward reading goals because their impact is just as significant as longer works. Katie envisioned a major national event, perhaps on World Book Day, celebrating books with previews of bestsellers and upcoming titles, complete with street closures.