Currently Reading

Season 8, Episode 28: Reader Speed Dating + CR Style Book Clubs

February 16, 2026

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  • The hosts introduced a new segment, 'Before We Go,' and discussed the concept of 'Currently Reading Style Book Clubs' as an alternative to traditional book clubs, emphasizing sharing recently finished reads rather than a single assigned book. 
  • Meredith shared a bookish moment featuring a metaphor comparing the difficult beginning of a book (20-50%) to riding a bike uphill before coasting becomes easier, while Kaytee shared an anecdote about finding a fellow reader in the wild at a go-kart race, framing it as 'reader speed dating.' 
  • The current reads segment featured diverse opinions, ranging from Meredith's confused but wholesome reaction to the experimental novella *A Violent Age* by Sarah Blake and her enthusiastic five-star review of the mystery *The Witch's Orchard* by Archer Sullivan, to Kaytee's enjoyment of the action-packed rom-com *Partners in Crime* by Alisha Rai and the propulsive thriller *Everyone Is Lying to You* by Jo Piazza. 

Segments

Bookish Moments and Reader Encounters
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(00:00:10)
  • Key Takeaway: The concept of ‘reader speed dating’ describes the instant, comfortable connection found when encountering another reader in public who is actively reading.
  • Summary: Meredith shared a listener-submitted metaphor comparing the difficult initial 20-50% of a book to riding a bike uphill, which requires cognitive energy before the reading becomes easier. Kaytee recounted meeting a helpful reader at a go-kart race, highlighting how recognizing another reader provides an easy entry point for conversation in new social settings. The segment also touched upon the hosts’ personal bookish moments, including Kaytee’s son improving rapidly at go-karting.
Current Reads Deep Dive
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(00:05:54)
  • Key Takeaway: A Violent Age by Sarah Blake is an experimental, hard-to-categorize novella praised for its mother-daughter dynamic but noted for a bizarre, unspoilable plot element and an honest author’s note.
  • Summary: Meredith reviewed A Violent Age (187 pages), finding the portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship between Ruth and Lisa excellent, but the overall narrative defied easy categorization, leaving her feeling off-balance. Kaytee enjoyed Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai, describing it as a propulsive, funny, action-packed contemporary romance bridging on rom-com with a ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ vibe, rating it four stars. Meredith also highly recommended The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan (five stars), praising its atmospheric Appalachian setting, intricate mystery plotting, and fierce protagonist, Annie Gore.
Current Reads Continued
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(00:17:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell features the unconventional, cynical psychoanalyst detective Mrs. Beatrice Lestrange Bradley, whose scandalous plot twists defy typical 1929 Golden Age mystery conventions.
  • Summary: Meredith highlighted Speedy Death (1929), noting that the detective, Mrs. Bradley, is a sharp contrast to Miss Marple, being described as ‘witch-like’ and cheerfully amoral. The book contains plot developments that were scandalous for its time and still raise eyebrows today, saving it from being a standard whodunit. Kaytee reviewed A Study in Drowning by Ava Reed, appreciating the atmospheric crumbling house setting but criticizing the ‘mushy middle,’ unlikable characters, and heavy-handed handling of themes like sexual assault.
Current Reads Conclusion and Influencer Thriller
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(00:33:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza is a highly propulsive, four-and-a-half-star trad wife murder mystery that effectively critiques the curated reality of influencer culture.
  • Summary: Kaytee praised Everyone Is Lying to You, which follows struggling writer Lizzie as she investigates the murder of her college friend Bex’s husband amid a conference of influencers. The book excels at exploring what is real versus what is performed online, keeping the listener obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the perfect facades. The story features niche internet culture details, such as ‘henfluencers,’ and keeps the central mystery compelling throughout.
Deep Dive: CR Style Book Clubs
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(00:38:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Currently Reading Style Book Clubs function like old-school literary societies where members discuss multiple recently finished books, offering flexibility ideal for mood readers and avoiding the pressure of a single assigned title.
  • Summary: This format allows members to talk about whatever they have recently finished, rather than committing to one book, which is beneficial for mood readers whose reading mojo might be killed by a mandatory selection. Ideal group size is capped around 10 people, though virtual meetings are just as viable as in-person gatherings. Consistency is key, but meetings do not need to adhere to a strict monthly schedule; every six weeks or quarterly can work well.
Before We Go Segment
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(00:50:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Meredith selected Michael Crichton’s Timeline as her sleeper hit, praising its perfect blend of science and storytelling, similar to Jurassic Park, involving time travel to 1357 France during the Hundred Years’ War.
  • Summary: Kaytee highlighted a Bookish Friend post from Alicia seeking recommendations for Japanese translations similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Convenience Store Woman, noting the community provided 33 suggestions. Meredith chose Timeline as her sleeper hit, a 2001 novel where Yale grad students use quantum technology developed by ITC to travel back to 1357 France to rescue their professor. This book is recommended for fans of time travel and Crichton’s masterful blend of science and narrative.