Book Riot - The Podcast UPDATED - Our Favorite Books of 2025
38 snips
Dec 17, 2025 Join insightful Book Riot editors in a lively discussion of their must-read picks for 2025! Kelly Jensen highlights weird female-led fiction, sharing her favorites like 'Sky Daddy' with its dark humor. Danica Ellis dives into steamy fantasy romance in 'Tusk Love' and heartwarming graphic novels. Erica Ezefedi explores indigenous horror in 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter', while Sharifah Williams discusses the poignant 'The Wilderness'. Vanessa Diaz captivates with recommendations like 'The Bewitching', a dark academic tale blending witchcraft and mystery. It's a treasure trove for book lovers!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Year-End Lists As Useful Recaps
- Year-end lists help listeners recap enduring favorites rather than surprise them.
- Jeff and Rebecca frame their picks as useful recaps for readers who followed books all year.
Reintroduce A Literary Fiction Category
- Bring back a literary fiction category to help readers find books focused on artistic quality.
- Use clearer categories so works like George Saunders and Emily St. John Mandel sit alongside each other.
Books That Privilege Questions Over Answers
- Some books are designed to ask questions rather than provide answers, and that's their strength.
- Audition exemplifies literary fiction that leaves interpretation open and rewards lingering thought.