

Book Riot - The Podcast
Book Riot
News in the world of books and reading, including hot industry releases, adaptations, publishing industry events, and more with Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky.Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2026 • 49min
2026 Adaptation Preview
The hosts dive into the landscape of notable adaptations coming in 2026. There’s excitement for the unique take on Wuthering Heights and the romantic entanglements in People We Meet on Vacation. They discuss the significance of BIPOC adaptations and the buzz around a new Like Water for Chocolate series. Anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan's daring Odyssey and Ridley Scott’s Dog Stars. Plus, they tackle the challenges of adapting beloved classics, from Narnia to Dune. Their top three picks reveal what adaptations to watch for this year!

Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 2min
The Latest in American Reading Habits, 2026 Adaptations, and More
Vanessa and Sharifah dive into a revealing poll showing that 40% of Americans didn’t read a single book last year. They discuss anticipated books and adaptations for 2026, noting surprises and omissions in Barnes & Noble's list. The duo also sheds light on Utah's new book bans and the ACLU's legal response. Additionally, they highlight upcoming book-to-screen adaptations—like Wuthering Heights and H's for Hawk—fueling excitement for readers and cinephiles alike.

Jan 9, 2026 • 5min
The Winter 2026 New Release Draft [Teaser]
Rebecca and Jeff gear up for their seasonal new-release draft, teasing a lineup packed with exciting titles. They discuss the high stakes of marquee authors potentially dominating the picks. Jeff excitedly claims his first choice, "Kin" by Taria Jones, highlighting its buzz and book-club appeal. As they reflect on their closely contested previous draft, they note the trend of big-name authors releasing short story collections this season. Join them for a thrilling preview of the literary game ahead!

Jan 7, 2026 • 50min
The It Books of January 2026
Jeff and Rebecca consider 10 finalists for the title It Book of January.
Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life.
The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network.
Discussed in this episode:
Check out Zero to Well-Read!
The Book Riot Podcast Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 47min
Our Most Anticipated Books of 2026
In this captivating discussion, the hosts unveil their most anticipated books of 2026, featuring exciting titles like George Saunders' profound 'Vigil' and Namwali Serpell's exploration of Toni Morrison's legacy. They can't wait for Lauren Groff's short stories in 'Brawler' and Louise Erdrich's first collection, 'Python's Kiss.' The conversation touches on true crime with Patrick Radden Keefe's 'London Falling' and the return of Maria Semple in 'Go Gentle.' Tune in for a thrilling glimpse into the future of literature!

22 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h
Zero to Well-Read's 2025 Canon Contenders
Jeff and Rebecca dive into the potential canon contenders of 2025, discussing what makes a book enduring. They explore the rise and fall of literary fame, sing praises for award winners, and debate the lasting impact of audacious debuts. Popular titles like Omar El-Aqad’s nonfiction on Gaza and S.A. Cosby’s crime epic get considered for their cultural significance. The hosts also analyze generational sagas and AI-themed works, ultimately narrowing down their top picks while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of literature.

Dec 22, 2025 • 52min
AI Was The Story of the Year
Jeff and Rebecca talk about how the story of the year in books was that there really wasn't a story. Except the big one. AI. Plus, NBCC longlists, getting boomers off slop, recent reading, and more.
Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life.
The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network.
Discussed in this episode:
Check out Zero to Well-Read!
The Book Riot Podcast Patreon
NBCC fiction longlist
PW names the top 10 bookselling stories of the year
The Wedding Date is getting a Netflix adaptation
The Book Gossip of 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2025 • 7min
The Books We Missed in 2025 [Teaser]
This is a bonus preview of our Patreon-only episode in which Jeff and Rebecca talked about the books they wanted to read but didn't, they want to read and might still, they definitely are OK not reading, and other subtleties of which books went unread in 2025.
To listen to the full episode and all previous bonus content, become a Patreon member here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2025 • 6min
The Best of the Rest of 2025 [Teaser]
This is a bonus preview of our Patreon-only episode in which Jeff and Rebecca talk about their favorite non-book things of 2025.
To listen to the full episode and all previous bonus content, become a Patreon member here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 49min
UPDATED - Our Favorite Books of 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!


