Book Riot - The Podcast

Jeff and Rebecca look at some 2025 sales numbers, are astounded by the rise of Heated Rivalry, applaud a new subscription box, have some harsh words for Oreo, 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 and its brand new companion newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Print book sales rose slightly in 2025 There’s a new Heated Rivalry book coming later this year Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has launched a romance subscription box Book Riot’s best fantasy books of the century so far The Royal Shakespeare Company is bringing Hamnet to U.S. stages Give yourself the gift of this George Saunders interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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

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