Book Riot - The Podcast

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

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!

Jeff and Rebecca talk about Book Riot's 2025 Read Harder Challenge, PW's 2025 Salary & Job Survey, a new Gen Z book club, and resurrect the spirit of Annotated for a very cool story about the women who invented the audiobook. 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 The 2026 Read Harder Challenge 2025 PW Salary & Jobs Report Let’s check in on The Odyssey Hello Sunshine launches Gen-Z book club Check your sources before you ask a librarian or bookseller for a title AI recommended to you Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca sits down with Vanessa Diaz to discuss the adaptation of Hamnet, in wide theatrical release this week. They talk about the film as a standalone piece of art, how it works as an adaptation, the key differences between the book and the movie, and how to tell if it's for you. 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. We’ve got the chops to match the book lover in your life with their next favorite read. And it only takes a few clicks to gift Tailored Book Recommendations! Simply head to mytbr.co/gift to get started. The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network. Discussed in this Episode: Even as a Shadow, Even as a Dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff and Rebecca talk about the Goodreads Choice Winners, the NYT's 10 Best of the Year, NPR's excellent year-end round-up before talking to Katie del Rosario of Spotify about the year in audiobooks and Spotify's Audiobooks Wrapped. 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 Spotify Audiobook Trends for 2025 NYT 100  Notable Books of 2025, which does, in fact, contain its top 10 NYT Top Ten NPR’s “Books We Love” WaPo’s top ten Goodreads Choice Awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff and Rebecca assess their past It Books picks from 2025, revealing both successes and missteps. They delve into a sparse lineup of December book releases, highlighting Olga Tokarczuk's intriguing work and Gyles Brandreth's tribute to Winnie-the-Pooh. The conversation jumps to notable biographies and craft books that catch their attention, alongside some gift ideas for readers. Additionally, they reflect on the unpredictability of publishing and prepare to reevaluate their choices, celebrating a commendable seven correct picks.

Get ready for a dazzling array of holiday book recommendations! Discover cozy reads like 'In the Time of Butterflies' and 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' for WWII-weary audiences. Perfect audiobooks for family trips are also on the list, featuring enchanting tales like 'The Night Circus'. Unearth clever thrillers akin to 'Ocean's Eleven' with suggestions like 'The Cartographers'. From gifts for outside lovers to must-read under-the-radar authors, this episode wraps you in the joy of reading for the festive season!