Jeff and Rebecca respond to listener requests for recommendations for moms, dads, grads (and themselves). This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. Books and Authors discussed in this episode: Shop Class as Soul Craft Flight: The Complete History of Aviation The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell How to Build a Car by A. Newey World of Wonders In the Dream House How to Do Nothing The Night Tiger The Book of Delights Rich and Pretty Bring...
May 05, 2021•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 441
Jeff and Rebecca check-in on the rolling reckoning, talk about dedicated e-readers, Murakami’s thsirt line, and more. Haruki Murakami’s t-shirt line is live Follow up: Open letter from publishing professionals against book deals for any member of Trump Administration Follow up: Norton pulls Roth biography out of print Big NYT coverage of the rolling reckoning Big snaps to Ron Charles Follow-up: Amazon giving 500,000 workers raises as unionizing efforts increase See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 440
Jeff and Rebecca follow up about Simon & Schuster’s relationship with Post Hill Press, a employee petition at Simon & Schuster (and the CEO’s response), Norton pulling a major book, listener feedback, and more. Discussed in this episode: The Book Riot giveaway featuring Noise by Daniel Kahneman Follow-up: S & S refuses to distribute book by officer involved in Breonna Taylor’s death And S & S employees protest Mike Pence book deal The CEO responded Bigger context piece about how ...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 439
Jeff and Rebecca do listener feedback, interrogate what a podcast “read-a-long” does/could mean, stand in awe of Amanda Gorman’s book sales, talk a little George R.R. Martin, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Amanda Gorman is first poet to claim #1 spot on USA Today bestsellers Amazon workers in Bessemer, AL vote against unionization Unpublished Richard Wright novel about police brutality to be released Officer involved in Breonna Taylor’s death gets a book deal, S & S will distribut...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 438
In this special, live-streamed episode, Jeff and Rebecca continue to argue about/refine a “Should I Read This?” segment/special episode series, are a little surprised at the Mike Pence book deal, perform their annual lament at the most challenged books of the year, and much more. Discussed in this episode: ALA releases most challenged books of 2020 Guardian coverage includes some author responses Dana Canedy acquires two Mike Pence memoirs for S & S New book contains a puzzle that, if solved...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 437
Jeff and Rebecca note the passing of Beverly Cleary and Larry McMurtry, talk more Amazon/Big 5 anti-trust litigation, a Tennessee law that breaks new ground in terribleness, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Scholastic pulls Captain Underpants spinoff because of passive racism Tennessee bill seeks to ban any books that “promote, normalize, support, or address” LGTBQ issues Amazon & Big 5 face anti-trust lawsuit from booksellers HarperCollins buying HMH See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 436
Jeff and Rebecca discuss Klara & the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 435
Jeff and Rebecca have their minds boggled at the sales of Seuss titles, pay fealty to the queen of book clubs, survey a few recent book challenges, and look forward to Klara and the Sun. Discussed in this episode: Oprah picks the Gilead SERIES as the next book club selection Follow-up: Leander, TX English teachers rally against graphic novels being removed from reading lists Austin, TX school calls in counselors after elementary school students are read a book about a trans character Amazon no l...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 434
Jeff and Rebecca do some Seuss follow-up, evaluate upcoming adaptations that should be in their wheelhouse, talk about a particularly graphic effort to get some books out of a school classroom, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Farewell, Norman Juster Follow-up: Nice historical context for publishers removing racism from other books The Day Children’s Literature Died Follow-up: Amazon workers in other states inspired by unionizing efforts in Alabama Leander, TX school district removes 6 ...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 433
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the Seuss Enterprise’s decision to stop publishing a half-dozen books, continue ruminating on a “is it good?” segment, admire Murakami’s evasive accessibility, get into some labor talk, and finally discuss the current state of podcasting. Discussed in this episode: 6 Dr Seuss books ceasing publication because of racist imagery Seuss Enterprise’s statement Murakami’s t-shirt line Spotify podcast listeners forecasted to top Apple this year Union booksellers protesting a...
Mar 08, 2021•58 min
Jeff and Rebecca talk about another format they might want to try for talking about books, whether 2020 means we can finally stop confusing the fate of bookstores with the fate of publishing, catch up with some listener feedback, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Bookstore sales fell 28.3% in 2020 Big-picture look at the possible impact of PRH/S&S Charles Yu establishes prize for Taiwanese American writers Underground Railroad teaser trailer Hillary Clinton writing novel w/ Louise Pe...
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 431
Jeff and Rebecca talk about what books actually get read, emotionally manipulative novels, tackle a couple of listener question, and try another guessing game. Discussed in this episode: While nothing we talked about today was newly linkable, I did promise to provide footage of Rebecca after her incredible showing last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 22, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 430
Jeff and Rebecca discuss the winner of the Spring Preview draft, Hachette getting out of the right-wing publishing game, the Obamas adaptation-heavy Netflix slate, and Jeff inadvisedly challenges Rebecca to a new game. Discussed in this episode: Big 5 named as co-defendants in ebook price fixing suit Hachette fired last remaining editor who would publish conservative BS Obamas ink 6-project deal with Netflix, including adaptation of Exit West See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 429
Jeff and Rebecca reflect on the end of Jeff Bezos’ tenure as CEO of Amazon, the launch of the Reese Witherspoon Book Club app, and comment on a commendation for LeVar Burton. Discussed in this episode: Bezos stepping down as Amazon CEO Reese’s Book Club has an app LeVar Burton named first PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 428
Jenn Northington joins Jeff to talk about a new ebook price-fixing lawsuit, the meteoric rise of Amanda Gorman, the high degree of difficulty of adapting The Sparrow, and much more. This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. Discussed in this episode: Update: Hawley’s book pick up by Regnery The Amanda Gorman phenomenon Ebook Price Fixing Lawsuit Queen’s Gambit creator to adapt The Sparrow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 427
Jeff and Rebecca preview the interesting new Spring releases in the form of a draft! They each drafted 10 books to make a basket with the intended audience of a generally interested reader. And they need your help to decide who won! Take a look at the lists below, and then email [email protected] with your vote for who drafted the best all-around basket. This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. Rebecca’s List: Long Time Coming by M...
Jan 25, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 426
Jeff and Rebecca talk about Simon & Schuster pulling Josh Hawley’s book, Powell’s getting heat for carrying a title, discuss how to structure their spring 2020 preview, and much more. This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. Discussed in this episode: S & S cancels Josh Hawley’s book contract MTV Books is coming back Bridgerton books get that Netflix bump Powell’s caught in stocking controversy See omnystudio.com/listener for ...
Jan 18, 2021•56 min•Ep. 425
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the best-selling books of 2020, Eat a Peach follow-up, how the publishing industry fared last year, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Publishing did all right in 2020 Print book sales rose 8.2% in 2020 NYT bestsellers of 2020 We have to talk about this bonkers phishing scam in publishing Response to Eat a Peach More on American Dirt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 424
Jeff and Rebecca share their favorite things from 2020 that were not books. Discussed in this episode: Summer Camp Island Making of Frozen 2 The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Vast of Night Over the Moon Soft Baked Pretzel recipe from Tasty Carto Overcooked 2 Legend of Zelda, The Breath of the Wild Work at Home with Blossom Dearie Playlist Christmas tree stand The Velvelettes Printfresh robe Makers of Wax Goods candles Gaslighter by The Chicks Hearts Town by The War & Treaty The Book o...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 423
Jeff and Rebecca recount their favorite reads of 2020. Discussed in this episode: Intimations by Zadie Smith Eat a Peach by David Chang The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper The Deficit Myth by Stephanie Kelton We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry Group by Christie Tate The Switch by Beth O’Leary The Wisdom of Finance by Mihir Desai Deacon King Kong by James McBride Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Crosby The Lost Man by Jane Harper Weather by Jenny Offill See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
Dec 21, 2020•53 min•Ep. 422
Jeff and Rebecca talk about PRH buying Simon & Schuster, survey best books of the year lists, and much more. Discussed in this episode: The 2021 Read Harder Challenge is here! PRH buys Simon & Schuster Opposition to the PRH purchase Reed retires BEA and BookCon Amazon Best Books of 2020 NYT top 10 Book biz supply chain doing OK so far Bob Woodward writing the book about Trump’s last days in the white house See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choi...
Dec 14, 2020•59 min•Ep. 421
Jeff and Rebecca their 2020 Holiday book recommendations. Discussed in this episode: Force of Nature by Jane Harper The Secret History by Donna Tartt Idaho by Emily Ruskovich A Separation by Katie Kitamura The Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell Radical Dharma Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Intimations by Zadie Smith Station Eleven by Emily Mandel Find Me by Laura van den Berg ...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 420
Jeff and Rebecca give book recommendations in response to reader requests. Discussed in this episode: In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan Kings Queens & In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow Paper Girls by Brian Vaughn and Cliff Chiang Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Heart Berries by Therese Marie Mailhot House Made of Dawn by M Scott Momaday The Surrounded by D’Arcy McNickle Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko ...
Nov 30, 2020•51 min•Ep. 419
Jeff and Rebecca go over some A Promised Land sales numbers, look over the National Book Award winners, check in with the sale of Simon & Schuster, and much more. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by The Orchard by David Hopen, HarperCollins Children’s Books/Quill Tree Books, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service. Discussed in this episode: Ugh Chimamanda Listener query: Any uplifting YA books you can recommend for a “new” non-binary/genderqueer to have during free time...
Nov 23, 2020•59 min•Ep. 418
Jeff, Amanda, and Rebecca return to The West Wing. At least for the pilot. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Yen Press, One Night Two Souls Went Walking by Ellen Cooney , TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and The Magic Ingredient by Lindy Miller. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 18, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 417
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the lead up to A Promised Land, authors you know by just their first names, a very real literary puzzle, and much more. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Just the Two of Us by Ryu Hyang, Bombas, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and Emporia State University’s School of Library & Information Manageme Discussed in this episode: A Promised Land by Barack Obama Oprah & Brad Pitt’s companies adapting The Water Dancer UK children’s book...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 416
Jeff and Rebecca play a round of Buy/Sell/Hold with some of 2020’s most notable books. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Henry Holt & Co., Spalding University, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and Miami Book Fair Books discussed in this episode: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson Weather by Jenny Offill The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey Jack by Marilynne Robinson The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante Transcendent Kingdom by...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 415
Jeff and Rebecca try to remain focused while doing a bunch of listener follow-up, wonder about HMH’s trade business being for sale, admire PW’s Best Books of 2020 list (mostly), and preview upcoming topics. This episode is sponsored bY This episode is sponsored by Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer, Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and Emporia State University’s School of Library & Information Management Discussed in this episode: 92Y podcast PW best bo...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 414
Jeff and Rebecca list their most-wished for bookish adaptations. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Zikora by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Whatbook, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and Book Riot Insiders Discussed in this episode: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Paradise by Toni Morrison Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston The Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan Zone One by Colson Whitehead Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur Maybe ...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 413
Jeff and Rebecca talk about a call for help and a weird stock purchase at The Strand, more encouraging hires in publishing, an ugly fight at B&N goes away, and how much we really don’t like Audible-only things. This episode is sponsored by: This episode is sponsored by Fallen Queen (Mariposa Book 1) by Y. R. Shin, Emporia State University’s School of Library & Information Management, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service, and The Unspoken by Ian K. Smith. Discussed in this episode: Shout...
Nov 02, 2020•58 min•Ep. 412
