Jeff and Rebecca build off listener feedback to spend more time talking about TikTok and books, how local libraries can be eaten away from the inside, have their minds boggled about a 300-year overdue library book, and more. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The show can also be found on Stitcher. For more industry news, sign up for our Today in Books daily newsletter! Discussed in this episode: The Niles Public Library is a Warning Prince Harry memoir! More on the TikTok ...
Jul 26, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 455
Jeff and Rebecca parse listener feedback on what makes historical fiction, explicate the bestselling books of the year so far, and more. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The show can also be found on Stitcher. For more industry news, sign up for our Today in Books daily newsletter! Discussed in this episode: Book Riot’s best of the year so far PW bestselling books of the year so far The Niles Public Library is a Warning A win! Portland Public Schools will no longer teach ...
Jul 19, 2021•58 min•Ep. 454
Jeff and Rebecca talk about recent reading, proceed to debate what constitutes historical fiction, wish for the failure of the efforts of some politicians, anticipate Janelle Monae’s short story collection, and much more. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The show can also be found on Stitcher. For more industry news, sign up for our Today in Books daily newsletter! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission...
Jul 12, 2021•43 min•Ep. 453
Jeff and Rebecca check in on summer book sales, relay another effort they hope fails, and talk about Michelle Zauner’s excellent debut memoir, Crying in H Mart. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The show can also be found on Stitcher. For more industry news, sign up for our Today in Books daily newsletter! Discussed in this episode: Parents sue over BLM lessons in Pennsylvania school district (Handy Vox piece explaining what critical race theory actually is) See omnystudio...
Jun 28, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 451
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the Pulitzer Prize announcements, things happening in conservative publishing, a sweeping Amazon investigative report, and more. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The show can also be found on Stitcher. For more industry news, sign up for our Today in Books daily newsletter! Discussed in this episode: We’re hiring! Pulitzer winners Update: DoJ drops Bolton case Big publishers unlikely to take Trump book HarperCollins imprint signs deal for Jared...
Jun 21, 2021•46 min•Ep. 450
Jeff and Rebecca pick their most memorable, favorite, and otherwise noteworthy reads of 2021 so far. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rebecca’s Picks: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Girlhood by Melissa Febos Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraquib Miseducated by Brandon P Fleming Rebecca’s Honorable Mentions: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab Project Hail Mary b...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 449
Jeff and Rebecca talk about Amazon buying MGM, Roxane Gay’s new imprint, what makes an “it” book, and more. Discussed in this episode: Fare thee well, Eric Carle Amazon buys MGM Roxane Gay imprint! WNDB no longer using “own voices” SHE SAID movie coming John Steinbeck’s unpublished…werewolf novel?? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 448
Jeff and Rebecca discuss the results of their Summer Draft showdown and try a little something new with Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley Ford. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 07, 2021•2 hr 12 min•Ep. 447
Jeff and Rebecca talk about Field of Dreams and the book its based on, W.P. Kinsella’s Shoeless Joe. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 446
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the listener survey, a new giant ereader, Amazon sort of coming to libraries, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Constance Grady weighs in on Pence / S & S, and publishing’s existential crisis: DPLA signs deal w/ Amazon Publishing to make their ebooks available to libraries A piece worth reading on cancel culture & breaking up with your childhood faves GIANT EREADER Cynthia Ozick responds to negative review from Lionel Shriver in verse Book It returns! ...
May 24, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 445
Jeff and Rebecca compete to draft the best list of Summer 2021 new releases. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Jeff’s Picks Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley Ford One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston The Ugly Cry by Danielle Henderson Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor Intimacies by Katie Kitamura Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder Committed by Adam Stern This is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith ...
May 19, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 444
Jeff and Rebecca set a BR reader poll, talk more about the publication of the Mike Pence book, get into how much authors make, and wonder if a techno-fad has a place in the world of books. Discussed in this episode: BR podcast poll: Which of these books have you read? Jonathan Karp digs in deeper on Pence book *and* there’s a recording of another town hall How Much Do Authors Make? NFTs for Books? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
May 17, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 443
Jeff and Rebecca talk about the uncoolness of ereading, how Jeff was right in a way that matters, a diversity in writing initiative from Reese’s Book Club, and more. Discussed in this episode: Reese’s Book Club offering fellowship for unpublished writers from underrepresented groups Shouts for Jess Pryde! Another editorial about What Publishing Stands For Albuquerque is home to the world’s only Native-owned comic book store See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about yo...
May 10, 2021•56 min•Ep. 442
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 42 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•58 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 5 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 6 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 4 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 3 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 23 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 8 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•58 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•55 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 7 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 2 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 3 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 7 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 8 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 podcast@bookriot.com 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 6 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
