All Of It Podcast Summary: Announcing the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Producer: Jordan Loft
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. Hosted by Alison Stewart and produced by Jordan Loft, the show fosters a community that values diverse perspectives and experiences, reflecting the vibrant culture of New York City.
Episode Overview:
- Title: Announcing the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
- Release Date: June 23, 2025
- Duration: 22 minutes
Introduction to the Summer Reading Challenge
[00:28] Alison Stewart: Alison kicks off the episode by celebrating the arrival of summer and announcing the launch of the second annual Summer Reading Challenge. Reflecting on the previous year's success, she shares impressive statistics:
- 780+ listeners signed up globally.
- 222 readers completed the challenge and received special prizes.
She highlights a growing trend, referencing a New York Times article titled "Summer Reading Challenges aren't just for Kids," emphasizing that the challenge is inclusive for all ages.
Key Quote:
“[00:28] Alison Stewart: ...more than 780 listeners signed up from all over the country, even all over the globe.”
Reflections on Last Year's Challenge
[01:26] Jordan Loft: Jordan expresses excitement about returning for the challenge, sharing insights from the previous year:
- High Engagement: Listeners' enthusiasm exceeded expectations.
- Popular Categories: Classics were a favorite, with many choosing to revisit timeless literature.
- Demand for Nonfiction: Significant interest led to the introduction of a dedicated nonfiction category.
Key Quote:
“[01:39] Jordan Loft: ...people were looking for an excuse to pick up an old classic. So we're spoiler alert. We're keeping that category in.”
Changes and Enhancements for 2025
[02:44] Jordan Loft: This year’s challenge introduces several modifications based on listener feedback and past experiences:
- Extended Duration: Beginning earlier, running until the end of Labor Day weekend, providing additional time.
- Increased Book Count: Participants are now challenged to read five books instead of four.
- Streamlined Categories: Five focused categories, requiring one book from each, ensuring varied and comprehensive reading experiences.
New Categories:
- A Classic You've Been Meaning to Get To
- A Book About or Set in New York City
- A Memoir or Biography (Nonfiction)
- A Recent Debut Novel
- A Book Published in 2025
Key Quote:
“[02:44] Jordan Loft: ...instead of four books, we are challenging you to read five. And we've slimmed down the categories so there are no extraneous categories.”
Deep Dive into New Categories
1. Classic Literature
[13:23] Jordan Loft: Celebrates anniversaries of iconic classics:
- The Great Gatsby and Mrs. Dalloway both hit their 100th anniversaries, making it an opportune time to revisit or explore these works.
- Additional Recommendations: John Steinbeck's East of Eden, celebrating its adaptation into a TV series.
Key Quote:
“[13:23] Jordan Loft: ...the 100th anniversary of both of those books. There are tons of events happening in the city around the Great Gatsby and Mrs. Dalloway.”
2. Books About or Set in New York City
[14:54] Alison Stewart & [15:06] Jordan Loft: Recommendations include:
- Play World by Adam Ross: An autofiction novel set in 1980s New York, exploring themes like child acting and Dungeons & Dragons.
- The Doorman by Chris Pavone: A deep dive into the significance of doormen in NYC, intertwined with a murder mystery.
- Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang Smith: A queer business drama set in Victorian high society, perfect for fans of The Gilded Age.
Key Quote:
“[15:06] Jordan Loft: ...Play World by Adam Ross, and it's really a time capsule of New York city in the 80s.”
3. Memoir or Biography
[03:44] Jordan Loft: Introduces this category as an ode to the show's monthly biography series, Full Bio. Emphasizes the breadth within memoirs and biographies, allowing diverse interests:
- Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
- Mary, Queen of Scots by Antonia Fraser
- Charles Sumner: Explores his life and legacy beyond the famous Senate caning incident.
Discussion on What Makes a Good Memoir:
- Well-Written Narrative: Should read like a compelling story.
- Unique Experiences or Perspectives: Provides a universal story through a specific lens.
- Strong Voice: Exemplified by authors like James McBride.
Key Quote:
“[07:21] Jordan Loft: ...the best memoirs read sort of like a story, like, almost like a work of fiction, but aren't.”
4. Recent Debut Novel
[08:08] Jordan Loft: Clarifies the focus on recent debuts to support emerging writers:
- Definitions: Debut novels are those published in the last couple of years, ideally by authors who haven’t yet released a second novel.
- Examples:
- The Names by Florence Knapp: Explores themes of domestic violence and the power of naming through multiple narrative tangents.
- Blob by Alison Stewart: Blends romance and speculative fiction with a girl finding a transforming blob.
- Big Chief by John Hickey: A crime thriller set on a reservation, delving into tribal politics.
Key Quote:
“[08:27] Jordan Loft: ...we're hoping for a debut novel that is published in the last couple of years. And ideally, they haven't published their second novel yet.”
5. Books Published in 2025
[18:54] Jordan Loft: Highlights anticipated releases:
- King of Ashes by SA Cosby: A Southern atmospheric noir crime thriller.
- Untitled by Maggie Stiefvater: Her first adult novel, a historical fiction set during World War II.
- Katabasis by RF Kuang: A fantasy novel about grad students traveling to hell to retrieve a magical advisor, drawing comparisons to Harry Potter for adults.
Key Quote:
“[20:31] Alison Stewart: And you've got one by a huge author.”
How to Participate
[21:17] Jordan Loft: Provides instructions for signing up:
- Website: Visit wnyc.org/summerreading to download the PDF and sign up.
- Process: Fill out the form electronically or print and complete by hand for a personal touch.
- Support: Alison and Jordan will provide ongoing support, recommendations, and check-ins throughout the summer.
Key Quote:
“[21:17] Jordan Loft: ...head to wnyc.org/summerreading and Jordan will be back throughout the summer to check up on you, to take your calls, and to give you more recommendations.”
Conclusion
Alison and Jordan wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to join the Summer Reading Challenge, participate actively, and immerse themselves in a diverse array of literature. With thoughtfully curated categories and exciting book recommendations, this year's challenge promises to enrich participants' summer with meaningful and engaging reads.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Alison Stewart: “[00:28] ...more than 780 listeners signed up from all over the country, even all over the globe.”
- Jordan Loft: “[01:39] ...people were looking for an excuse to pick up an old classic.”
- Jordan Loft: “[07:21] ...the best memoirs read sort of like a story, like, almost like a work of fiction, but aren't.”
- Jordan Loft: “[08:27] ...we're hoping for a debut novel that is published in the last couple of years.”
- Alison Stewart: “[20:31] And you've got one by a huge author.”
Final Note: Listeners interested in cultural discussions and literary engagement will find the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge a valuable opportunity to explore diverse genres and support both classic and emerging authors. For more information and to participate, visit wnyc.org/summerreading.