All Of It Podcast Summary
Episode: Summer Reading Challenge Check-In: Beach Read Recommendations
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Introduction and Upcoming Conversations
In the opening segment, Alison Stewart previews the upcoming week’s episodes, highlighting an array of engaging conversations. Tomorrow, listeners can expect an insightful discussion with journalist Paul Tough, who delves into his reporting on ADHD in children that challenges existing conventions (00:28). Wednesday, the spotlight shifts to a new documentary exploring New York City's skateboard culture and its influence on the rise of the iconic brand Supreme. Thursday, Pulitzer Prize-winning feature writer Jennifer Sr. joins to discuss her article, “Why Can’t Americans Sleep? Insomnia Has Become a Public Health Emergency.” Friday promises a lively debate on the best films of the 21st century, inviting listeners to contribute their own nominations (00:28).
Summer Reading Challenge Overview
The episode centers around the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging listeners to read five books across five distinct categories by Labor Day to win a prize. Alison provides details on how to sign up, directing participants to visit wnyc.org/summerreading or check the link in WNYC’s Instagram bio (04:02). The five categories include:
- A classic you’ve been meaning to read
- A book about or set in New York City
- A memoir or biography
- A recent debut novel
- A book published in 2025
Previously, the challenge offered seven categories with the requirement to complete four, but this year participants must complete all five (02:30).
Defining a Great Beach Read
Jordan Loft, the show's producer and Summer Reading Empress, shares her perspective on what makes a compelling beach read. She emphasizes that a good beach read should be engaging enough to keep readers turning pages, whether it’s lighthearted or more serious in tone. “It has to be something that's going to capture your attention and you're going to look up and say, oh, three hours have gone by and I've been sitting here,” Jordan explains (03:25).
Book Recommendations by Category
Fiction
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Atmosphere, is recommended as a quintessential beach read. The story follows a female astronaut inspired by Sally Ride, who is recruited by NASA amidst efforts to diversify its astronaut corps. The narrative intertwines romance and suspense, with themes of love and the dangers of space exploration. This book fits into the “published in 2025” category and is praised for its memorable characters and gripping plot (05:19).
Recent Debut Novel
“Lonely Crowds” by St. Stephanie Wambugu
A debut novel set in 1990s New York City, Lonely Crowds explores the friendship between two girls from a New England Catholic school who move to NYC to pursue artistic careers. The story delves into themes of friendship, competition, and jealousy as one friend’s success threatens their bond. Scheduled for release on July 29, it offers a versatile choice for multiple challenge categories (09:31).
Biography and Memoir
“Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Currently being read by one of the callers, Born a Crime is highlighted for its humor, thoughtfulness, and insightful exploration of Trevor Noah's experiences growing up. This memoir fits well within the “memoir or biography” category and is recommended for its engaging storytelling (12:04).
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten
Ina Garten’s memoir provides a beachy vibe, detailing her journey in launching her business in the Hamptons. It combines personal anecdotes with practical business insights, making it an ideal pick for those seeking a light yet inspiring read (23:33).
Book Published in 2025
“Luminous” by Sylvia Park
Set in a futuristic world where Korea has reunified and AI robots are becoming lifelike, Luminous follows two siblings raised alongside an AI robot brother who mysteriously disappears. The novel tackles contemporary issues surrounding AI and human relationships, making it a timely and thought-provoking choice for the summer reading list (19:05).
Classic Literature
“The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro
A classic recommended by Harold from Brooklyn, this novel delves into themes of isolation and personal duty, offering a profound and moving reading experience. Its depth and emotional resonance make it a strong contender for the challenge’s classic category (19:58).
Listener Interactions and Recommendations
Throughout the episode, Alison and Jordan engage with listeners who call in to share their own book recommendations:
- Diane from South Orange, NJ recommends Silver Summer by Carly Fortune and Geraldine Brooks’s memoir Memorial Days (06:22, 06:58).
- Lisa from Tom’s River suggests Butterfly Summer by Tony DePalma, a fast-paced novel set in Italy about a Hollywood producer (10:39).
- Melanie from Loch Arbor, NJ praises My Friends by Frederick Bachman and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime (11:40, 12:04).
- Laurie from the Upper West Side recommends Fatal Obsession by Faith Martin, a thrilling crime novel set in 1960s Harlem (13:35).
These interactions provide a diverse array of recommendations, catering to various tastes and categories within the Summer Reading Challenge.
Additional Recommendations and Insights
Jordan Loft continues to enrich the conversation with further book suggestions:
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Romantic Novel: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, a story about two competing journalists who might find love amidst their professional rivalry (08:15).
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Fantasy: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, a vampire tale spanning different eras and exploring queer identities (22:16).
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Memoir: Dry Season by Melissa Febos, which chronicles her deliberate abstention from sex to understand herself better (24:12).
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Sports Biographies: On Her Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports by Christine Brennan and Baddest: The Making of Mike Tyson by Mark Kriegel, catering to sports enthusiasts (25:19).
Tips for Selecting a Classic
Addressing a listener’s concern about finding a suitable classic for the challenge, Jordan offers practical advice. She suggests:
- University Syllabi: Checking local university course readings for inspiration.
- Anniversaries: Selecting classics celebrating significant anniversaries, such as The Great Gatsby or Mrs. Dalloway.
- Adaptations: Choosing books being adapted into films or series, like East of Eden by John Steinbeck or Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (25:17).
Closing Remarks and How to Participate
As the episode concludes, Alison reiterates the details of the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging listeners to sign up via wnyc.org/summerreading or through WNYC’s Instagram bio. Participants can download a PDF to track their progress, with the option to share their selections online. The five required categories are:
- A classic you’ve been meaning to read
- A book about or set in New York City
- A memoir or biography
- A recent debut novel
- A book published in 2025
Completing all five categories by Labor Day qualifies participants for the prize. Alison and Jordan express their excitement for the challenge and encourage active participation, fostering a sense of community around shared reading experiences (26:02).
Notable Quotes:
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"To me, a beach read is something that keeps you occupied, keeps you turning pages while you're sitting on the beach or sitting at the park."
— Jordan Loft (03:25) -
"It's about grief, about moving on with your life, about resilience and about female friendship."
— Jordan Loft on Katie Yee’s debut novel (12:41) -
"If you're looking for an excuse to read Pride and Prejudice, that's another anniversary that works."
— Jordan Loft on selecting classics based on anniversaries (21:01)
This episode of All Of It not only provides a comprehensive guide to selecting engaging summer reads but also fosters an interactive community eager to share and explore diverse literary experiences. Whether you're seeking thrillers, romances, memoirs, or classics, the recommendations offered cater to a wide array of interests, ensuring every participant finds the perfect beach read to enjoy under the sun.