Podcast Summary: Book Riot - The Podcast
Episode: 2024 Holiday Recommendation Show, Part the Second
Release Date: December 2, 2024

In the second part of Book Riot’s annual Holiday Recommendation Show, hosts Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into a myriad of listener inquiries, providing thoughtful and diverse book suggestions to enrich the holiday season. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussions, featuring key recommendations, insightful conversations, and memorable quotes with timestamps.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with a brief acknowledgment of the absence of new updates since the last recording, setting the stage for an in-depth focus on holiday book recommendations.

Jeff O'Neill (00:56):

"For part two of our holiday recommendation show. I don't know what to say."

2. Listener Requests and Recommendations

A. Gender Identity in Literary Fiction

Listener Request:
A partner who has recently begun transitioning and is interested in exploring literary fiction with gender identity themes beyond genre fiction or memoirs.

Recommendations:

• "The Argonauts" by Maggie Nelson
  Rebecca highlights this hybrid memoir that intricately explores sexuality and gender identity, making it a must-read for those delving into these themes.

  Rebecca Schinsky (02:04):

  "The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson really bends what we think of as memoir and infuses elements of a lot of other genres with it."

• "Freshwater" by Ekweke Emezi
  Noted for its speculative elements and queer themes, offering a unique narrative on gender identity.

• "Nevada" by Imogen Benny
  Recommended for its strong exploration of non-cisgender identities within a literary framework.

Jeff O'Neill (03:21):

"The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara... It's very painful. But there's also moments of real humor and beauty and pathos here."

B. Books for Outdoor-Loving Fathers

Listener Request:
A book for a dad who enjoys outdoorsy, page-turner novels, recently read "Barkskins" by Annie Proulx.

Recommendations:

• "The Overstory" by Richard Powers
  Jeff suggests this multi-generational novel focusing on trees and nature, aligning with the listener’s interests.

  Jeff O'Neill (05:49):

  "Pachinko is a modern classic by Min Jin Lee. Multi-generation historical fiction short on trees for my taste."

• "Gentlemen in Moscow" by Amor Towles
  Rebecca praises this book for its masterful historical world-building and engaging characters.

  Rebecca Schinsky (06:46):

  "A Gentleman in Moscow is just charming as all get out."

C. Creating Gift Wish Lists Supporting Independent Bookstores

Listener Request:
Tools for creating book wish lists that support independent bookstores, especially when gifting to relatives unlikely to use specialized links.

Recommendations:

• Bookshop.org
  Jeff endorses this platform as a user-friendly solution that supports a wide range of independent bookstores.

  Jeff O'Neill (16:29):

  "Bookshop.org is going to be the most generally approachable. It is very clean looking. Check out."

• Direct Bookstore Gift Cards
  Rebecca suggests directly requesting gift cards to specific indie bookstores, ensuring support stays local.

  Rebecca Schinsky (17:43):

  "You might just say, as part of your gift to me, it would be great if this purchase could support an independent bookstore."

D. Building a Baby’s Library

Listener Request:
Recommendations for children's books suitable for a growing library, spanning various age groups.

Recommendations:

• "Little Blue Truck" Series
  Jeff emphasizes the series' timeless appeal and engaging stories for young readers.

  Jeff O'Neill (21:31):

  "Little Blue Truck is a classic for a reason."

• "House on the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune
  Rebecca highlights this for its wonderful audiobook narration and heartwarming story.

  Jeff O'Neill (22:00):

  "It's about a couple of kids from a black family and there is a bit of a treasure hunt that they discover."

• "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne
  Recommended for its enduring charm and suitability for read-aloud sessions.

  Jeff O'Neill (23:56):

  "Have a good time. It is kind of hard, but those are the ones that really stuck out to me."

E. Spooky and Gothic Reads

Listener Request:
Suggestions for recent spooky or gothic books to get into the holiday spirit without crossing into horror.

Recommendations:

• "Ghost Roots" by Pemi Ogudai
  Jeff discusses its eerie portrayal of a house with a life of its own, earning a finalist spot for the National Book Award.

  Jeff O'Neill (24:55):

  "It is an awesome creepy story."

• "Hacienda" by Isabel Kanasi
  Rebecca describes it as a haunting narrative set in the Dominican Republic, delving into family history through a sinister house.

  Rebecca Schinsky (24:55):

  "It's expressing that history. Creepy as hell, but still pretty amazing."

F. Balancing Adult and Children's Interests in Book Gifts

Listener Request:
Suggestions for books suitable for both adult and child readers, particularly for a three-and-a-half-year-old who enjoys soccer, Pokémon, and dinosaurs.

Recommendations:

• "What People Do All Day" by Richard Scarry
  Jeff recommends this for its engaging illustrations and educational content about various professions.

  Jeff O'Neill (51:29):

  "It's kind of amazing actually for a three and a half year old."

• "The Book with No Pictures" by BJ Novak
  Rebecca highlights this as a fun read-aloud that entertains both children and adults with its humorous instructions.

  Jeff O'Neill (52:35):

  "It's a read aloud and it's meant to be read aloud and it makes fun of the person reading it."

G. Classics for 2025 Reading Goals

Listener Request:
Aiming to read more classics in the upcoming year with personal favorites and flexibility in definition.

Recommendations:

• "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas
  Jeff suggests this adventurous classic as an engaging starting point.

  Jeff O'Neill (38:22):

  "The Count of Monte Cristo... rips. It's so cool and so fun."

• "House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton
  Rebecca commends its sharp social commentary and timeless relevance.

  Rebecca Schinsky (38:22):

  "It feels current in its own kind of way."

• Shakespeare’s Works and The Bible
  Both hosts emphasize reading foundational texts that frequently appear in contemporary literature references.

  Rebecca Schinsky (40:44):

  "Read the Bible as literature. Read Dante... Read some Dickens and some Hemingway."

H. Comfort Reads for Grieving During Holidays

Listener Request:
Books that provide comfort and a sense of warmth without centering on family gatherings, ideally fostering a holiday spirit.

Recommendations:

• "Legends and Lattes" by Travis Baldree
  Jeff introduces this cozy fantasy novel about an Orcish warrior opening a coffee shop, blending warmth and magical elements.

  Jeff O'Neill (45:28):

  "It's kind of amazing. There's a prequel called 'Bookshops and Bone Dust.'"

• "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
  Rebecca and Jeff discuss its magical and ethereal qualities, perfect for evoking holiday enchantment.

  Jeff O'Neill (46:36):

  "It's the literary equivalent of like White Christmas Lights... magical and affirming all at the same time."

I. Multi-Generational Family Stories

Listener Request:
Seeking novels that explore multi-generational family dynamics similar to "Pachinko" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain."

Recommendations:

• "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen
  Jeff describes this as a sharp, satirical novel blending literary fiction with a deep exploration of identity and conflict.

  Jeff O'Neill (56:38):

  "The Sympathizer is an unbelievably great book. It's written as an anonymous confession from a North Viet Vietnamese spy."

• "Nothing" by Ann Patchett
  Jeff recommends this for its compelling characters and satisfying narrative structure.

  Jeff O'Neill (54:19):

  "The original 'Brooklyn' is terrific. Also, if there's an adaptation... it's beautiful and heartbreaking and tender all at the same time."

• "Small World" by Jonathan Evison
  Rebecca praises it for its exploration of multiple generations and interconnected lives across American history.

  Rebecca Schinsky (60:42):

  "It's multi-generational... how their lives are connected to each other."

J. Recommendations for Loved Ones with Specific Tastes

Listener Request:
Suggestions for an 81-year-old who enjoys Jane Austen, historical fiction, and mysteries but is seeking something beyond gentle mysteries.

Recommendations:

• "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman
  Rebecca recommends this charming mystery featuring a group of retirees solving crimes, blending humor with intrigue.

  Rebecca Schinsky (63:32):

  "They get together because the police don't take seriously the case that they're working on."

• "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles
  Jeff reiterates the charm and depth of this novel, perfect for readers seeking historical richness.

  Jeff O'Neill (12:21):

  "A Gentleman in Moscow is just charming as all get out."

• "The Book with No Pictures" by BJ Novak
  While primarily for children, this humorous read-aloud can also entertain older readers with its clever narrative.

  Jeff O'Neill (52:35):

  "It's a read aloud and it's meant to be read aloud."

3. Insights and Discussions

Throughout the episode, Jeff and Rebecca engage in lively discussions, often sharing personal anecdotes related to the books they recommend. They emphasize the importance of diversity in reading selections, the emotional impact of literature, and the joy of discovering new authors and stories.

Rebecca Schinsky (42:41):

"Read some Langston Hughes... Read some Toni Morrison. Read some Faulkner."

Jeff O'Neill (37:08):

"You won't go wrong with a Brit Bennett... Zadie Smith Pick it up."

4. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca extend warm holiday wishes to all listeners, encouraging them to find time for personal reading and reflection amidst the festive season.

Jeff O'Neill (70:06):

"Happy holidays to you all. Whatever holidays you celebrate. And if you celebrate none of them, happy Tuesday or Wednesday, whichever day."

Rebecca Schinsky (70:11):

"We hope you find some time for yourself."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jeff O'Neill (00:56):

  "For part two of our holiday recommendation show...nothing happened in the last 30 seconds."

• Rebecca Schinsky (02:04):

  "The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson really bends what we think of as memoir..."

• Jeff O'Neill (12:39):

  "That's what we mean by Marvel games."

• Rebecca Schinsky (24:28):

  "We have covered a ton of cozy things, from fantasy to historical cozy books by BIPOC authors."

• Jeff O'Neill (37:08):

  "You won't go wrong with a Brit Bennett."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Book Riot’s Holiday Recommendation Show offers a treasure trove of book suggestions tailored to diverse reader interests, ensuring that every listener can find something meaningful and enjoyable for the holiday season. Through their engaging dialogue and thoughtful recommendations, Jeff and Rebecca foster a sense of community and shared passion for literature.