Podcast Summary: Book Riot - The Podcast

Episode Title: Book Riot's Most Anticipated Books of 2025, The Unbearable Whiteness of the Goodreads Choice Awards and...Jeff read ALL FOURS. And Jeff and Rebecca Both Read FOURTH WING
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O'Neal & Rebecca Schinsky

1. Introduction and Recap [00:32 – 01:24]

Jeff and Rebecca kick off the episode by welcoming listeners to the new year amidst a backdrop of personal and global challenges. Jeff humorously mentions Rebecca's plumbing issues, setting a relatable tone.

Jeff [00:35]: "An eventful year already. Already seems to be."

Rebecca echoes the sentiment, expressing her frustration over their hiatus from podcasting and hinting at exciting news for listeners.

Rebecca [01:11]: "This is one of the longest stretches of podcast or not podcasting together. And it's been killing me because you've got news for front list foyer."

2. Book Discussions: "All Fours" and "Fourth Wing" [01:24 – 07:17]

Jeff reveals that he read "All Fours" during the break without informing Rebecca, sparking playful tension.

Jeff [01:24]: "...I read all fours over break and I have not said word one to Rebecca about it."

Rebecca and Jeff both discuss their reading experiences with "Fourth Wing," expressing their general disinterest in the book without delving into a full book club analysis.

Jeff [02:21]: "Both Rebecca and I read Fourth wing over break."

Rebecca [02:25]: "We rode that dragon."

They decide to reserve a deeper discussion for their Patreon subscribers, maintaining their main feed's focus on broader topics.

3. Most Anticipated Books of 2025 [05:42 – 07:17]

Jeff and Rebecca explore Book Riot's list of the most anticipated books for 2025, highlighting their unique approach compared to other lists like Publishers Weekly. They emphasize the diversity and eclectic choices stemming from their contributors' varied interests.

Jeff [05:54]: "They have not dropped theirs yet. I don't know that we're last like this first full week of January has really been when the most anticipated lists have hit."

Rebecca notes specific titles and authors that caught her attention, such as V.E. Schwab's "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" and Charmaine Wilkerson's "Good Dirt."

Rebecca [07:17]: "I have my eye on that too."

4. Critique of the Goodreads Choice Awards and Publishing Diversity [14:31 – 20:19]

The hosts delve into the problematic lack of diversity within the Goodreads Choice Awards, criticizing the dominance of white authors despite Goodreads' efforts to seed a more inclusive shortlist.

Jeff [15:37]: "It's a bunch of white people. And certainly, it's happened this year. Kelly, I'm not going to get into the specifics here unless you want to, but let's just say it's extremely so."

Rebecca adds that the awards reflect broader industry biases and the impact of social media algorithms in perpetuating these trends.

Rebecca [20:12]: "It doesn't take much and you will find that you're not sacrificing anything in quality and your reading life will get richer."

5. Book Banning News [24:00 – 26:01]

Jeff shares recent legal developments where a federal judge struck down parts of an Arkansas law that posed threats to librarians by penalizing them for not adhering to certain book selections.

Jeff [25:35]: "A federal judge struck down portions of an Arkansas law that threatened to put librarians in the clink..."

Rebecca connects this to the broader trend of book banning targeting LGBTQ+ and trans communities, noting the intensified efforts with the current political climate.

Rebecca [25:35]: "Book bans have served their purpose as the thin end of the wedge into attacks on specifically LGBT and trans folks..."

6. Christopher Nolan's Odyssey Adaptation [26:01 – 30:31]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the news that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan is adapting Homer's "Odyssey" into a major film slated for summer 2026. The hosts speculate on casting choices, plot interpretations, and the film's potential scope.

Rebecca [26:21]: "Christopher Nolan's next film is an epic like world-spanning adaptation of Homer's Odyssey coming out summer 2026."

They discuss potential actors for key roles, the setting of the film (ancient Greece vs. modern day), and Nolan's signature IMAX technology.

Jeff [27:57]: "We're having hot Greek summer."

7. Broader Publishing Industry News [34:08 – 38:06]

The conversation shifts to the establishment of a new imprint, Storehouse Voices by Crown (Penguin Random House), aimed at amplifying Black writers' voices. The hosts critique the initial rollout, noting the lack of diversity in the first six titles.

Rebecca [37:33]: "And they seem to all be white."

Jeff and Rebecca discuss the implications of such imprints and the importance of intentional diversity beyond superficial branding.

8. Discussion on "All Fours" and Emotional Resonance [44:01 – 63:02]

Rebecca passionately reviews "All Fours," critiquing its portrayal of a midlife crisis and the protagonist's lack of self-awareness. She contrasts it with other works like "Night Bitch," praising narratives that more effectively explore personal fulfillment and emotional depth.

Rebecca [44:01]: "But the difference here is that I never really intended to read Lonesome Dove and I will take any chance to get back into the Odyssey."

Jeff provides his own analysis, suggesting that the book fails to offer meaningful character development and critiques its handling of sexual desire as a metaphor for existential longing.

Jeff [47:42]: "... her own physical desire, her subjectness to it makes it impossible for her to ignore it. And maybe that's interesting to think about."

They agree that while "All Fours" offers some critical perspectives, it falls short in delivering a nuanced narrative, prompting listeners to seek more substantive storytelling.

9. Concluding Remarks and Patreon Promotion [63:02 – End]

As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon for deeper dives into specific book analyses and upcoming content.

Rebecca [63:02]: "I'm still gonna be mad."

Jeff [63:15]: "We're gonna talk to y'all later."

They remind listeners to visit BookRiot.com for feedback, show notes, and additional resources.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff [14:31]: "We don't have access to marketing budgets, but that's always one or a one. Big questions..."

• Rebecca [25:35]: "If you are using social media as the top of your funnel, I think for news or for books or for all of the above, that's not really going to be a viable situation anymore."

• Jeff [47:42]: "Her own physical desire, her subjectness to it makes it impossible for her to ignore it."

• Rebecca [44:01]: "I have my eye on that too."

Key Takeaways:

• Diversity Issues: The podcast critically examines the lack of diversity in major book awards and publishing lists, emphasizing the need for intentional inclusion beyond token gestures.

• Publishing Trends: Hosts discuss emerging trends in literature, including gender dynamics in book readership and the impact of social media algorithms on book discovery.

• Industry News: Significant updates like Christopher Nolan's "Odyssey" adaptation and the launch of new publishing imprints signal ongoing changes in the literary landscape.

• Book Critiques: In-depth discussions on specific books like "All Fours" and "Fourth Wing" reveal the hosts' perspectives on narrative depth, character development, and thematic relevance.

• Listener Engagement: The hosts encourage audience participation through Patreon, offering more detailed analyses and fostering a community of engaged readers.

For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Book Riot's newsletter, follow their social media channels, and join their Patreon community.