Book Riot - The Podcast: Hot List Check-In for January 2025 [Teaser]

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky
Podcast Description: Book Riot's Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky navigate the latest happenings in the literary world, discussing new releases, adaptations, publishing events, and more. As North America's largest independent editorial book site, Book Riot offers a diverse range of media tailored for readers across all genres.

Introduction to the Hot List Check-In

In the teaser for the January 2025 episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky set the stage for their annual Hot List Check-In. They delve into the current literary landscape, highlighting the most anticipated releases and trending titles that have captivated readers over the past year.

Categorizing the Hot List

Jeff:
"It's time for our first hot list check-in of the year. Transitional shoulder season when it comes to hot lists and check-ins and zeitgeist on the whole." [00:23]

Jeff introduces the concept of categorizing books into two distinct groups: those they are confident will resonate with audiences (“I'm pretty sure they count”) and those that are still under consideration (“I wonder”). This nuanced approach allows them to spotlight both guaranteed hits and intriguing newcomers.

Rebecca:
"So let's wonder about them together." [00:56]

Rebecca emphasizes the collaborative nature of evaluating the potential of the latter category, suggesting a dynamic and interactive discussion ahead.

Spotlight on Anticipated Releases

Onyx Storm

Jeff:
"The bar has been raised. Right. Like in a high jump competition. So we're gonna have fewer candidates but maybe, maybe all these contenders can get over." [00:58]
"Onyx Storm. Coming out. It's gonna be huge. We don't need to talk about this anymore." [01:12]

Onyx Storm emerges as a standout title with substantial pre-order numbers, especially in Canada where Indigo reported higher pre-orders than previous installments. This indicates growing readership and anticipation surrounding its release.

Rebecca:
"No press release from Indigo in Canada said they have more pre-orders for this one than for the previous ones. So it seems like readership continues to build." [01:18]

Rebecca underscores the momentum building for Onyx Storm, highlighting its sustained popularity and the publisher's confidence in its success.

James: A Year-Long Favorite

Jeff:
"James, number one hardcover fiction last week picking up Steam and the year list I think really help people and all this stuff going on with that." [01:28]

The book "James" continues to make waves, securing the top spot in hardcover fiction and maintaining its presence on year-end lists. Its enduring appeal suggests it remains a favorite among readers and critics alike.

Rebecca:
"I'm gonna stay in the zeitgeist at least until Pulitzer season." [01:41]

Rebecca anticipates that "James" will remain relevant and widely discussed, especially leading up to the Pulitzer Awards, indicating its literary significance.

Top Women's Books of 2024

Jeff and Rebecca then shift focus to highlight the top three women's books that have left a significant mark in 2024.

Intermezzo and The Ringovers

Jeff:
"I've got Intermezzo, the Ringovers. I see some people picking it up. I've seen Pete continues to sell. It's on recommended. I don't know Pretty sure. But it's still a Rooney and people are finding it." [02:12] [02:22]

Intermezzo and The Ringovers are praised for their compelling narratives and strong recommendations, indicating their popularity and critical acclaim within the literary community.

Rebecca:
"Yeah. I haven't seen much chatter about it, but if it's still selling." [02:34]

Rebecca notes the steady sales of these titles, even if they aren't generating widespread conversation, highlighting their consistent appeal.

God of the Woods

Jeff:
"And then God of the woods people are going to be buying that book into this." [02:37]
"It's mainstream, but like there's a lot of books that are published with the intention of being mainstream, right?" [02:55]

God of the Woods is gaining mainstream traction, surpassing the usual expectations for a book intended for a broader audience. Its success is attributed to its engaging storytelling and relatable themes.

Rebecca:
"My mom read God of the Woods. It's going mainstream." [02:50]

Rebecca shares a personal anecdote to illustrate the book's growing popularity, suggesting its themes resonate across different readerships.

Additional Noteworthy Titles

Rental House

Jeff:
"I'm putting rental house in here. A lot of people love this book." [03:04]

Rental House is recognized for its widespread appeal, with readers expressing strong affection for its narrative and characters.

Rebecca:
"I support this." [03:24]

Rebecca's endorsement emphasizes the book's quality and its importance within the current literary conversation.

Emerging Trends: Let Them

Jeff:
"Let Them by. What's her name? I can't remember. It just flies out of my brain." [04:23]
"It's selling like hotcakes." [04:26]

The book Let Them by an author whose name slips Jeff's mind is experiencing significant sales traction. Its popularity is fueled by its practical approach to personal development and empowerment.

Jeff's Anecdote:
"I was looking at the recommended books and a woman came up to the counter and asked... We're getting that a lot, but we're all sold out..." [04:26 – 05:53]

Jeff recounts an encounter at a Los Angeles bookstore where a fellow customer inquired about Let Them, highlighting its high demand and widespread recognition. This personal story underscores the book's impact and relevance in everyday conversations.

Rebecca:
"This one has gone to the people who read four to six books a year category at this point." [02:59]

Rebecca comments on the book's appeal to avid readers, suggesting that its themes and content resonate deeply with those who frequently engage with literature.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The teaser concludes with a prompt for listeners to access the full content:

Rebecca:
"Thanks so much for listening. Join us@patreon.com Book Riot podcast to hear the rest of this episode and get access to our full back catalog of premium content. That's patreon.com bookriotpodcast." [05:59]

Listeners are encouraged to join the Book Riot Podcast's Patreon community to gain full access to the detailed Hot List Check-In and other premium content, enhancing their literary experience.

Notable Quotes:

• "Onyx Storm. Coming out. It's gonna be huge. We don't need to talk about this anymore." – Jeff [01:12]
• "No press release from Indigo in Canada said they have more pre-orders for this one than for the previous ones. So it seems like readership continues to build." – Rebecca [01:18]
• "God of the woods. It's mainstream, but like there's a lot of books that are published with the intention of being mainstream, right?" – Jeff [02:55]
• "Let Them is selling like hotcakes." – Jeff [04:26]

This teaser episode offers a sneak peek into the dynamic discussions and expert insights that Jeff and Rebecca bring to the literary world each month. From anticipating blockbuster releases to uncovering hidden gems, Book Riot - The Podcast serves as an essential guide for readers seeking to stay informed and engaged with the ever-evolving landscape of books and reading.