Book Riot - The Podcast: Jeff’s “I Wish I Could Read All Day” Books of June 2025

Release Date: June 6, 2025

In this episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, host Jeff O’Neill delves into his curated list of must-read books slated for June 2025. Titled “I Wish I Could Read All Day,” Jeff provides an insightful exploration of both fiction and nonfiction titles, sharing his personal interests and anticipations for each release. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Jeff's segment, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Exploring the Importance of Book Blurbs

Jeff begins by addressing the perennial debate over the significance of book blurbs in attracting readers. He acknowledges the mixed perspectives surrounding blurbs, especially from a publicist's standpoint.

“And I think the answer is sometimes. And that's a frustrating answer.” — Jeff O’Neill [05:15]

He highlights a particular blurb from Percival Everett for Mario Reva’s Endling, expressing his intrigue despite not having read the book yet.

“I am who I am. So what's this book about? It's a novel, darkly comic. The comps are Martyr, Lincoln and the Bardo...” — Jeff O’Neill [07:30]

2. Fiction Highlights

Jeff presents a diverse selection of fiction titles, offering brief synopses and his personal reasons for including each book on his list.

a. Endling by Mario Reva

• Publisher: Doubleday
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 352
• Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Ukraine during the onset of the current war, the novel intertwines the stories of an eccentric scientist breeding rare snails and sisters searching for their activist mother amidst chaos.

“I like aviation and aviation history. My first thought is this, Charles Lindbergh...” — Jeff O’Neill [10:00]

b. The Great Man by Kyra Davis Lurie

• Publisher: Crown
• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Pages: 320
• Synopsis: A retelling of The Great Gatsby set among the Black elite of post-war Los Angeles, inspired by real-life events.

“I'm very interested to see what this is... It's very easy to try.” — Jeff O’Neill [12:45]

c. The Weepers by Peter Mendelsohn

• Publisher: Crown
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 320
• Synopsis: This novel explores a unique profession of professional mourners in the American Southwest and the emergence of an individual with an extraordinary ability to mourn.

“I ripped through it. He makes up some of the jargon, which I think is pretty fun.” — Jeff O’Neill [24:15]

d. The Nimbus by Robert P. Baird

• Publisher: Holt
• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Pages: 352
• Synopsis: A debut novel about a glowing child, known as the Nimbus, and the subsequent upheaval in a small town as scholars attempt to understand this phenomenon.

e. Madame Stephanie St. Clair by Mary Kay McBrayer

• Publisher: Park Row
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 272
• Synopsis: Unveiling the life of Harlem’s legendary racketeer, Madame Stephanie St. Clair, blending historical facts with dramatic narratives.

“I am in to this. A brisk 272 pages.” — Jeff O’Neill [26:45]

3. Nonfiction Selections

Jeff also shares his enthusiasm for several nonfiction titles, covering a range of topics from aviation history to personal memoirs.

a. The Big Hop by David Rooney

• Publisher: Norton
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 336
• Synopsis: Chronicles the ambitious transatlantic aviation race known as the Big Hop, highlighting the pioneers and technological innovations of the era.

“It's really interesting. I don't know much about this particular time... I love hearing about these mechanical innovations.” — Jeff O’Neill [16:30]

b. The Spinach King by John Seabrook

• Publisher: Norton
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 368
• Synopsis: The true story of the Seabrook family from New Jersey, detailing their rise from farming to becoming agricultural aristocrats.

“John Seabrook is a staff writer at the New Yorker... they'll tell the truth about the murders that have haunted their family.” — Jeff O’Neill [18:20]

c. Grand Finale by Susan Gubar

• Publisher: Norton
• Release Date: June 10, 2025
• Pages: 384
• Synopsis: An exploration of the creative longevity of women artists, inspired by Gubar’s personal battle with terminal cancer.

d. Cloud Warriors by Thomas Weber

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Pages: 288
• Synopsis: An inside look into the pioneers revolutionizing weather forecasting through science and technology.

“These are people doing real work to make our lives better.” — Jeff O’Neill [30:10]

4. Emerging Authors and Debuts

Jeff takes a keen interest in debut authors and new voices in the literary world, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives.

a. The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Release Date: June 17, 2025
• Pages: 240
• Synopsis: A ghost story set in the high-stakes world of New York’s top publicists, blending supernatural elements with corporate drama.

“You hear me? Flabbergasted and fascinated.” — Jeff O’Neill [29:50]

b. The Great American Road Trip by Rolando Pujol

• Publisher: Artisan
• Release Date: June 24, 2025
• Pages: 336
• Synopsis: Documents the remnants of the classic American road trip, focusing on iconic landmarks, diners, and the nostalgic Route 66 culture.

5. Personal Reflections and Anticipations

Throughout the episode, Jeff shares his personal connections and anticipations for the books he discusses. He expresses excitement for titles that offer a blend of historical insight, personal memoirs, and imaginative storytelling.

“I'm willing for Catherine Lacy to give it a shot.” — Jeff O’Neill [09:20]

He also touches upon the significance of design and culture in literature, particularly highlighting The Invention of A Twentieth Century History by Maggie Graham, which explores the cultural history of design and its utopian promises.

“I might even deign to get this in hardcover because I feel like I'm gonna want to know these stories.” — Jeff O’Neill [29:00]

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jeff wraps up his segment by reiterating his enthusiasm for the diverse range of books selected for June 2025. He encourages listeners to explore new genres and authors, emphasizing the joy of discovering books that resonate on both personal and intellectual levels.

“Shoot me an email firstedition@bookriot.com until next time. Read something.” — Jeff O’Neill [31:00]

Notable Quotes:

• “I think the answer is sometimes. And that's a frustrating answer.” — Jeff O’Neill [05:15]
• “I am who I am. So what's this book about? ...” — Jeff O’Neill [07:30]
• “I ripped through it. He makes up some of the jargon, which I think is pretty fun.” — Jeff O’Neill [24:15]
• “John Seabrook is a staff writer at the New Yorker... they'll tell the truth about the murders that have haunted their family.” — Jeff O’Neill [18:20]
• “These are people doing real work to make our lives better.” — Jeff O’Neill [30:10]
• “I might even deign to get this in hardcover because I feel like I'm gonna want to know these stories.” — Jeff O’Neill [29:00]

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for avid readers looking forward to June 2025's literary offerings. Jeff O’Neill’s selections span a wide array of genres and topics, ensuring there's something for every type of reader. Whether you're interested in darkly comic novels, insightful memoirs, or groundbreaking nonfiction, Jeff’s recommendations provide a valuable roadmap for your summer reading list.