Book Riot - The Podcast: Mid-Year Check-in Time. PLUS: Rodney Freeman on ARE YOU A LIBRARIAN?

Release Date: July 21, 2025

1. Mid-Year Literary Landscape

Hosts Welcome Back Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky kick off the episode by highlighting the absence of a recent news-focused episode and express enthusiasm for diving into a plethora of mid-year literary updates. They outline the agenda, which includes Book Riot's best books of the year, bestsellers, and a special feature on Rodney Freeman's documentary, "Are You a Librarian?"

“It's been a while since we've done a news episode, Rebecca, but we got a bunch of mid-year stories.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [01:05]

2. Best Books of the Year So Far

Diverse Selections and Personal Favorites Rebecca and Jeff discuss their curated lists of the year's standout books, emphasizing the variety and personal connections to their picks. They mention contributions from other Book Riot writers and tease upcoming Patreon content that promises a "hot list check-in" to gauge the literary temperatures among the hosts.

“You'll always know someone by name.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [02:00]

3. Bestseller Insights

Publisher's Weekly Snapshot The hosts delve into the Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, highlighting notable rankings and sales figures. Rebecca expresses disappointment over the commercialization of bestsellers, pointing out the dominance of Romantasy titles and limited diversity among top sellers.

“There are two big self-help books with Mel Robbins and James Clear holding on.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [13:06]

4. The State of Romantasy

Sustained Popularity and Industry Impact Erica and Rebecca analyze the enduring trend of Romantasy, discussing its origins and the industry's commitment to nurturing this genre despite mixed critical reception. They debate whether upcoming releases will maintain this momentum or pave the way for new trends.

“Romantasy is here to stay even if you wish that the trend were going away.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [15:59]

5. Book Recommendations and Reviews

"A Marriage at Sea" & "The Carpool Detectives" Rebecca and Erica share their thoughts on recent reads. Rebecca praises "A Marriage at Sea" for its compelling character study and seamless narrative, recommending it as a versatile pick for a wide audience. Erica discusses "The Carpool Detectives," highlighting its engaging true-crime narrative and well-crafted audio production.

“It's a relationship study which is found in super compelling.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [35:44]

6. Reading and Resistance Series

Spotlight on Black Librarianship In a poignant segment, Erica converses with Rodney Freeman, the producer of the documentary "Are You a Librarian?" They explore the pivotal role of Black librarians in the fight for civil rights, emphasizing how literacy and access to information have been tools for empowerment and resistance.

“Black librarians continue that legacy of finding freedom through reading.”
— Jeff O'Neill [48:59]

Historical Context and Modern Challenges Rodney Freeman elaborates on the history of Black librarians in America, discussing seminal events like the first documented library sit-in in 1939 and the Tougaloo Nine's pivotal actions in 1960. The conversation underscores ongoing struggles against book bans and the preservation of Black literary history.

“Libraries were segregated, and Black librarians were fighting against the status quo.”
— Rodney Freeman [51:03]

7. Contemporary Issues in Literacy

Media Literacy vs. Traditional Reading Rebecca and Erica discuss Constance Grady's analysis of contemporary literacy challenges faced by young people. They debate whether the decline in traditional reading is a genuine issue or a byproduct of evolving media consumption habits.

“Reading deeply and critically is a skill that has to be taught.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [32:21]

8. Engaging Book Discussions

"Summer Storms" and "A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar" Rebecca reviews Sarah Maclean's "Summer Storms," likening it to a blend of "Succession" and "Knives Out," while Erica shares her enthusiasm for Katie Y.’s "A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar," praising its literary depth and emotional resonance.

“It was like Knives Out meets Succession.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [40:17]

9. Listener Engagement and Community Picks

Interactive Book Picks and Competitions The hosts encourage listeners to engage with Book Riot's curated lists and participate in giveaways, fostering a sense of community and shared literary exploration.

“You can win all 20 of them if you go to bookriot.com/hot20.”
— Erica Ezaffetti [02:00]

10. Closing Thoughts and Future Content

Anticipation for Upcoming Releases As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca express excitement for future content, including Rodney Freeman's documentary release and continued discussions in their Reading and Resistance series.

“Look forward to more content through our Reading and Resistance series.”
— Rebecca Schinsky [64:41]

Notable Quotes

• “Romantasy is here to stay even if you wish that the trend were going away.”
  — Rebecca Schinsky [15:59]

• “Black librarians continue that legacy of finding freedom through reading.”
  — Jeff O'Neill [48:59]

• “It's a relationship study which is found in super compelling.”
  — Rebecca Schinsky [35:44]

• “Reading deeply and critically is a skill that has to be taught.”
  — Rebecca Schinsky [32:21]

Conclusion

This mid-year episode of Book Riot - The Podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the current literary scene, blending bestseller analyses with thoughtful discussions on the cultural significance of reading and literacy. The highlight remains the insightful conversation with Rodney Freeman, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black librarians in America's civil rights movement. Whether you're a casual reader or a literary enthusiast, this episode provides valuable perspectives and engaging content to enrich your reading journey.

Listen to the full episode and explore more at Book Riot Podcast.