Book Riot - The Podcast: "Our Favorite Books of the Year" Summary

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Hosts: Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
Podcast Description: Book Riot's Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into the latest in books and reading, discussing new releases, adaptations, and publishing events tailored for diverse readers across all genres.

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "Our Favorite Books of the Year," Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky embark on sharing their top ten books of 2024. They clarify that their lists are based on personal favorites rather than the absolute best books, acknowledging the subjective nature of such rankings.

2. Reflections on the Year’s Reading

Rebecca Schinsky reflects on her reading year, assigning herself a grade of B, noting:

"I felt like I had some big A hits, but overall, it wasn't as memorable as the previous years." [09:02]

Jeff O'Neill shares a similar sentiment, also grading his year as a B due to periods of reading drought and a mix of memorable and forgettable reads:

"I felt like the end of the year was weaker, with many books not resonating as deeply as others." [10:00]

3. Top 10 Favorite Books of the Year

Number 10: "Colored Television" by Danzy Senna (Released: [11:07])

Rebecca's Take:
Danzy Senna's novel revolves around an English professor struggling with her stalled manuscript and navigating the allure of Hollywood. Senna interweaves sharp commentary on race without being preachy, making the book a compelling read.

"The writing is just so, so sharp... It made me excited for whatever Danzy Senna does next." [11:19]

Jeff's Reflection:
Jeff mentions the difficulty in placing this book accurately on his list due to effects like the endowment effect and recency bias.

Number 9: "Black Pill" by Elle Reeve (Rebecca's Choice: [13:55])

Jeff's Choice: "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham (Timestamp: [15:37])

Rebecca's Take:
Elle Reeve explores the radicalization of young men online, providing a terrifying yet empathetic narrative about how isolation leads to extremist actions.

"Reeve is a really great, also really fun and funny writer... The book rips as a page-turner." [14:01]

Jeff's Take:
Adam Higginbotham's "Challenger" delves into the 1986 Challenger shuttle disaster, highlighting both scientific failures and cultural implications within the U.S. space program.

"Higginbotham is clear, concise, and comprehensive... I've signed a lifetime commitment to Higginbotham's work." [15:37]

Number 8: "The Other Significant Others" by Raina Cohen (Rebecca's Choice: [19:57])

Jeff's Choice: "Beauty Land" by Helene Bertino (Timestamp: [22:17])

Rebecca's Take:
Raina Cohen's book profiles unconventional living arrangements where friendships take precedence over romantic relationships, offering a warm and expansive look into alternative lifestyles.

"It's really wonderful and I would love to see Cohen get more attention for it." [19:47]

Jeff's Take:
"Beauty Land" reimagines Arthurian legends in a progressive 21st-century setting, blending history with modern sensibilities.

"It's a long book, but Grossman is clear, concise, and comprehensive... It was just enough without needing more." [22:23]

Number 7: "Margot's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe (Rebecca's Choice: [22:25])

Jeff's Take:
Although Jeff hasn’t read this book, he acknowledges its placement on Rebecca's list, anticipating its adaptation into a series.

Number 6: "The Bright Sword" by Lev Grossman (Jeff's Choice: [27:53])

Rebecca's Take:
Jeff praises Grossman's retelling of Arthurian legends, emphasizing its depth and personal exploration of themes like love, identity, and redemption.

"It is a great time... The writing is so effortless and engaging." [35:02]

Number 5: "Ghost Roots" by Pemi Aguda (Jeff's Choice: [36:24])

Rebecca's Take:
Rebecca discusses "Ghost Roots" as a collection of short stories set in Lagos, Nigeria, blending speculative and supernatural elements seamlessly.

"I loved it... It's like surrealism intertwined with mythical and mystical elements." [38:01]

Jeff's Take:
He highlights the book's magical realism and its capacity to deliver powerful, memorable moments despite its short story format.

Number 4: "Beauty Land" by Helene Bertino (Jeff's Choice continued: [39:01])

Rebecca's Take:
Rebecca retains this book at a higher rank due to its uplifting vibe and effortless storytelling, celebrating human connections and personal growth.

"It's about healing fiction... and making complex emotions accessible and affirmative." [42:00]

Number 3: "Knife" by Salman Rushdie (Rebecca's Choice: [42:40])

Jeff's Take:
Rushdie's exploration of his own trauma following an attack, delving into themes of art, speech, and the intersection of religion with public life.

"It's an amazing addition to Rushdie's canon... navigating deep, complex conversations." [43:58]

Rebecca's Take:
She lauds the book for its raw honesty and the way it opens up necessary but challenging conversations.

"Rushdie is like, come on and let's just talk about it... It's a masterwork." [45:37]

Number 2: "Splinters" by Leslie Jamison (Jeff's Choice: [46:12])

Rebecca's Take:
Leslie Jamison's memoir intertwines themes of marriage, parenthood, and personal struggles, offering unflinching introspection and beautiful prose.

"You do not want to appear in a Leslie Jamison book if you've done her wrong... It's raw and open." [50:21]

Jeff's Take:
He appreciates the book's honest portrayal of personal flaws and emotional depth, highlighting its therapeutic and profound nature.

"It's as good as it gets... raw and open discussions of getting back into the dating world." [50:18]

Number 1: "James" by Percival Everett (Jeff's Choice: [53:57])

Rebecca's Take:
"James" is a masterful reimagining of "Huck Finn," delving into American literature's canon and exploring complex social roles through innovative storytelling.

"Everett is just playing like nine-dimensional chess... masterful and deeply insightful." [54:44]

Jeff's Take:
He celebrates "James" as the standout book of the year, praising its intricate narrative and enduring impact on American fiction.

"It towers above everything else... It's the masterwork of the year." [58:05]

4. Honorable Mentions

Rebecca Schinsky:

• "Intermezzo" by Gerrie Jarvis
• "Enjoy Yourself" by Glynnis McNichol
• "Be Ready When the Luck Happens" by Ina Garten
• "Middle-Aged Lady Memoirs and Meditations for Mortals" by Oliver Berkman
• "Ghost Roots" by Pemi Aguda

Jeff O'Neill:

• "Slow Productivity" by Cal Newport
• "Simon Van Voy" by Unknown Author
• "Greta Valdin" by Rebecca Reilly
• "All That Glitters" by Orlando Whitfield
• "Sonny Boy" by Al Pacino

5. Closing Remarks

Jeff and Rebecca conclude by acknowledging a strong year in reading, buoyed by standout works like Percival Everett's "James." They express anticipation for future discussions and encourage listeners to explore their recommended titles through platforms like ThriftBooks and MyTBR.co.

Notable Quotes

• Rebecca Schinsky:
  "I am glad to have been introduced finally to Danzy Senna's voice." [11:19]

• Jeff O'Neill:
  "I have an 11th that's an extra special honorable mention, if that's a thing." [01:08]

• Rebecca Schinsky:
  "It's just so effortless... this went down easy." [27:32]

• Jeff O'Neill:
  "If you are interested in the complexity of a certain kind of existence... it's as good as it gets." [50:18]

Conclusion

Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky provide an insightful and engaging overview of their literary favorites for 2024, offering listeners a blend of personal reflections and thoughtful critiques. Their discussions not only highlight standout books but also invite listeners to ponder the diverse narratives shaping the current literary landscape.