Podcast Summary: Book Riot - The Podcast Episode: Power Ranking the Books of 2005
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Kishinsky

Introduction: Setting the Time Capsule

In this vibrant episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Kishinsky embark on a nostalgic journey, Power Ranking the Books of 2005. They delve into the literary landscape of 2005, assessing which books have stood the test of time and why some have faded into obscurity. This episode serves as both a reflection on the past and an exploration of how cultural shifts influence a book's enduring legacy.

The Literary Climate of 2005

Jeff O’Neill opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of 2005 as a pivotal year in literature. He states, "I think these 20-year flashbacks are the most interesting because this is long enough to have a sense of what has endured and stayed relevant and what was a flash in the pan at its time" (04:01). This perspective sets the tone for evaluating each book not just on its initial impact but also on its sustained relevance over two decades.

Power Ranking from #10 to #1

10. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

Jeff introduces Prep as a cornerstone of chick lit emerging in 2005. He remarks, "This was a huge debut novel. It was everywhere I read it, I think in hardcover, which was a big deal in my" (10:04). The book's reception, including its placement in the New York Times top 10, underscores its initial popularity. However, over time, while Sittenfeld has diversified her portfolio, Jeff and Rebecca acknowledge that Prep may not hold a "stable position" in the literary canon, leading Rebecca to keep it off her personal top list.

9. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Moving to #9, the discussion centers on the global phenomenon of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Jeff emphasizes its mass appeal, noting, "a hundred million copies sold. It was truly everywhere" (14:45). However, both hosts express concerns about the series' sustainability, especially after Larsson's untimely death and the subsequent decline in adaptations. Rebecca adds, "there was so much sexual violence in these books...audiences have shifted against that a little bit" (13:02), questioning its long-term legacy.

8. American Prometheus by Ron Chernow

At #8, American Prometheus garners attention for its comprehensive biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Jeff praises the book for its depth, saying, "it was a magisterial work of art and biography" (17:30). Despite its Pulitzer win, Rebecca points out that Chernow's focus on Oppenheimer's personal life over his literary contributions may limit its appeal to purely book enthusiasts.

7. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore secures the #7 spot, representing Haruki Murakami's rise to mainstream popularity in the U.S. Rebecca highlights its significance, stating, "it was part of Murakami becoming mainstream, at least in the U.S." (20:24). The book's surreal narrative and metaphysical themes are praised, although there is acknowledgment of its niche appeal and the challenge it poses to casual readers.

6. On Beauty by Zadie Smith

In the #6 position, On Beauty by Zadie Smith is lauded for its literary merit. Jeff describes it as "the most accessible of the Zadie Smiths" (24:19) and appreciates its Forsterian influences. Rebecca concurs, noting its timeless quality, "it feels like a tree grows in Brooklyn..." (32:31). Despite not topping their lists, both hosts recognize its enduring presence in literary discussions.

5. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief claims the #5 spot, credited with revolutionizing middle-grade literature. Rebecca explains, "this series is huge... it continues to sell, and it's sold into, you know, the next 25 years of true middle grade" (30:10). The book's blend of modern fantasy and Greek mythology has resonated with generations of young readers, ensuring its lasting legacy.

4. Freakonomics by Thomas Friedman

At #4, Freakonomics is celebrated for its impact on popular economic and sociological discourse. Jeff comments, "it's like a certain moment for popular economics, business, self-help that was capitalizing on what Kahneman and Tversky's work" (33:17). The book's exploration of unconventional economic theories sparked widespread conversation, though its long-term influence is debated.

3. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

The Year of Magical Thinking secures the bronze medal for its profound exploration of grief and loss. Jeff lauds it as Joan Didion's "best-selling work" and a book that has become "a classic" (42:40). Rebecca adds depth to its significance, mentioning how it taps into the collective understanding of mourning, making it a timeless piece that resonates across generations.

2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Securing the runner-up position, Never Let Me Go is praised for its literary beauty and enduring relevance. Jeff emphasizes its depth, "it's masterful and it's dystopian, but in this quiet way" (47:51). Rebecca acknowledges its lasting impact, comparing it to Ishiguro's other masterpieces and highlighting its place in academic syllabi and personal reading lists alike.

1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Topping the list is Twilight, recognized as a defining work in the romantasy genre. Jeff underscores its cultural phenomenon, stating, "160 million copies of the series in print... just old school sell it." (51:13). Rebecca reflects on its influence, noting how it carved a niche for young adult romantic fantasy, paving the way for subsequent series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. They discuss its enduring popularity, adaptations, and the way it encapsulates the early 2000s' cultural zeitgeist.

Honorable Mentions

While the top ten were meticulously ranked, both hosts acknowledge several other noteworthy books from 2005 that didn't make the main list but still left an impact:

• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• American Prometheus by Ron Chernow
• Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bergetzi
• King of Envy by Anna Huang
• Death on the Island by Eliza Reid

These books received brief nods for their unique contributions to their respective genres and readerships.

Reflections on Longevity and Cultural Impact

Throughout the episode, Jeff and Rebecca grapple with the notion of a book's ability to remain relevant over decades. They ponder questions like whether Never Let Me Go will outshine Twilight in the years to come or if Harry Potter will continue to dominate. The conversation underscores the challenges of predicting a book's timelessness, considering factors like cultural shifts, evolving genres, and personal reader experiences.

Jeff muses, "He's a tour de force of metaphysical reality. I think you could describe every Kafka or every Murakami that way." (22:34), highlighting the enduring appeal of certain literary styles.

Conclusion: A Reflective Journey Through 2005's Books

Power Ranking the Books of 2005 offers listeners a comprehensive look back at a diverse array of literature that defined the year. Through insightful analysis and candid reflections, Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Kishinsky not only rank these books but also explore their lasting significance in the literary world. This episode serves as both a nostalgic tribute and a thoughtful examination of what makes a book endure in the ever-evolving landscape of reading.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff O’Neill (04:01): "I think these 20-year flashbacks are the most interesting because this is long enough to have a sense of what has endured and stayed relevant and what was a flash in the pan at its time."

• Jeff O’Neill (10:04): "This was a huge debut novel. It was everywhere I read it, I think in hardcover, which was a big deal in my."

• Rebecca Kishinsky (13:02): "There was so much sexual violence in these books... audiences have shifted against that a little bit."

• Jeff O’Neill (17:30): "It was a magisterial work of art and biography."

• Ambrosia R. Harris (20:24): "It was part of Murakami becoming mainstream, at least in the U.S."

• Jeff O’Neill (24:19): "It's the most accessible of the Zadie Smiths."

• Rebecca Kishinsky (30:10): "This series is huge... it continues to sell, and it's sold into, you know, the next 25 years of true middle grade."

• Jeff O’Neill (33:17): "It’s like a certain moment for popular economics, business, self-help that was capitalizing on what Kahneman and Tversky's work."

• Jeff O’Neill (42:40): "It's Didion's best-selling work... a classic."

• Jeff O’Neill (51:13): "160 million copies of the series in print... just old school sell it."

For listeners eager to explore these books or reminisce about their favorites from 2005, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging guide through time, highlighting the enduring power of literature.