Book Riot - The Podcast: Power Ranking the Books of 2015
Hosts: Jeff O'Neill & Rebecca Schinsky
Release Date: January 22, 2025
In this engaging episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky embark on the challenging task of power ranking the best books of 2015. Despite the complexities and the emotional toll of revisiting a past year's literary landscape, Jeff and Rebecca navigate through a diverse array of titles, offering insightful commentary and personal reflections that capture the essence of each work.
1. The Challenge of Ranking
Jeff: "We've had many difficult tasks, Rebecca. Getting through Covid, you know, dealing with life. This was way up there, you know, as." [00:29]
Rebecca: "This was painful. Yeah, we've had versions of this. Actually, the most recent one that we did, which I think was the books of 1994, was really tough because none of them were particularly exciting." [01:02]
Jeff and Rebecca express the emotional difficulty of ranking books from 2015, highlighting how personal experiences and the sheer volume of quality literature make the task daunting. They grapple with differing opinions on what constitutes a standout book, reflecting on how their perspectives have evolved over time.
2. Criteria for Power Ranking
Rebecca proposes a two-part formula for their rankings:
"I think it's a two part formula where the book was significant in the time it came out and it retains some kind of significance or influence in reading culture or the publishing industry or made some kind of lasting splash." [05:53]
Jeff concurs, emphasizing the importance of both contemporary impact and enduring legacy. This dual approach ensures that their list acknowledges books that not only made headlines in 2015 but also continued to influence readers and the literary world in subsequent years.
3. Top 10 Power Rankings
10. Nimona & Lumberjanes Combo
Rebecca kicks off the ranking by celebrating Nimona and Lumberjanes as pivotal works that expanded the scope of comics and graphic novels.
"They were geared towards women and girls and non-binary folks in ways that we had not seen comics do before. They weren't about, you know, saving the world necessarily, but about friendships to the max." [11:37]
These titles are lauded for their fresh perspectives and inclusive storytelling, marking a significant shift in the genre.
9. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Described as a monumental yet controversial work, A Little Life delves deep into the lives of four friends in New York grappling with trauma and identity.
"It's as I said, it's at my seven and it's like, surprisingly, it just has a surprising endurance over the last 10 years and was surprisingly popular for a book that is all of those things, but is also quite literary." [16:35]
The book's intense emotional narrative sparked widespread discussion and remains a touchstone in contemporary literature.
8. God Help the Child by Toni Morrison
Jeff and Rebecca acknowledge Toni Morrison's contribution with God Help the Child, though they debate its placement due to its reception and lasting impact.
"It’s a Toni Morrison novel, even when it's eclipsed by almost everything else in her catalog, is still worthy of a mention." [26:58]
Despite mixed feelings, Morrison's work is recognized for its literary significance.
7. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, The Sympathizer is praised for its unique blend of memoir and spy novel themes.
"This was a huge flying out of the gate there." [16:57]
Its critical acclaim and thoughtful exploration of identity continue to resonate with readers.
6. The Sellout by Paul Beatty
Paul Beatty's satirical masterpiece is highlighted for its incisive commentary on race and society.
"It's a real product of that political moment. And I think Beatty is perhaps more skeptical or was perhaps coming from a more skeptical place about where." [33:34]
The novel's sharp wit and bold narrative make it a standout in 2015's literary offerings.
5. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin's groundbreaking work in the fantasy genre earns top spots for its intricate world-building and social commentary.
"This has become a modern classic of the genre and she pulled off two Titanic series in a row that won all the awards in the genre space." [21:46]
Jemisin's The Fifth Season is celebrated as a transformative piece that redefined speculative fiction.
4. NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
NeuroTribes is lauded for its profound impact on the understanding of neurodiversity.
"It was really, really important and getting a mainstream conversation going in a way that somebody who didn't have an autistic child or an autistic friend has an experience, expanded understanding of what it means for someone to be autistic." [46:37]
Silberman's work is credited with revolutionizing societal perspectives on autism.
3. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates & Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Combined into a powerful duo, these works are recognized for their poignant exploration of race, identity, and the African American experience.
"It was part of the popular discourse... significant title." [51:18]
Their intersectional narratives have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature.
2. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Fates and Furies earns high praise for its innovative storytelling and deep psychological exploration of marriage and identity.
"This was the moment that Lauren Groff became, I think, much more of a like a recognizable reading culture household name." [59:33]
Groff's exceptional narrative structure and character development secure her place near the top.
1. H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald
Crowned as the top book, H is for Hawk stands out for its lyrical prose and heartfelt exploration of grief through falconry.
"Look through scarves of scent curl from the forest and swirl toward a beautiful medieval village... retains some kind of significance." [65:44]
Helen MacDonald's memoir is celebrated for its emotional depth and unique narrative, making it the definitive book of 2015 in their ranking.
4. Honorable Mentions
While focusing on the top ten, Jeff and Rebecca also acknowledge several other noteworthy books from 2015, including Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. These titles, among others, are discussed for their popularity, cultural impact, and varying degrees of critical acclaim.
5. Reflections on 2015’s Literary Landscape
Both hosts agree that 2015 was a pivotal year in publishing, characterized by diversity and a surge in influential works by authors of color. They note the role of social media and cultural shifts in amplifying these voices, making 2015 a standout year for literary diversity and innovation.
Jeff: "This was a notably diverse year. We need diverse books. Was cooking." [75:59]
Rebecca: "2015 felt like a real turning point in Publishing. That 20 in a great way." [76:11]
6. Closing Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca reflect on the enduring legacy of the books they discussed, contemplating how these works have continued to influence readers and the literary world a decade later. Their honest assessments and passionate discussions provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of 2015's literary achievements.
This episode serves as both a nostalgic look back and a critical analysis of a formative year in literature. Through their thoughtful rankings and engaging dialogue, Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky offer listeners a nuanced perspective on the books that shaped 2015, highlighting their significance and lasting impact.