Book Riot - The Podcast: The 2025 Booker Longlist Is Here

Release Date: August 4, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
Description: In this episode, Jeff and Rebecca delve into the newly announced 2025 Booker Prize longlist, exploring its implications for the literary world, discussing industry trends, and addressing the challenges faced by independent media and bookstores.

1. Unveiling the 2025 Booker Longlist

The episode kicks off with Jeff and Rebecca discussing the arrival of the 2025 Booker Prize longlist. They express both excitement and frustration over the eligibility window, which includes books published between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Jeff humorously laments the confusing dates:

Jeff O'Neill [35:50]: "That literally is in fear. That doesn't help anyone do anything."

Rebecca highlights notable inclusions, such as Katie Kitamura's "Audition," praising it as a favorite:

Rebecca Schinsky [37:17]: "Audition is one of the long listed titles. And good news for me too. Also my favorite book of the year."

2. Conflicts of Interest Within the Booker Prize

A significant portion of the discussion centers around potential conflicts of interest among the Booker Prize judges. The hosts critique Sarah Jessica Parker’s role as a judge given her imprint's previous involvement with longlisted books. Rebecca raises concerns about transparency and fairness:

Rebecca Schinsky [38:58]: "It really sucks for Claire Adams and for readers. Like, if the fact that one of the judges published your previous novel and is adapting your current novel is not a conflict of interest, that is disqualifying."

Jeff counters by questioning whether this conflict materially affects the integrity of the longlist:

Jeff O'Neill [42:36]: "I just don't think, frankly, it's in its shade on the idea of a Booker long list thing that getting nominated for an award has no bearing anymore if it ever did on the artistic or commercial success of your project."

3. The Influence of Algorithms on Literary Diversity

Jeff and Rebecca delve into how algorithms on platforms like Goodreads may be undermining diversity in popular book selections. They reference an alarming statistic where all top 50 books were authored by white writers, sparking a broader conversation about unconscious bias and algorithmic influence:

Jeff O'Neill [14:20]: "If you're not interrogating them, just, you know, unconscious bias and what the algorithm serves you."

Rebecca emphasizes the ethical and business imperatives for publishers to support diverse media outlets to foster a more inclusive literary environment:

Rebecca Schinsky [15:22]: "Support independent media for all the reasons... you need to support the kinds of outlets that cover a diverse array of books."

4. Sustaining Independent Media: Audience Support vs. Advertising

The hosts explore the financial sustainability of independent media, debating the merits and drawbacks of relying on audience support versus advertising revenue. Jeff outlines the necessity of diversifying income streams to maintain editorial independence:

Jeff O'Neill [16:47]: "There are virtually no audience-only supported book media company things. Everyone has advertising. All of them do, right?"

Rebecca discusses the shifting landscape where traditional advertising models are becoming unsustainable, advocating for a hybrid approach to funding:

Rebecca Schinsky [17:53]: "Having multiple modes of support and income makes you more sustainable and also gives you a greater defense if one of those modes becomes threatened."

5. The Resurgence of Independent Bookstores

A highlight of the episode is the remarkable 65% year-over-year growth of the independent bookstore, Bookshop. Jeff attributes this surge to increasing anti-Amazon sentiment and a shift in consumer behavior towards supporting local businesses:

Jeff O'Neill [51:34]: "It's an amazing 65% year over year growth in a year when book sales are down across the industry."

Rebecca corroborates this trend, noting that consumers are now making values-based purchasing decisions, especially as Amazon’s incentives become less compelling:

Rebecca Schinsky [56:09]: "Consumers know what it is. Now only 5% of their sales are ebooks. Which I thought was interesting, but that does give some... it raises the bar a little bit."

6. Book Recommendations and Discussions

Towards the end of the episode, Jeff and Rebecca share their latest book recommendations, discussing a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles that have caught their attention. Highlights include:

• "The Carpool Detectives" by Chuck Hogan: Jeff praises its addictive quality and engaging narrative.

• "Maggie" by Katie Yee: Rebecca describes it as a "great debut novel" that intricately explores middle-age challenges and personal growth.

• "The Feather Detective" by Chris Sweeney: Jeff lauds this non-fiction piece for its detailed portrayal of a pioneering forensic ornithologist.

7. Reflections on Modern Communication and Behavior

In a thoughtful exchange, Jeff and Rebecca contemplate the state of modern communication, particularly how algorithms and digital platforms impact language and human connection. They reference "Algospeak" by Adam Electric, discussing the limitations it imposes on nuanced conversations:

Rebecca Schinsky [27:14]: "They're going into automatic like AI driven filters that can't detect nuance in how the language is used."

Jeff draws parallels between current linguistic adaptations and historical shifts brought about by innovations like writing and the printing press:

Jeff O'Neill [26:08]: "Language is evolving, but it's contracting. We have fewer and fewer ways to express ourselves."

8. Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Literature and Media

Jeff and Rebecca wrap up the episode by reflecting on the interconnected challenges facing literature and independent media. They emphasize the importance of supporting diverse voices and sustainable media models to foster a rich and inclusive literary landscape. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with independent bookstores and supporter-supported media as essential steps toward a more vibrant and equitable book world.

Tune in next week for more insights, discussions, and recommendations from Book Riot's Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky.