Book Riot - The Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: The Books of the Year
Host/Authors: Jeff O'Neill & Rebecca Schinsky
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Description: In this pivotal episode, Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky undertake the significant task of selecting the books that have defined 2024. Delving deep into sales figures, cultural impact, and personal favorites, they craft a comprehensive list that encapsulates the literary landscape of the year.

1. Introduction to the Year's Literary Landscape

Jeff and Rebecca kick off the episode by highlighting the absence of a definitive “Books of the Year” list from major publications like The New York Times. This void sets the stage for their mission to curate such a list, aiming to reflect both popular and critically acclaimed works that have resonated throughout 2024.

Jeff [00:48]: "Today we have a very important job. Rebecca. We are deciding the books of the year. No one else is going to do it."

2. Methodology: Crafting the List

The hosts discuss their approach to selecting the top books. They emphasize a blend of personal preferences, sales data, and cultural significance. Utilizing platforms like Goodreads for popularity metrics and considering books that have spurred conversations in media and public discourse are central to their selection process.

Rebecca [01:36]: "There's a significant amount of overlap with our best books conversations. But not all of these are books that would have come up in those conversations because things can be significant in the zeitgeist without being good or best."

3. Top 10 Books of 2024

1. James by Martyr
Considered a frontrunner, James tops their list due to its profound impact and widespread discussion.

Jeff [05:26]: "Automatically goes Jon James number one. I the top of my board, I guess."

2. All Fours
Acknowledged for its cultural resonance, particularly in sparking conversations about women’s aging and menopause.

Rebecca [06:01]: "You have to have all fours in your life. It undeniably is a book of the year."

3. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
A pivotal non-fiction work that delves into the effects of technology on youth, influencing both public opinion and policy.

Jeff [11:08]: "It's hard to say that sentence out loud and not say and I'm sure everything is fine because... everything's behind James in this next tier."

4. Intermezzo
Praised for its literary quality and being central to understanding the year's cultural narratives.

Rebecca [12:31]: "It's kind of a quiet point. There wasn't something different enough about it."

5. God of the Woods
An elevated thriller that intertwines rich family dynamics with contemporary societal themes.

Jeff [17:07]: "I just find it hard to distinguish between this and like something like the Claire Lombardo."

6. The Women
A bestseller that resonated widely, dominating discussions both online and in bookstores.

Rebecca [07:08]: "It's in all the airport bookstores. There's inevitably at least one person reading it at the gate at the airport."

7. House of Flame and Shadow
A standout in the literary thriller genre, noted for its intricate plotting and cultural commentary.

Jeff [38:34]: "House of Flame and Shadow, all the Colors of the Dark, Knife Martyr, the Women..."

8. Knife
A gripping narrative that blends intense plotlines with deep character development.

9. Colored Television by Danzy Senna
Celebrated for its sharp dialogue and contemporary relevance, making it a breakout hit.

Rebecca [38:56]: "It feels like a breakout. It's sharp, it's funny, it deals with contemporary issues..."

10. Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
Selected to represent the Romantasy genre, acknowledging its commercial success and genre significance.

Jeff [24:25]: "I have to have some Romantasy title. So I put it at 10 because it is a little in the wash of the mossness."

4. Genre Trends and Cultural Impact

The episode delves into trend analysis, highlighting the rise of Romantasy—a fusion of romance and fantasy—as a dominant genre. Jeff and Rebecca discuss the importance of including such genres to reflect shifts in reader preferences and market dynamics.

Rebecca [26:09]: "I thought we needed some Romantasy somewhere on this list."

5. Challenges in Selection: Balancing Popularity and Literary Merit

The hosts grapple with balancing commercial successes with literary excellence. They debate the inclusion of high-profile yet non-traditional books, such as Taylor Swift’s exclusive scrapbook, ultimately deciding against it due to its format and reception.

Jeff [30:01]: "It's a scrapbook. If she had just sold it at the merch tables... it wouldn't be on the list."

6. Finalizing the List: Consensus and Compromises

Through spirited discussion, Jeff and Rebecca reconcile their differing opinions, ensuring that the final list is both comprehensive and representative of 2024’s diverse literary contributions. They agree on the inclusion of Colored Television as a standout Romantasy novel, fulfilling the need for genre diversity.

Rebecca [39:37]: "It's sharp, it's funny, it deals with contemporary issues... the dialogue in it is so snappy."

7. Conclusion: Reflections and Looking Ahead

Jeff and Rebecca conclude by reflecting on the dynamic nature of the literary world and the importance of such lists in shaping readers’ year-end reflections. They invite listeners to engage with the list and share feedback, acknowledging the ever-evolving landscape of books and reader interests.

Jeff [41:29]: "I'd be curious what the feedback is from people. If we overestimated something, what did we miss?"

Notable Quotes

• Jeff O'Neill [00:48]: "Today we have a very important job. Rebecca. We are deciding the books of the year. No one else is going to do it."

• Rebecca Schinsky [06:01]: "You have to have all fours in your life. It undeniably is a book of the year."

• Jeff O'Neill [11:08]: "The Anxious Generation, may be overly determinative but the simple formulation of social apps..."

• Rebecca Schinsky [38:56]: "It feels like a breakout. It's sharp, it's funny, it deals with contemporary issues..."

• Jeff O'Neill [24:25]: "I have to have some Romantasy title. So I put it at 10 because it is a little in the wash of the mossness."

Key Takeaways

1. Comprehensive Selection: The hosts employ a multifaceted approach, considering sales data, cultural impact, and personal insights to curate a well-rounded list.

2. Genre Representation: Emphasizing the significance of Romantasy underscores the evolving reader interests and market trends.

3. Cultural Reflection: The selected books not only achieved commercial success but also mirrored the societal conversations and issues of 2024.

4. Balancing Act: Navigating between popular bestsellers and literary masterpieces highlights the challenge of creating an inclusive and representative list.

5. Engagement with Listeners: Encouraging feedback fosters a community-driven dialogue, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of the list.

For More Information:
Visit Bookright.com for show notes, subscribe via email at podcast@bookriot.com, and support the podcast through their Patreon.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and decisions made by Jeff and Rebecca in their endeavor to crown the Books of the Year for 2024, providing listeners and readers alike with a comprehensive overview of the episode.