Book Riot - The Podcast: "The It Books of August" Summary
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
Description: A deep dive into notable book releases for August, featuring discussions on new publications, industry insights, and thoughtful commentary from Book Riot’s experts.
1. Introduction to "It Books of August"
Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky kick off the episode by introducing the "It Books of August" segment, a knockout round to determine the standout books of the month. They emphasize the challenge of selecting from numerous contenders, acknowledging August as a unique month in the publishing calendar.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [01:05]: "August is a strange month in publishing this year."
2. Announcements and Updates
a. Job Opening: Digital Content Specialist
Rebecca announces that Book Riot is hiring a Digital Content Specialist to elevate their social media presence. She outlines the responsibilities, including strategy development and content creation across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [01:57]: "We are hiring a digital content specialist...we are not social media professionals. We're looking for somebody who has proven experience and proven success."
b. Patreon Tease
Jeff mentions a new project available on Patreon, encouraging listeners to check it out for exclusive content and upcoming developments.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [03:47]: "We're really excited about it. Don't undersell it, Jeff."
3. Selection Criteria for "It Books of August"
Jeff explains the methodology behind selecting the top ten books, considering factors like critical acclaim, sales potential, artistic merit, and overall impact. They aim to balance commercial success with literary quality.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [05:14]: "We like to think about the quadrants. Is it going to have some kind of heat behind it? Is it good? The critics gonna like it?"
4. Featured Candidates for "It Books of August"
a. "A James Baldwin Biography" by Nicholas Boggs
The hosts delve into the highly anticipated biography of James Baldwin, highlighting its comprehensive exploration of Baldwin's life and relationships. They discuss how the biography aims to contextualize Baldwin's influence and legacy in modern literature.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [10:52]: "This is a humongous book, like physically huge, probably emotionally huge as well."
b. "Anonymous Mail: A Life Among Spies" by Christopher Whitcomb
Jeff introduces Whitcomb’s memoir detailing his experiences as a spy and mercenary. They debate the book's authenticity and potential for adaptation into film or series.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [14:03]: "Anonymous mail by Random House by Christopher Wickham is our second candidate here."
c. "The Hounding" by Zenaby Purvis
Discussing Zenaby Purvis's debut novel, the hosts describe it as a blend of "The Crucible" and "The Virgin Suicides," set in 18th-century England with a supernatural twist. They ponder its potential for critical acclaim and reader engagement.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [20:45]: "It's a high concept that could go all kinds of ways."
d. "Between Two Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History" by Maudi Al Rashid
This nonfiction work explores the early development of written records in Mesopotamia. The hosts express curiosity about its popularity on platforms like Goodreads despite its academic nature.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [22:00]: "It's popping up a lot of places. I don't know why necessarily."
e. "LA Women" by Ella Berman
Ella Berman’s new release focuses on the dynamic and rivalry-filled friendship between two affluent LA writers. The hosts consider its potential for book club selections and mainstream success.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [24:43]: "A friendship between two affluent writers in LA. A rivalry friendship."
f. "Accomplice to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Marrer
As the third installment in a popular series, this book continues the dark, socially savvy narrative. The hosts discuss its appeal to fans of fantasy and office-themed stories, noting its strong sales figures.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [26:30]: "This is a tick tock Bookstagram social media dark lover...Once Upon a Time meets the Office."
g. "Erasure" by Jason Mott
Jason Mott’s satirical novel about a writer thrust into unexpected literary fame is examined. The hosts debate its merits and potential impact on literary and commercial spheres.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [35:15]: "It's satire. The main characters go on this global book tour."
h. "Automatic Noodles" by Annalee Nevitz
A cozy science fiction novella set in a future restaurant run by robots, this book is praised for its creativity and accessibility. The hosts recommend it to fans of "Murderbot."
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [28:34]: "Annalee Nevitz always has something interesting going on."
i. "Tart Misadventures of an Anonymous Chef" by Slutty Chef
This memoir explores the chaotic life of a female chef, drawing comparisons to Anthony Bourdain’s honest storytelling and Lena Dunham’s wit. The necessity of anonymity hints at intriguing backstories.
Quote:
Jeff O’Neill [29:34]: "This is an anonymous chef's memoir of being a woman in the world of cooks."
j. "Katabasis" by RF Kuang
RF Kuang’s latest novel, "Katabasis," is highlighted as a potential book of the year. Set in a magical academic setting with deep literary roots, the hosts express high expectations and excitement for its release.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [44:10]: "Katabasis by RF Kuang...It could be the novel of the year."
5. Final Thoughts and Anticipations
As the episode winds down, Jeff and Rebecca reflect on the lack of a major literary hit for the year so far, placing their hopes on upcoming releases like RF Kuang’s "Katabasis." They anticipate lively discussions and potential adaptations, emphasizing the book’s depth and the authors' prowess.
Quote:
Rebecca Schinsky [43:36]: "We're going to call it a tie in this round. And they're both going to lose to the number to the 10th pick."
Closing Remarks: The hosts remind listeners to check out Book Riot’s website and Patreon for more exclusive content and updates on future episodes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jeff O’Neill [01:05]: "August is a strange month in publishing this year."
- Rebecca Schinsky [01:57]: "We are hiring a digital content specialist...we are not social media professionals. We're looking for somebody who has proven experience and proven success."
- Jeff O’Neill [05:14]: "We like to think about the quadrants. Is it going to have some kind of heat behind it? Is it good? The critics gonna like it?"
- Rebecca Schinsky [10:52]: "This is a humongous book, like physically huge, probably emotionally huge as well."
- Rebecca Schinsky [28:34]: "Annalee Nevitz always has something interesting going on."
- Rebecca Schinsky [44:10]: "Katabasis by RF Kuang...It could be the novel of the year."
Conclusion
"The It Books of August" episode offers a comprehensive overview of the most anticipated releases, blending enthusiasm with critical analysis. Jeff and Rebecca provide valuable insights for readers looking to navigate August’s literary offerings, balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
For more detailed discussions and exclusive content, visit Book Riot’s website or join their Patreon.