Podcast Summary: Book Riot - The Podcast | "The It Books of January 2025"
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
Introduction
In the episode titled "The It Books of January 2025", hosts Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into the upcoming literary landscape for the new year. As part of their ongoing series, they evaluate and select the most anticipated books poised to dominate sales charts, garner critical acclaim, and capture the interest of diverse readers.
Selection Process Overview
Jeff and Rebecca employ a knockout round-style approach to determine the IT Book of the month. Starting with 10 finalists, each book faces elimination until one emerges as the standout choice. Jeff explains:
"If it's your first time joining us, we play it knockout run round style. I've chosen 10 finalists. One will enter the ring. They get pass into the ring and then with each subsequent entry, only one continues."
[02:00] – Jeff O'Neill
This method ensures a rigorous evaluation, focusing on factors like sales potential, critical reception, and cultural impact.
Finalist Book Discussions
1. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Rebecca kicks off the discussion with Hendrix's latest novel set in 1970s Florida, following five girls in a home for unwed mothers who stumble upon a guide to witchcraft. She highlights:
"I’m hopefully gonna get something that feels like The Craft. But in the 70s with all of Grady Hendrix’s whimsy."
[02:43] – Rebecca Schinsky
Jeff praises Hendrix's ability to blend horror with cultural tropes, noting his evolving storytelling techniques.
2. Ugly by Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney's Ugly garners attention for its compelling twists and substantial print run. Jeff questions its placement:
"I find it very hard to know what to do with this kind of book. It’s beautiful. Ugly by Alice Feeney... it's not run of the mill."
[04:07] – Jeff O'Neill
Rebecca expresses reservations about its ability to break out of established genre tropes, ultimately deciding to pass:
"I’m gonna pass Grady Hendrix ahead to the next round over Alice Feeney."
[05:02] – Rebecca Schinsky
3. We Do Not Part by Han Kang
A standout contender, Han Kang's We Do Not Part is lauded for its literary depth and the author's Nobel Prize stature. Jeff notes:
"It's gonna sell well. There's going to be a lot of attention on it no matter what reader reception is to it."
[07:18] – Jeff O'Neill
Rebecca emphasizes its potential to appear on prestigious end-of-year lists and its broad appeal across genres.
"This one has all the features of something that we would guess will show up on a Best Books of the Year list."
[08:08] – Rebecca Schinsky
4. Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Following her acclaimed debut, Wilkerson's sophomore novel is scrutinized for consistency. Jeff remarks:
"It's a very accomplished debut novel, though still felt like it had some of the early wobbles."
[09:42] – Jeff O'Neill
Despite its strengths, Rebecca decides it doesn't surpass the leading contenders:
"I'm gonna stick with Hong Kong rather than Frida McFadden."
[22:24] – Rebecca Schinsky
5. The Loves of My Life by Edmund White
Edmund White's memoir explores a lifetime of gay love and sexuality. Jeff contemplates its explicit content but acknowledges White's literary prowess:
"It's his stunning, revelatory memoir of a lifetime of gay love and sex."
[11:33] – Jeff O'Neill
Rebecca appreciates White's writing but remains cautious about its mainstream appeal.
6. Onyx Store by Rebecca Yaros
Marking a significant entry, Rebecca Yaros's Onyx Store is highlighted for its expansive storytelling and genre-crossing potential. Jeff describes the book's substantial marketing push:
"It's not a Liz Pelletier taking a 300,000 print run gamble on Fourth Wing. It sounds really cool."
[23:11] – Jeff O'Neill
Rebecca supports its selection, citing its accessibility to various reader demographics and award potential.
"This could go all kinds of places. And I also would not be surprised to see it on end of year lists at the end of 2025."
[25:50] – Rebecca Schinsky
Decision and Conclusion
After thorough deliberation, Jeff and Rebecca conclude that Nnedi Okorafor's Death of the Author triumphs as the IT Book of January 2025. They recognize its unique positioning, substantial print run, and the esteemed reputation Okorafor holds within the literary community.
Jeff sums up the choice:
"Onyx Store by Rebecca Yaros will be the IT book of January."
[27:10] – Jeff O'Neill
However, Rebecca champions Death of the Author for its genre versatility and potential to resonate across literary circles:
"I think I'm gonna give this one to her over Hong Kong because this will be like... she might grab literary readers that have not previously read her."
[24:58] – Rebecca Schinsky
Final Thoughts
Jeff and Rebecca reflect on the challenges of predicting book success at the cusp of a new year, especially with limited pre-release information. They express excitement for their selections and anticipation for how these books will perform in the broader literary market.
Jeff concludes with enthusiasm:
"I’m generally excited to try Death of the Author, We Do Not Part."
[31:08] – Jeff O'Neill
Rebecca shares a hopeful outlook on the future trends in literature and the evolving dynamics of reader engagement.
"It looks like this was a big discovery for all of us."
[31:08] – Rebecca Schinsky
Closing Remarks
The episode offers insightful analysis into the forthcoming literary trends of January 2025, providing listeners with informed predictions and thoughtful evaluations of potential bestsellers. Whether you're a casual reader or an avid book enthusiast, Jeff and Rebecca's discussions offer valuable perspectives on what to expect in the new year’s literary scene.
Happy Reading!