Book Riot - The Podcast: The JeffCore Books of May 2025 [Teaser]

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In the latest teaser episode of "Book Riot - The Podcast," hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky dive into their curated selection of anticipated book releases for May 2025. Despite its status as a teaser, the conversation offers a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between the hosts as they evaluate each book through their unique "Jeff Yes" or "Jeff No" voting system. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key insights and notable moments.

The Jeff Yes / Jeff No Voting System

Jeff and Rebecca utilize a playful yet insightful system to rate each book they review:

• Jeff Yes: Indicates strong approval and recommendation.
• Jeff No: Suggests reservations or reasons the book might not resonate.

This system not only adds an element of fun but also provides listeners with clear indicators of the hosts' perspectives on each title.

Book Discussions

1. Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power by Augustine Sedgwick
   Publisher: Scribner | Release Date: May 27
   Rebecca introduces this book as a "bold and original history of fatherhood," exploring its evolution from the Bronze Age to contemporary times through portraits of emblematic fathers.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [01:35]: "Fatherhood A History of love and power by Augustine Sedgwick... exploring its invention and transformation from Bronze Age of the present through a collective portrait of emblematic fathers."
   • Jeff O’Neal [01:35]: "Yes, Jeff, yes."

2. Cast, Catch and Release: Finding Serenity and Purpose Through Fly Fishing by Marina Gibson
   Publisher: Scribner | Release Date: May 27
   This memoir blends personal narrative with the art of fly fishing, drawing comparisons to Cheryl Strayed's "Wild" and Helen McDonald's "Ages for."

   • Rebecca Schinsky [01:57]: "...Memoir about fly fishing by a lady."
   • Jeff O’Neal [01:58]: "Jeff. Yes."

3. Dirty Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family by Jill Demotech
   Publisher: Atria | Release Date: May 6
   Rebecca describes this memoir as a fusion of food writing and colonial history, where Jill Demotech navigates her heritage by cooking recipes from her native Philippines. Influences include "Crying in H Mart" and "Minor Feelings."

   • Rebecca Schinsky [02:00]: "...memorable memoir blending food, writing, colonial history."
   • Jeff O’Neal [02:23]: "Yes, Jeff, yes."

4. This is Your Mother: A Memoir by Erika J. Simpson
   Publisher: First Edition
   A deeply personal exploration of growing up with a dominant and influential mother, touching on themes of legacy and complex familial relationships.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [02:40]: "A memoir of growing with a really powerful, influential mom who you may have complicated feelings."
   • Jeff O’Neal [03:12]: "This is a Rebecca. Yes."

5. Better Angels, I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally
   Publisher: Gallery Books | Release Date: May 6
   A Broadway memoir by renowned producer Keith McNally, detailing his rise to success with musicals like "Hamilton" and "Rent," and his struggles with personal identity and background.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [03:14]: "...a Jeff No. But by virtue of being Keith McNally."
   • Jeff O’Neal [03:27]: "That's a Jeff No."

6. Broadway Memoir by Jeffrey Seller
   Publisher: Simon and Schuster
   An insightful memoir from Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, chronicling his journey from a challenging upbringing in Detroit to producing Pulitzer-winning musicals.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [03:40]: "A memoir by Jeffrey Seller... understanding his sexuality and escaping his dysfunctional household."
   • Jeff O’Neal [04:08]: "Yes."

7. Sing to Me by Jesse Browner
   Publisher: Little Brown | Genre: Historical Fiction
   Set after the fall of Troy, this debut novel follows an 11-year-old boy's quest in a war-torn landscape.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [04:23]: "Historical fiction that isn't retelling an original story."
   • Jeff O’Neal [04:49]: "Sure. It's a maybe."

8. An Oral History of Trans, Non-Binary, Gender, Queer and Two-Spirit People of Color by Carol de Roberts
   Publisher: First Edition
   A comprehensive oral history capturing the diverse experiences of marginalized gender identities within communities of color.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [05:05]: "An obvious yes."
   • Jeff O’Neal [05:12]: "Oh, yes."

9. The Battle for the Black Mind by Karita L. Brown
   Publisher: Legacy Lit | Release Date: May 13
   Dr. Kita Brown delves into the historical struggles surrounding the education of Black Americans from the nation's inception.

   • Rebecca Schinsky [05:13]: "Explores the struggle to define and control the education of Black Americans."
   • Jeff O’Neal [05:33]: "Yeah, yes."

10. The Last Great Dream: How Bohemians Became Hippies and Created the Sixties by Dennis McNally
    Publisher: DiCapo Press | Release Date: May 13
    An exploration of the cultural transformation from Bohemian lifestyles to the Hippie movement, shaping the 1960s.

    • Rebecca Schinsky [05:34]: "Hippies and Bohemians doesn't really..."
    • Jeff O’Neal [05:58]: "No, no, that's not really your zone."

11. Proof: The Art and Science of Certainty by Adam Kucharski
    Publisher: Basic Books | Release Date: May 6
    A deep dive into the human quest for certainty in an uncertain world, blending art and science perspectives.

    • Rebecca Schinsky [06:05]: "Just putting a yes in."
    • Jeff O’Neal [06:13]: "Yeah, that sounds like a yes."

12. Carpet Diem from the World of Oriental
    Publisher: Harper | Release Date: May 27
    A whimsical exploration of oriental carpets, blending cultural insights with artistic appreciation.

    • Rebecca Schinsky [06:22]: "Is that a yes or no, though?"
    • Jeff O’Neal [06:34]: "You sent it to me. You're enabling it."

Conclusion

While this teaser episode primarily showcases the hosts' preliminary discussions and book selections, it effectively sets the stage for the full premium content available to Patreon subscribers. Jeff and Rebecca's chemistry and candid evaluations offer listeners a transparent and entertaining glimpse into the vast world of upcoming literary works.

For those eager to delve deeper into their discussions and access the complete "JeffCore Books of May 2025" episode, joining their Patreon community is encouraged. Subscribers not only gain access to premium content but also enjoy early and ad-free episodes, enriching their Book Riot experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Schinsky [01:35]: "Fatherhood A History of love and power by Augustine Sedgwick... exploring its invention and transformation from Bronze Age of the present through a collective portrait of emblematic fathers."
• Jeff O’Neal [03:27]: "That's a Jeff No."
• Rebecca Schinsky [05:13]: "Explores the struggle to define and control the education of Black Americans."
• Jeff O’Neal [06:13]: "Yeah, that sounds like a yes."

Join the Conversation

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