Book Riot – The Podcast

Episode: "The Latest in American Reading Habits, 2026 Adaptations, and More"

Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Vanessa Diaz & Sharifah Williams (filling in for Jeff & Rebecca)

Episode Overview

This episode marks a first in Book Riot Podcast history: neither Jeff nor Rebecca are present, with Vanessa Diaz and Sharifah Williams at the helm. Together, they dive into the latest YouGov statistics on American reading habits, explore the most anticipated books of 2026, break down the landscape of upcoming book adaptations, and discuss the ongoing book ban crisis in the US. The episode wraps with personal reading recommendations.

Key Topics and Insights

1. Making Book Riot History

Timestamp: 01:19

• Sharifah and Vanessa highlight that this is the first time both Jeff and Rebecca are absent from an episode.
• Publishing and book news are slow as the industry wakes up after the holiday lull—a sentiment echoed by both hosts.

2. American Reading Habits: YouGov Poll Deep Dive

Segment Start: 07:22

Headline Stat:

• 40% of Americans did not read a single book in 2025.
  • This shocked some, but Vanessa notes, “the positive, of course, is that 60% did read a book” (08:03).
  • Median number of books read per person was two per year.
  • “That absolutely tracks with real life... I’m kind of like, it feels positive that people even read two books because it feels like everybody is reading so many other types of things right now, newsletters, substacks...” – Vanessa (09:44).

Subgroup Stats:

• Women read more (63%) than men (56%).
• 30–44 age group read most (66%), closely followed by 18–29 (61%).
• Political affiliation differences in book reading are negligible when considering median numbers—across groups, nearly all read about two books.

Genres and Trends:

• Men read slightly more history, women more romance and literary fiction, but differences are small. Referencing the “men don’t read literary fiction” debate, Vanessa notes, “it looks so insignificant when you look at the actual chart” (13:23).

Overall Takeaway:

• Vanessa and Sharifah urge listeners not to interpret these numbers judgmentally. Most Americans are reading something, and reading one or two books a year is still meaningful.
• “It sends a clear message about whose stories matter and whose do not.” – Quoting a student on the impact of book bans (36:30).

3. Book Riot Community Updates

Segment Start: 15:43

• Zero to Well-Read Podcast: Season 2 is out, covering classics and buzzy titles. Now available on YouTube and with a free Patreon newsletter (“If the show itself is the homework, then think of the newsletter as extra credit.” – Sharifah, 16:20).
• Literary Rabbit Holes: More episodes coming; Vanessa solicits topic suggestions via email.

4. Most Anticipated Books of 2026

Segment Start: 19:36

• Barnes & Noble’s Fiction List: Includes George Saunders, Abby Jimenez, Maria Semple, Andrew Sean Greer, and notably, Tayari Jones’ "Kin."
  • Vanessa was surprised Colson Whitehead wasn’t listed: “I was shocked... I don’t understand.” (20:28)
• Process Comparisons: Book Riot’s own list is generated collaboratively, reflecting contributors’ diverse interests versus more commercial or curated approaches elsewhere.
• Notable nonfiction mention: "London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe—highly anticipated.
• Discussing the methodology behind these lists: “I felt very motivated to explain our process and why we’re doing the thing... It allows you to navigate a list so much better when you understand where the list is coming from.” – Vanessa (25:20)
• Acknowledgement that no list covers it all; the sheer wealth of books means “even when you’ve got tons of people doing coverage, you’re always going to inevitably find that there are things that you haven’t heard of or hear of but too late.” – Sharifah (27:45)

5. Book Bans: Utah Takes the Lead

Segment Start: 29:00

• Utah now leads the US in book bans, surpassing South Carolina.
  • Recent titles banned across all public schools: "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire, "19 Minutes" by Jodi Picoult, and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky.
  • “When you’re putting Judy Blume on the list, it feels so like... what era is this?” – Vanessa (31:17)
• HB 29 allows broad parent-driven bans if books are deemed "sensitive." The list includes classics and recent releases, largely impacting titles by and about marginalized groups.
• Powerful Student Testimony: “For many Utah students, the first place we recognize our own lives and identities is in a library book. When those books disappear, students notice immediately. It sends a clear message about whose stories matter and whose do not.” (36:30)
• Action Steps: Sharifah stresses local activism: “Local elections and small steps you take matter very, very much... some of that is as simple as just showing up to your school board meetings.” (38:55)
• ACLU Lawsuit: The ACLU is suing, arguing bans violate students’ First Amendment rights.

6. 2026 Adaptations: Upcoming Book-to-Screen Excitement

Segment Start: 41:17

• Two main lists discussed: New York Times and Hollywood Reporter (with some surprise omissions in the NYT).

• Major 2026 Adaptations:

  • Wuthering Heights: New adaptation starring Jacob Elordi. Both hosts laugh at its Valentine’s Day release and at labeling it “the greatest love story.”
    • “I do not want this to be my love story. Thank you very much.” – Vanessa (43:53)
  • The Bride: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s take on Frankenstein, starring Jesse Buckley.
  • H is for Hawk: Claire Foy leads; took five birds to play Mabel!
  • Bridgerton: New season remains a juggernaut.
  • People We Meet on Vacation: Emily Henry adaptation.
  • The Seven Dials Mystery: New Agatha Christie on Netflix; both hosts eager for classic mystery adaptations.
  • Reminders of Him (Colleen Hoover) and Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir): Anticipated, for very different reasons.
    • Vanessa: “I would never have known [the main character’s name was Lily Blossom Bloom] because I would never have read that book, if not for you and Rebecca talking about that adaptation. And I am so glad I know now...” (52:30)

• Hollywood Reporter List Adds:

  • Sunrise on the Re: New Hunger Games universe adaptation, star-studded cast.
  • The Odyssey (dir. Christopher Nolan): Star cast, high expectations.
  • Verity (Hoover again): Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett.
  • Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman—anticipated comedy/drama.
  • Remain (Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan!?): Supernatural love story with Jake Gyllenhaal.
    • Vanessa: “I thought I was hallucinating... No, my brain cannot make sense of this right now. But it’s a real thing.” (59:04)

• Hosts praise the breadth of genres, tastes, and audiences represented in the adaptation landscape.

7. Frontlist Foyer: What We're Reading

Segment Start: 61:14 – Sponsored by Thriftbooks

• Vanessa: The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikisha Elise Williams – Multi-generational Black women, family, coming in February.
• Sharifah: The Body by Bethany C. Morrow – Supernatural horror about “the horror of churchianity,” deep church culture, and personal transformation. “If Santa Claus makes an appearance in these last 40 pages, I think it’s gonna hold up pretty well.” (62:47)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On interpreting reading statistics:
  “Just because people are not reading a book doesn’t mean they’re not reading, you know?” – Vanessa (09:44)

• On the men-don't-read-literary-fiction myth:
  “There were like 20 million think pieces about this.” – Vanessa (13:23) “My eyes could not be further into the back of my head right now.” – Sharifah (14:26)

• On book bans and impact:
  “It sends a clear message about whose stories matter and whose do not.” – Vanessa quoting student plaintiff (36:30)

• On adaptation hype:
  “Can you imagine the couple... ‘You know, it’s a great Valentine’s Day date. Let’s go take in Wuthering Heights.’” – Vanessa (42:53)

• On adaptation realism:
  “I do not want this to be my love story, thank you very much.” – Vanessa (43:53)

• On literary abundance and list-making:
  “You’re always going to inevitably find that there are things that you haven’t heard of or hear of but too late.” – Sharifah (27:45)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Hosts’ Intro & Book Riot Podcast First: 01:19–02:36
• American Reading Habits (YouGov): 07:22–15:40
• Book Riot Community Updates (Podcasts & Features): 15:43–18:04
• Most Anticipated 2026 Releases: 19:36–28:58
• Book Bans, Spotlight on Utah: 29:00–40:49
• 2026 Adaptations: 41:17–59:41
• Frontlist Foyer (Current Reads): 61:14–64:54

Conclusion

Sharifah and Vanessa bring both stats and heart to their exploration of the current book world, balancing their critical lens with optimism about U.S. readers and excitement over what's coming this year—both on the page and screen. The episode blends deep dives, industry insight, personal enthusiasm, and a call for readers to get active however they can.

Listen for: Lively banter, valuable stats for anyone interested in American reading habits, thoughtful critique of book bans, and genuine passion for the world of books and adaptations.