Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading"
Episode Title: Most Anticipated Reads for 2025
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosts: Kennedy, Reggie, & Michaela
Introduction and Overview
In the inaugural regular episode of the new year, hosts Kennedy, Reggie, and Michaela delve into the most anticipated book releases for 2025. They express enthusiasm about the plethora of upcoming titles, particularly from their favorite authors, setting the stage for a month filled with exciting literary events.
Michaela [00:14]: "Happy New Year, you guys. This is our first regular episode starting the new year, and today we're going to be sharing our most anticipated releases for 2025."
Onyx Storm: The Upcoming Readathon
The discussion begins with "Onyx Storm", a highly anticipated series expected to launch its next installment in January 2025. The hosts speculate about the series' progression, especially regarding cliffhangers from previous books.
Kennedy [01:03]: "If I had. I don't know. I can't even make a prediction because I'm not sure."
They express excitement about potential midnight release parties and the possibility of turning each book release into a celebratory event, including activities like cupcake taste tests.
Michaela [03:02]: "Midnight release party would be fun."
Abby Jimenez’s "Say You’ll Remember Me"
Next, they explore Abby Jimenez's "Say You’ll Remember Me," anticipated for an April release. The hosts highlight Jimenez's consistent ability to deliver compelling romance narratives, noting the book’s connection to her previous work, "Just for the Summer."
Kennedy [03:23]: "Her romance book books always hit for me."
They discuss the possibility of celebrating the release with themed cupcakes from Jimenez's bakery, emphasizing the personal touch Jimenez brings to her work.
Reggie [04:20]: "We order the cupcakes."
Emily Henry’s "Great Big Beautiful Life"
The conversation shifts to Emily Henry’s "Great Big Beautiful Life," another April release. The hosts express anticipation not only for the book but also for its potential Netflix adaptation, speculating on its release timeframe.
Reggie [05:22]: "I'm curious to know when her movie's coming out. Is it coming out next year?"
They note the strategic timing of April releases for romance novels, aligning with spring’s uplifting vibe.
Lauren Roberts’s "Fearless"
Continuing with April's lineup, Lauren Roberts's "Fearless" is discussed. The hosts anticipate the culmination of the trilogy and the possibility of additional novellas or duologies, blending genres like horror and fantasy with romance.
Reggie [07:14]: "I just always enjoy her. Her books, so I'm excited to see what this one's going to be about."
V. E. Schwab’s "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil"
V. E. Schwab’s "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" is introduced as a standalone release in October. The hosts express curiosity about the book's plot and Schwab's signature whimsical yet dangerous writing style.
Reggie [30:09]: "So that sounds cool."
Suzanne Collins’s "Sunrise on the Reaping"
The hosts discuss Suzanne Collins’s "Sunrise on the Reaping," highlighting their mixed feelings about revisiting the Hunger Games universe. They debate the merits of releasing books and movies simultaneously, expressing concerns about narrative depth.
Reggie [31:27]: "I'm excited about this book because of the story of Haymitch."
Holly Jackson’s Upcoming Works
Holly Jackson’s new release, "Not Quite Dead Yet," slated for July, is another focal point. The hosts appreciate Jackson’s ability to craft intricate mysteries and express eagerness for the sequel to "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder."
Reggie [23:03]: "Jet is a girl. She is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont."
Sarah Adams’s "Big Borrow and Steal"
Sarah Adams's "Big Borrow and Steal," the third book in the "One in Rome" series, is warmly received. The hosts praise Adams's wholesome storytelling and interconnected romance series, which offer fresh characters yet maintain a cohesive narrative thread.
Michaela [25:59]: "It's the third book in a romance series."
Alex Aster’s "Summer in the City"
Alex Aster’s "Summer in the City" is highlighted as a promising romance novel set in New York City during the summer. Despite previously declining the "Light Lark" series, Aster's transition from fantasy to romance is met with enthusiasm.
Kennedy [26:52]: "I also love that she went from writing a fantasy series to a romance series."
Pierce Brown’s "Red God"
Pierce Brown’s forthcoming "Red God" is a topic of keen interest. The hosts discuss the author’s slow publication pace and the anticipation surrounding the book, which promises to be an epic continuation of his acclaimed series.
Kennedy [17:10]: "She's either taking her time because she doesn't want to disappoint people, or she's taking her time because she is weaving and gonna make this epic thing."
Publishing Trends: April as a Prime Release Month
A significant portion of the episode examines why April is a dominant month for book releases. Using insights from an AI overview, the hosts suggest that spring’s arrival coincides with increased leisure time and a desire for uplifting content, making it an optimal period for publishers.
Reggie [10:22]: "Many books are released in April because it marks the start of spring, a time when people are generally more inclined to read."
They also discuss financial factors post-tax season and the strategic advantage for authors to reach a broader audience during this time.
Influence of BookTok and Future Trends
The hosts ponder the impact of platforms like BookTok on the publishing industry, anticipating which new authors might emerge as favorites in 2025. They emphasize the role of social media in popularizing books and shaping reading trends.
Michaela [37:27]: "I'm curious what books are going to become popular on BookTok because I feel like all of the books that we just talked about are already like popular authors."
Reading Goals for 2025
Concluding the episode, Kennedy, Reggie, and Michaela share their personal reading goals for the year, hinting at a future episode dedicated to discussing these objectives. They encourage listeners to set their own reading resolutions to make 2025 a fulfilling year for book lovers.
Michaela [39:00]: "I hope you guys set some great reading goals. I know we have some and we'll be doing an episode for our goals."
Notable Quotes
- Michaela [00:14]: “Happy New Year, you guys. This is our first regular episode starting the new year...”
- Kennedy [03:23]: “Her romance book books always hit for me.”
- Reggie [10:22]: “Many books are released in April because it marks the start of spring...”
- Kennedy [17:10]: “She's either taking her time because she doesn't want to disappoint people...”
- Michaela [37:27]: “I'm curious what books are going to become popular on BookTok...”
Conclusion
The episode "Most Anticipated Reads for 2025" provides a comprehensive overview of forthcoming books that have captured the hosts' excitement. From romance to fantasy and mystery, Kennedy, Reggie, and Michaela offer insightful previews and personal perspectives, making this episode a valuable guide for readers looking to curate their 2025 reading lists.