Post Reports: What to Read This Summer
Published on May 26, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, with guest experts John Jacob Brogan and John Williams from The Washington Post's Bookworld section.

Introduction to Summer Reading

In this episode of Post Reports, hosts Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, along with John Jacob Brogan and John Williams from The Washington Post's Bookworld section, embark on a literary journey to curate the perfect summer reading list. Focusing on diverse genres and reader preferences, the discussion aims to cater to everyone from history enthusiasts to those seeking light-hearted escapism.

1. The "Doorstopper" Category: Immersive, Thick Reads

John Williams initiates the conversation by exploring the "doorstopper" category—massive, substantial books ideal for readers looking to dive deep into lengthy narratives over the summer.

• Mark Twain Biography by Ron Chernow:
  John Jacob Brogan highlights Ron Chernow's latest endeavor, a comprehensive 1,100-page biography of Mark Twain. Recognized as one of the finest historians, Chernow delves into the life of America's quintessential writer, offering an expansive look that appeals to both Twain aficionados and Chernow's loyal readership.

  "With Mark Twain, he takes about 1100 pages to tell the story of the author of Huck Finn and many other books," (04:59)

• William F. Buckley Jr. Biography by Sam Tanenhaus:
  Scheduled for release on June 3rd, this biography by Sam Tanenhaus promises a narrative as gripping as a novel. Buckley, the founder of National Review magazine, is portrayed as a pivotal figure in shaping the conservative movement, with Tanenhaus offering an in-depth, dramatic exploration of his life.

  "It really reads like a novel," (05:29)

2. Books for the Great Outdoors: Embracing Nature

For those planning to enjoy reading amidst nature, the conversation shifts to recommendations that complement the serene environment.

• "Is a River Alive" by Robert Macfarlane:
  Jacobs Brogan enthusiastically recommends Macfarlane's latest work, praising his poetic prose and deep connection to natural landscapes. He shares a captivating excerpt that immerses listeners in the birth and enduring presence of a river.

  "12,000 years ago, a river is born in a hollow at the foot of a hill..." (07:31)

  John Jacob Brogan adds:

  "It's poetry. He's a beautiful writer." (08:28)

3. Fiction for Escapist Vibes: Engaging and Light Reads

Acknowledging the summer's leisurely pace, the hosts discuss novels that offer escapism and engrossing narratives without overwhelming the reader.

• "King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby:
  John Jacob introduces this upcoming thriller set to release on June 10th. Cosby's reputation for crafting Southern, action-packed stories makes "King of Ashes" a compelling choice for readers seeking adventure and high-stakes drama.

  "They're very violent and bloody... people chase each other and hurt each other." (09:24)

4. Graphic Novels: Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Highlighting the unique blend of art and narrative, the discussion turns to graphic novels that offer profound storytelling through illustrations.

• "Spent" by Alison Bechdel:
  Jacob Brogan expresses excitement for Bechdel's novel, contrasting it with her acclaimed memoirs. "Spent" features a fictionalized Alison Bechdel interacting with characters from her earlier works, exploring themes of aging, desire, and community with a lighter touch.

  "It's a book about getting older, about rediscovering desire, pleasure, community..." (10:22)

5. Tailored Book Recommendations: Listener Requests

The hosts engage with listener-submitted requests, providing personalized book suggestions to meet specific reading desires.

• Maggie Penman’s Request:
  Maggie seeks a captivating book that remains non-disturbing.

  • "Crush" by Ada Calhoun:
    Explores an open marriage through intellectual courtship and heartfelt correspondence, offering depth without darkness.

    "It's a really dreamy, swoony, brilliant letters to one another full of quotations." (16:09)

  • "Book of Records" by Madeline Thee:
    A family saga employing a magical, time-traveling building to delve into memory, politics, and generational dynamics.

    "It's a mix of a historical novel and a speculative novel." (17:57)

• Dorothea Trufelman's Request:
  Dorothea is interested in memoir-like fiction that steers clear of celebrity narratives.

  • "Dry Season" by Melissa Phoebos:
    A lively memoir detailing Phoebos' year of abstaining from sex and dating, blending confessional prose with novelistic flair.

    "It's very much about her own experience and her own life." (19:06)

  • "Sloppy" by Raq King:
    An essay collection touching on sobriety and familial relationships, noted for its humor and candidness.

    "It's funny, it's lively, and it's full of sexy, weird little blind items..." (19:23)

• John Williams’ Personal Recommendation:
  Addressing his own desire for a family saga akin to Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, Williams recommends:

  • "Flashlight" by Susan Choi:
    A sprawling narrative that intertwines family dynamics with personal loss, capturing the essence of a multi-generational saga.

    "It's one of Choi's longer novels, so it gives you a little more to chew into in the summer." (20:54)

6. Emerging Themes in Summer Reading: The Digital Age

Concluding the episode, the hosts and guests reflect on prevalent themes shaping contemporary literature, particularly the influence of digital life.

• "Second Life" by Amanda Hess:
  Addresses how digital platforms impact impending parenthood and personal interactions, offering a critical lens on the omnipresence of technology.

  "How digital life influences impending parenthood and how you behave or ask questions..." (21:53)

• "Mood Machine" by Liz Pelly:
  Explores the gamification of music taste through platforms like Spotify, urging readers to reclaim personal curation from algorithm-driven suggestions.

  "It's about Spotify and how it's kind of gamified music taste to the point where maybe it's diminishing returns now." (22:38)

John Jacob Brogan remarks on the digital age's relentlessness and how literature serves as a means to slow down and critically engage with technology's pervasive role.

"Books invite us to encourage us to slow down, take a breath, try to step outside of the flow of information..." (24:16)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to the guests, emphasizing the invaluable human touch in literary recommendations over algorithm-driven suggestions. Listeners are encouraged to explore the diverse summer reading list, accessible through the show's provided resources.

"You guys are better than any sort of AI algorithm that I would ask for what books to read." (24:48)

John Jacob Brogan and John Williams bid farewell, reminding listeners to check the show notes for a comprehensive list of the discussed books.

Notable Quotes

• John Jacob Brogan on Mark Twain Biography:

  "With Mark Twain, he takes about 1100 pages to tell the story of the author of Huck Finn and many other books." (04:59)

• Jacob Brogan Reading from "Is a River Alive":

  "12,000 years ago, a river is born in a hollow at the foot of a hill..." (07:31)

• Jacob Brogan on Alison Bechdel's "Spent":

  "It's a book about getting older, about rediscovering desire, pleasure, community..." (10:22)

• John Jacob Brogan on Digital Life in Literature:

  "Books invite us to encourage us to slow down, take a breath, try to step outside of the flow of information..." (24:16)

Final Thoughts

Post Reports successfully navigates the expansive landscape of summer literature, offering tailored recommendations that cater to a wide array of reader preferences. Whether seeking the depth of a "doorstopper" biography, the poetic immersion of nature writing, the thrill of escapist fiction, or the nuanced storytelling of graphic novels, listeners are equipped with a curated list to enhance their summer reading experience.