Podcast Summary: The Book Review – Episode 12: "Summer Books We're Looking Forward To"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

In Episode 12 of The Book Review podcast, host Gilbert Cruz and fellow editor Joumana Khatib dive into an exciting exploration of the upcoming summer literary landscape. Despite their confessed disdain for the summer season, the duo passionately discusses a curated list of anticipated books slated for release in June, July, and August 2025. This detailed summary encapsulates their conversations, key insights, and notable quotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the episode.

1. Introduction: Unearthing Summer's Literary Gems

The episode kicks off with Gilbert Cruz introducing the premise: discussing books that have generated buzz due to their intriguing topics, esteemed authors, and anticipated popularity. Joumana Khatib complements him, highlighting their shared excitement despite both editors' aversion to summer.

Notable Quote:

• Gilbert Cruz (00:32): "Summer is on the way, at least in the world of books."

2. Exploring Historical Adventures: "Beast in the Clouds" by Natalia Holt

Gilbert introduces Beast in the Clouds, a nonfiction work by Natalia Holt that delves into the Roosevelt brothers' 1920s expedition to find the mythical giant panda. The discussion underscores the historical fascination with charismatic megafauna and the cultural impact of such quests.

Notable Quotes:

• Gilbert Cruz (02:44): "It's called the Beast in the Clouds. The Roosevelt Brothers Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda."
• Joumana Khatib (04:14): "I don't want to think about dead pandas."

3. Contemporary Romance and Space: "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Transitioning to fiction, Joumana presents Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The novel follows Joan, one of NASA's first female astronauts, weaving a narrative rich with romance, professional pressure, and personal backstory.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (08:14): "It's an edge of your seat kind of book because we meet the main character named Joan, and when we meet her, she's in the command central while there's a mission going on."
• Gilbert Cruz (10:19): "That sounds great. I actually think I might want to read that."

4. Debunking the Wild West: "How Texas Made the West Wild" by Brian Burrell

Gilbert highlights Brian Burrell's upcoming book, which examines the myth versus reality of the Wild West gunfighter era. The conversation touches on Burrell's previous works and his impact on narrative nonfiction.

Notable Quotes:

• Gilbert Cruz (11:27): "This is about the myth of the Wild west gunfighter... I think it's a lot of debunking."
• Joumana Khatib (12:52): "The best truth is lurid."

5. Thrilling Plot Twists: "Next to Heaven" by James Fry

Joumana discusses James Fry's Next to Heaven, a novel centered around a wealthy Connecticut town where a swinger's party escalates into murder and deceit. The episode highlights Fry's transition from scandal-hit memoirist to thriller novelist.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (15:53): "It's like a glorified key party... and then it actually does devolve from there. Murder."
• Gilbert Cruz (16:39): "Somebody called good, trashy, fun."

6. Survival and Marriage: "A Marriage at Sea" by Sophie Elmhurst

Gilbert introduces A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhurst, a gripping true story of a married couple stranded on a raft for four months after their boat sinks. The narrative explores the strains and resilience of marriage under extreme conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (19:20): "What else is a marriage if not being stuck on a small raft with someone and trying to survive?"
• Gilbert Cruz (19:07): "This is a great story. I can't wait to read it."

7. Dual Narratives and Cultural Exploration: "The Sisters" by Jonas Hasan Hamiri

Joumana delves into The Sisters, a novel by Jonas Hasan Hamiri that intertwines the lives of Swedish-Tunisian sisters with the author’s autobiographical reflections. The book navigates themes of alienation, racial identity, and familial bonds.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (19:57): "It's like two books stitched together and it actually works."
• Gilbert Cruz (21:39): "I can't wait for someone to send you a T shirt with those three."

8. Political Thrillers and Celebrity Collaborations: "The First Gentleman" by James Patterson and Bill Clinton

Gilbert discusses The First Gentleman, a political thriller co-authored by bestselling author James Patterson and former President Bill Clinton. The novel presents a fictional scenario where the president's husband faces a murder trial amidst an election campaign.

Notable Quotes:

• Gilbert Cruz (22:08): "People love James Patterson. We just had news that James Patterson signed a deal with Mr. Beast."
• Joumana Khatib (23:20): "Picador is reissuing all 75 of the inspector May."

9. Satirical Takes on Modern Life: "Bonding" by Marielle Franklin

Joumana introduces Bonding by Marielle Franklin, a satire exploring the intersections of technology, pharmaceuticals, and modern dating. The protagonist navigates the chaotic landscape of startup culture, revolutionary antidepressants, and avant-garde dating apps.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (26:09): "Zadie Smith really loves this. It might be something to add to your reading list."
• Gilbert Cruz (27:32): "And I think almost everybody loves James Baldwin."

10. Fantasy Realms and Academic Parodies: "Katabasis" by RF Kuang

Gilbert highlights RF Kuang's Katabasis, a fantasy novel that blends academic ambition with supernatural elements. The story follows Alice, a magic student who teams up with her rival to venture into hell to resurrect her advisor, highlighting the extremes of academic tenure pursuits.

Notable Quotes:

• Gilbert Cruz (30:07): "I will do anything to get tenure, including going to hell to bring back my beloved advisor."
• Joumana Khatib (30:35): "So that is Katavasis by RF Kuang."

11. Literary Biographies and Rediscoveries: "A Love Story" by Nicholas Boggs

Gilbert brings attention to Nicholas Boggs' A Love Story, the first major biography of James Baldwin in decades. The book focuses on Baldwin's relationships with four men, offering deep insights into the writer's personal and professional life.

Notable Quotes:

• Gilbert Cruz (30:21): "It's quite a big book. I've never read a biography of James Baldwin."
• Joumana Khatib (32:21): "Gary Streingart has a novel coming called Vera or Faith."

12. Additional Anticipated Titles and Recommendations

The editors briefly mention several other upcoming releases, spanning genres from memoirs to psychological thrillers:

• Flashlights by Susan Choi
• So Far Gone by Jess Walter
• An Oral History of Atlantis by Ed Park
• The Life and the Revolution that Changed America by a former NYT Book Review editor
• The Dry by Melissa Febos
• Loved One by Aisha Muharrar
• Vera or Faith by Gary Streingart
• El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott

13. Conclusion: Embracing Summer Reading Amidst Reluctance

As the episode winds down, both hosts reflect on their reading preferences during the sweltering summer months. Joumana expresses her love for reading by the beach, while Gilbert humorously imagines himself confined to an air-conditioned space with a good book.

Notable Quotes:

• Joumana Khatib (33:14): "I love reading. When it's 88 to 92 degrees on the beach for hours is when it's so hot all you can do is read."
• Gilbert Cruz (33:31): "We have the books, the books."

This episode of The Book Review serves as an invaluable guide for readers eager to curate their summer reading lists. Through insightful discussions and enthusiastic endorsements, Gilbert Cruz and Joumana Khatib illuminate a diverse array of books poised to captivate audiences in the coming months.