Books · Book Riot
by Book Riot
News in the world of books and reading, including hot industry releases, adaptations, publishing industry events, and more with Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky. Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.
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Position in the Arts chart (US), last 90 days.
Where Book Riot - The Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 19, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I look forward to every episode of this engaging, well-rounded podcast. It combines literary news, thoughtful book discussions, and interesting conversations about adaptations. Each episode adds something new to my reading life. Zero to Well-Read also provides helpful context that makes both classic and contemporary books easier and more rewarding to understand. If you want to discover worthwhile books, get more out of what you read, and stay connected to the wider literary conversation, Book Riot is definitely worth following. Finally, this must be said: I don’t put too much weight on the lower ratings, since they often seem to reflect a listener’s reaction to a particular book, episode, or passing comment rather than the podcast as a whole. Judged across its full range, the show is thoughtful, and genuinely valuable. For me, its engaging discussions and broader literary context make it well worth listening to.
Jeff and Rebecca are not only extremely well read and erudite, but have real chemistry together. A highly informative podcast with a fun, funny, light touch that makes this feel like anything but intellectual kale, which it easily could have been.
Love the chemistry between Jeff and Rebecca. Whenever there is an episode where one of them switches out (usually for vacation to some amazing location) I skip it. But when they are on together I love it. A little out of touch at times regarding politics or how ‘regular’ people think. And sometimes they miss obvious book news. But their chemistry keeps me coming back.
I’m more into books than most of the people I know- and I work in a library, so I know a lot of bookish people. I’m so into books that recently, after a gummy when I randomly opened Goodreads, I let the FEELINGS of so many books I’ve loved wash over me for awhile. I’m so into books that I’m still angry that my favorite book reviewer, Ron Charles, was fired by The Washington Post, and I signed up for his Substack about a minute after I found out about his firing. I discover a book by a favorite author is going to be coming out and I positively stalk Netgalley and Edelweiss until I find and download it. So Jeff and Rebecca are my people. I’m a fairly recent listener. I first knew I liked this podcast when they were talking about their most anticipated books of 2026, and they were all MY most anticipated- Lauren Groff, Tayari Jones, Louise Erdrich. When they love a book, I can hear in their voices that they share my excitement. On another podcast they do, Zero to Well Read, they talked about Gilead, a book that means so much to me, and Go Tell It on the Mountain, a book I only read for the first time recently that I found electrifying. Then - this was the coup de grace- in talking about Pulitzer winners, they shared their love of A Visit from the Goon Squad, Kavalier and Clay, The Known World, The Night Watchman, other books that are lodged in my heart and psyche. They spoke about these books with vivid precision and reverence. They care about reading diversely, too, as I do. This is one of my favorite podcasts now. I’m going back and listening to episodes from last year, too.
I used to look forward to the new episode each week. But, now that it’s multiple episodes a week the quality has gone off a cliff. I used to enjoy the friends gossiping about new books and book related news. Now their conversations are filled with insufferable interjections on how the publishing industry isn’t inclusive with regards to POC. I’d be fine if they actually gave facts or offered solutions, but all we get is “You know what, Rebecca? I don’t know.” Here’s a tip, if you don’t know what you’re talking about then don’t talk about it.
When one of the hosts pronounces the main character’s name incorrectly throughout, it detracts from the level of literary sophistication they’re trying to show.
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Daily updated Apple Podcasts rankings for the United States.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Book Riot - The Podcast, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
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