Book Riot - The Podcast Zero to Well-Read's 2025 Canon Contenders
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Dec 29, 2025 Jeff and Rebecca dive into the potential canon contenders of 2025, discussing what makes a book enduring. They explore the rise and fall of literary fame, sing praises for award winners, and debate the lasting impact of audacious debuts. Popular titles like Omar El-Aqad’s nonfiction on Gaza and S.A. Cosby’s crime epic get considered for their cultural significance. The hosts also analyze generational sagas and AI-themed works, ultimately narrowing down their top picks while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of literature.
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Crossover Appeal vs. Lasting Distinctiveness
- Popular book-club or crossover hits are highly readable but often get 'sanded' to broad appeal, which can reduce long-term distinctiveness.
- Jeff and Rebecca note that commercial success doesn't always translate to canonical endurance.
Tumor Named Maggie: A Darkly Comic Hook
- Katie Yee's A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar uses dark humor about divorce and cancer, naming the tumor 'Maggie'.
- It won Barnes & Noble's Discover Prize but hosts predict limited long-term staying power.
Fandom And Adaptation Lock In Longevity
- Pop-culture juggernauts (Fourth Wing, Hunger Games prequels) create lasting cultural moments through fandom and adaptation.
- The hosts expect Fourth Wing and Hunger Games IP to remain notable long-term regardless of individual book quality.