First Edition

BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O'Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books.

The Business of Being a Writer with Jane Friedman

Jeff talks to Jane Friedman about the new edition of her book, The Business of Being a Writer. She has been writing about the publishing industry for years (and Jeff has been reading her work for years as well), and this book is a guide for writers who don't just want to write, they want to try to make a living.

The Books of Marie-Helene Bertino…with Marie-Helene Bertino

Jeff is joined by one of his favorite writers, Marie-Helene Bertino, and the talk about all five of her books in order, including her new short story collection, Exit Zero.

Trying to Make English Spelling EZ: Gabe Henry & ENOUGH IS ENUF

Jeff talks to Gabe Henry about his new book, Enough is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell. For centuries, a series of thinkers, writers, politicians, and bankers have been advocating to make English easier to spell. It hasn't really worked. But the effort is fascinating.

Jon Hickey & BIG CHIEF

Jeff talks to Jon Hickey about his debut novel, Big Chief.

Katie Kitamura & AUDITION

Jeff talks to the great Katie Kitamura about her new novel, Audition (it is very, very good).

21 Books I’ve Got My Eye on This Month (April 2025)

Jeff talks about 21 books coming out this month that caught his eye.

Writing the Big One with Emma Pattee, Author of TILT

Jeff talks to Emma Pattee about her debut novel, Tilt

Making Phosphorus Interesting: WHITE LIGHT and How to Make a Microhistory

Jeff is joined by Jack Lohmann, author of the new book White Light: The Elemental Role of Phosphorus-in Our Cells, in Our Food, and in Our World

The Reading Life of Stephen Graham Jones

Jeff talks to Stephen Graham Jones about his reading life.

How Hollywood Shaped Joan Didion with Alissa Wilkinson

Alissa Wilkinson joins Jeff to talk about her new book, We Tell Ourselves Stories: Joan Didion and the American Dream Machine.

Load More