Jeff and Rebecca talk about recent reading, why late night talk shows might be interested in doing book clubs, a victory in court against book bans, and more book news. Then, Jeff talks to Al Woodworth, Managing Editor of the Amazon Books team, about their picks for the Best Books of 2025 so far and how their team makes those selections. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Sign up for the Book Riot Podcast Newsletter and follow the show on Instagram and Bluesky. Get more industry news with our Today in Books daily newsletter. Tailored Book Recommendations has the chops to find the right read for your loved one this Father’s Day. Gift TBR today starting at just $18! Check out Strong Sense of Place wherever you get your podcasts, or visit strongsenseofplace.com This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Discussed in this Episode:  St. Francis, MN school district drops book banning policy & returns books to shelves in respond to lawsuit Carla Hayden speaks out about firing Stephen Colbert launches the Late Show Book Club The Book Riot Live at Powell’s July 9th: The Best Books of the Year (so far) Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy The Book of Alchemy of Suleika Jaouad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices