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Post Reports

What to read this summer

Post Reports

The Washington Post

Daily News, Politics, News

4.45.1K Ratings

🗓️ 26 May 2025

⏱️ 24 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a new book, and the Post’s Book World section has compiled recommendations for every type of reader. 


Today, Book World editors Jacob Brogan and John Williams talk to host Elahe Izadi about the new releases and old titles they suggest digging into this summer. 


Here’s the list of books mentioned in today’s episode: 


The Death and Life of August Sweeney” by Samuel Ashworth

Bleak House” by Charles Dickens

Mark Twain” by Ron Chernow

Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America” by Sam Tanenhaus

Is a River Alive?” by Robert MacFarlane

King of Ashes” by S.A. Cosby

Spent” by Alison Bechdel

Crush” by Ada Calhoun

The Book of Records” by Madeleine Thien

The Dry Season” by Melissa Febos

Sloppy” by Rax King

Flashlight” by Susan Choi

Second Life” by Amanda Hess

Mood Machine” by Liz Pelly


Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Lucas Trevor. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick, and mixed by Sean Carter.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcript

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0:00.0

Before we start today's show, I want to say a quick thank you for being a listener.

0:07.4

And to explain a little bit more about why my colleagues and I hope you'll also subscribe to the Washington Post.

0:14.5

The Post Newsroom has published more than 100 scoops so far this year.

0:20.0

Exclusive stories reported by our newsroom, holding power

0:24.0

to account and keeping you informed. That's what drives our work. And it's the kind of work that you

0:30.2

support as a subscriber. If you're not one already, this is a great time to take this step.

0:36.9

Our Memorial Day sale is happening now. You can

0:40.0

unlock your subscription for just $2 every four weeks for a whole year. And after that, it's just $12

0:47.7

every four weeks. You can cancel any time. So hit pause right now and go to the subscription link in our show notes or to

0:56.5

Washington Post.com slash subscribe. In a few minutes, you'll have more of what's happening in the world

1:02.6

right at your fingertips. This offer is good for a limited time, so really do not wait.

1:09.6

We're so excited to welcome you as a subscriber.

1:12.9

Okay, here's today's show.

1:18.6

John, Jacob, I want to start by painting a picture for you, so, okay, imagine.

1:33.6

You're on vacation, You're on the beach. The sunscreen has been applied. The umbrella is up. There's kids in the water. You're lying down on a towel or a chair,

1:39.3

if you prefer, and you reach out your hand. what book are you reaching for?

1:45.4

The book that I'm reaching for this summer is by a guy who writes for our section sometimes, Samuel Ashworth.

1:53.3

It's called The Death and Life of August Sweeney, and it is the life story of a celebrated celebrity chef told through his autopsy.

2:02.1

Whoa.

2:02.8

You know, this is very much on my mind because I'm going on vacation in a week and I'm deciding what to pack.

2:07.3

I think this is such a non-summery answer, but I might take Bleak House by Charles Dickens.

2:13.7

That's Jacob Broken and John Williams.

...

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