MCD Shutters, Audible's Story House, and More of the Week's Book News.

In this episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Shinsky dive into a wide range of book industry news, beginning with the shocking announcement that Farrar, Straus & Giroux (FSG) is shuttering its MCD imprint—a beloved experimental fiction imprint known for publishing boundary-pushing literary works. The hosts express deep sadness over the closure, reflecting on MCD’s role in expanding readers’ literary horizons and spotlighting authors like Jonathan Escoffrey and Adam Johnson. They also discuss the rise of audiobook marketing, including Audible’s new Storyhouse listening lounge in New York, which they critique as a gimmick with questionable ROI. The episode highlights several major publishing developments: the success of Virginia Evans’ debut novel *The Correspondent*, which won both the James Patterson Bookshop Prize and the Indies Choice Award; Paramount’s return to book publishing with a new imprint tied to Taylor Sheridan; and the upcoming film adaptation of Octavia Butler’s *Parable of the Sower*. The hosts also explore the cultural impact of BookTok, the evolution of reader communities, and the enduring power of physical books with deluxe editions. In a standout segment, they interview Kathy Galliano, Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books A Million, who shares insights into how the chain identifies trends like manga and lit RPGs, fosters community through in-store events, and adapts to changing reader demographics. The episode concludes with personal reflections on reading, aging, and the timeless appeal of stories that connect us across time and space.