The Best Books by Oregon Authors in 2025
This was a big year for Oregon writers. Some of the most talked-about books of 2025 came from authors living right here — including a couple of National Book Award finalists. Today, Portland Monthly senior associate editor Matthew Trueherz is here to walk us through a few standouts in fiction and nonfiction, featured on the magazine’s annual best books list.
Discussed in today's episode:
- Wolf Bells, by Leni Zumas
- God and Sex, by Jon Raymond
- One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, by Omar El Akkad
- Reading the Waves, by Lidia Yuknavitch
Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
If you enjoyed this interview with Ivan Hernandez, the Oregon Food Bank Digital Communications and Engagement Manager, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 22nd episode:
DUER - Mention code CCPDX for 15% off
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?
In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up
Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season
We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients
We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland
Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

Controversial Arts Tax Goes up, Progressive City Councilor Accused of Discrimination, and Budget Drama Continues
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about our city's arts tax increasing for the first time in over a decade, a discrimination com...

Possible State Ban on Fishing and Hunting? Plus, Renaming Cesar Chavez Blvd and Mailbag!
We’re talking about the new name being considered to replace Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard as well as the ballot initiative aiming to ban hun...

Oregon’s Push For Universal Healthcare and a Controversial Parks Plan. Plus, Are Portlanders Really Doing OK?
We’re talking about whether Oregon is ready for universal healthcare, what it might take to save the city's parks system, and how Portlan...

Portland’s New Italian Delis To Try Right Now, a Moderated Food Fight, and Tiny Home, Big Smell
We're talking about nightmare neighbors, the trend of recent deli and sandwich spots opening up in Portland, plus local food reporters Al...

