The Daily
The Year in Books
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The podcast showcases the reflective journey of critics as they discuss the year's literary highlights, emphasizing the emotional connections forged through reading.
- Curation of literary lists is a team effort, revealing how collective opinions shape our understanding of what defines 'the best' in literature.
- Several books are presented as favorites for the year, reflecting diverse themes and styles, highlighting the breadth of contemporary literature.
- Dwight Garner's commonplace book exemplifies the practice of distilling profound insights from reading, demonstrating literature's power to inspire personal growth.
Summary
Reflecting on the Year in Books
In this episode, Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle at The New York Times, engages with Gilbert Cruz, editor of the New York Times Book Review, and other critics about the standout books of 2024 as well as significant works of the century. The conversation touches upon both the emotional impact of literature and the careful curation involved in creating lists of the year's best books.
Best Books of 2024 and the Century
Gilbert Cruz elaborates on the process behind selecting the ten best books of 2024, emphasizing the collaborative effort among editors and critics. They discuss a mix of genres, unveiling exciting new fiction and nonfiction. The fiction highlights include 'You Dreamed of Empires' by Alvaro Enrique, which imagines the historical meeting between Hernán Cortez and Máctezuma. The nonfiction selection features 'The Wide Wide Sea' by Hampton Sides about Captain Cook's adventures.
Critics’ Picks and Personal Favorites
The segment continues with various New York Times book critics sharing their favorite reads from 2024. From M.J. Franklin's recommendation of 'Margot's Got Money Troubles' to A.O. Scott's praise for Diane Seuss's poetry collection, the critics explore a range of themes including empowerment, nostalgia, and the absurdity of modern life. The discussion emphasizes not merely the popularity of books but their varied perspectives and authentic storytelling.
The Concept of the Commonplace Book
In a fascinating segment, Dwight Garner sheds light on his personal 'commonplace book,' a compilation of memorable quotes and insights from books he's read. He explains the significance of curating such a collection, which serves as a reflection of his evolving tastes and the profound impact literature has on understanding life.
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Show notes
As 2024 comes to a close, critics, reporters and editors at The New York Times are reflecting on the year in arts and culture, including books.
The deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle, Melissa Kirsch, speaks with the editor of The New York Times Book Review, Gilbert Cruz, about the best books of 2024 — and of the century. Also, The Times’s book critics detail their favorite reads of the year.
Guest:
- Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle for The New York Times.
- Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review.
- M.J. Franklin, an editor for The New York Times Book Review.
- Jennifer Szalai, the nonfiction book critic for The New York Times Book Review.
- A.O. Scott, a critic at large for The New York Times Book Review.
- Sarah Lyall, a writer at large for The Times and the thrillers columnist for The New York Times Book Review.
- Alexandra Jacobs, a critic for The New York Times Book Review.
- Dwight Garner, a critic for The New York Times Book Review.
Background reading:
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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