All Of It: NPR's Books We Love 2024 – A Comprehensive Summary

Introduction

In the December 3, 2024 episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight is on NPR's Books We Love 2024. This episode serves as a guide for listeners looking to discover new literary treasures, whether for personal enjoyment or as thoughtful holiday gifts. Alison Stewart engages with Andrew Limbong, NPR Arts Reporter and host of the Book of the Day podcast, to delve into the year's standout books, explore thematic trends, and provide listeners with curated recommendations.

Exploring 2024’s Literary Themes

At the outset (01:02), Andrew Limbong reflects on the overarching themes prevalent in the books of 2024. He observes a significant focus on the act of reading and writing itself, underscoring the profound power of storytelling. Limbong highlights several key works that embody these themes:

• Percival Everett’s “James” (01:17): A retelling of Mark Twain’s Huck Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved friend of Huck. This National Book Award winner offers a contemplative look at the purpose and impact of writing, using humor to explore why characters engage with literature.

  “It’s a fascinating take on why we read. I think it’s something that we take for granted all the time.” – Andrew Limbong (01:50)

• Salman Rushdie’s “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” (02:15): Rushdie’s memoir delves into his survival and resilience following an assassination attempt, intertwining personal narrative with broader discussions on freedom of speech and the role of the writer in society.

• Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “The Message” (02:30): Another pivotal work that examines the intricacies of storytelling and its capacity to influence and reflect societal changes.

NPR’s Books We Love 2024: A Curated Literary Treasure Trove

Andrew Limbong introduces NPR’s Books We Love 2024 website, a unique compilation of 351 recommended books curated from the collective preferences of NPR staff and book critics. Unlike typical "best of" lists, this extensive collection aims to cater to a wide array of tastes and interests, ensuring that every reader can find something that resonates with them.

“We’re not giving you like a message from on high... we have a list of 351 books that we recommend.” – Andrew Limbong (03:49)

Key Features of the Books We Love Website:

• Comprehensive Selection: A broad spectrum of genres and styles to suit diverse reading preferences.

• Filter Options: Allows users to narrow down choices based on genre, length, lengthy or short reads, and more. For example, enthusiasts can select filters such as biography, romance, identity and culture, or global tales to find their perfect match (05:04).

• User-Friendly Interface: Despite the vast number of recommendations, the website’s filtering system makes it manageable and user-centric.

Listener Interactions: Favorite Books of 2024

Throughout the episode, Alison Stewart invites listeners to call in with their favorite books of the year, fostering an interactive and community-driven discussion. Andrew Limbong responds to these recommendations with insightful commentary, providing listeners with deeper context and reasons why these books stand out.

1. Andrew Borriga’s “Victim” (05:50):

   • Synopsis: A debut novel about Javi, a young man from the Bronx who navigates the complexities of a challenging childhood while striving for success in the writing world.
   • Highlights: The book offers a humorous critique of the literary elite and publishing culture, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.

   “It’s a really funny kind of takedown of, for lack of a better term, the literary elite culture.” – Andrew Limbong (06:01)

2. Ken from Park Slope on Rick Parker’s Graphic Memoir (07:19):

   • Recommendation: A graphic memoir detailing Parker’s experiences growing up in Savannah, Georgia, and his time in the Vietnam War era.

3. Jade from Brooklyn on Robert Sullivan’s “Double Exposure” (08:26):

   • Synopsis: An exploration of Timothy O’Sullivan’s 19th-century war photography, intertwined with Sullivan’s personal journey through the landscapes captured in the photographs.
   • Insights: The book delves into the human elements of geography and the enduring legacy of historical narratives.

4. Additional Recommendations:

   • Al Pacino’s “Sunny Boy” (09:58): A memoir reflecting on life post-pandemic, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal observations.
   • Paolo Ramos’ “Defectors: The Rise of Latinos and What it Means for America” (11:17): An eye-opening nonfiction work examining the political and cultural influence of Latino communities in America.
   • Arnie Kantrowitz’s “Song of Myself” (21:47): A novel recounting the experiences of a gay man growing up in mid-20th century America, highlighting historical and social challenges.

Diving Deeper: Notable Book Discussions

Andrew Limbong elaborates on several standout books recommended by listeners, providing comprehensive overviews and personal reflections:

• Morgan Talty’s “Fire Exit” (15:23):

  • Theme: Blood quantum and identity among Indigenous Americans.
  • Plot: Follows a non-native man navigating his identity and familial bonds amidst legal and societal constraints.
  • Commentary: Limbong found the exploration of legal intricacies and personal narratives both eye-opening and compelling.

• Nora Lang’s “Us Fools” (17:26):

  • Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Iowa Farmers crisis, the novel intertwines political turmoil with the personal lives of two young women.
  • Discussion: Limbong praises its ability to merge hefty themes like economics and politics with relatable family dynamics, making it an ideal choice for book clubs (17:26).

• Garth Greenwell’s “Small Reign” (18:57):

  • Description: A poetic narrative about pain and resilience during a hospital stay amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Reception: Alison Stewart shares her personal enjoyment of the audiobook version, highlighting Greenwell’s lyrical prose (18:57).

• Bianca Bosca’s “Get the Picture” (20:00):

  • Focus: An investigative look into the New York art world, addressing perceptions of commercialization and authenticity.
  • Evaluation: Limbong commends Bosca’s immersive reporting style, which provides a balanced and entertaining exploration of the art scene (20:00).

Selecting the Perfect Book for Others

A pivotal part of the episode centers on guidance for choosing books as gifts. Andrew Limbong advises listeners to consider the recipient’s interests and preferences over personal accolades, emphasizing the importance of shared conversations that a good book can foster.

“Be completely egoless. Don’t try to assign homework. Make sure that’s tailored to their interests.” – Andrew Limbong (25:56)

Final Highlights

• Debut Authors: Limbong celebrates Andrew Borriga and Chanel Miller for their impactful works, highlighting the significance of fresh voices in literature.

• Young Adult Literature: Magnolia Wu is recommended as a delightful and heartwarming read for younger audiences, showcasing Limbong’s appreciation for diverse storytelling (24:07).

• Passionate Endorsements: Enthusiastic listeners rave about Kevin Akbar’s “Martyr”, demonstrating the varied and heartfelt connections readers have with their chosen books (25:32).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reiteration of NPR’s Books We Love 2024 as an invaluable resource for discovering a vast array of books tailored to diverse tastes. Alison Stewart encourages listeners to explore the extensive list, engage with the community, and utilize the filtering options to find their next great read or the perfect gift for a loved one.

“You could just look up Books We Love or npr.org books. We’re not trying to hide it.” – Andrew Limbong (15:13)

Contact Information

Listeners are invited to share their favorite books and seek recommendations by calling 212-433-9692-21243 or visiting the Books We Love section on NPR’s website.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew Limbong on the Power of Reading:

  “It’s a fascinating take on why we read. I think it’s something that we take for granted all the time.” (01:50)

• Andrew Limbong on NPR’s Curated List:

  “We’re not giving you like a message from on high... we have a list of 351 books that we recommend.” (03:49)

• Andrew Limbong on Selecting Books for Others:

  “Be completely egoless. Don’t try to assign homework. Make sure that’s tailored to their interests.” (25:56)

This episode of All Of It not only celebrates the diverse literary achievements of 2024 but also fosters a sense of community among book enthusiasts, encouraging shared experiences and thoughtful gifting through the rich recommendations provided by NPR’s dedicated team.