Book Riot - The Podcast: 2024 Holiday Recommendation Show (Part 1) + the 2024 National Book Awards

Release Date: November 25, 2024

In this episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky delve into the highlights of the 2024 National Book Awards and kick off the 2024 Holiday Recommendation Show. The conversation seamlessly blends critical analysis with reader-focused recommendations, making it an invaluable resource for both literary enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

1. National Book Awards Highlights

The episode opens with Jeff and Rebecca addressing the outcomes of the 2024 National Book Awards, focusing primarily on the standout winner in the fiction category.

Percival Everett's "James" Takes the Top Spot

Jeff announces, “James did indeed win the National Book Award for his magisterial James of the Century. So far” ([04:25]). The hosts express their enthusiasm and delve into why Everett's work resonated so strongly this year.

Comparing "James" to Literary Titans

Rebecca muses on the challenges of positioning "James" among literary heavyweights: “'James' is dealing with difficult content, but there is a real lightness to Everett's writing style...” ([05:36]). They compare it to classics like Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go and discuss its unique blend of speculative fiction without the reliance on magic realism.

Analysis of Sales and Popularity

Jeff highlights the commercial success of "James": “In 2020, it has sold over 237,000 copies...” ([08:53]). This surge mirrors the impact of Colson Whitehead's Underground Railroad in 2016, underscoring Everett's ability to capture both critical acclaim and widespread readership.

Other Category Winners

While "James" dominated the conversation, Jeff and Rebecca briefly acknowledge other winners:

• Young People's Literature: Safdie's Kareem Between Shifa
• Translated Literature: Yang Shuangzi's Taiwan Travelogue, translated by Lynn King
• Poetry: Lena Khalif Tufa's Something about Living, University of Akron Press
• Nonfiction: Jason Deon's Soldiers and Kings, Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling, Vikings

Rebecca remarks on the diversity of publishers among the winners: “The three mainstream adult categories are all random PR titles and then it's all independent and university presses elsewhere.” ([12:43])

Percival Everett's Meta Influence

Jeff delves deeper into Everett's multifaceted impact: “Everett has pulled off over the last year a meta discourse on his own project...” ([13:35]). They admire how Everett not only won the award but also transformed it into a broader cultural commentary, elevating public discourse on literature.

Anticipation for Future Works

The hosts express excitement about Everett's upcoming projects and potential future contributions to literature, highlighting his unpredictable yet masterful narrative style.

2. Transition to Holiday Recommendations

With the National Book Awards discussion drawing to a close, Jeff and Rebecca segue into the highly anticipated Holiday Recommendation Show. They outline the structure, mentioning that this episode covers part one with part two to follow a week later on December 4th.

3. Holiday Book Recommendations

The core of the episode revolves around addressing listener requests for holiday reading, encompassing a variety of genres and preferences. The hosts engage in a lively exchange, offering tailored suggestions based on the specific needs of their audience.

Listener Questions and Tailored Recommendations

• Amber's Request: Amber seeks literary mysteries beyond the works of Tana French.
  • Rebecca's Recommendations:
    • Liz Moore's "God of the Woods"
    • Megan Abbott's thrillers, such as "Dare Me" and "The Fever"
    • Angie Kim's "Miracle Creek"
  • Jeff's Recommendations:
    • Percival Everett's "Dr. No"
    • Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn"

Jeff humorously acknowledges the challenge: “Mc^#%, it's all about solving that problem first.” ([25:15])

• Maggie's Request: Looking for fiction for her avid reader mom, who enjoys historical and family tales with empathy and compassion without overt political themes.
  • Rebecca's Suggestions:
    • Claire Lombardo's "The Most Fun We Ever Had"
    • Zadie Smith's "On Beauty" and "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow"
    • Celeste Ng's "Little Fires Everywhere" and "Everything I Never Told You"
  • Jeff's Additions:
    • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
    • Monica Brashears' "House of Cotton"

Rebecca emphasizes the importance of accessible yet profound narratives: “It's about being open-minded. It shows rather than tells.” ([33:45])

• Aaron's Request: Seeking books to bring joy amidst political turmoil, avoiding romance but favoring strong female relationships.
  • Rebecca's Picks:
    • "Color Television" by Danzy Senna
    • Ina Garten's memoir, "Be Ready When the Luck Happens"
  • Jeff's Suggestions:
    • "Chemistry" by Ling Ma
    • "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Jeff poignantly reflects on emotional support through literature: “Whatever you do, make your time with them pleasurable and affirming.” ([50:11])

• Colette's Request: Recommendations for her husband who enjoys scientific and engineering disasters, with favorite authors like Cormac McCarthy and Colson Whitehead.
  • Rebecca's Recommendations:
    • Michael Lewis' diverse works
    • Steven Johnson's "Where Good Ideas Come From" and "How We Got to Now"
    • Hanif Abdurraqib's "There's Always This Year"
  • Jeff's Additions:
    • "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham
    • Charles Yu's "How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe"

Rebecca highlights the allure of intellectually stimulating reads: “It's a great gateway drug.” ([54:20])

• Unspecified Listener: Seeking a short book under 300 pages for a recently bereaved individual.
  • Rebecca's Recommendations:
    • Jessica Anthony's "The Most"
    • Han Kang's "Greek Lessons"
    • Julie Otsuka's "The Buddha in the Attic"
    • "Wintering" by Katherine May
    • "Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • Jeff's Suggestions:
    • "Beauty Land" by Samantha Allen
    • "2aM at the Cat's Pajamas" by Tim Federle

Jeff offers heartfelt empathy: “Make your time with them pleasurable and affirming.” ([50:11])

4. Final Recommendations and Wrap-Up

The hosts continue to share thoughtful recommendations, ensuring that each listener's unique needs are met with precision and care. They emphasize the importance of selecting books that not only entertain but also provide solace and enrichment during the holiday season.

Special Mentions:

• Trees-Themed Recommendations:
  • Richard Powers' "The Overstory"
  • Daniel Mason's "The Northwoods"
  • Percival Everett's "The Trees"
  • Annie Proulx's "Barkskins"

Rebecca observes the thematic cohesion: “It shows... a window into a different way.” ([42:15])

Emotional and Reflective Reads:

For listeners navigating personal loss or seeking comfort, the hosts suggest books that offer gentle introspection without overwhelming the reader.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff on "James" winning the National Book Award: “James did indeed win the National Book Award for his magisterial James of the Century. So far” ([04:25]).
• Rebecca on Everett's writing style: “'James' is dealing with difficult content, but there is a real lightness to Everett's writing style...” ([05:36]).
• Jeff on holiday reading: “Whatever you do, make your time with them pleasurable and affirming.” ([50:11]).
• Rebecca on empathy-driven books: “It's about being open-minded. It shows rather than tells.” ([33:45]).

Conclusion

Jeff and Rebecca skillfully navigate the complexities of the National Book Awards while providing a rich array of holiday reading recommendations. Their insights not only celebrate literary excellence but also cater to the diverse tastes of their listeners, ensuring that everyone finds the perfect book to enhance their holiday experience.

For more detailed recommendations and to purchase the books discussed, visit Book Riot's website or ThriftBooks.

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!