The Book Review Podcast Summary: "Our Book Critics On Their Year in Reading"

Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Gilbert Cruz
Featuring: Jen Zalai, Dwight Garner, Alexandra Jacobs

Introduction

In the December 13, 2024 episode of The Book Review podcast, host Gilbert Cruz engages in an insightful conversation with New York Times Book Review critics Jen Zalai, Dwight Garner, and Alexandra Jacobs. The episode, titled "Our Book Critics On Their Year in Reading," delves into the standout books, themes, and literary trends observed by the critics over the past year. Skipping over advertisements and introductory segments, the discussion focuses solely on the rich content shared by the hosts.

Year in Reading Overview

Dwight Garner opens the discussion by reflecting on how this year's books provided much-needed refuge during a turbulent period marked by uncertainty and angst. He states:

"It was such a year of turmoil for so many people and uncertainty and angst and books, at least for me, they're where I went to escape."
[01:36]

Garner emphasizes that while the themes in this year's literature echo those of previous years, their resonance was particularly poignant given the collective societal concerns.

Highlighted Books and Authors

Sally Rooney's "Intermezzo"

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Sally Rooney's novel Intermezzo. Initially met with skepticism among the critic community, Garner shares his transformation in perception:

"It's really smart. It's just the book that I dove into and found deep pleasure and indeed escape in."
[02:21]

Alexandra Jacobs complements this by comparing Rooney's approach to Miranda July's, highlighting a shift towards more playful narratives:

"Miranda July being taken seriously, as seriously as Sally Rooney, and her book was the one... embraced with excitement."
[02:42]

Miranda July's "All Fours"

Jen Zalai discusses All Fours by Miranda July, describing it as a narrative that challenges the confines of domestic life and explores deep emotional landscapes:

"It's about a woman in a marriage partnership with a young child who... feels somewhat stifled and confined in her domestic arrangement."
[03:10]

The conversation underscores the book's exploration of personal freedom and the complexities of modern relationships.

Alvaro Enrique's "Yous Dreamed of Empires"

Garner lauds Yous Dreamed of Empires for its unique portrayal of Mexican history infused with humor and humanity:

"Atmospheric, funny, sort of a surreal version of deep history in Mexico... mosquito bites and butts itch. It's just really funny and humane."
[05:24]

Alexandra adds that the book's blend of historical detail with personal anecdotes makes it both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

Genres: Biographies and Memoirs

The critics delve into the evolving landscape of biographies and memoirs, particularly in the digital age where traditional sources like handwritten letters are dwindling.

Alexandra Jacobs reflects on the challenges modern biographers face:

"How will it even be possible to write a biography of someone who is a notable personality right now, given that there largely is no written record?"
[12:35]

Jen Zalai praises Katherine Bucknell's biography of Christopher Isherwood, emphasizing its depth despite being a concise work:

"It's a wonderful biography. One of my favorite books of the year."
[13:15]

Dwight Garner highlights the effectiveness of Brad Gooch's The Life and Line of Keith Haring, appreciating the author's ability to capture Haring's vibrant personality:

"The Elaine May biography by a young writer... very approachable and very in your face."
[17:18]

Impact of Political Climate on Publishing

The episode touches upon how the election year influenced publishing, especially for nonfiction. Jen Zalai explains the challenges publishers faced in gaining visibility amidst the saturated political discourse:

"Publishers who want to get publicity for their books find it difficult to penetrate that maelstrom."
[06:52]

She further discusses John Ganz's When the Clock Broke, which offers an alternative history perspective on the early 1990s in America:

"A history of the losers... combines historical evidence with impressive storytelling."
[08:28]

Garner praises Ganz's work for its humanity and nuanced portrayal of historical events:

"Its humanity, its small bore humanity the most. It's a novel where mosquitoes bite people... really humane as well as being complicated and intellectual."
[06:33]

Memoirs and Personal Narratives

Caleb Carr's memoir, My Beloved Monster, garners significant attention as the critics discuss its heartfelt exploration of personal relationships with cats and its connection to broader historical and literary backgrounds:

"It's a love letter to his cat Masha... a history of his life with cats and how cats saved him."
[20:53]

The memoir is praised for its powerful narrative and emotional depth, contrasting with more disturbing titles like Tony Tulithamudi's Rejection.

Contrasting Narratives: "Rejection" vs. "Beautyland"

The critics compare Rejection by Tony Tulithamudi with Alexandra Jacobs' Beautyland by Marie Helene Bertino, highlighting the stark differences in tone and theme:

• Rejection explores the darker aspects of online existence and extreme social isolation, with Jen Zalai noting:

  "He captures the most extreme version of being online... incredibly powerful, but very off-putting."
  [24:13]

• Beautyland, on the other hand, offers a more uplifting narrative about an alien struggling with human norms, evoking emotional responses from Jacobs:

  "I cried at Beauty Land. It's so much nicer."
  [27:53]

Controversial and Divisive Reads

The episode addresses books that sparked debates among readers and critics alike. Dwight Garner mentions Sally Rooney's Intermezzo as a polarizing read:

"Half the people say, thank God you nailed it. Other people are like, what are you thinking?"
[28:21]

Jen Zalai discusses Daniel Chandler's A Manifesto for a Just Society, highlighting the lively discussions it ignited regarding its relevance in contemporary times:

"Adopting a veil of ignorance... sounds a little bit out of step with where we are right now."
[29:01]

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Wrapping up the episode, host Gilbert Cruz anticipates future discussions, including a monthly book club episode focused on Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These. The critics express their appreciation for the diverse readings of the year and the engaging conversations that emerged from their collective insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dwight Garner on Book Refuge:

  "It was such a year of turmoil for so many people and uncertainty and angst and books, at least for me, they're where I went to escape."
  [01:36]

• Sally Rooney Praise:

  "She's no joke as a novelist and one of the best writers in the world right now."
  [02:42]

• Alvaro Enrique's Humanity:

  "It's a novel where mosquitoes bite people and they get colds and their butts itch. And it's just really funny and it's just humane..."
  [06:18]

• Impact of Digital on Biographies:

  "How will it even be possible to write a biography of someone who is a notable personality right now, given that there largely is no written record?"
  [12:35]

• Caleb Carr's Memoir:

  "It's a history of his life with cats and how cats saved him."
  [20:53]

Conclusion

This episode of The Book Review podcast offers a comprehensive look into the reading landscape of the past year, highlighting how literature served as both a refuge and a mirror to societal changes. Through engaging discussions on a variety of genres and themes, the critics provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of storytelling and its impact on readers.

For listeners seeking in-depth literary analysis and diverse book recommendations, this episode is a treasure trove of thoughtful discourse and passionate critique.