Podcast Summary: The Book Review – "The 10 Best Books of 2024"

Episode Released: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Book Review podcast, host Gilbert Cruz collaborates with a panel of esteemed editors from The New York Times Book Review to unveil the top 10 fiction and nonfiction books of 2024. The discussion is enriched by insightful analyses, memorable quotes, and personal anecdotes, offering listeners a deep dive into the literary landscape of the year.

Fiction Highlights

1. James by Percival Everett

   Timestamp: [03:26]

   Discussion:

   MJ Franklin introduces James as a profound retelling of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, narrated from Jim's perspective. The novel reimagines Jim as an intelligent, philosophical character battling the horrors of American slavery while seeking to document his own story.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “James is not illiterate and he's not the sidekick that he's portrayed as in Huck Finn.” – MJ Franklin [04:12]
   • “Percival Everett infuses that with so much new energy and new plot points.” – Dave Kim [04:31]

2. You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrique

   Timestamp: [09:49]

   Discussion:

   The panel delves into this vivid portrayal of the 1519 encounter between Hernán Cortés and the Aztec emperor Moctezuma. The narrative captures the chaotic and often absurd interactions between two vastly different cultures on the brink of dramatic change.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “The Aztec priests stink like they're wearing human skin.” – Jomana Khatib [10:13]
   • “It's like Wolf Hall meets Tristam Shandy.” – Gilbert Cruz [13:39]

3. Good Material by Dolly Alderton

   Timestamp: [17:06]

   Discussion:

   Described as a cathartic breakup story, Good Material follows Andy, a comedian grappling with the end of a long-term relationship. The book is praised for its sharp dialogue, engaging characters, and the satisfying narrative twist that offers perspectives beyond the central relationship.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “It's genial, it's smart, the dialogue is sharp.” – Jomana Khatib [18:54]
   • “There are these two competing impulses... to be alone and to be loved.” – Dave Kim [20:35]

4. Martyr by Kaveh Akbar

   Timestamp: [31:10]

   Discussion:

   Martyr explores the life of a young Iranian American poet seeking meaning through self-sacrifice. The novel intricately weaves themes of grief, identity, and the quest for significance, all while maintaining a playful and engaging narrative tone.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “Martyr! It carries the story and its play.” – Gilbert Cruz [33:11]
   • “He wants to become a living martyr.” – MJ Franklin [31:10]

5. Additional Recommendations:

   • Godwin by Joseph O'Neill

     Timestamp: [36:05]

     A dual narrative exploring the business of soccer and the complexities of capitalism, praised for its intricate critique and engaging storytelling.

   • The Coin by Yasmin Sahir

     Timestamp: [38:06]

     A debut novel blending humor with anti-capitalist themes, focusing on a Palestinian immigrant navigating personal and societal challenges.

   • Rejection by Tony Cholitamuti

     Timestamp: [38:49]

     Noted for its raw portrayal of dark humanity, this book demands a prepared mind for its edgier content.

Nonfiction Highlights

1. The Wide, Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

   Timestamp: [41:04]

   Discussion:

   This meticulously researched account of Captain James Cook's third voyage highlights the clash between Enlightenment ideals and the harsh realities of exploration. Sides presents Cook as a complex figure whose scientific curiosity often led to unintended conflicts.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “James Cook was trying to be a perfect scientist and he wants to just observe without interacting.” – Nima Jeromey [42:02]
   • “Cook wasn't here to lionize or demonize, but just describe him.” – Greg Coles [47:05]

2. Everyone Who is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer

   Timestamp: [50:34]

   Discussion:

   Blitzer’s exhaustive exploration of U.S. immigration policy and its roots in Central American crises serves as a critical examination of decades-long political decisions. The book intricately connects historical policy shifts with personal stories, making the complex issue relatable and urgent.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “How did we get here?” – Emily Aiken [51:43]
   • “It’s an immensely meticulous work of reportage.” – Greg Coles [54:02]

3. Reagan by Max Boot

   Timestamp: [60:18]

   Discussion:

   This biography offers a nuanced portrayal of Ronald Reagan, balancing admiration with critical analysis. Max Boot, a former conservative who distanced himself from the party, provides a reflective look at Reagan's legacy and its unintended consequences in modern politics.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “Reagan exacerbated the Cold War, made it last longer.” – Greg Coles [64:57]
   • “He was born to New Deal Democrats yet refused to support key civil rights legislation.” – Emily Aiken [63:37]

4. I Heard Her Call My Name by Lucy Sant

   Timestamp: [67:40]

   Discussion:

   Sant’s memoir narrates her personal journey transitioning gender in her 60s. The book intertwines past and present, offering a heartfelt and candid exploration of identity, relationships, and self-discovery without delving into broader sociological commentary.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “I'm a writer before I am anything else.” – Greg Coles [72:09]
   • “Multiple truths can exist simultaneously.” – Emily Aiken [69:54]

5. Cold Crematorium by Youssef Deborzeni

   Timestamp: [73:34]

   Discussion:

   This recently translated Holocaust memoir presents an unfiltered account of Deborzeni’s harrowing experiences in Auschwitz. Blending journalistic precision with poetic introspection, the book captures the bleakness and fleeting acts of humanity within the camp.

   Notable Quotes:

   • “He more or less almost died, and I don't know how to represent it to you.” – Nima Jeromey [77:37]
   • “Cigarettes are big in this.” – Greg Coles [77:38]

6. Additional Recommendations:

   • When the Clock Broke by John Ganz

     Timestamp: [78:38]

     An insightful political history of the 1990s, challenging the decade's perceived tranquility by highlighting the rise of fringe political movements and their lasting impact on contemporary politics.

   • Others:

     The panel briefly mentions various other impactful nonfiction works, acknowledging the depth and diversity present in this year's literary offerings.

Conclusion

As the year winds down, The New York Times Book Review hosts provide a comprehensive and thoughtful analysis of the year's best literature. From profound fictional narratives that challenge societal norms to nonfiction works that dissect complex historical and political issues, this episode serves as an essential guide for readers seeking both enjoyment and enlightenment in their literary pursuits.

Final Recap of Top Fiction and Nonfiction Books of 2024:

• Fiction:

  1. James by Percival Everett
  2. You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrique
  3. Good Material by Dolly Alderton
  4. Martyr by Kaveh Akbar
  5. Godwin by Joseph O'Neill
  6. The Coin by Yasmin Sahir
  7. Rejection by Tony Cholitamuti

• Nonfiction:

  1. The Wide, Wide Sea by Hampton Sides
  2. Everyone Who is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer
  3. Reagan by Max Boot
  4. I Heard Her Call My Name by Lucy Sant
  5. Cold Crematorium by Youssef Deborzeni
  6. When the Clock Broke by John Ganz

The Book Review podcast delivers an engaging and insightful discourse, ensuring that listeners are well-informed about the pivotal literary works that shaped 2024.