Podcast Summary: The Book Review – "The Best Books of the Year (So Far)"

Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Gilbert Cruz, Editor of The New York Times Book Review
Guest: Jumana Khatib, Frequent Podcast Contributor

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of The Book Review podcast, Gilbert Cruz and his frequent guest, Jumana Khatib, delve into some of the standout books released in the first half of 2025. The conversation is lively and insightful, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of both fiction and non-fiction titles that have captured the attention of the literary community.

1. "King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby

Discussion Highlights: Gilbert introduces "King of Ashes", S.A. Cosby's fifth novel, which he has previously discussed on the podcast. The story revolves around Roman Carruthers, a wealthy investment manager who returns to his small hometown in Virginia, Jefferson Run, after his father falls into a coma following a severe car accident.

Notable Insights:

• Family Dynamics: Roman’s return disrupts the established family structure, highlighting tensions with his sister and younger brother.
• Crime and Suspense: The novel intricately weaves elements of local crime and personal debt, creating a tense and violent narrative landscape.
• Author’s Persona: Jumana remarks on Cosby’s contrasting off-screen persona—“He is so kind. He's just someone that you want to sit down and have a cup of tea with," highlighting the often surprising nature of thriller writers.

Quote: Gilbert Cruz reflects on Cosby's demeanor, stating, “[...] he is very not tense or violent seeming at all. And really, that is what often makes some of the best thriller writers. [...]” (03:26)

2. "The Director" by Daniel Kellman, Translated by Ross Benjamin

Discussion Highlights: Jumana shifts the focus to "The Director", a work of historical fiction inspired by the real-life Austrian director G.W. Pabst. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel explores Pabst's struggle with the Nazi regime's demands versus his personal convictions.

Notable Insights:

• Historical Context: The narrative delves into the pressures faced by artists under oppressive regimes, particularly highlighting Pabst’s coerced collaboration with Nazi propaganda efforts.
• Atmosphere of Fear: Jumana praises Kellman's ability to build a pervasive sense of dread and paranoia without overt violence, likening it to the “frog in boiling water” syndrome.
• Translation Excellence: She commends Ross Benjamin’s translation for maintaining the novel's fluidity and capturing the nuanced dialogues essential for conveying the story's tension.

Quote: Jumana emphasizes the author's skill in scene staging, saying, “[...] appropriately for a book about filmmaking, I think Kellman is really good at staging scenes in the novel. The pacing, the blocking of it. It's great.” (07:43)

3. Non-Fiction Highlights

a. "A Marriage at Sea" by Sophie Elmhurst

Discussion Highlights: Gilbert briefly touches upon "A Marriage at Sea", a true story about an English couple from the 1970s who abandon their lives on land to sail to New Zealand. Their journey is abruptly interrupted when a sperm whale damages their boat, forcing them into a desperate struggle for survival on a dinghy.

Notable Insights:

• Survival and Resilience: The memoir underscores themes of isolation, survival, and the complexities of human relationships when faced with extreme adversity.
• Narrative Efficiency: Gilbert notes the book's brevity as a refreshing quality, especially for avid readers with extensive reading lists.

b. "Careless People" by Sarah Wynne Williams

Discussion Highlights: The conversation shifts to "Careless People", a memoir by Sarah Wynne Williams, detailing her experiences as a high-ranking official at Facebook (now Meta). The book exposes the company's internal culture, including inappropriate behavior and its role in spreading harmful misinformation.

Notable Insights:

• Corporate Culture Critique: Williams provides a firsthand account of the toxic environment within Meta, highlighting issues like sexual harassment and poor decision-making.
• Legal Challenges: The book's release was marred by Meta's legal attempts to suppress it due to a non-disparagement agreement, leading to a notable court case that ultimately allowed the book's publication and promotion.
• Impact of Revelations: Jumana discusses the "Streisand effect," where Meta's efforts to hide the book inadvertently increased its visibility and sales.

Quote: Gilbert succinctly labels the situation, stating, “It's the Streisand effect.” (13:11)

4. Fiction Favorites

a. "Isola" by Allegra Goodman

Discussion Highlights: Jumana introduces "Isola", a historical fiction novel centered on Marguerite de la Roch de Roberval, a 15th-century French noblewoman. After being betrayed by a male relative, she is forced to embark on a perilous journey that leads to her isolation on an uninhabited island alongside her nurse.

Notable Insights:

• Character Development: The novel excels in depicting Marguerite's emotional journey, resilience, and the complexities of her clandestine affair.
• Narrative Craftsmanship: Jumana praises Goodman's balance of meticulous research with compelling storytelling, ensuring the historical details enhance rather than hinder the narrative flow.

Quote: Jumana expresses her admiration, saying, “I was so blown away by this story.” (16:44)

b. "The Sisters" by Yonas Hassan Hemiri

Discussion Highlights: Continuing with fiction, Jumana discusses "The Sisters", a novel following three Swedish-Tunisian sisters navigating their tumultuous family dynamics and cultural identities. The story interweaves their personal struggles with broader themes of heritage and belonging.

Notable Insights:

• Cultural Exploration: The book delves into the intersection of Swedish and Tunisian cultures, highlighting the sisters' attempts to reconcile their diverse backgrounds.
• Narrative Twist: Jumana hints at a profound and unexpected twist towards the novel's end, emphasizing its impact on readers.

Quote: Reflecting on the novel's depth, Jumana shares, “Some people saw it coming. I didn't see it coming. It's profound.” (23:50)

c. "Two Smithereens" by Rosalind Drexler

Discussion Highlights: Jumana introduces "Two Smithereens", a republished novel from 1972, spotlighting its unique portrayal of 1970s New York. The story centers on Rosa, a woman who becomes involved in the pro-wrestling circuit, exploring unconventional narratives within a family tale.

Notable Insights:

• Character Dynamics: The protagonist's journey from an everyday setting to the eclectic world of pro-wrestling offers a fresh and idiosyncratic perspective.
• Authentic Depiction: Drexler's firsthand experiences inform the vivid and authentic portrayal of the wrestling scene in New York.

Quote: Jumana highlights the book’s uniqueness, stating, “It's odd. It's totally idiosyncratic for a book that's so physical.” (33:19)

5. Non-Fiction Deep Dive

"Daughters of the Bamboo Grove" by Barbara Demick

Discussion Highlights: Jumana delves into "Daughters of the Bamboo Grove", a poignant narrative about separated twins subjected to China's one-child policy. One twin is adopted by an American family, while the other remains in China, leading to their eventual reunion orchestrated by journalist Barbara Demick.

Notable Insights:

• Policy Impact: The memoir underscores the human cost of China's one-child policy, particularly its discriminatory effects on female children.
• Journalistic Intervention: Demick's role in reuniting the twins highlights the profound influence of investigative journalism in rectifying personal and systemic injustices.
• Emotional Resonance: Jumana recounts a powerful scene where the twins reunite, capturing the intense emotional stakes of their separation and reunion.

Quote: Jumana reflects on a heart-wrenching moment, saying, “it's just like those moments will just kill you.” (21:33)

6. Additional Recommendations

a. "Buffalo Hunter" by Stephen Graham Jones

Discussion Highlights: Gilbert recommends "Buffalo Hunter", a horror-infused historical fiction novel set in the late 1800s Montana. The protagonist, Good Stab, a member of the Blackfeet tribe, encounters a malevolent entity that preys on lives, intertwining Native American myths with classic Western genre elements.

Notable Insights:

• Cultural Fusion: The novel adeptly blends indigenous folklore with traditional horror tropes, offering a fresh take on both genres.
• Narrative Structure: The story employs a layered narrative within a journal, enhancing its eerie and immersive qualities.

Quote: Jumana appreciates the innovative blending, noting, “I always appreciate how he plays with conventional Western genre, but draws on a lot of native myth. It's really cool.” (28:08)

b. "Wild Thing" by Sue Prudhoe

Discussion Highlights: Jumana introduces "Wild Thing", a biography of artist Paul Gauguin by Sue Prudhoe. The biography reexamines Gauguin's life, addressing both his artistic contributions and controversial personal life, including his relationships in French Polynesia.

Notable Insights:

• Balanced Portrayal: Prudhoe aims to present a nuanced view of Gauguin, acknowledging his artistic legacy while critically addressing his problematic behaviors.
• Engaging Narrative: The biography is lauded for its lively pacing and vivid descriptions, making it accessible even to readers less inclined toward biographical works.

Quote: Jumana praises the author's storytelling prowess, stating, “She has a really good sense of how to keep the story moving. She doesn't linger on too much.” (30:00)

c. "Flesh" by David Soloi

Discussion Highlights: Gilbert discusses "Flesh", a novel by David Soloi that follows Istvan, a Hungarian man navigating life's challenges from adolescence through adulthood, including his experiences in war and his integration into British high society.

Notable Insights:

• Character Study: The novel offers a deep dive into Istvan's reticent nature and physical presence, exploring themes of identity and transformation.
• Narrative Technique: Soloi employs a minimalist writing style, leaving much to the reader's imagination and creating a contract-like engagement with the audience.

Quote: Gilbert shares his emotional response, “It makes for a very tactile reading experience. I think one thing that I responded a lot to in this book is that Soloi leaves a lot off the page.” (40:00)

7. Memoirs and Personal Reflections

"Things in Nature Merely Grow" by Yiyun Lee

Discussion Highlights: Gilbert touches on "Things in Nature Merely Grow", a memoir by novelist Yiyun Lee, chronicling her profound grief following the suicides of her two sons, Vincent and James.

Notable Insights:

• Authentic Grieving: The memoir eschews conventional narratives of healing, offering a raw and unfiltered exploration of enduring loss.
• Emotional Depth: Lee's honest portrayal of grief challenges societal expectations, providing solace to readers grappling with similar tragedies.

Quote: Jumana comments on the memoir's authenticity, saying, “It's amazing to me that for something that is universal, we are all going to lose someone. We still just don't have a good understanding about how to talk about grief.” (43:20)

8. Light-Hearted Recommendation

"These Summer Storms" by Sarah Maclean

Discussion Highlights: To conclude on a lighter note, Jumana recommends "These Summer Storms", a romance novel by Sarah Maclean. Set in present-day Rhode Island, the story follows a conflicted family descending on their patriarch's island home, leading to romantic sparks between a semi-estranged daughter and a handsome interloper.

Notable Insights:

• Romantic Intrigue: The novel blends traditional romance with familial challenges and inheritance quests, offering a feel-good narrative.
• Engaging Plot: The blend of modern settings with classical romantic tropes makes it an appealing choice for readers seeking escapism.

Quote: Jumana expresses enthusiasm, “I am gonna offer up Best book Recommendation in Action right now.” (44:05)

Conclusion

Gilbert Cruz and Jumana Khatib provide a thoughtfully curated selection of books across genres, balancing intense narratives with lighter fare. Their discussions not only highlight the strengths of each book but also offer personal reflections that add depth to their recommendations. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, gripping non-fiction, or heartfelt memoirs, this episode serves as a valuable guide to some of the best literary works of 2025 so far.

For a complete list of the books mentioned and more, visit the Best Books of the Year So Far list on nytimes.com.