Podcast Summary: The Stacks – Ep. 350 "The Best Books of 2024 with Greta Johnson & MJ Franklin"
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Traci Thomas
Guests: Greta Johnson (Former Host of Nerdette & Author of Greta Graham Substack), MJ Franklin (Editor at The New York Times Book Review)
Introduction
In Episode 350 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas, along with esteemed guests Greta Johnson and MJ Franklin, delves into an in-depth exploration of the best books of 2024. This celebratory episode not only highlights standout literary works of the year but also provides insights into the evolving trends in literature, the guests' personal reading habits, and their anticipations for 2025's literary landscape.
Guest Introductions
Traci Thomas welcomes:
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Greta Johnson: Former host of the Nerdette podcast and the author behind the popular Greta Graham Substack, where she shares recipes, book recommendations, and hosts various podcasts.
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MJ Franklin: An influential editor at The New York Times Book Review, known for his discerning taste and impactful book selections.
Reading Habits and Tracking
The conversation kicks off with the trio sharing their personal reading habits:
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Greta Johnson ([07:50] – [08:46]):
- Prefers literary fiction that is engaging yet "trashy" in a fun, digestible way.
- Enjoys plot-driven narratives with touches of salacious content.
- Also a fan of genres like sci-fi, fantasy, and occasional romance.
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MJ Franklin ([08:48] – [09:52]):
- A dedicated fiction enthusiast who reads broadly within the genre.
- Values meticulously crafted sentences, strong metaphors, and narratives where "something is afoot."
- Occasionally dabbles in horror and romance but maintains a focus on literary excellence.
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Traci Thomas ([09:54] – [12:48]):
- A voracious reader with a penchant for both fiction and non-fiction.
- Utilizes audiobooks extensively to manage her impressive reading volume, often listening at increased playback speeds.
- Maintains a detailed spreadsheet to track personal and work-related readings separately.
Notable Quote:
"Traci: 'I have read 131 books so far this year. Four of them are from 2024, which is 64% of my reading has been 2024 books.'" (Timestamp: [19:40])
2024: A Year in Books
The panel shares varied perspectives on the literary trends and overall quality of books released in 2024:
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Greta Johnson ([23:35] – [24:24]):
- Praises the year as phenomenal, with strong starts in January and February.
- Highlights unexpected accolades for genre works like horror and short story collections.
- Appreciates the emergence of assured debuts that captured public imagination.
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MJ Franklin ([24:24] – [25:54]):
- Echoes Greta's sentiments, emphasizing the high quality of early-year releases.
- Observes a trend where major publications front-loaded releases due to external factors like elections.
- Celebrates both established authors and remarkable debuts that defied genre expectations.
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Traci Thomas ([25:59] – [27:05]):
- Contrasts Greta and MJ's positive outlook, expressing disappointment in certain fiction and non-fiction releases.
- Points out that many standout books were "slept on" or lacked sufficient buzz.
- Notes a consensus in the literary community that diluted her excitement for some titles.
Notable Quote:
"MJ Franklin: 'For me, it was such a triumphant year in books and I think a surprising one.'" (Timestamp: [24:24])
Top 10 Books of 2024
The heart of the episode revolves around Greta Johnson and MJ Franklin presenting their top book picks for 2024, each with detailed explanations and personal anecdotes.
1. "All Fours" by Miranda July
- MJ Franklin ([32:08] – [35:21]):
- Describes the novel as a blend of whimsy and earnestness, with a narrative that's both zany and deeply human.
- Highlights its division into three sections, exploring themes of renovation, personal relationships, and returning to one's roots.
- Appreciates the book's explicit and graphic content, balancing fun with thought-provoking elements.
- Greta Johnson ([35:21] – [36:23]):
- Acknowledges the book's divisive nature, noting a deep admiration for Miranda July's unique voice despite personal discomfort with character choices.
Notable Quote:
"MJ Franklin: 'Miranda July has this ability to be absolutely zany and whimsical while also being deeply earnest.'" (Timestamp: [34:05])
2. "Beautyland" by Marie Helene Bertino
- Greta Johnson ([37:06] – [38:56]):
- Praises the book for its poetic sentence structure and exploration of identity through the lens of an alien protagonist.
- Commends its portrayal of teenage struggles and the beauty found in mundane experiences.
- MJ Franklin ([38:56] – [39:41]):
- Notes the book's alignment with current trends, particularly the prominence of alien narratives in modern literature.
- Appreciates its fresh take on the outsider perspective.
Notable Quote:
"Greta Johnson: 'Marie Helene Bertino... conveys everything about being human through the lens of being an alien in such an exquisitely gorgeous and beautiful way.'" (Timestamp: [37:21])
3. "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham
- Traci Thomas ([39:41] – [42:18]):
- Enthusiastically endorses the book for its compelling storytelling of the Challenger disaster.
- Highlights its ability to evoke emotional responses despite readers' prior knowledge of the tragic outcome.
- MJ Franklin ([42:18] – [42:48]):
- Commends Higginbotham's thorough research and narrative prowess.
- Plans to delve into his other notable work, "Midnight in Chernobyl."
Notable Quote:
"Traci Thomas: 'Adam Higginbotham... gives me history. He pulls on my heartstrings by meeting people who unfortunately die.'" (Timestamp: [40:03])
4. "How to Tell When We Will Die" by Johanna Hedva
- Greta Johnson ([42:55] – [44:19]):
- Appreciates the book's profound exploration of disability, pain, and inevitability of mortality.
- Values its balance of humor and raw honesty, making intense subjects approachable and necessary.
- Traci Thomas ([44:19] – [46:03]):
- Highlights the author's ability to intertwine humor with serious themes, fostering a raw and authentic narrative.
- Emphasizes the book's powerful statements on self-care and revenge.
Notable Quote:
"Traci Thomas: 'Do not speak to me of self-care unless you also speak to me of revenge.'" (Timestamp: [44:19])
5. "The Coin" by Yasmin Sahir
- MJ Franklin ([46:11] – [49:48]):
- Describes it as a quirky, well-crafted debut about a Palestinian woman navigating complex relationships and societal expectations in New York.
- Praises the author's sharp, acerbic writing style and the book's intricate plotting.
- Traci Thomas ([49:48] – [52:27]):
- Appreciates the meticulous craftsmanship and the book's ability to maintain suspense without traditional high-stakes drama.
Notable Quote:
"MJ Franklin: 'Yasmin Sahir is sharp, acerbic, knowing, thought-provoking. You cringe because this character should not be anywhere near children.'" (Timestamp: [46:25])
6. "Martyr"
- Traci Thomas, Greta Johnson, & MJ Franklin ([58:55] – [63:53]):
- A retelling of Huck Finn from Jim's perspective, challenging the traditional narrative.
- Lauded for reshaping cultural narratives while maintaining originality and depth.
- Celebrated as Percival Everett's transformative work that honors and redefines an American classic.
Notable Quote:
"MJ Franklin: 'It's a book that showcases humanity in a way we haven't seen before.'" (Timestamp: [68:29])
7. "Another Word for Love" by Carvel Wallace
- Traci Thomas ([62:12] – [66:14]):
- Hailed as the memoir of the year, detailing a tumultuous upbringing and a journey through trauma towards healing.
- Commended for its poetic prose and honest exploration of personal and societal struggles.
- MJ Franklin ([66:14] – [66:33]):
- Praises Wallace's writerly voice and the book's integration of personal narrative with broader cultural reflections.
Notable Quote:
"Traci Thomas: 'What is possible to make of trauma. And it's just so moving and so beautiful and, and earnest again.'" (Timestamp: [66:14])
8. "The Ministry of Time" by Kellyanne Brown
- Greta Johnson ([56:34] – [58:04]):
- Describes it as a violent, sci-fi exploration of colonialism and time travel.
- Appreciates its intricate plot and the way it challenges historical and cultural narratives.
- MJ Franklin ([58:04] – [59:03]):
- Recognizes the book's complexity and its success in blending multiple themes seamlessly.
Notable Quote:
"Greta Johnson: 'It explores colonialism in a way that's both smart and heartfelt, with a twist that truly surprises.'" (Timestamp: [56:40])
9. "Stag Dance" by Torrey Peters
- MJ Franklin ([73:53] – [74:13]):
- Anticipates the book's release based on Torrey Peters' acclaimed previous work, "Detransition Baby."
- Excited about the thematic continuity and Peters' signature storytelling prowess.
Notable Quote:
"MJ Franklin: 'I will read anything that Torrey Peters writes. That’s one book I’m excited about for 2025.'" (Timestamp: [73:57])
10. Bonus Pick – "Martyr" by Percival Everett
- Greta Johnson ([67:21] – [70:10]):
- Commends the book's audacity in reimagining a canonical work from an alternate perspective.
- Lauds Everett's ability to infuse original voice and depth into a familiar narrative.
Notable Quote:
"Traci Thomas: 'Percival Everett... the journey from start to finish transforms the story in the most brilliant way.'" (Timestamp: [69:32])
Anticipated Books for 2025
As the episode nears its conclusion, the guests share their excitement for upcoming releases:
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MJ Franklin:
- "Stag Dance" by Torrey Peters
- "Taste" by [Author Not Specified]
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Greta Johnson:
- "Death of the Author" by Nnedi Okorafor
- New novels by Karen Russell and Kevin Wilson, including "Run for the Hills" by Kevin Wilson.
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Traci Thomas:
- "Hot Air" by Marcy [Last Name Not Specified]
- "Authority" by Andrea Long Chu
- "Disposable" by Sarah Jones
- "There Is No Place for Us" by Brian Goldstone
Notable Quote:
"Traci Thomas: 'I'm excited about Mortar because it captures what it means to live and what is worth living for.'" (Timestamp: [76:17])
Conclusion
Episode 350 of The Stacks offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the literary achievements of 2024, guided by the insightful perspectives of Greta Johnson and MJ Franklin. From challenging canonical narratives to exploring deeply personal memoirs, the episode underscores the diversity and richness of the year's publications. Additionally, the guests' discussions on reading habits and their anticipation for 2025's releases provide listeners with valuable recommendations and a glimpse into future literary trends.
Notable Quotes Summary:
-
Traci Thomas on Personal Reading Volume:
"I have read 131 books so far this year. Four of them are from 2024, which is 64% of my reading has been 2024 books."
(Timestamp: [19:40]) -
MJ Franklin on "All Fours":
"Miranda July has this ability to be absolutely zany and whimsical while also being deeply earnest."
(Timestamp: [34:05]) -
Greta Johnson on "Beautyland":
"Marie Helene Bertino... conveys everything about being human through the lens of being an alien in such an exquisitely gorgeous and beautiful way."
(Timestamp: [37:21]) -
Traci Thomas on "Challenger":
"Adam Higginbotham... gives me history. He pulls on my heartstrings by meeting people who unfortunately die."
(Timestamp: [40:03]) -
Traci Thomas on "Martyr":
"Percival Everett... the journey from start to finish transforms the story in the most brilliant way."
(Timestamp: [69:32])
For more information, visit www.thestackspodcast.com. Explore additional content, including upcoming book club picks, and join the The Stacks community on Patreon.