Time’s Best Books of 2024 So Far

We have another best books of the year (so far) list to look at! This one is from Time. I love these mid-year check-ins, so let's go! Expand for more information. 👇

Links 💻

Further Viewing 🎥

Titles Mentioned 📚

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[Itismebruna]

Thanks for the video! I'm with you on the basketball, ghosts and aliens part 😂 I really enjoyed "Olga dies dreaming", so quite excited about Xochitl Gonzalez's new book.

[nanimaonovi]

Hanif Abdurraquib's 'A Little Devil in America' is a true masterwork. Highly recommend you read that one, but the poetry and lyricism of his writing makes me cry even if the topic is bland as cornmeal.

[Katie-iepp]

I'm hoping to get to some of these soon (There's Always This Year, Martyr, Anita de Monte)! I was very hesitant on Beautyland based on the description about the alien aspects, and ended up finding it a lovely and moving story, but I can understand the hesitation from the premise, and not sure how it would land for you!

[Schwendan]

I put a hold on Martyr! after I saw your NYT list reaction video and picked it up Sunday. It's next in my reading queue.

[sabinagruden]

Omg, didn't know about Anita de Monte laughs last! When you starteg talking about it I imediately said: this is Anna Mendieta! Can't wait to read it, thanks for talking about it :)

[SometimesPerplexed]

I’ve read several of the mentioned books, but I’m just here to say I’m thrilled to learn there is a prize named for Carol Shields. She was a wonderful writer but I rarely see her name coming up in recommendations in recent years.
Hopefully the prize will keep her from fading into obscurity and keep her clear eyed and compassionate looks at humanity in circulation.

[michelleizoco]

I feel so similarly about "There's Always Next Year" - but I keep feeling lured to it. You're not the only one avoiding certain books due to anxiety, so a few of these are being pushed for me as well. I started Book of Love by Kelly Link but.... it didn't grab me so I reshelved it and will try again in the fall (it has a fall feel for me probably due to the supernatural feel to it). Looking forward to your favorite books video!

[chambersstevens]

I think we have similar taste. I like how you respectfully pass on certain books.

[myreadinglife]

I can’t wait to read Hanif Adurraquib’s new book! I loved his last book.

[michaelangileo]

My #1 is "Godspell BHHS" .. was #2 on Amazon for a while. read it like 5 times.
Wonderful channel.

[BookishTexan]

I’ve thought a lot about the ending to Jam a because my initial reaction was similar to yours. But I just don’t think there was another way to end it.

[nonu]

I love that I can count on you to not fall prey to handing out rave reviews for books just because the titles are popular or being touted as “best” in mainstream media. For example, I haven’t read “James” and will likely enjoy it; but you didn’t let its popularity and the book buzz around it sway you to slant your view. Thank you for your honest reviews. Your work on this channel is much appreciated.

[kathleena]

I loved the ending of James….i found it surprising and exciting, (which I rarely get from my reading experience.)It made complete sense given everything we’ve learned about Jim….and why do we need the slave to be a saint? why should we expect him to choose non-violence after all the violence that has been visited upon him and his loved ones? I thought it was perfect.

[irynaprotas]

Hello, I am very glad that I came across your channel. I hope that you are no longer worried, life is beautiful, with love from Ukraine❤❤❤❤

[TheLeniverse]

I have read James, which is a testament to its success because I have barely read any 2024 releases. I'm still catching up on books from 2023. I'm waiting for my library hold on Martyr to come in, and I am curious about Anita de Monte, especially after I looked into the artist she's based on! As for the others, I don't know... I have more books already lined up for the summer than I can feasibly get through, and then there will be the Booker longlist, so I kinda think I'm all set for most of the year 😅

[readandre-read]

I've only read James so far from this list; which blew me away. I have Real Americans on my cart; my daughter chose it for me and it looks really good. I'm down for trying Martyr and Beautyland - they are maybes. I'm cool with ghosts snd aliens, lol. My Booker curiosity is growing!

[eusaypdx]

Thank you! Personally, I loved Olga Dies Dreaming but didn't care for Anita De monte. I am generally critical of fictions about fine arts though. Hope you enjoy it!

[karenmoore]

Just bought Anita De Monte Lasts Laugh. Thanks Gregx

[booksandbags]

Hanif's last three books have been amazing. His writing is powerful and his prose is beautiful. Do not underestimate the creativity in using topics you don't think you care about to get you to care and feel.

[tdd]

James!
:)

The ending? Hmm. I can see that. Still ... stunningly good, IMHO.