The chapter delves into the surprising absence of bleak content on the list of 100 best books of the century so far, discussing the connection between chosen books and current world events. Speakers analyze the presence of historical novels, particularly focusing on race and slavery, which still resonate with today's America. Additionally, they ponder on the impact of the digital era and the internet on people's reading habits, noting a shift towards historical fiction as a form of escape.
Earlier this month, the New York Times Book Review rolled out the results of an ambitious survey it conducted to determine the best books of the 21st century so far. On this special episode of the Book Review Podcast, host Gilbert Cruz chats with some fellow Book Review editors about the results of that survey and about the project itself.
To read the full list, please visit: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html
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