This week features Dwight Garner, a seasoned book critic from The New York Times, and Becca Rothfeld from The Washington Post, both passionate about literature. They discuss the merits and pitfalls of bestsellers, dive into the joy of physical books amid digital trends, and contemplate rising book censorship. With a critical eye, they explore how modern literature reflects generational divides and personal narratives. Their insights promise new favorites and thoughtful critiques on what might become the timeless classics of 2024.
Kara Swisher shares her rekindled passion for physical books as a counterbalance to the digital distractions prevalent in modern life.
Becca Rothfeld and Dwight Garner reveal their unique reading habits, emphasizing the importance of tactile engagement with physical books for better comprehension.
The critics discuss the evolving landscape of literary criticism and the significance of diverse opinions in enriching the cultural dialogue around literature.
Deep dives
Kara Swisher's Return to Reading
Kara Swisher emphasizes a personal journey back to reading physical books after a long period of being consumed by the digital world. She reflects on her childhood passion for books and acknowledges the challenge of balancing screen time with traditional reading. Currently, she is exploring various works, including Rachel Maddow's latest audiobook and Daniel Mason's writings, signifying her eclectic taste. The episode underscores the importance of discussing books at a time when the publishing industry is navigating challenges like book bans, yet surprisingly, remains resilient.
Critics' Perspectives on Reading Habits
Becca Rothfeld and Dwight Garner share their distinct reading habits in a discussion that highlights the preference for physical books over digital formats. Rothfeld expresses a strong dislike for reading on screens, stating it diminishes her concentration and retention, while Garner enjoys marking up physical books, reinforcing his personal engagement with the texts. Both critics reflect on how their reading choices affect their comprehension and enjoyment, emphasizing the value of tactile interaction with books. The conversation reveals a shared love for books as a medium, likening them to excellent technologies that enhance understanding and connection.
Book Recommendations for the Holidays
As the discussion shifts to holiday gifts, both critics reveal their strategies for selecting books to give. While Garner humorously notes that he no longer gifts books due to the presumed knowledge within his family about his reviews, he expresses a desire to share a timeless classic or special editions. Rothfeld, on the other hand, admits a hesitancy to give books unless she is deeply familiar with a recipient's taste, reflecting on her plans to read 'Paradise Lost' aloud with her husband. This exchange emphasizes the personal nature of book gifting and the significance of understanding individual reading preferences among avid readers.
Highlights of the Year in Literature
Dwight Garner shares insights on his top books of the year, including Salman Rushdie's memoir about his harrowing experience being attacked and its reflection on humor in adverse situations. He cites 'James' by Percival Everett as a standout work that reimagines classic narratives, noting its blend of literary merit and commercial success. Rothfeld counters with her favorite, 'Small Rain' by Garth Greenwell, which offers a poignant exploration through a narrative about undergoing medical procedures. Their contrasting choices highlight the diversity in literature this year and the profound impact certain books have had on each of them.
The Impact of Criticism in Literature
The critics examine the current landscape of literary criticism and its influence on both readers and writers, particularly in light of changing cultural dynamics. They discuss the diminishing presence of book critics in mainstream media and the implications for authors trying to navigate their careers. Both Rothfeld and Garner assert the importance of constructive criticism in fostering a dialogue about literature, even when they disagree with one another on specific works. This highlights the value of differing opinions in enriching the cultural conversation surrounding literature, especially amidst a challenging political and social climate.
Which subpar books actually warrant writing a bad review? Do best sellers usually live up to the hype? And how does our relationship with technology affect the publishing industry? Kara sits down with two of her favorite book critics, Dwight Garner of The New York Times and Becca Rothfeld of The Washington Post, to discuss the best and worst books of 2024.
The trio debates standout books and notable disappointments, the craft of book reviewing, and the best way to experience a great book. They also explore the importance of best-seller lists, how concerned we should be over the rising tide of book censorship, and which books from 2024 could end up becoming forever classics.
Books mentioned includes (listed alphabetically):
What Are Children For? On Ambivalence and Choice, Anastasia Berg & Rachel Wiseman
Boswell’s London Journal 1762-1763
Believe Nothing Until it is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism, Patrick Cockburn
D'Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths
Carson McCullers: A Life, Mary V. Dearborn
You Dreamed of Empires, Álvaro Enrigue
James, Percival Everett
When the Clock Broke, John Ganz
The Upstairs Delicatessen, Dwight Garner
Small Rain, Garth Greenwell
Lesser Ruins, Mark Haber
Alphabetical Diaries, Sheila Heti
A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman, Robert Hilburn
Splinters, Leslie Jamison
Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
Creation Lake, Rachel Kushner
Liars, Sarah Manguso
We Who Wrestle With God, Jordan B. Peterson
Intermezzo, Sally Rooney
The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World, Christine Rosen
Things Are Too Small, Essays in Praise of Excess, Becca Rothfeld
Knife, Salman Rushdie
I Heard Her Call My Name, Lucy Sante
The Rebel’s Clinic, Adam Schatz
The Politics of Cultural Despair, Fritz Stern
Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vance
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on Instagram and TikTok @onwithkaraswisher
