Episode 182 - Dwight Garner, Book Critic for The New York Times
May 12, 2021
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Join Dwight Garner, a prominent book critic for The New York Times, as he shares insights from his literary journey. He discusses the historical significance of commonplace books and their impact on readers. Garner navigates the challenges of promoting his new quotes compilation during the pandemic and explores the unique book structure resembling poetry. He reflects on the art of book criticism, emphasizing its depth and cultural importance, while also inviting listeners to the upcoming Kentucky Book Festival.
The practice of maintaining a commonplace book allows individuals to reflect on their readings and revisit meaningful ideas from various authors.
The landscape of literary criticism has evolved, creating fewer platforms for reviews, thus increasing the significance of critics in shaping a book's legacy.
Deep dives
The Concept of a Commonplace Book
A commonplace book serves as a personal repository for favorite quotes, observations, and ideas drawn from a variety of readings. It has historical significance, with renowned figures like Virginia Woolf and W.H. Auden maintaining their own commonplace books. This practice allows individuals to reflect on their readings and revisit meaningful passages later. The speaker has cultivated a commonplace book since childhood, ultimately migrating it to digital format, leading to the creation of a published collection entitled 'Garner's Quotations.'
What Defines a Good Quote?
The essence of a good quote lies in its brevity and ability to convey profound truths in a condensed manner. The speaker prefers darker, more complex quotes that delve into themes like envy and depression, as opposed to the more optimistic quotes that often dominate similar collections. Humor and irony are also key elements that capture the essence of a good quotation, as they often present truth in unexpected ways. This approach reflects the speaker's intention to create a diverse compilation of quotes that resonate on multiple emotional levels.
The Evolution of Literary Criticism
The landscape of literary criticism has changed dramatically, with fewer platforms for reviews and a diminished number of critics in the industry. The speaker articulates concern about the decreasing visibility of book reviews in print media, where once a single novel might receive upwards of a hundred reviews, now it may receive only a handful. This reduction leads to critics bearing a greater responsibility, as their reviews can inadvertently shape a book's legacy. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes the enduring importance of criticism as a means of engaging in meaningful discussion about literature.
Personal Reflections on Writing and Identity
The speaker shares insights about his West Virginia upbringing and its influence on his worldview and literary interests. He is in the process of writing a book that examines the cultural perceptions of Appalachian people, partly in response to popular narratives like 'Hillbilly Elegy.' While expressing admiration for various Appalachian writers, he highlights the complexities of identity and representation in literature. This ongoing exploration underscores the significance of personal history in shaping perspectives within literary discourse.
Dwight Garner, Book Critic for The New York Times is our guest on this week's episode of THINK HUMANITIES. Host Bill Goodman talks to Garner about his new book and his work at The New York Times.
THINK HUMANITIES is made possible by generous funding from Spalding University.
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