Dwight Garner, a New York Times book critic and author, shares insights from his latest work, Garner’s Quotations: A Modern Miscellany. He humorously explores the unconventional and irreverent nature of quotes, revealing their profound impact on literature and daily life. The conversation includes witty anecdotes about his experiences with quotations and critiques of literary trends. Additionally, Garner and the editors recommend captivating books, celebrating themes like Jewish culture in fantasy and leadership challenges during crises.
Dwight Garner emphasizes the value of commonplace books as reflections of personal intellectual and emotional growth through curated quotations.
The episode highlights the importance of humor in literature, showcasing how wit can enhance reader engagement and provoke thought.
Deep dives
The Importance of Commonplace Books
The episode highlights the significance of commonplace books, which serve as personal collections of noteworthy quotes. Dwight Garner, the guest, shares his experience of maintaining such a book since high school, filled with passages that resonated with him over the years. He emphasizes that these compilations can reflect one's intellectual and emotional growth, as they often include quotes that range from literary to humorous. Ultimately, Garner illustrates how these curated collections bring meaning and insight into one's life and literary journey.
Exploring Quotations in Literature
The discussion delves into the art of quoting and the particular charm of unconventional and irreverent quotations found in Garner's work. He reveals that his selections encompass a diverse range of sources, including literature, movies, and song lyrics, which contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural references. Garner argues that the most impactful quotes transcend cliché, instead offering fresh perspectives that provoke thought or humor. This focus on quality over quantity showcases his attempt to uplift valuable voices in literature while steering clear of overused phrases.
The Role of Humor in Quoting
Humor emerges as a critical theme in quoting, with Garner noting the importance of wit in literature and criticism. He shares anecdotes about the comedic elements in his reviews and how they can resonate with readers, sometimes even leading them to embrace major life changes. This levity also facilitates deeper connections with literature, allowing readers to engage in discussions surrounding complex ideas with a dash of irreverence. By offering fun and unexpected takes on quotes, Garner highlights how humor can enliven both writing and the reader's experience.
Diverse Perspectives on Quotes
Garner discusses the different categories of quotes he maintains, ranging from conventional subjects like love and work to more peculiar topics such as vomit and revenge. He expresses frustration over the lack of original or refreshing quotes in public discourse and argues for a more nuanced appreciation of language. By focusing on themes beyond the typical, he invites readers to explore the wide-ranging human experience captured in literature. This innovative categorization serves as a reminder that the value of quotes can be found in their capacity to reflect the complexities of life.
Dwight Garner discusses Garner’s Quotations: A Modern Miscellany (FSG, Nov. 10), an uncommon collection of quotations from the New York Times book critic’s own commonplace book. Kirkus: “Garner delights in including words not printable in his newspaper, and his selections privilege the sly and irreverent…. A diverting trove of witty remarks.” Then our editors join with their reading recommendations for the week, with books by Isabel Thomas and Sara Gillingham, Gavriel Savit, Andrew Cuomo, and Bryan Washington.
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