Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review, shares his insights on the best books of 2024 and reflects on literary gems of the century. He discusses remarkable titles like Alvaro Enrique's 'You Dreamed of Empires' and highlights 'My Brilliant Friend' by Elena Ferrante. The conversation touches on the joy of reading and the significance of diverse literary experiences. Cruz also explores the concept of commonplace books and how literature shapes personal growth, offering a profound take on the influence of reading in our lives.