The Book Review
The New York Times
The world's top authors and critics join host Gilbert Cruz and editors at The New York Times Book Review to talk about the week's top books, what we're reading and what's going on in the literary world.
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Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2026 • 40min
'The Correspondent' Author Virginia Evans On Her Breakout Year
Virginia Evans, a debut novelist known for her breakout book, The Correspondent, discusses her inspiring journey from failure to success. She shares the magical moment her book began to sell out in stores, aided by glowing praise from Ann Patchett. Evans reveals how writing became a 'palate cleanser' for her, and the personal experiences that fueled her story. Balancing motherhood and writing, she reflects on the emotional challenges of crafting her characters and the enduring power of letter writing. Discover her insights on resilience and creativity!
Dec 27, 2025 • 52min
Book Club: Let’s Talk About ‘What We Can Know’
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Lyall, a writer for The New York Times, and Leah Greenblatt, an editor at the Book Review, dive into Ian McEwan's intriguing new novel, "What We Can Know." They explore its complex structure, touching on themes of memory, knowledge, and the search for a lost poem in a climate-devastated future. The duo debates the narrative shifts and the emotional weight of characters’ pasts, while also comparing McEwan's latest to his celebrated works. Their insights reveal why this novel resonates deeply with contemporary readers.
21 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 47min
What Did 2025 Mean for Books?
Joining the discussion are Alexandra Alter, a New York Times books reporter known for her insights on publishing trends; Tina Jordan, the Deputy Editor with a keen understanding of the industry; and John Marr, the new book news editor focused on the latest developments. They delve into 2025's most compelling stories, from the rise of romantasy and grassroots hits to the challenges facing nonfiction. The trio also explores how fan culture reshaped literary success and the financial strains on small presses. Expect lively debates and delightful surprises!
56 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
The 10 Best Books of 2025
In this lively discussion, Joumana Khatib, Dave Kim, Greg Coles, and Emily Aiken, editors from The New York Times Book Review, share insights on the top fiction and nonfiction of the year. They dive into Charlotte Wood's meditative novel 'Stone Yard Devotional,' exploring themes of silence and artistic survival in Daniel Kehlmann's 'The Director.' The panel also highlights the harrowing yet beautiful 'Angel Down' and revisits impactful nonfiction, including Arundhati Roy's memoir and the poignant tale of survival in 'A Marriage at Sea.'
