Our 2024 book list is here! We have chosen twelve books to discuss next year, all of which we’re very excited about. We included a few beloved novels for readers of all ages, a couple of contemporary novels which offer much to discuss, some lesser known classics from the last century, books which explore deep theological questions, and—well, yes—our beloved P.G. Wodehouse.
I think this is the conversation where Tim recommends the book, "How Scots Invented the Modern World." Just had to share that I read it, and now cannot stop talking about Scotland, and mentioning things related to Scotland, and pointing out how something began in Scotland, or the inventor was Scottish. My husband wanted to watch the movie Hunt for Red October. We're watching it and I say, "Do you know where Sean Connery is from?" I really wasn't sure, but had a feeling...Let me just say, he has two tattoos and one of them reads, "Scotland Forever."
I am excited to read Trollope. I am embarrassed to say I have never read him! I was so bummed to lose Piranesi (I will argue that Clarke is the closest writer we have in the vein of Lewis, and she should be read!). I am always sad to lose Hemingway and Morrison. But I am SO excited to be reading Kristin Lavransdatter next! Also- major plug for both The Sparrow and Children of God on the Patreon!
I'm really excited for this year's books, and I was laughing so hard when Heidi seemed legitimately upset that David offered to axe his own suggestion ONCE AGAIN to fit the other books in this year. too funny
I enjoy listening in to the process. I often choose to read several of the books that do not get picked only to find that they are selected another year. For that reason, I read Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and Trust recently. I completely loved Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and look forward to rereading it soon. I expect I will do the same with this year’s picks.
I just finished "Madame Bovary" (the Lydia Davis translation) and kept thinking of Heidi's comment -- can't remember which episode it was on -- that if you take Kitty and Levin out of "Anna Karenina," what do you have? "Madame Bovary"! And there was a quote I think Heidi would love, as Emma thinks back on her wedding day with regret: "Ah! if only in the freshness of her beauty, before the defilement of marriage and the disillusionment of adultery, she could have set down her life upon some great, solid heart, then virtue, tenderness, desire, and duty would all have joined together, and she would never have descended from such lofty felicity." Duty and desire! (The irony of pairing defilement with marriage and disillusionment with adultery, instead of the other way around, just floors me.) Looking forward to several on next year's list!
That was a little stressful! 😅 I wouldn’t want to be the one making these decisions. There’s so many things to consider. Thanks to the hosts and David for wearing the producing hat and moderating!
I’ve read a few of these recently and can see how they would make for good discussions. I’m by far most excited for Trollope because I haven’t read anything by him yet and keep meaning to. And I was sorry to see Toni Morrison go, but still hoping she makes it next year.
That was an awesome episode! Loved every minute of it. Kinda sad Emma didn't make it only because I need someone to convince me to read that thing all the way through for Pete's sake. Excited about a lot of these. Wary of some of them. Overall good vibes.
I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make these decisions! I’m excited about them all...the ones I’ve read (3 of 12) and the ones I haven’t read. I’m curious how Station Eleven was shoehorned in since I didn’t hear that it bumped anything. Just adjusted some weeks?
With apologies to David, McCarthy’s Appalachian novels are well below The Road in my estimation. Even Suttree, which I know Tim loves, is a good deal less polished and (to me) far too long.
I was whispering “nooooooo” during the discussion of only reading The Sword in the Stone 😂 I’d love if you did The Once and Future King, I think you’d have so much to talk about. But - it is so long, and I think the last two parts, Candle in the Wind and Book of Merlyn, are necessary.
I have never loved David more than when he was initially protesting having both The Road and Station Eleven in the same year. Because he was absolutely right, they're both the same thing. Station Eleven somewhat less than The Road because it is a novel dressed up in science fiction clothing. Beautifully written and with great imagination but it really failed to stick the landing as sf - which was a great disappointment. Bravo David for your valiant attempts! In a year that saw Huckleberry Finn, Graham Greene, Madame Bovary, and Toni Morrison turned down this was disappointing. May I suggest some Octavia Butler as "off duty" reading for the gang? It is real science fiction and also may satisfy some of the things you are looking for in your close reading.
I think this is the conversation where Tim recommends the book, "How Scots Invented the Modern World." Just had to share that I read it, and now cannot stop talking about Scotland, and mentioning things related to Scotland, and pointing out how something began in Scotland, or the inventor was Scottish. My husband wanted to watch the movie Hunt for Red October. We're watching it and I say, "Do you know where Sean Connery is from?" I really wasn't sure, but had a feeling...Let me just say, he has two tattoos and one of them reads, "Scotland Forever."
Is there a reading schedule for 2024?
This was so fun to witness in person!!
I am excited to read Trollope. I am embarrassed to say I have never read him! I was so bummed to lose Piranesi (I will argue that Clarke is the closest writer we have in the vein of Lewis, and she should be read!). I am always sad to lose Hemingway and Morrison. But I am SO excited to be reading Kristin Lavransdatter next! Also- major plug for both The Sparrow and Children of God on the Patreon!
I'm really excited for this year's books, and I was laughing so hard when Heidi seemed legitimately upset that David offered to axe his own suggestion ONCE AGAIN to fit the other books in this year. too funny
She was actually getting mad and it was fantastic 😂 "This is like, a tradition, and it is the MOST ANNOYING tradition we have!"
I enjoy listening in to the process. I often choose to read several of the books that do not get picked only to find that they are selected another year. For that reason, I read Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and Trust recently. I completely loved Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and look forward to rereading it soon. I expect I will do the same with this year’s picks.
Any chance we could see the original list, David?
I just finished "Madame Bovary" (the Lydia Davis translation) and kept thinking of Heidi's comment -- can't remember which episode it was on -- that if you take Kitty and Levin out of "Anna Karenina," what do you have? "Madame Bovary"! And there was a quote I think Heidi would love, as Emma thinks back on her wedding day with regret: "Ah! if only in the freshness of her beauty, before the defilement of marriage and the disillusionment of adultery, she could have set down her life upon some great, solid heart, then virtue, tenderness, desire, and duty would all have joined together, and she would never have descended from such lofty felicity." Duty and desire! (The irony of pairing defilement with marriage and disillusionment with adultery, instead of the other way around, just floors me.) Looking forward to several on next year's list!
That was a little stressful! 😅 I wouldn’t want to be the one making these decisions. There’s so many things to consider. Thanks to the hosts and David for wearing the producing hat and moderating!
I’ve read a few of these recently and can see how they would make for good discussions. I’m by far most excited for Trollope because I haven’t read anything by him yet and keep meaning to. And I was sorry to see Toni Morrison go, but still hoping she makes it next year.
That was an awesome episode! Loved every minute of it. Kinda sad Emma didn't make it only because I need someone to convince me to read that thing all the way through for Pete's sake. Excited about a lot of these. Wary of some of them. Overall good vibes.
Bummed Hemingway didn’t get picked! 😩 I’m looking forward to The Road, The Warden and the Hobbit though!
So bummed Hemingway wasn’t picked.
I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make these decisions! I’m excited about them all...the ones I’ve read (3 of 12) and the ones I haven’t read. I’m curious how Station Eleven was shoehorned in since I didn’t hear that it bumped anything. Just adjusted some weeks?
With apologies to David, McCarthy’s Appalachian novels are well below The Road in my estimation. Even Suttree, which I know Tim loves, is a good deal less polished and (to me) far too long.
I’m glad we’re not reading Wise Blood.
I was whispering “nooooooo” during the discussion of only reading The Sword in the Stone 😂 I’d love if you did The Once and Future King, I think you’d have so much to talk about. But - it is so long, and I think the last two parts, Candle in the Wind and Book of Merlyn, are necessary.
I laughed out loud several times listening to this year - here’s hoping I get to be there in person if you ever do another in-person one!
I have never loved David more than when he was initially protesting having both The Road and Station Eleven in the same year. Because he was absolutely right, they're both the same thing. Station Eleven somewhat less than The Road because it is a novel dressed up in science fiction clothing. Beautifully written and with great imagination but it really failed to stick the landing as sf - which was a great disappointment. Bravo David for your valiant attempts! In a year that saw Huckleberry Finn, Graham Greene, Madame Bovary, and Toni Morrison turned down this was disappointing. May I suggest some Octavia Butler as "off duty" reading for the gang? It is real science fiction and also may satisfy some of the things you are looking for in your close reading.