So, You Think You Know Good Books?
Let's talk about books. Not just any books, but the crème de la crème according to the almighty New York Times. You know, that newspaper that tells us what to wear, what to eat, and apparently, what to read.
The New York Times: Book Guru or Overrated Critic?
Now, I'm not saying the New York Times doesn't know their stuff. They do. But let's be honest, their taste in everything from fashion to food is a bit... elitist. So, when they come out with a list of the "best books of the year," I can't help but raise an eyebrow.
Disclaimer: I haven't read all of these books. I'm just as lazy as the next person. But based on what I have read and what I've heard, here's a quick rundown of the New York Times' 10 Best Books of 2022:
- Candy House by Jennifer Egan: Apparently, it's like Inception but with words. So, if you loved trying to figure out what the heck was going on in that movie, this book is for you.
- Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett: This one is described as "lyrical" and "experimental." Which basically means it's probably not going to make a whole lot of sense, but it'll sound really cool when you talk about it at parties.
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver: A modern-day David Copperfield. If you're into tragic heroes and coming-of-age stories, this might be your jam.
- Trust by Hernan Diaz: A historical novel about wealth and deception. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey who want a little more intrigue.
- The Furrows by Namwali Serpell: This one is about twins and identity, which is always a good recipe for a mind-bending read.
- An Immense World by Ed Yong: For all you animal lovers out there, this book explores how different creatures perceive the world. It's like Planet Earth, but for bookworms.
- Stay True by Hua Hsu: A memoir about friendship and loss. Get ready to cry. A lot.
- Strangers to Ourselves by Rachel Aviv: This one delves into mental illness and the criminal justice system. Not exactly a light read, but definitely thought-provoking.
- Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa: A deep dive into the impact of racism on Black women's health. Important and eye-opening.
- We Don't Know Ourselves by Fintan O'Toole: A history of Ireland. Because who doesn't need another history book, right?
So, Should You Read These Books?
Honestly, I don't know. Maybe? Some of them sound interesting, some sound like a total slog. The best way to find out is to pick one up and give it a try. Or, you could just watch the movie adaptation (if there is one).
How to...
- How to choose a book: Pick something that interests you. Or, just pick something random. You might be surprised.
- How to find time to read: Put your phone down, turn off the TV, and pick up a book. It's that simple.
- How to avoid spoilers: Stay off social media. Or, just accept that you're going to know what happens before you read it.
- How to impress your friends with your book knowledge: Read the New York Times Bestseller list and pretend you've read everything on it.
- How to survive a book club meeting: Bring snacks. And wine. Lots of wine.