The Year in Books
The Daily
12/31/24
•26m
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As 2024 comes to a close, critics, reporters and editors at The New York Times are reflecting on the year in arts and culture, including books.
The deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle, Melissa Kirsch, speaks with the editor of The New York Times Book Review, Gilbert Cruz, about the best books of 2024 — and of the century. Also, The Times’s book critics detail their favorite reads of the year.
Guest:
- Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle for The New York Times.
- Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review.
- M.J. Franklin, an editor for The New York Times Book Review.
- Jennifer Szalai, the nonfiction book critic for The New York Times Book Review.
- A.O. Scott, a critic at large for The New York Times Book Review.
- Sarah Lyall, a writer at large for The Times and the thrillers columnist for The New York Times Book Review.
- Alexandra Jacobs, a critic for The New York Times Book Review.
- Dwight Garner, a critic for The New York Times Book Review.
Background reading:
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Previous Episode
The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter
December 30, 2024
•40m
In 1976, after the Watergate scandal and the country’s withdrawal from the Vietnam War, American voters elected Jimmy Carter, a Washington outsider who had served one term as governor of Georgia, to the presidency. Mr. Carter brought a new humility to the Oval Office but, by 1980, many Americans had tired of his modest sensibility and chose not to re-elect him. As it would turn out, the qualities that hurt Mr. Carter in the White House formed the foundation of a post-presidential period that helped redefine, and redeem, his legacy in the final decades of his life.
Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, explains the life, death and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter.
Background reading:
- Read an obituary of Jimmy Carter, whose post-presidency was seen as a model for future commanders in chief.
- Mr. Carter defied the unwritten rule of former presidents: Don’t criticize the occupant of the Oval Office.
- In a never-before-seen interview with The Times, in 2006, Mr. Carter reflected on his life and work as a leader during the Cold War, a Middle East peace broker and his post-presidential career as a citizen diplomat.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Next Episode
The Year in Wisdom
December 31, 2024
•34m
To end the year, Melissa Kirsch, The New York Times’s deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle, talks with Times reporters, editors and columnists whose jobs involve thinking about how we live, and how we might live better.
First, she speaks with Philip Galanes, who writes the Social Q’s column, on what makes good advice. Then, Jancee Dunn, a reporter on the Well desk, shares some of the most useful tips she has gleaned this year. Finally, Daniel Jones, who has edited the Modern Love column for more than 20 years, reflects on the lessons he has learned about love.
And we hear from listeners about the best advice they received this year.
Guest:
- Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle for The New York Times.
- Philip Galanes, the Social Q’s columnist for The New York Times.
- Jancee Dunn, the Well newsletter columnist for The New York Times.
- Daniel Jones, the senior editor of Modern Love for The New York Times.
Background reading:
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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