Booker Prize Longlist Reaction 2024

[@spexi513]

“ bitter booker year “ - I find this phrase becomes funnier and funnier… it never gets old, nor does Teddy's snoring 📖🪱💚

[@SupposedlyFun]

Teddy snores are the best snores.

[@denysmace3874]

When you said you had Anne Micheals' earlier book unread on your shelves for twenty years, I suddenly felt much better about my own book mountain. Actually, mountain range 😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

Mine is definitely a range. 😬 😂

[@cindyhaiken5644]

I also had Booker bitterness last year and am delighted by this year’s longlist. I have read six so far (James and My Friends were standouts) and am eager to read more. I heard Sarah Perry read from Enlightenment and was enthralled so I am particularly excited to see it on the longlist. A good year for the Booker!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Six is quite a good head start! Three cheers to a non-bitter Booker year. 🥂

[@romxilda]

Percival Everett has been my favourite author since my undergrad and I truly feel like a proud parent watching him get back to back longlists, even though he’s a 67 year old distinguished professor!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've still only read one of his books but I've loved seeing his career explode since he was a Pulitzer finalist.

[@Shelf_Improvement]

Booker books aren't my thing, but this year I'm going to do videos on it. I reserved the entire long list at my library and I'm going to read 20% of each book. If I like it I'll continue. If not, at least I'll have an idea what ppl are talking about when I watch their videos.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you have an interesting experience!

[@the_snicklefritz]

I’m very happy with this list. Do I wish there were a few more books off my radar? Definitely. But I think that speaks to the quality of the books that did make it since the judges are saying “despite the buzz” these are in fact the best of the 150+ we read, so I’m confident they picked a good bunch

[@SupposedlyFun]

I tend to think that when a book prize comes up with lists heavy with discoveries every year, it starts to feel like they're gaming the system. So while I do like discovering new books, I think a familiar list helps me feel like we have a healthy baseline.

[@hayleystenger2799]

I started My Friends this week and so far the writing is beautiful. I am really loving it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to hear!

[@jordana99]

I didn’t finish the Overstory either! And that’s rare for me as I will usually slog through. I tagged the Safekeep and hope it shows up soon. Wandering Stars I enjoyed. So many books to get to!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Too many books to get to! I'm glad I'm not alone with The Overstory.

[@catherinejager3264]

@@jordana99 I didn’t finish either. Like Greg, I may try the audio

[@bump0005]

I have the exact same history w/ Wild Houses as you! Kept picking it up in bookshops because of its beautiful cover, but never really pulled in by its synopsis. The reaction to it making the longlist has been so positive that I’m excited to get to it now though - it has so many dedicated fans who’ve seemingly appeared out of nowhere to celebrate the nom! I’ve been really out of the loop with books for the last couple of years (I was doing a degree though so I think I’ve got an excuse lol) so I’m kind of happy the list hasn’t surprised me too much - it’s nice to feel tapped in after being a bit out of touch :) I’m going to attempt to read the full longlist for the first time, so I’m glad that I’m feeling generally excited (if not outright positive!) about this list.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm glad I'm not alone with Wild Houses! And I definitely think you have a good excuse. I do like new discoveries from a longlist but I feel like when that's consistently what you're getting it starts to feel overly intentional, so I'm comfortable with a mostly familiar list this time around.

[@eliotopian]

11:29 borders!!!!! oh I miss borders so much!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I pivoted hard to indies after Borders closed, but I miss it, too.

[@teaguebates5807]

I read the ‘first chapters’ sample for a few of them. Headshot stood out as the type of book to be devoured.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Headshot has gotten great feedback in the comments.

[@catherinejager3264]

Off topic, but had to tell you thank you - I never would have chosen The History of Sound - but truly enjoying the audio - Nick Offerman’s story - the best! (So far😉)

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm three stories in so far and loving it.

[@AvAlanchian]

Fugitive Pieces is one of my absolute favourite reads of the last 5 years. I thought it was extremely interesting/fascinating and well written. Loved Flamethrowers too.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm really looking forward to (finally) reading Fugitive Pieces.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I bought a copy of Wild Houses for a friend a month ago, but I have yet to read it. I have read 3 Stone Yard Devotional is good Orbital is ok Enlightenment was disappointing ( especially the ending) I’ve now got audio copies of Wild Houses James Wandering Stars I find it annoying that the Booker chooses books not yet published or may not be published by the time of the shortlist. Ballina is pronounced Bal-lin-na

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@MJ-in-Canada]

The only two books from the list that I’ve read are “James” (which I predict for the win) and “The Safekeep” (which I hope makes the shortlist.) I’m not in a hurry to get to the others but BookTuber buzz might make me change my mind.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I was so thrilled to see The Safekeep on the list. Whether or not it makes the shortlist, I'm just glad more people will read it now. There are definitely a few that could jump up higher on my priority list depending on buzz.

[@karenmoore4430]

Hi Greg Wild Houses was great. Not my usual cup of tea but I really got into it. Having just read In Memoriam I am tempted by Held. Creation Lake sounds intriguing but it is very late coming out. The Safekeep I will definitely read. Hubby has Headshot so I will be borrowing that one.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like Safekeep! I need to find a copy of Headshot ASAP. And thanks for the feedback on Wild Houses.

[@marylt]

I have already read Wandering Stars and My Friends and loved both of them. Creation Lake was already on my TBR because Rachel Kushner is a must read author for me. Not sure how many of the others I will get to - there are just so many things I want to read this year!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can relate!

[@talebones]

Orbital has some of the best sentence-by-sentence writing I've read in a while. It's a character study of these astronauts and it's hard for me to classify it as a 'novel'. I hear Headshot is similar in how it goes into each of these boxers lives. BTW, I loved The Overstory, but I did listen to the audio, so maybe, as you thought, listening to it might work better for you. Loved James (and The Trees even better).

[@SupposedlyFun]

Here's hoping the audio of The Overstory goes better for me! 🤞 That's good to hear about Orbital. If it is similar to Headshot, it would make sense that both books stood out to the jury.

[@TomManship-f5j]

Just finished Enlightenment. It's wonderful. So much going on. I'd give it a read

[@SupposedlyFun]

It sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Stu_winstonsdad]

The one book I feel missed the list was Praiseworthy Alexis wright but as ever the international booker is more my long list as I’ve read it the last so many years

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've heard so many good things about Praiseworthy.

[@lynniepie52]

I’ve read two on the list James and the Safekeep… James is my pic for the winner. I’m just a big fan of Percival Everett. I have put There there and wandering stars on my TBR as well… i’ll also be picking up the new Richard Powers. I really like writing… it seems like a pretty well-rounded diverse list.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m wondering if James could be the first book to win both the Booker and the Pulitzer.

[@lynniepie52]

@@SupposedlyFun same here…I know you were lukewarm on James but I think we will be talking about it for years to come…I struggled a little with Safekeep…characters were a little aloof to me but a great ending.

[@18Alpine]

I read "Wild Houses" a few months ago. It is good. I merely read it for entertainment.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know. Thanks.

[@emmavd]

Thanks, Greg!🌷I’m about to start Orbital, and it will be followed by My Friends. I am very much looking forward to reading Playground (I’m a huge fan of The Overstory). The funny thing is that it looks like I could read its Dutch translation ten days before the book is published in the UK😳It would still be after the shortlist has been announced though. Anyway, while waiting for the English original to come out, I’ll be reading Bewilderment, which I’ve been wanting to read for a while. The Safekeep by a Dutch author who writes in English, has also been translated into Dutch (not by Yael van der Wouden herself) and has received excellent reviews here in the Netherlands as well. It may become my fourth pick.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's a wild back and forth for The Safekeep! I hope you enjoy Bewilderment and Playground (when it gets released).

[@rose_and_thorns]

Ooh, a few of these have really piqued my interest. The Safekeep, Enlightenment, and Stone Yard Devotional are all very intriguing to me. I've just put the first two on hold on Libby but it's a long wait for both. Sent a purchase request for the third to my library. Hopefully I'll get at least one of them before the shortlist!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Fingers crossed for that library request!

[@kendrakinsey9880]

I loved The Overstory on audiobook when I read it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

A couple of people have agreed, so that's definitely the way I will try it when I do my reread.

[@jamesyouwere]

Haven’t read Fugitive Pieces, but I read Held this weekend and thought it was beautiful. The audiobook is only four hours and read by the author, if that’s encouraging. I would not recommend it though to anyone who isn’t a fan of fragmentary, disconnected novels. The blurb just describes the first two chapters-the rest of the book departs pretty heavily and changes core characters nearly every chapter.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's interesting--thanks for sharing your thoughts on Held.

[@spexi513]

“Wanting to first read a book I haven’t for 20 years” 😂 I’m so basic, but I’m excited for James, Playground and ofc Tommy Orange.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It's going to be interesting to see which books make the shortlist.

[@NovelFindsByKassi]

Orbital is the shortest book on the list and the prose I found absolutely stunning. I haven't finished it yet (nothing against the book, circumstances pulled me out of reading it in one sitting), but I'd be interested in your thoughts about it. The prose might be purple-y. Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The feedback on Orbital has me thinking it might make it onto the shortlist. We'll see!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Look up the protest at the Libyan embassy in London. The real life incident is part of Hisham Martars book

[@SupposedlyFun]

👍

[@inarticulable]

Unless you don't want spoilers! I was going to mention that too, I didn't know about that and it shocked me.

[@weesas]

Question: do I need to read there there before I read wandering stars and do I need to read huck finn before James?? 🤔

[@SupposedlyFun]

It's hard to say without having read Wandering Stars yet, but from what I've heard it isn't essential but it is helpful. I didn't read Huckleberry Finn before James and did fine, but I am also very familiar with the story of Huckleberry Finn anyway--and I compared the story as it is in James to the Wikipedia page for Huckleberry Finn when I was done.

[@ReinReads]

I would strongly recommend reading there, there. It is both well worth the read and makes Wandering Stars more enjoyable.

[@MarinaK03]

We should just give Richard Powers the prize already so we can open up his regular spot on the longlist to other authors. 😂 I still need to read one of his books so I can form my own opinions, but I feel like he gets such wildly mixed reviews that I have no idea where to start. I keep putting him off, and he keeps coming back. Haha.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've only attempted half of one of Powers' books, so I feel like I'm on the negative side of the mixed reactions. I see why so many people love his work, but I'm not in a rush to try again.

[@kimswhims8435]

Stoneyard Devotional is good but it only made the longlist on the most prestigious Australian award, The Miles Franklin. There are so many other novels in Australia that I'd say are better. It's not even Charlotte Wood's best book. Praiseworthy is the best Australian book, and the best book I've read in a long time from anywhere, streets ahead of the other 4 I've read on this Booker longlist, I can't believe it's not there. I'll be reading Held next, I've got most of the others on reserve at the local library. Happy Reading 🙂

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've heard so many good things about Praiseworthy. I hope you like Held. Happy reading!

[@athertonca]

The one book I have no interest in reading is Headshot because I hate boxing. Then I remembered my third favorite movie of all time is Raging Bull, so maybe I should give it another think. I’ve only read James and Wandering Stars from the longlist. Either would be a worthy winner, but I am hoping James prevails.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hate boxing, too, but the book club discussion on the Book Review podcast really made me want to read Headshot.

[@karenbrouard697]

I haven't read any of these titles yet but excited as my daughters and I are going to try and read the long list together. We are starting with James I have decided to read Huck finn first and am listening to it on audible read by Elijah Wood We will probably read wandering stars next i very much also want to read Wild houses and Head shot

[@SupposedlyFun]

How fun to read the longlist with your daughter! I hope you both enjoy it.

[@karenbrouard697]

Just an update on my booker longlist reading. Loved James mostly loved how the character was given his own agency. Listened to Stoneyard devotion a fine book but not as impactful as James a reflection onlife and on those who withdraw from life or should you tackle life's injustices and throw yourself into the fray. Next up will be orbital although I have seen mixed reviews online this morning visiting my local book shop the assistant told me he loved the book and sang its praises. He has also read Creation Lake an arc and highly recommended. The other booker I brought was My Friends which seems to be getting some buzz

[@karenbrouard697]

Oh my daughter has started reading Wondering Stars which was the book which interested her most but is very disappointed in the book

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@karenbrouard697 That's a shame! But you've made good progress. Thanks for sharing all of your thoughts on the list so far.

[@thecinematicmind]

James definitely getting shortlisted. Orbital and Headshot got my curiosity of the longlist plus Richard Powers back again.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I feel like Everett and Powers are destined for the shortlist, but I thought the same thing about Barry and Eng last year. We'll see!

[@arlissbunny]

I feel like Creation Lake sounds like many other spy vs terrorist novels I have read with just a different flavor of terrorist. Maybe? Wandering Stars and My Friends were both great.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I am excited to read Wandering Stars and My Friends.

[@marciaalbaum2597]

read headshot it is impactful, interesting constructed and haunting. it is not about boxing it is about the why's of life

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've been on a hold list at my library for two months now and am getting impatient. 🤪

[@marciaalbaum2597]

I read fugitive pieces

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'll get to it someday!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I am not a Booker historian but I do wonder if Indigenous Canadian or Australian authors have been listed before as it says first Native American author listed and I wonder if American is the key word there and not Native.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm not sure about indigenous authors from other countries, but it still feels like a breakthrough to be proud of.

[@KierTheScrivener]

@@SupposedlyFun definitely!

[@dqan7372]

Well, they got James on there. Wanted to see Praiseworthy too, but James has enough competition already. 🆗👍📚

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m kinda hoping James will be the first book to win both the Booker and the Pulitzer!

[@LouiseReader]

I'm ok with this years list. I was quite disappointed to not find any unknown books like there usually is. Dare I say it but I suspect filling half the list with Americans has crowded out smaller presses and unknown books. I am excited for an Australian author to be back on the list though. I already had the audio of Wild Houses out from my library so I've now started listening to that. The audio is magnificent! I'm only about a third of the way through, it's more character than crime novel so far. It's small town, small time drug dealers so I don't think it's ever going to be Crime, but we'll see. The author has a wonderful turn of phrase, and I inwardly squeal with delight every time the narrator says the word car.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know--thanks for the feedback on Wild Houses. I usually like to see some good discoveries on a longlist, so I get where you're coming from. There were still some new books to me--and since I think the list itself feels solid, I can't really quibble with it.

[@maggs4400]

I find this to be a pretty good though non-surprising longlist. Only 3 that I was unfamiliar with. I loved James and Wandering Stars. My Friends by Hisham Matar is my favorite read of the year so far, so I was super excited to see that longlisted! (Matar is a Pulitzer Prize winner for The Return which is also excellent).

[@SupposedlyFun]

My Friends sounds great, so I may need to catch up to it.

[@katrianamacmillan]

I’ve already read James and I’m currently reading Held actually. I had Wild Houses, The Safe Keep (thanks to your review!) and My Friends on my TBR before this list was announced so those are what I’m most excited to read. I’m going to add Wandering Stars to the list but none of the other books on the list have really piqued my interest so far As for Held, I don’t know if I would recommend prioritizing it just yet. I’m about 50% of the way through and the writing is beautiful and poetic but it’s a bit of a slog. For such a short book I’m finding it hard to get through. I’m not bored enough to DNF though, and there are plenty of books I’ve loved that had slow beginnings so I’m hoping it will turn around. I definitely recommend the book format, not audio. The prose is quite different and I’m not sure it would have the same impact in an audiobook

[@SupposedlyFun]

Held seems to be getting mixed feedback so far, so definitely not going to rush it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@thaliad6759]

Of the 4 I have read, aside from James (loved!), I read Wandering Stars : had not read There There. Very good, Glad it made it, but not a top read this year for me., Enlightenment : Had not read any other Sarah Perry and very much enjoyed this piece of art! Beautiful writing and characterization. A touching poignant somewhat quiet book with a great male character and his reflections and experience of different types of love. I now want to read more of her books! Just finished Orbital, quick read and beautiful. I felt it succeeded in bringing you into the meaningfulness of life on earth and the eternal and meaningless view of earth and all it's drama. Have Stonewall Devotional on my shelf I bought from Blackwell's in April and will pick up next. Read Coast Road and agree with you. I also enjoyed and thought very good, but not sad it wasn't on list. . I'll read a few more from list, have some on hold at library, but not all. I think book prizes are interesting, but some great books are always left out and others are ones that , for whatever reason, I just don't appreciate as much as the judges. Especially after this years Pulitzer, I take book prizes with a grain of salt;)

[@SupposedlyFun]

Wow, you've managed to do a lot of the reading in advance! Congratulations. And I agree--it's always good to keep the salt on hand when a prize list comes out.

[@janethansen9612]

It feels like a very conventional and mainstream list. I'm disappointed not to see any African or Asian/Indian/Sri Lankan writers. On the positive side, I'm very happy to see James there, also Orbital and My Friends. I'm looking forward in particular to reading Creation Lake, Enlightenment, The Safekeep and Headshot. Happy to see an Aussie writer finally, even if it's not nearly the best Aussie book this year.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Definitely not a very diverse list this year, but I do like the sound of most of the books they included, so it's hard to complain too much. If a lack of diversity becomes the norm in the coming years, then it will be different.

[@MarinaK03]

I'm most curious about My Friends, Orbital and Stone Yard Devotional. Enlightenment was not one that stuck with me much since I read it even though I did like it (maybe audio was not the best way to read it). The queer story in it is an important part of the story, but not a big part of the plot. I hope that makes sense. I've been reading some of Everett's backlist to get away from the hype of his new stuff for a bit, and his short story collection Damed If I Do had been my personal favorite of his works so far.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@KurtAnderson812]

It’s a great list. Smart money is probably on James but it isn’t a guarantee with the Booker

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree that James isn't a shoe-in for the win (but probably for the shortlist). But he's still the apparent frontrunner for the Pulitzer.

[@spexi513]

Sooooo happy to see Powers on there and Tommy 🍊 and am currently reading James

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can't wait to read Wandering Stars. I hope you like James!

[@mradcaqbdb]

I really hate to say this, (I feel like I’m repeating myself), but this is another pretty uninspiring prize list for me. I’ll have to think back for the last exciting prize list but it seems like it might be the one with Black Butterflies and Wandering Souls on it. That’s a year of blaah prize lists for me. And the regular Booker is always my least favorite list. So, very sorry to bring things down again. I already had James, Orbital (bought in Waterstones in London last December), the Safe Keep, and Wandering Stars on my TBR and will get to them at some point. I’ve only added Held to that (from the library). I’m very, very sad not to see Glorious Exploits on the list. That and Orbital were my only two wishlist/guesses. I was absolutely positive, as positive as I was about James, that Martyr! would be there. Where is this year’s Wandering Souls or Black Butterflies (yes, I know those were Women’s Prize books) or Nightcrawling or Maali Almeida? I’d have left off Kushner, Powers, Perry, and Wood and made room for a few genuine surprises. This list is just (said in a very Greg tone) fine. 😐

[@SupposedlyFun]

I want a t-shirt that says "said in a very Greg tone" 😂 I'm still flummoxed that Wandering Souls didn't make the shortlist for the Women's Prize that year.

[@Stormbrise]

At least this list has a Native American author, the top 100 books thus far of the 21st century. Which in my opinion really does suck.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Even with Americans only being eligible for the Booker for the last decade, it still feels surprising that this was the first Native American author on the longlist.

[@Realmisskrose]

As someone who did the audio book at 1.7 speed for Overstory good luck, the narrator dose a very questionable asian accent throughout the book making a unenjoyable book even worse.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I do recommend Overstory on audio. It has a multi voice cast. Best book with ecoterrorism as part of the plot? Deluge by Stephen Markley 🤩

[@SupposedlyFun]

I was trying to remember the other ecoterrorism book from the last year and it was The Deluge. Thanks!

[@spexi513]

📖 🪱 💚

[@SupposedlyFun]

📚 🥂

[@KierTheScrivener]

I hated hated Bewilderment. In my opinion it had terrible Autism rep. It's about a single father who lost his wife and his son has autism and I cringed everytime either of he spoke about his wife or son.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I heard very mixed reaction to Bewilderment and a lot of the negative ones said something similar. I feel fine staying away from it!