The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2023

It’s here! One of my favorite videos of the year: a reaction to The New York Times Book Review’s Top 10 Books of 2023. What made the list, what missed, and what this might mean for the Pulitzer Prize. Expand for more information. 👇
Links 💻
The List: www.nytimes.co...
Further Viewing 🎥
My NY Times 100 Notable Reaction: • The New York Times’ 10...
Last Year’s Top 10: • The New York Times Boo...
The Washington Post’s Ten Best of 2023: • The Washington Post’s ...
Publisher’s Weekly’s Ten Best of 2023: • Publisher’s Weekly’s B...
The Books 📚
The Bee Sting, Paul Murray
Chain-Gang All-Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Eastbound, Maylis de Kerangal (translated by Jessica Moore)
The Fraud, Zadie Smith
North Woods, Daniel Mason
The Best Minds, Jonathan Rosen
Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs, Kerry Howley
Fire Weather, John Vaillant
Master Slave Husband Wife, Ilyon Woo
Some People Need Killing, Patricia Evangelista
My husband made a cookbook! Check it out here:
www.blurb.com/...
But wait, there's more!
Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Instagram: / supposedlyfun
Website: supposedlyfun....

[@HeatherB81]

I just found your channel and I just love it so much! As an “older” woman at 42, it’s so nice to watch a booktuber that shares similar tastes in literature as me , and not the romance book channels that I feel are all I can find a ton of on here!!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Glad to have you here! And I’m 41, so I am “older” myself. 😉

[@lauraann7816]

Okay kids I am 61 - sort of a fossil ey? 😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@lauraann7816 😂 Never!

[@gillianfennell1101]

We can hear Teddy snoring and yes it is adorable. ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

He's a cutie!

[@octavia458]

I thought he invited Darth Vader over haha.

[@kalayne6713]

Finding this channel is bittersweet, reminding me of a dear friend long gone who loved this list and shared her books generously with me. One of the smartest people I have known, ironically a brain tumour claimed her too soon.I will rememeber her fondly as I read my way through these. Thanks for posting.(Wont be able to read the book on fire, I live in Australia, have escaped fire too many times).

[@lillianbarker4292]

Me too. I’ve lived in and loved the Arizona forests all my life. It’s heartbreaking to see them burn. 😢

[@nadiadixon5805]

I have almost finished the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, its beautifully written and one of my top books for 2023...

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m loving it so far.

[@ScrambleCaste]

Lists like these are the only way I can discover new books, because I have no bookstore and my library is small. Thanks for sharing

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm glad it helps!

[@BandysBooks]

Great video. So happy to see that Chain-Gang All-Stars made the list. It’s one of my faves of the year for sure. North woods has been on my radar and I’m hoping to read it soon. Honestly, all of the nonfic pics sound interesting but intense. Surprised about some of the books you mentioned being missing as well. How To Say Babylon was pretty good; especially as an audiobook.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m really hoping to read How to Say Babylon soon.

[@cassiedohmen1124]

I am surprised "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese isn't all over these lists.

[@marciajohansson769]

As I was listing to your video on my drive home, when it got to the part where I could hear *teddy snoring* I actually laughed out loud. So sweet a sound I miss hearing in my own home. 🥰 Of the books mentioned I think Master Slave Husband Wife, Ilyon Woo is the one I find most compelling to read.

[@SupposedlyFun]

We feel so lucky that Teddy dropped into our lives. It was totally unexpected, but he has been a total joy and we're grateful. Master Slave Husband Wife sounds VERY compelling.

[@allisonpiazza2317]

So happy I found your channel! The Bee Sting is on my shelf and I'm eager to read it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy The Bee Sting.

[@ArleneWalsh-tq7os]

I only had three 5 star books this year and two of them were The Bee Sting and North Woods. The Bee Sting is funny, heartbreaking and that ending will have you dying to discuss. North Woods is beautiful, poignant and has some surprising supernatural themes. I loved them both. I am reading Chain Gang All Stars now which is immediately drawing me in, but yikes, the violence. I have a 30 week wait for Heaven and Earth Grocery store so I may put that on my Christmas list. My 3rd. Favorite of the year was In Ascension by Martin MaCinnes.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m working on Heaven & Earth Grocery Store now and loving it.

[@nimbustuba]

I just put a hold on North Woods at my library-the Los Angeles public library. The wait list is 365 people with 37 copies in use. It also approximates a 20 week wait, so next year for me too. I don’t mind. I have so many books to get to. I know all of my holds will come all at once. They always do. Thanks for the video. I do wish the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store was on it. I really enjoyed the audiobook.

[@SupposedlyFun]

My library holds usually all come at once, too. I wish my library was that high tech!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I apperciate the service of you going through as someone who doesn't have NY Times.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Of course!

[@dunnadam]

I'm half way through the Bee Sting. I don't want to read it because it's so good. I read a review the called him the Irish Jonathan Franzen, which is the best comparison. Loving it

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve DNF’ed two Franzen books so I feel like I’m doomed here. 🤪

[@joangavrilik3009]

I am shocked that Heaven & Earth Grocery Store was not on the list - hands down, my favorite book of the year.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I was honestly shocked myself. I kept double checking to see if I had missed it. I was convinced I had made a mistake!

[@muddywatersbookshelf7758]

Chain Gang was such a thought provoking book. Strongly recommend

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks!

[@peggymcadams5532]

I just discovered your channel and I'm so happy I did! I have library books waiting for me, my purchased books waiting, and there's so little time! I love non-fiction and memoir personally. I am reading Jon Mecham's book about Thomas Jefferson. Thank you for what you do!

[@readandre-read]

I am surprised that they didn't include The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store but such is the nature of book lists. The snoring! 😊

[@SupposedlyFun]

Teddy is a cute one, he is!

[@shyathena34]

I am surprised not to see Heaven and Earth Grocery Store on this list, I loved it. The story and characters stay with you. I have also read Northwoods as well, another great read. My fave non fiction wasn’t on the list either which is Of Time and Turtles by Sy Montgomery. Oh well, lol. Happy reading!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Joel is listening to Of Time and Turtles right now and I hope to do it soon. Happy reading!

[@philnasmith9755]

I love your project of collecting and reading every Pulitzer Prize novel - and I was surprised that so many books I have loved over the years were actually prize winners.

[@elenahelmuth7212]

Loved Heaven and Earth Grocery store!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm enjoying it so far.

[@Gen-yh1jz]

I am at work and I was wondering who fell sleep again. Lol

[@SupposedlyFun]

😂

[@jeremyl2594]

Have you ever had the opposite of your experience with murray and patchet? Where the first time you read a book by an author and like it so much you get everything else they wrote? I have a few times. Anne Tyler's "the accident tourist", patchet's "Bel canto" and McMurtry's "moving on." Each of those i fell in love with the books while becoming a lifelong fanboi of their authors 😄

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm hoping it will happen with Edna Ferber because over the year, I've purchased most of her books even though right now the only one I've read is Fanny Herself (which, ironically, I do not own a copy of). And while I didn't immediately run out to buy all their books, I had that feeling with Louise Erdrich, Barbara Kingsolver, and Claire Keegan. I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I can think of right now.

[@jacquelineturner7206]

I’m in the middle of Master, Slave and it’s terrific. So,done needs to make a film of it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

It sounds like it would make a fascinating movie for sure.

[@marylt]

Fire Weather is very good - the discussion about the Canadian oil industry is fascinating. I have read all of John Vaillant’s books and they have all been home runs for me.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m definitely interested in Fire Weather. It’s not on any of my subscription apps, which is annoying. I may cash in a credit on Libro!

[@bibliobethica]

I did the audio for most of The Bee Sting although I did read some parts on my kindle. I loved it so much. The characters are just amazingly developed and a well crafted, rewarding ending made it a 5 star for me. There are some artistic choices made by the author that didn't work well for me (during one character's sections, he uses no punctuation as well as a sort of 2nd person writing during the ending). I highly suggest you read it. I have not read his other novel, but I loved every bit of it and didn't think it was too long.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@julieg_quebec-julesselivre8641]

Hi Greg, I read The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal. How don’t know if translation is good but in French she’s really good! I haven’t read Eastbound but I’m putting it on my list! 👍🏼

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you enjoy it if you get to it soon!

[@joanwoodbury8905]

The audio of North Woods is excellent. I read it that way and then just looked at the pictures in a copy at the bookstore.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know--thanks.

[@Phillybookfairy]

I’m SO super excited to read North Woods - I am going to purchase it next month and read it as my first read of 2024. It sounds so exactly the kind of book that will hit that sweet spot for me!

[@dtmonstage]

Chain-Gang All Stars will definitely be in my top 10 for the year. With all the footnotes, I’d be interested in seeing how it translates to audio. I feel like, for me, it’s one that is better to read a physical copy of so you don’t miss any of the little bits the author throws in there. I definitely want to read “Friday Black” after reading this one. Also, you’re going to make me read North Woods. I’ve been indifferent but now I’m much more interested. We also won’t discuss my feelings that Hello Beautiful has been snubbed from all of these lists. Apparently no gay uncle pride for ME this year. 😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

I had NO IDEA there are footnotes in Chain Gang so 🤯 With Hello Beautiful you get to be the proud gay uncle who advocates on behalf of his beloved-which is still kinda fun (but not nearly as easy as just watching the accolades roll in).

[@26laf]

I'm a big fan of Ann Patchett. I think you should read her book Bel Canto if you haven't done so already, it is phenomenal.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think Commonwealth will be the next one I try, but I’ve heard so many great things about Bel Canto. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@PenelopesPerspective]

I tried to listen to the audio of “Bottoms Up” and stopped almost immediately. Nothing to do with the writing, but like you, my anxiety over the election and world events was triggered. At some point, I will go back and listen, but now is not the time (for me). Thanks for the video!

[@kirkwallmage]

Teddy’s tip tip tip tip taps are my favorite in every video lately ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

It's nice for me to hear it again. ❤️

[@hayleystenger2799]

I listened to Master Slave Husband Wife. I really was able to take a lot away from it. I am so glad/surprised to see it here. What they didn't mention, but what hit me, is how the couple challenged gender/race/economic roles. It struck me how it is dangerous for those who benefit from the status quo.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's interesting. It's on Scribd, so I'm hoping to get to it soon.

[@hayleystenger2799]

Also, thank you for the video. I love your enthusiasm.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! That means a lot.

[@AvAlanchian]

Greg, I loved Painting Time by de Kerangel so hell yeah I am excited to read Eastbound

[@SupposedlyFun]

The audio of Eastbound is on Scribd so I'm going to try it!

[@JWy-gh7fm]

I thought it was my husband snoring:)

[@MikeFuller-ok6ok]

I am so unbelievably dense that I have only read the first 6 pages of the first chapter of 'Beyond Good and Evil' by Friedrich Nietzsche, and I found it very hard going. I am crap at reading!!

[@annegibson6072]

Good afternoon. Reading The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. I am really enjoying it. Don't count it out for the Pulitzer. I got a copy of The Wrath to Come, read the introduction and am excited to read it. I am usually struggling to reach 100 books before the end of the year but I am only at 66 so I am much more relaxed this year.

[@annegibson6072]

The Guardian did a top 100 of the 21st century

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm within reach of 100 books this year, but am trying no to pressure myself to hit it. After all, it's just a number! I'm hoping to read The Wrath to Come at some point.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Oh wow! I'm off to Google it now.

[@lillianbarker4292]

I feel the same about Wildfire. It might be too painful. But it’s important to note that NPR reports that the Biden administration budget “directs at least $369 billion - and potentially much more - toward incentives for nearly every sector of the economy to adopt renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.”

[@SupposedlyFun]

That is helpful--thanks!

[@judybrown1624]

I dnf'd Skippy Dies pretty early on. Your experience with it mirrors mine with The Bee Sting. It must also have something to do with his writing. Your mileage may vary. 😉 I think you are wise to wait for the library book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm still not feeling optimistic about Bee Sting at all, but I guess we'll see!

[@danazanna]

Best Minds is a compelling read, and my favorite nonfiction book of the year. Highly recommended.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know--thank you!

[@KikeNavarrete68]

Chain-Gang All Stars audiobook is fantastic!

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know--thanks!

[@Kamsees]

Just discovered your channel. I've watched like 6 different videos, and I'm coming back to comment so I hope this is the one where you ask about Cloud Atlas, and mentioned The Goldfinch and Franzen. I read Cloud Atlas for a book club and did not like it. There was no "there" there. (Did the author have no burning desire to write this?, there is no muscle behind it.) Interesting that bad books can make good movies. I started reading Goldfinch and got up to the part at the Met and suddenly it was all self-reflective and super boring. (What happened to her at that point of the writing?) I quit reading at that point. But I read Secret History and I LOVED that. Amazing to me that an author can write such a different book. Interesting characters, plot, moves forward. I'm disappointed to hear you don't like Franzen. I've read Corrections twice; The only possible reason I can come up with is that that was around the time I really started reading fiction more, he was part of that intro for me. I don't know. There was one more book and I don't remember...

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve only read one and a half David Mitchell books (none Cloud Atlas), and I feel perfectly fine leaving him for his fans to enjoy. I just couldn’t get into The Goldfinch, but at some point I’ll try The Secret History. If you think of the other book, comment away!

[@Kamsees]

@@SupposedlyFunI did! I think you said you haven't read Ann Patchett's Bel Canto. I LOVED that book! (& now I've seen more of your videos, (thank you!), and I see you're a fan. (I myself have actually not read anything else by her!)

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@Kamsees I actually haven't read Bel Canto yet! I'll try to prioritize it. Thanks.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

Last year the majority of the NYT's top 10, I wanted to read or give. I read Trust (4*) and We Don't Know Ourselves (4*-really enjoyed) and I plan to read Checkout 19 before year's end. I DnF'd Demon Copperhead (sorry). I Gave Immense World as a gift and have CandyHouse on my maybe-one-day TBR. This year, only two have ignited anything in me. Fortunately I have so many books on my TBRs I don't really need fresh suggestions.

[@SupposedlyFun]

This is the first time I can remember where I haven't actually read any of the books (yet). Hopefully, I will have that fixed soon!

[@marjoriedybec3450]

@@SupposedlyFun Heaven & Earth Grocery Store just won B & N Book of the Year. :)

[@BookishTexan]

I just finished the audio of Empire of Pain. It was good, long, but good. It is infuriating.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm sure it will still make my blood boil, but I feel ready for that anger now in a way I wasn't when it was published.

[@purplecrayon7281]

Is Zadie Smith overrated? This is the question I've been asking myself since reading White Teeth which I hated. She is celebrated as one of the best in the literary world, at least in the UK. White Teeth was so turgid that I never pick up another Smith's novel again. Going through readers' review of her books, I have not come across many saying how great her novels were, but merely passable. Should I give The Fraud a try?

[@SupposedlyFun]

Well, since I haven’t read The Fraud yet I can’t really weigh in. But I do think it sounds interesting!

[@jeremyl2594]

I am also obsessed with the Pulitzers! I have every winner in hardcover except one. I couldn't ever find a hardcover of Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen. I eventually settled on paperback...

[@SupposedlyFun]

I believe The Netanyahus is the only one that was only released in paperback. Do you have a hardcover of Tinkers? I had to get one from oversees because the limited print run hardcover from the United States gets VERY expensive. I actually just won an auction on ebay for a hardcover of The Color Purple at a reasonable price, so I am very excited about that!

[@jeremyl2594]

@@SupposedlyFun yep have Tinkers! Its a discarded library copy, but i like it better than the paperback version I had. I really don't like paperbacks though I did breakdown a few months back and get the paperback version of Gravity's Rainbow. The hardcover is extremely expensive...

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@jeremyl2594 That's a good find for Tinkers! Gravity's Rainbow would probably be extremely hefty in a hardcover as well.

[@rubyparchment5523]

I subscribe to just the NYT “BOOK REVIEW.” It comes in the mail.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Best books so far this month Nonfiction = Good Morning Monster Fiction = March ( Geraldine Brooks) , The Heaven and Earth Grocery Story ( James McBride) Funniest = Ten Things That Never Happened ( Alexis Hall) 🍀👋☘️📕📖📚☕️🇮🇪

[@SupposedlyFun]

I need to reread March. Just started the McBride.

[@rebeccah.6587]

I'm sad that How to Say Babylon didn't make the list, but I predict that it will be on the list for the new Women's Prize for Nonfiction. The Women's Prize does a good job of championing Caribbean authors.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Oooooooooh, How to Say Babylon would be PERFECT for the Women’s Prize nonfiction category! I’m going to be rooting for it for months now.

[@patcurley2794]

I had to put down Chain Gang All-Stars. Pairing the fighter favorite who is fully armed, with the competitor who had a corkscrew (or some other illogical weapon) was just to gruesome.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That does sound pretty gruesome.

[@jordana99]

So glad I found your channel. How have I not been here? 😊

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! And welcome!

[@jordana99]

⁠​⁠@@SupposedlyFunLove your Pulitzer project! And your review of Jhumpa Lahiri too.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! I love that book.

[@jordana99]

@@SupposedlyFun Reading Roman Stories now!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I love that one, too! I hope you enjoy it.

[@TheLeniverse]

Only 16 people ahead of me for North Woods. But I'm no. 37 for The Bee Sting. So maybe not by the end of the year. lol No. 4 for The Fraud though, so that could happen. I already have Chain-Gang All-Stars, I just need to actually get to it. Eastbound I'll have to buy, so that can wait. The non-fiction ones all sound a bit too real for me atm.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I rechecked Scribd and Eastbound had shown up there, so that saves me from waiting on that one. Now I can get to it whenever I'm ready.

[@susanb4481]

Since I dnf both The Fraud and The North Woods, I can only hope that The Bee Sting and All Stars, which I have in library hold come through. Cant believe The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store was not on list.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I feel like I checked and rechecked the list about ten times convinced I had somehow missed Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.

[@susanb4481]

Somebody at the NYT missed something!

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@susanb4481 I would pay money to watch the discussions between their group.

[@PageTurnerThoughts-kb8kh]

well done. Good job.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@GugaJMW]

I usually listen to you while driving, so I've been certain that Paul Murray 's book is called The Beasting, which sounds amazing and much more interesting than The Bee Sting. Putting aside my disappointment upon finding out the real title, this situation also made me realise how I can be sold on a book solely on the title. I always thought it's more of an ornament or an addition, and I've considered putting too much emphasis on it being pretty as something shallow - although I will admit to being easily charmed by pretty things, so that tracks. How do you feel? Are you interested in some books solely because of their titles?

[@SupposedlyFun]

This is some 30 Rock Rural Juror magic and I am here for it! I can’t think of a time I was actively dissuaded from a book by the title (although I do kinda roll my eyes at all the “The _____’s Daughter/Wife/Girl” books). And I don’t think a title has ever made me read a book, either. Hmmmm. 🧐🤔

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I have Master Slave Husband Wife on my for later shelf at the library. So some day. I had was kind of surprised Tom Lake wasn’t on there( haven’t read it but plan to. Chain Gang All Stars doesn’t seem to be my cup of tea But hopefully I’ll get to the rest of the top fiction someday

[@SupposedlyFun]

I always say no book is for everyone, so you’ll be just fine passing on Chain Gang if it does t suit. Master Slave Husband Wife is on Scribd so I have it saved!

[@mradcaqbdb]

Couple of oddish choices on the fiction side. Seems hard to justify leaving off Heaven and Earth Grocery Store which I’ll definitely be buying soon. Just put North Woods on hold at the library, but it’s not clear where I am in the queue. From the description, I wasn’t convinced I wanted to buy it. I don’t recognize a single title on the non-fiction side. I’m just going to stick with the recent non-fiction books I’ve bought or borrowed from the library. Between Teddy snoring and my Missy warm and purring on my chest today, it’s been 😴😴😴 this afternoon. 🤭

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm still struggling to get back into work mode after the holiday weekend, so I wish I could join Teddy for a nap. My library doesn't tell you where you are in the queue, but I usually try to make a mental note of how many holds there were when I placed mine. It's an imperfect science, to be sure. 🤪

[@mradcaqbdb]

@@SupposedlyFun Oh, my library usually tells you how many people are ahead of you and gives you an approximate wait time, but for North Woods, it just says pending. That’s what it usually shows when a book is on order. No matter, I’m not in a huge rush for it, between the books I already have and the books I know I’ll be bringing back from London. Made my shopping list last night. It’s looong. 😆

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@mradcaqbdb I bet! Your library is way more high-tech than mine. 🤪

[@seasheleyes]

I don’t know how you get any matches at all on the lists…there are so many books published that are really wonderful. The nonfiction book that you are afraid to read reminded me of my dilemma with politics. Other than my work with LGBTQ because of my brother losing his life to AIDS, I have never been political…until Hillary lost. After that I became so active…I think as a way of trying to quell my anxiety. It worked for a while…I make political cards (funny…kind of hard to describe, but they are great), and I paint political rocks. I’ve sent thousands of rocks to Georgia for elections and have branched out to Florida, Arizona, Texas, and more. I’ve got lots of new friends in the states that I send to, but I am still so anxious about our country that I feel like the stress is going to shorten my life. I’m almost 70 and I really thought this would be over years ago. But I’m not sure if the active piece is helping or hurting. It felt so powerful the first couple of years but now I’m thinking maybe I was stupid to think I could help. Geez.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's so cool! It's great that you found your way to activism. If only more people would! Although I myself could be a lot more active than I am.

[@seasheleyes]

@@SupposedlyFun I wish this chat would show pictures! I’d show you. I am proud of the rocks and cards.

[@seasheleyes]

PS… the thanks gift is for “Northwoods”…I appreciate you.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Do you have a website or anything like that?

[@seasheleyes]

@@SupposedlyFun just FaceBook… Julia Galli Berg. I don’t sell anything. My rocks and cards are gifts. You’re welcome…I’ve been wanting to give you that book but didn’t remember about the ‘Thanks’ button on You Tube.

[@ameliabarlowbooks]

Fire Weather sounds fantastic, I’m looking forward to grabbing a copy of that in the New Year! I’m obsessed with North Woods and I haven’t even read it yet. I preordered it earlier this year and just keep looking at it waiting there for me on the shelf - the US and UK cover are both so beautiful. I’m really stoked to read it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Fire Weather does sound great. I ordered a copy of North Woods from Montana Book Company today and I can't wait!

[@Rebecca-le9hn]

William Craft published his story in 1860. "Running A thousand Miles for Freedom" , The Escape of William and Ellen Craft from Slavery.

[@seamusgaelic6447]

I read The Bee Sting after having read Skippy Dies. I loved both books, but Skippy Dies more. Paul Murray's decision to experiment with form in The Bee Sting where he leaves out all punctuation in the chapters told from Imelda's perspective was downright irritating. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book very much. I'm reading Chain-Gang All-Stars right now and finding it hard to put down. I'm about 35% through the book (according to Kindle). Strangely enough, contrary to the NYT reviewer, I wouldn't consider it to be satirical. Sardonic, that's close, I suppose, but not satirical. Definitely a thinly veiled commentary on the corporate prison industrial complex and the 'new slavery' of the criminal justice system in the US. Entertaining and fascinating. I think you'll enjoy it when you get around to reading it.

[@sage2181]

Hahahahahaa! Someone is snoring in the background !

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's Teddy! 🐶💤

[@vomittux]

I will be interested to hear your thoughts on Razorblade Tears should you ever get to it. It’s probably my least favorite book I’ve read this year!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Maybe 2024 will finally be the year I get to it!

[@seasheleyes]

Thanks!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lexicon50505]

a bit disappointed they didn't do the big event for the announcement like they did in year's past. The podcast episode was fine but they had to split it up in half to get all the editors/contributors to give their opinions

[@SupposedlyFun]

It is a bit surprising they didn’t do the event, but they’ve been rethinking a lot of the ways they do things since Cruz took over as editor, so it may come back next year in some form. The podcast itself took a hiatus for most of the year. I guess we’ll see!

[@VirginiaCorley]

Skippy dies is 672 pages question is why

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can agree. 😂

[@AntisocialAuntie]

Do you have Cofi or other way to support your work? As always, you have me interested in a book or two that I hadn't thought of or heard about. Lots of love from the Pacific Northwest 🧡

[@SupposedlyFun]

I do not have Cofi or anything like that. I don't want anyone to feel like they should feel obligated. If anyone wants to support, I figure Super Thanks works fine--but it's not a requirement at all! 🥂

[@AntisocialAuntie]

@@SupposedlyFun Completely understand. My "to read" list is getting longer because of your videos. I really appreciate you!

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@AntisocialAuntie Thank you! Hearing comments like that makes it all worth it. ❤

[@Brook1344]

I feel like the NYT loves Zadie Smith, and yet actual word of mouth among people whose taste I respect has been so lackluster, I can't help feeling like including The Fraud was nothing but fan-service by the NYT. I feel like they like her more than they like her books. I'd take an alternate.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I listened to their podcast episode about the list this morning. There was some fan service for Zadie Smith, but it sounds like they were also really into what the book is doing (what it's about, what the setting reveals about the current political climate, etc.). I haven't read enough of Smith's writing to say.

[@KierTheScrivener]

I didn't like the Fraud and dnfed Chain Gang All Stars (I don't mind the violence, I was just not drawn in and I love fantasy/dystopians).

[@SupposedlyFun]

There's always next year's list!

[@324cmac]

I found Heaven and Earth Grocery Store disappointing. Too many subplots and characters. One subplot was totally unnecessary and distracted from the main message which was never fully fleshed out or given enough attention.

[@larrydumas3839]

How many of these were AI generated ?

[@user-hb1by8wq4b]

Where is Paul Lynch's Prophet Song? 2023 Booker Prize winner. It won the most important book award in the English-speaking world. The book describes how Ireland becomes a fascist state. A little to close to home for the NY Times? Perhaps, you guys should stick to covering losing football teams -- Jets and Giants -- and leave the evaluation of real literature to people a bit more qualified.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That was way harsh, Tai.

[@liper13]

I really respect your perspectives and obvious love of literature. It keeps me coming back. However, I am saddened and appalled by the fact that, over and over, you shy away from fiction and non-fiction that in any way don’t reflect your world view. You constantly say “Oh, I can’t read that because of the news and up-coming US election.” Translation: this work doesn’t jive with my way of seeing the world, and I don’t intend to be curious and open-minded about any ideas other than those I agree with. I don’t find that to be a hallmark of an intellectually curious person and it runs opposite of the reason we read literature to begin with. It is SUPPOSED to not change our minds, but urge us to be empathetic and open-minded toward those who are not like us, culturally or intellectually. How can you do that when you retreat from ideas and people who are not like you? Please know that I am not trying to troll you or be snarky. I REALLY enjoy your content and your generosity in sharing your thoughts and ideas, but I implore you to please consider this. It would strengthen your content considerably and, I humbly suggest, deepen your own depth of knowledge and reservoir of empathy as well.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think you’ve fundamentally misunderstood a great deal. In this video, I say that I don’t feel like I would be interested in Bottoms Up right now because I’m already stressed about the state of affairs in the United States, and with the upcoming election promising an exaggeration of a lot of problems that the book discusses, I don’t think I want to engage with it right now. It’s kind of like how in the early pandemic era, some people found comfort watching movies like Outbreak. For me, that was the last thing I would have wanted to watch at that time. It has nothing to do with not wanting to have my opinion challenged. It has nothing to do with me dismissing the author’s message. It has everything to do with me already seeing stories like that in the real world and not feeling like more would do anything to help me right now. I also made references to how depending on how hard Fire Weather goes on climate change, it might trigger anxiety for me right now. Is that because I don’t want to hear it? Not at all. It’s because I already see evidence of the catastrophic effects of climate change all around me, and with the news repeatedly reminding me about how we’re living through the hottest year on record, I don’t need to feel any more anxious about that than I already do. So I’m saying that these books would trigger anxiety about situations I’m already aware of, and you’re somehow hearing that I disagree with the politics. If you do watch my channel, I would hope that you know that I absolutely seek out stories and authors that teach me about other experiences, etc. Sure, I have limitations (everyone does), but I don’t think it’s at all fair to imply that I’m closed-minded, not intellectually curious, and resistant to other opinions. I’m not saying that I don’t want to read Bottoms Up or Fire Weather because they don’t agree with my politics, I’m saying that I’m already at my limit worrying about those topics right now. I’m not sure how you could be a fan of my channel and think that I’m not empathetic or open to other ideas. Am I perfect? No. Do I try? Absolutely. I repeatedly talk about the importance of reading outside your comfort zone, trying genres you don’t typically like, reading books by and about other cultures, etc. And every time I mention a book that I’m not inclined to read, I invite people to tell me in the comments why they think I should reconsider. But you want to tell me that I don’t have the hallmarks of an intellectually curious person? Or that my channel would be better if I worked on my empathy? You want to tell me, whose favorite books of the year (talked about at great length) represent authors and stories spectacularly different from mine, that I “retreat from ideas and people who are not like” me? Again: I think you have fundamentally misunderstood a great deal.

[@liper13]

@@SupposedlyFun Thank you kindly for your generous reply. You obviously put thought and time into it. Please don’t take my comment to heart-Perhaps I was a little too harsh with my wording regarding a subject that I hold dear. I really enjoy your content and you come off as a guy I could be friends with, which speaks volumes about your online persona. Please keep putting out the content. It fills a void many of us have. Best Regards.

[@vKarl71]

Maybe wait until you've actually read the books, instead of just reading the NYTimes to us?

[@SupposedlyFun]

Maybe understand that the point of the video is to discover new books to read and not to review the books?

[@erikandlindaavery5238]

So, you review the list and you haven’t read any of the ten??

[@SupposedlyFun]

Are these reviews? No. This is me discussing the books, what I’ve heard of them, and whether or not I want to read them.

[@zelicj]

Love your channel! Also, I listened to the Bee Sting and it was fantastic. Great production quality and four separate voice actors with Irish accents. I had no trouble following along and in fact, I heard the Imelda parts were difficult to read because of the style which is written like block text without much punctuation. Hope you enjoy it. I haven't read Skippy Dies so don't have that to compare it with.

[@nataliegalligan9050]

I'm new to this channel. Has this guy read any books? He keeps repeating that he hopes to read the books..So I garnered nothing from him.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It might be helpful to watch more than one video before assuming that I don’t read.

[@KarlaCarlson-oh2fw]

I gave you a thumbs down on this video because your dog was snoring. It is not adorable, but distracting.