Time’s Best Books of 2024 So Far

We have another best books of the year (so far) list to look at! This one is from Time. I love these mid-year check-ins, so let's go! Expand for more information. 👇
Links 💻
The Full Article: time.com/69843...
Further Viewing 🎥
The New York Times’ Best Books of 2024 (So Far): • The New York Times’ Be...
Last Year’s Mid-Year List From Time: • Time’s Best Books of 2...
Titles Mentioned 📚
There’s Always Next Year: On Basketball and Ascension, Hanif Abdurraqib: bookshop.org/a...
Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar: bookshop.org/a...
Beautyland, Marie-Helene Bertino: bookshop.org/a...
James, Percival Everett: bookshop.org/a...
Anita de Monte Laughs Last, Xochitl Gonzalez: bookshop.org/a...
Coming Home, Brittney Griner with Michelle Burford: bookshop.org/a...
Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story, Leslie Jamison: bookshop.org/a...
Real Americans, Rachel Khong: bookshop.org/a...
The Book of Love, Kelly Link: bookshop.org/a...
We Loved It All: A Memory of Life, Lydia Millet: bookshop.org/a...
My Affiliate Page on Bookshop: bookshop.org/s...
If you would like to support this channel, please feel free to use Super Thanks or the affiliate links to Bookshop, but please do not feel obligated. I appreciate your presence regardless.
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Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
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Website: supposedlyfun....

[@nanimaonovi2528]

Hanif Abdurraquib's 'A Little Devil in America' is a true masterwork. Highly recommend you read that one, but the poetry and lyricism of his writing makes me cry even if the topic is bland as cornmeal.

[@the_snicklefritz]

🤣 He’s a truly gifted writer

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know! Maybe I would be better off starting with Little Devil in America and working my way up to the new one in time.

[@katgman59]

I recommend Parakeet. No sports, ghosts, or aliens. Delightfully odd, keeps you on your toes. Also The Children’s Bible, thought-provoking with a new take on dystopia. I DNF’d Dinosaur, so disappointing.

[@user-if4ux9io8q]

Greg, do you like Toni Morrison. You say you don’t like ghost stories and ghosts seem to be a common theme in her books. I was wondering if you liked Beloved?

[@SupposedlyFun]

I do like Toni Morrison and Beloved a lot, but I guess there are exceptions to every rule.

[@user-if4ux9io8q]

@@SupposedlyFun good to know, I didn’t want to have to unfollow you!😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@user-if4ux9io8q 😂

[@kathleena4038]

I loved the ending of James….i found it surprising and exciting, (which I rarely get from my reading experience.)It made complete sense given everything we’ve learned about Jim….and why do we need the slave to be a saint? why should we expect him to choose non-violence after all the violence that has been visited upon him and his loved ones? I thought it was perfect.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I don't expect James to be a saint and I thought his growing sense of anger was one of the most interesting things about the book. And I don't even really think there was a good way to stick to Twain's original ending. As I have been saying, though: the ending felt a bit too close to a Quentin Tarantino movie, and I just don't respond to Tarantino's style. I can absolutely see why the novel has worked so well for so many people. It just didn't ultimately work for me.

[@kathleena4038]

@@SupposedlyFun 🩷😊I would be shocked if this book doesn’t have a movie deal already!

[@Itismebruna]

Thanks for the video! I'm with you on the basketball, ghosts and aliens part 😂 I really enjoyed "Olga dies dreaming", so quite excited about Xochitl Gonzalez's new book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Whether I get to Anita de Monte or go back to Olga, Gonzalez is definitely an author I want to get to know.

[@hayleystenger2799]

So, I read Anita De Monte with high expectations. I unfortunately didn't love it. I felt it was heavy-handed in its messaging, and the supernatural elements took something away for me. I did enjoy Real Americans and got a lot out of it. I am excited for Hanif Abdurraquib. I am not a sports fan, but I have read Little Devil in America a few times, and it is an all-time favorite.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Little Devil in America is one I should get to at some point.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’m looking forward to your best books of the year so far.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It will be here soon! Where does time go?

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

I'm so surprised people don't think you'd like Beautyland! The alien subplot is such a minor part of the story, I forgot for the vast majority that it was even included. This was a story of found family, and all sorts of love, between friends and family, straight and queer relationships. (The author is bisexual, and Adina is also questioning her own sexuality as she grows.) It just seems like your kind of book, such a kindhearted, sometimes heartbreaking but often joyful story with fantastic prose. And I think it's especially fun for people our age, since the protagonist grew up around when we did. I really hope you won't dismiss it just because the blurb puts undue emphasis on the tiny alien/fax machine piece!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Well that does make it sound a lot more interesting to me.

[@phyllisriley1013]

I am extremely stressed as well. No way could I read Coming Home right now. With you on basketball also.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Definitely stressful times!

[@Sundaymagpie]

Same.

[@jenniferwilson8131]

Anite de Monte is SO good. I almost DNFed at about 20% in. I hated all of the characters and it was a little tiresome. I'm so glad I stuck with it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know. Thanks.

[@chambersstevens3135]

I think we have similar taste. I like how you respectfully pass on certain books.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@irynaprotas5730]

Hello, I am very glad that I came across your channel. I hope that you are no longer worried, life is beautiful, with love from Ukraine❤❤❤❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@myreadinglife8816]

I can’t wait to read Hanif Adurraquib’s new book! I loved his last book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've heard great things about his last book, so I should probably check it out.

[@AdyGrafovna]

Beautyland didn’t feel like an “alien book” to me. I liked it, but didn’t love it. To me, it felt like one of those movies that tug at your heartstrings where a “special” character who is different in some way influences all the other characters to look at life differently.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to know--thanks.

[@nonu614]

I know I’m not quite ready to revisit traumatic experiences and events in my reading yet. Splinters and the Brittney Griner books (as well as a few others) will have to wait…a while.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can relate.

[@sabinagruden2702]

Omg, didn't know about Anita de Monte laughs last! When you starteg talking about it I imediately said: this is Anna Mendieta! Can't wait to read it, thanks for talking about it :)

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like it!

[@fmarginalia]

Beautyland is much more about alienation than aliens. I liked it and her previous book in the same way but beautyland was less madcap and more sad. Both are surreal and literary. The aliens only exist in the abstract

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback on it.

[@bc-mv5se]

Yes again on martyr and James. I was halfway into your Book of lLove segment before I remembered that I already read it. So..not the greatest review from here

[@SupposedlyFun]

😂 Definitely not the best recommendation.

[@beautifultomorrow111]

I have to admit that I DNF'd Martyr! There are many beautiful lines in that book, I appreciate the style of it - but the narrative felt too scattered and lacked cohesion. Halfway through I just got tired of it. I see why people might like it, and there are parts of it I quite liked, too, but as I whole it's a no from me.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Oh well--I guess there are plenty of other books out there.

[@eusaypdx]

Thank you! Personally, I loved Olga Dies Dreaming but didn't care for Anita De monte. I am generally critical of fictions about fine arts though. Hope you enjoy it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can see how Anita de Monte would be a tougher sell for you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Katie-ie1pp]

I'm hoping to get to some of these soon (There's Always This Year, Martyr, Anita de Monte)! I was very hesitant on Beautyland based on the description about the alien aspects, and ended up finding it a lovely and moving story, but I can understand the hesitation from the premise, and not sure how it would land for you!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Have you read Parakeet? Would it be a safer access point for Bertino?

[@Katie-ie1pp]

@@SupposedlyFun I haven't personally read it yet! I need to check out her backlist!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I really enjoyed Olga Dies Dreaming and excitrd for Anita

[@SupposedlyFun]

Maybe someday I will have caught up to both!

[@karenmoore4430]

Just bought Anita De Monte Lasts Laugh. Thanks Gregx

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like it!

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Having read “Martyr!” and “James” I’m certain that we’ll be seeing them on future longlists. The best book of the year for me, so far, is ““The Coast Road” by Irish novelist Alan Murrin.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I am so looking forward to catching up to The Coast Road.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

@@SupposedlyFun 😀

[@mradcaqbdb]

Almost feels like people are trying their hardest to make uninspiring book lists this year. This one is kinda awful with the exception of James. (I haven’t read James yet, but I still have very high hopes for it.) Martyr! indeed sounds like a good book but man, I really am keeping clear of something related to terminal cancer. The NYT list was marginally better because it included Knife, which was very good. Big raspberry to (most) book lists so far this year. P.S. Ghosts are cool!

[@SometimesPerplexed]

I’ve read several of the mentioned books, but I’m just here to say I’m thrilled to learn there is a prize named for Carol Shields. She was a wonderful writer but I rarely see her name coming up in recommendations in recent years. Hopefully the prize will keep her from fading into obscurity and keep her clear eyed and compassionate looks at humanity in circulation.

[@onourpath]

Ugh, Olga Dies Dreaming was a big DNF for me -- I just did not care. I kept trying, but just couldn't pick it up again after about 75 pages. I read Dinosaurs and Sweet Lamb of Heaven by Lydia Millet, and she somehow writes her stories into your soul and they stick there. I think about both books, often. I'm not really into memoirs, though, so I'll skip that one. I pretty much avoid alien stories, but love ghost stories, so I might try The Book of Love. I'm interested in seeing your list!

[@shandramch]

With you on Aliens and Ghosts lol 😅

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm glad I'm not alone!

[@Kathleenww]

You are totally missing out if you don’t read BOTH Martyr! AND Beautyland one right after the other. Beautyland is AMAZING. Bertino and Akbar are friends, too. Kind of in the same “class,” with their books being out around the same time. They are connected by the main characters “alienation,” if you’ll excuse the pun. I would encourage you to read the first few pages of Beautyland. Seriously.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I will check out the opening of Beautyland. I didn't know that Bertino and Akbar are friends--how cool.

[@Kathleenww]

@@SupposedlyFunif there is one book on this list I think you should read, it truly is Beautyland. I’m no sci-fi reader! But that’s not what this is-it’s about figuring out how to be human being in this crazy world! I found it to be beautiful and warmly written. It’s not a girly book, either, so don’t be turned off by that cover. It is very much of this world!!!

[@Kathleenww]

@@SupposedlyFunI understand. I don’t mean to be harsh! I enjoy your explorations!😊

[@BookishTexan]

I’ve thought a lot about the ending to Jam a because my initial reaction was similar to yours. But I just don’t think there was another way to end it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's interesting. I do think the original ending wouldn't have worked, and I thought the anger that James built up as the story progressed was one of the most interesting things about the book. But I feel like it veered a little too hard. Not sure where a happy middle ground would be.

[@shandramch]

I love these! Saturate away! 😊

[@SupposedlyFun]

🤗

[@alldbooks9165]

James!

[@SupposedlyFun]

🎉 🎊

[@readandre-read]

I've only read James so far from this list; which blew me away. I have Real Americans on my cart; my daughter chose it for me and it looks really good. I'm down for trying Martyr and Beautyland - they are maybes. I'm cool with ghosts snd aliens, lol. My Booker curiosity is growing!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I look forward to your thoughts on anything you pick up!

[@michelleizoco]

I feel so similarly about "There's Always Next Year" - but I keep feeling lured to it. You're not the only one avoiding certain books due to anxiety, so a few of these are being pushed for me as well. I started Book of Love by Kelly Link but.... it didn't grab me so I reshelved it and will try again in the fall (it has a fall feel for me probably due to the supernatural feel to it). Looking forward to your favorite books video!

[@SupposedlyFun]

We'll hopefully be filming that video so it will be ready for the weekend! Anxiety is so real in 2024.

[@TheLeniverse]

I have read James, which is a testament to its success because I have barely read any 2024 releases. I'm still catching up on books from 2023. I'm waiting for my library hold on Martyr to come in, and I am curious about Anita de Monte, especially after I looked into the artist she's based on! As for the others, I don't know... I have more books already lined up for the summer than I can feasibly get through, and then there will be the Booker longlist, so I kinda think I'm all set for most of the year 😅

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can absolutely relate to having more books lined up than you could possibly get to.

[@michaelangileo2760]

My #1 is "Godspell BHHS" .. was #2 on Amazon for a while. read it like 5 times. Wonderful channel.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@susanb4481]

I’m with you on ghosts and aliens on earth, don’t enjoy them. Unfortunately they have become popular literary tropes just like non human story tellers. I’m pushing my comfort zone by reading books that include mysticism and spirituality!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I always applaud pushing that comfort zone, so good for you!

[@nonu614]

I love that I can count on you to not fall prey to handing out rave reviews for books just because the titles are popular or being touted as “best” in mainstream media. For example, I haven’t read “James” and will likely enjoy it; but you didn’t let its popularity and the book buzz around it sway you to slant your view. Thank you for your honest reviews. Your work on this channel is much appreciated.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much!

[@MountainShadow8]

I understand what you're saying about Coming Home, especially since I have Ukranian heritage. Thank you, as always, for your insight.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for watching!

[@suzanneward5131]

Real Americans & Anita De Monte are two of the best books I’ve read this year!!! I’m listening to James, and am now worried about the ending. Lol

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's good to hear! A lot of people have been okay with the ending of James, so maybe you'll like it more than I did.

[@dtmonstage]

110% Real Americans is a book you will enjoy. It’s one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Ahhhh that's so exciting to hear!

[@premadimauro2691]

Yes I am stressed.can only read ver lighthearted books right now. November can’t come fast enough.

[@SupposedlyFun]

🤞

[@evajanczaruk8790]

I read Kelly Link's The Book of Love and even though I do like fantastical stories, I would still advocate someone read this, even though it may not be a favoured genre because of the incredibly, beautiful writing.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I have heard that she's a great writer.

[@cindyfreese254]

Read most of Real Americans, parts 1 and 2 were engaging, but I lost interest in part 3 and put it down. I’m not sure if I’ll pick it back up. James is the only one I read. Loved it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's a shame re: Real Americans.

[@luvsumbooks]

I would agree with the previous comment that Fire Exit should be on this list. The crisp prose and complex family situation made this a winner. I read James, which I loved, and Martyr. I didn't know what to think about it first, but the further I got from it, the more I thought about the story line. The book seemed to have these weird interruptions and the beginning really turned me off, but I kept at it and was stunned at the ending.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I'm glad you also liked Fire Exit! I would love to see that turn up on the longlist for the National Book Award.

[@talty900]

That book sucked.

[@luvsumbooks]

Oh no you don't!😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@talty900 🤣😂

[@talty900]

​@@luvsumbooks This is my favorite bad review of my book so far: TIME apparently called this a "Best Book of Summer"; if that's true, this summer, for people like me who love captivating novels, will prove to be a long one.

[@jackwalter5970]

I always found Kelly Link's stories to be underwhelming.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That's interesting.

[@t0dd000]

James! :) The ending? Hmm. I can see that. Still ... stunningly good, IMHO.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I definitely don't begrudge it any success.

[@booksandbags]

Hanif's last three books have been amazing. His writing is powerful and his prose is beautiful. Do not underestimate the creativity in using topics you don't think you care about to get you to care and feel.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think I would be most likely to start with an earlier book of his as a starting point.

[@Schwendan]

I put a hold on Martyr! after I saw your NYT list reaction video and picked it up Sunday. It's next in my reading queue.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like it!

[@spexi513]

📖 🪱💚

[@SupposedlyFun]

📚 🎉

[@bobbykeniston7240]

I do think "Fire Exit" by Morgan Talty should make some lists. I have to confess, I find it interesting, your aversion to aliens and such, only because I believe I've heard you talk about your love for Vonnegut in the past...

[@SupposedlyFun]

I discovered Vonnegut at the time in my life when I was much more heavily into quirky books--but even then, I mostly responded to his sense of humor and way of looking at the world with a blend of hope and disappointment.

[@talty900]

Fire Exit is atrocious. Worst book of the year.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@talty900 🤣😂

[@annegibson6072]

Good evening. I am disappointed that Knife by Salaam Rushdie is not on the list. I thought it was a very moving book. I read Coming Home. It was a good book. I had never heard of Splinters but I do want to read it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It does feel odd that Knife was absent here.

[@annegibson6072]

​@@SupposedlyFunDo you think that Rushdie could win the Nobel Prize? I think he is very deserving .

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@annegibson6072 Even before the attack, he's an author whose name has been in the mix--or who people would like to see win. I think the Swedish Academy was too stuffy to want it to look like they gave him a Nobel specifically for the attack, but maybe now that some time has passed? I also think they're stuffy enough that they don't want to look like they're bowing to popular opinion--but they did eventually give one to Bob Dylan, so maybe they can be worn down over time. I do think it would be a shame if his career goes unrecognized.

[@Kathleenww]

Real American is also astonishingly good! I just read it and I’ve been talking it up to everyone. The Book of Love is definitely an interesting and fun read. Please try to practice suspending your disbelief in wonder. You are seriously missing out in life without that ability. How can you critique these novels without having read a page? Forget the marketing blurbs! Listen to people! Lol!

[@SupposedlyFun]

To be fair, I'm not trying to critique any of the books I haven't read. What I'm talking about instead is whether or not they sound like something I would like to read in the near future. The Book of Love is a tough sell for that (for me) because I have so many other books I feel like I would prioritize first because they gravitate more toward things I am immediately interested. I don't think I would say that I have a disbelief in wonder, either--I've just read so many mediocre-to-bad books with elements that seem to be in Book of Love that it becomes a much tougher sell. I hope that makes sense.

[@jessicastamper4312]

I would not want to talk to you. You can be harsh.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I am a human being who has likes, dislikes, and predilections--just like everyone else. The good news is, if you don't think you want to talk to me, you don't have to.