Books books books! Our top picks from 2024

2024/12/13

Life and Art from FT Weekend

People

Fred Studemann

Laura Battle

Lila Raptopoulos

Topics

Fred Studemann：2024年小说方面表现强劲，许多知名作家出版了新书；而非虚构类作品则涵盖AI、地缘政治、美国政治、乌克兰和俄罗斯局势、英国大选以及英国现状等多个主题。此外，他还认为今年的文学奖项评选结果总体较好。 Laura Battle：2024年出版界的一些大牌作家推出了新书，但同时一些鲜为人知的作家也因其作品获奖而受到关注。她详细介绍了《Orbital》这本书，并对一些文学奖项进行了评价。她还谈到了自己阅读习惯的变化，以及对当前一些热门话题的书籍的看法。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What trends did Fred and Laura notice in the books of 2024?

There were many big-name authors releasing fiction, such as Sally Rooney and Pat Barker. Nonfiction focused on AI, geopolitics, and the state of democracy, particularly in the context of the US and UK elections.

What was the Booker Prize-winning book of 2024?

The Booker Prize was awarded to Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital,' a novel set on the International Space Station that explores humanity's impact on the planet.

What was Fred's favorite book of 2024?

Fred's favorite book was 'Patriot' by Alexei Navalny, a memoir that is both funny and unflinching in its portrayal of oppression and the author's life.

What was Laura's favorite book of 2024?

Laura's favorite book was 'All Fours' by Miranda July, a semi-autobiographical novel about a woman's road trip and her unconventional affair with a Hertz employee.

What book did Fred recommend for escaping family holiday chaos?

Fred recommended 'The Haunted Wood' by Sam Leith, a book about children's literature that offers a retreat from holiday chaos.

What book did Laura recommend for making history feel alive?

Laura recommended 'Rosarita' by Anita Desai, a novella narrated in the second person that explores a woman's family history in India.

What nonfiction book did Fred recommend for a current topic that feels relevant?

Fred recommended 'Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, a book about technology and anxiety that has sparked a grassroots movement in schools.

What are some upcoming books to look forward to in 2025?

Upcoming books in 2025 include 'Hope' by Pope Francis, 'Dream Count' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and a memoir by Graydon Carter.

What did Laura want to see less of in culture?

Laura wanted to see fewer sharing plates at trendy restaurants, preferring individual meals.

What did Fred want to see more of in culture?

Fred wanted to see more live performances, such as theater and concerts, despite the potential cost.

Chapters

The year 2024 saw many significant book releases, including works by well-known authors like Sally Rooney and Miranda July. A notable trend was the release of numerous books about AI, the geopolitical landscape, and the state of Britain. The Booker Prize was awarded to Samantha Harvey for her book Orbital.

Many big-name authors released books in 2024.
Popular topics included AI, geopolitics, and British politics.
The Booker Prize winner was Samantha Harvey's Orbital.

Shownotes Transcript

The FT’s books of the year special is out, and today, our literary editor Fred Studemann and outgoing deputy books editor Laura Battle join us one last time to talk about their top picks of 2024. This year has seen some huge releases from authors including Sally Rooney, Miranda July, Alexei Navalny, Al Pacino and Salman Rushdie. What trends did Fred and Laura notice this year? What books did they love?

**As you know, the show is ending in early January – we’re still collecting your cultural questions. **What’s rolling around in your head? How can we help? Email Lilah at [email protected]) or message her on Instagram @lilahrap).

Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):

– **Books we mentioned: **Orbital by Samantha Harvey; *Patriot by Alexei Navalny; All Fours by Miranda July; Haunted Wood *by Sam Leith; Rosarita by Anita Desai; There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak; Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World by David van Reybrouck; A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown; Killing Time by Alan Bennett; Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli; Hope by Pope Francis (2025); and Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2025)

– The FT Books of the Year are out now! Here is a roundup of the FT’s top columnists and editors’ book recommendations for 2024), including Fred’s top picks. Laura’s fiction picks are here).

– Food, drink and travel books are here). Music books here). Art and design books are here). Check out the full guide) for more (paywall)

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.

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