I was gutted when Percival Everett's The Trees did not win the Booker in 2022. I've been a huge fan of his work for decades. After being the best kept secret in American fiction for so long, it's gratifying to see his work receive the attention of award committees. James is my top book of 2024. Those looking for the next Everett title to explore, you really can;t go wrong. That being said, The Trees and Erasure are both audacious novels worth checking out. For something on the lighter side, Dr. No or his story collection, Damned If I Do, are good examples of his range. The darker the material, the more humorous the book. But his linguistic playfulness and philosophizing intellect are there in everything he writes. And his ability to find the absurdity in any situation. For all that, James might be his most restrained piece of fiction to date. Perhaps his best.
Yes, that is a very good book indeed! I’ve been really enjoying going back and reading more of his books! I loved Erasure! And yes! It takes such skill to write something like James without hammering the reader over the head or being too dull, and I think he does it so well.
I have not and will not have read enough books from the list to create my own shortlist so I enjoyed seeing yours. I think you are the only champion of Headshot that I have seen.
After reading the longlist, I find it much more surprising Alexis Wright didn't make than when it was initially announced. Wright's love it or hate it writing style, seems very at home on this list. Always enjoy your thoughts on a longlist.
No one. And I mean no one does the Booker better than THE BOOKERER! We are all certainly in agreement on that point! Excellent job of elucidating the ties that bind this seemingly disparate stack of books Into a cohesive thought process. I also was struck by the panel’s interest in ~groups~ of humans (as opposed to a single protagonist) coexisting and communicating in ways both beneficial and sometimes harmful. Orbital, Headshot, My Friends, Wild Houses etc demonstrate this. Very interesting and obvious (to me.. but i could be wrong lol) that the longlist was chosen with this in mind. My preferred shortlist : 1. My Friends 2. Held 3. James 4. Playground 5. Wandering Stars 6. The Safe Keep Thank you, Bob! BBE (Best Bookerer Ever)
Thank you so much! Ooh, I love that point about groups of humans- that’s so true of so many of these. A real sense of having to pull together. And yours is a very good shortlist!
I’d be very happy with your shortlist! I’m the end, I think of James and his pencil… and Percival Everett’s long career and body of work ..,and hope James will ultimately win.
Yay!!!!!! It feels good to complete this challenge! I know how you feel. I just put my head down and try to plow through the books without influence from others. And then I review them, start talking to people and then I start to question some of my takes. It’s a rollercoaster
Aha, exactly! I come out the other side convinced that everyone will love a certain book, only to find that people are very mixed. We did it, Alyssa. We did it.
What a lovely video. A contemplative style that fits with the Booker themes. I won't get through them all before the shortlist is announced, and not just for the obvious reason that I don't have access to Playground 😆 But your shortlist is a good mix of books I really like and books I really look forward to reading, so I hope you get it your way! (Especially nice to see Orbital on there. I think for many people that's one of the books that make them go, "We could have had Praiseworthy", but like you I appreciate it more and more as time go by. If it makes the shortlist I think I'll re-read it, as it has been six months since I read it.)
I've only read half of them and I might read one or two more. From that half, I hope that James, My Friends and Wandering Stars make the short list and I hope James takes it all.
Thanks, Bob!🌷I’ve pre-ordered Playground and am very much looking forward to it! Of the rest, I’ve read only two, My Friends and Orbital, loved them and would like very much to see them both on the shortlist🤞
Great video! I’ve only read three and enjoyed them all (James, Headshot, The Safekeep). I don’t know that I’ll complete the entire list, but I hope to finish several more by the end of the month.
Loved Orbital and James felt like a future classic; currently reading Wandering Stars and am so glad there’s such a book on the Longlist; Playground is probably my most anticipated read of the year - love Richard Powers . 📕🪱💚
Great video. I just finished the longlist yesterday and thought it was quite strong. Personally I would be surprised to see both Headshot and Orbital on the shortlist, and while I liked but did not love it, I think Creation Lake will almost certainly be shortlisted. Enlightenment, James, My Friends, Playground and Stone Yard Devotional all struck me as very worthy. A good year to be a Booker fan!
Thank you! And yeah, I wonder how it’ll shake out in terms of balance- Orbital and Headshot both take a very specific POV and a shortlist of that might be too much.
Loved this thematic overview. This is my first foray into the long list and sadly I didn't like any of the 5 I read. Maybe next year. Fantastic idea to read other books of shortlisted authors!
My picks so far are 'Stoneyard Devotional' and 'Playground ' - I love 'Wandering Stars', but agree with your point on that. I've also bought 'Praiseworthy' because of your passion for it ❤
Re: wanting to read another book by a longlisted author. I enjoyed My Friends by Hisham Matar but I really loved his previous book the Return. Both books focus on similar themes but I found the earlier one more engaging. You should definitely check that one out.
Great wrap up. I'm currently reading Creation Lake but not sure it will make my shortlist. I'm hoping Orbital is not shortlisted as I've committed to reading the shortlist and Orbital doesn't seem like a book I will enjoy. Hoping to see James and My Friends which have been my benchmarks
What an accomplishment! And I really appreciate you sharing the stories with us so that we can decide which ones we'd like to read. On another note, I'm wondering if you've ever read 'That They may face the Rising Sun'? John mcgahern.
I really liked your description of books that have a theme related to the natural world. I work in the field and books that address the relationship between humans and the natural world are particularly poignant to me. After watching your video I can't wait to get my hand on Playground! I'm sure it will make me weep too..
Interesting shortlist. I have read 10 so far and agree with you on James and My Friends, but I am undecided on the other 4 spots. I hope Playground is on the shortlist just so I won't feel like I missed out on having an opinion, as it's still a few weeks away to being in bookstores.
@@andreluissoriano Ooh, good question. I’d probably say that the highs were higher, and the lows were slightly lower aha. Last year had some real gems, and a lot of books I enjoyed. This had a few more gems, and a few more that I was lukewarm about.
Does anyone know how I can get hold of Playground Richard Powers. Ive now read 11 of the books. I am just starting Creation Lake which came out yesterday and I desperately want to complete the full 13 before the shortlist is announced. Ive got the time but Ive looked at my library and it’s not there and Waterstones have it on pre order. I cant believe it’s not out until the after the shortlist announcement. Any help Bob or anyone!!! Ralph
Interesting how we all have different shortlists- mine would be James, My Friends, Orbital, Held, Playground ( probably) and then I am not sure - perhaps Enlightenment.
I agree with James being on the shortlist but would definitely put 'This strange eventful history' by Claire Messud on it too which is magnificently written.
I've read earlier books by Claire Messud and Anne Michaels, but I'm not sure I would recommend either. If you haven't read The Essex Serpent then you're in for a treat.
I'm interested in your description of Headshot as intense because I felt just the opposite about it. Despite there being intense things that happen to these girls (I think the dead boy at the pool is mentioned in the first couple of pages), I never felt like the reader comes up against those traumatic things very forcefully. And even though punches are thrown.... it all feels very controlled, and actually the word that keeps popping into my mind to describe this book is "elegant". I quite enjoyed it too (not quite as much as you) but it does seem like we read different books.
Ahh, that’s such an interesting take on it, and I can totally see what you mean there! You’re right- we watch the violence, but we’re sort of held at an arm’s length from it too.
Your shortlist has 3 I’ve read & 3 unread. Playground? Hasn’t been released yet. ( Why does the Booker do this??) My enthusiasm has waned. Maybe it will spark again after shortlist.
![First 3 Hours Of Writing A Story (Starting From Nothing) - Jeff Kitchen [FULL INTERVIEW]](/img/n.gif)
Bob The Bookerer is truly the best bookerer!!!!!
Ahah, thank you so much!
I was gutted when Percival Everett's The Trees did not win the Booker in 2022. I've been a huge fan of his work for decades. After being the best kept secret in American fiction for so long, it's gratifying to see his work receive the attention of award committees. James is my top book of 2024. Those looking for the next Everett title to explore, you really can;t go wrong. That being said, The Trees and Erasure are both audacious novels worth checking out. For something on the lighter side, Dr. No or his story collection, Damned If I Do, are good examples of his range. The darker the material, the more humorous the book. But his linguistic playfulness and philosophizing intellect are there in everything he writes. And his ability to find the absurdity in any situation. For all that, James might be his most restrained piece of fiction to date. Perhaps his best.
Yes, that is a very good book indeed! I’ve been really enjoying going back and reading more of his books! I loved Erasure!
And yes! It takes such skill to write something like James without hammering the reader over the head or being too dull, and I think he does it so well.
I have not and will not have read enough books from the list to create my own shortlist so I enjoyed seeing yours. I think you are the only champion of Headshot that I have seen.
Thank you! And aha, I really thought Headshot would be a crowd-pleaser!
Great video, thank you for your reviews
Thank you so much!
Inspiring as ever. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting. For your project, I really enjoyed The Western Wind by Harvey.
Thank you! And ooh, thanks, I’ll have a little look!
After reading the longlist, I find it much more surprising Alexis Wright didn't make than when it was initially announced. Wright's love it or hate it writing style, seems very at home on this list.
Always enjoy your thoughts on a longlist.
Aha, definitely! I will keep banging the drum on this, and it’s wild to me that it was overlooked.
Great video Bob! I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and insights. (Plus now your homework is done, read whatever strikes your fancy!)
Thank you so much! And yes! It feels nice to have slightly more freedom now!
No one. And I mean no one does the Booker better than THE BOOKERER! We are all certainly in agreement on that point!
Excellent job of elucidating the ties that bind this seemingly disparate stack of books
Into a cohesive thought process.
I also was struck by the panel’s interest in ~groups~ of humans (as opposed to a single protagonist) coexisting and communicating in ways both beneficial and sometimes harmful. Orbital, Headshot, My Friends, Wild Houses etc demonstrate this. Very interesting and obvious (to me.. but i could be wrong lol) that the longlist was chosen with this in mind.
My preferred shortlist :
1. My Friends
2. Held
3. James
4. Playground
5. Wandering Stars
6. The Safe Keep
Thank you, Bob! BBE (Best Bookerer Ever)
Thank you so much!
Ooh, I love that point about groups of humans- that’s so true of so many of these. A real sense of having to pull together.
And yours is a very good shortlist!
I’d be very happy with your shortlist! I’m the end, I think of James and his pencil… and Percival Everett’s long career and body of work ..,and hope James will ultimately win.
Oh yes, I would be delighted if he wins!
Remarkable accomplishment ✅✅
Thank you!
This year's Praiseworthy = last year's Demon Copperhead. Expect that single, epic Booker snub every year moving forward.
Aha yes! We should have a prize every decade where we pull those together!
LOVED this thematic review , Bob REALLY, excellent!
Ahh, thank you so much!
Yay!!!!!! It feels good to complete this challenge! I know how you feel. I just put my head down and try to plow through the books without influence from others. And then I review them, start talking to people and then I start to question some of my takes. It’s a rollercoaster
Aha, exactly! I come out the other side convinced that everyone will love a certain book, only to find that people are very mixed.
We did it, Alyssa. We did it.
@@BobTheBookerer we get a whole year to recoup! Oh wait you do international Booker too!!!
What a lovely video. A contemplative style that fits with the Booker themes. I won't get through them all before the shortlist is announced, and not just for the obvious reason that I don't have access to Playground 😆 But your shortlist is a good mix of books I really like and books I really look forward to reading, so I hope you get it your way! (Especially nice to see Orbital on there. I think for many people that's one of the books that make them go, "We could have had Praiseworthy", but like you I appreciate it more and more as time go by. If it makes the shortlist I think I'll re-read it, as it has been six months since I read it.)
Thank you! And yes, I really think Orbital is the quiet assassin here!
I've only read half of them and I might read one or two more. From that half, I hope that James, My Friends and Wandering Stars make the short list and I hope James takes it all.
Yes! If James and My Friends are not on the shortlist, I’d be very surprised
Thanks, Bob!🌷I’ve pre-ordered Playground and am very much looking forward to it! Of the rest, I’ve read only two, My Friends and Orbital, loved them and would like very much to see them both on the shortlist🤞
Ooh, yes! I really think Orbital is not getting as much love as it deserves!
Great video! I’ve only read three and enjoyed them all (James, Headshot, The Safekeep). I don’t know that I’ll complete the entire list, but I hope to finish several more by the end of the month.
Thank you! And nice, good luck with reading the ones you want to!
Loved Orbital and James felt like a future classic; currently reading Wandering Stars and am so glad there’s such a book on the Longlist; Playground is probably my most anticipated read of the year - love Richard Powers . 📕🪱💚
Yes! I really think James will be read and studied for years to come!
Great video. I just finished the longlist yesterday and thought it was quite strong. Personally I would be surprised to see both Headshot and Orbital on the shortlist, and while I liked but did not love it, I think Creation Lake will almost certainly be shortlisted. Enlightenment, James, My Friends, Playground and Stone Yard Devotional all struck me as very worthy. A good year to be a Booker fan!
Thank you! And yeah, I wonder how it’ll shake out in terms of balance- Orbital and Headshot both take a very specific POV and a shortlist of that might be too much.
Loved this thematic overview. This is my first foray into the long list and sadly I didn't like any of the 5 I read. Maybe next year. Fantastic idea to read other books of shortlisted authors!
Thank you! And agh, sorry to hear it! I think this is a year with high highs and low lows, so that’s probably to be expected!
My picks so far are 'Stoneyard Devotional' and 'Playground ' - I love 'Wandering Stars', but agree with your point on that.
I've also bought 'Praiseworthy' because of your passion for it ❤
Yay! I really hope you like Praiseworthy!
That was impressive reading pace :)
Aha, thank you! Some would say ‘foolish’ 😂
@@BobTheBookerer those people know nothing
Re: wanting to read another book by a longlisted author. I enjoyed My Friends by Hisham Matar but I really loved his previous book the Return. Both books focus on similar themes but I found the earlier one more engaging. You should definitely check that one out.
Ooh, thank you! I’d been eyeing that one, and it sounds amazing! I’ve reserved it from my library, so hopefully I can read it soon! Thank you!
Great wrap up. I'm currently reading Creation Lake but not sure it will make my shortlist. I'm hoping Orbital is not shortlisted as I've committed to reading the shortlist and Orbital doesn't seem like a book I will enjoy. Hoping to see James and My Friends which have been my benchmarks
Ahh, totally fair! And yes, I’ve really been measuring so many of the books against James and My Friends (and Praiseworthy aha)
What an accomplishment! And I really appreciate you sharing the stories with us so that we can decide which ones we'd like to read.
On another note, I'm wondering if you've ever read 'That They may face the Rising Sun'? John mcgahern.
Thank you! Ooh, I’ve not, but I’ve been meaning to read something by him for ages!
I really liked your description of books that have a theme related to the natural world. I work in the field and books that address the relationship between humans and the natural world are particularly poignant to me. After watching your video I can't wait to get my hand on Playground! I'm sure it will make me weep too..
Ooh, that sounds like a great field of work! And yes, I’m so drawn to books like that! I hope you enjoy Playground!
Interesting shortlist. I have read 10 so far and agree with you on James and My Friends, but I am undecided on the other 4 spots. I hope Playground is on the shortlist just so I won't feel like I missed out on having an opinion, as it's still a few weeks away to being in bookstores.
Yes! I really think the Booker should consider starting later in the year if it’s going to take books up until the end of September!
Did you enjoy this longlist more than last year’s?
@@andreluissoriano Ooh, good question. I’d probably say that the highs were higher, and the lows were slightly lower aha. Last year had some real gems, and a lot of books I enjoyed. This had a few more gems, and a few more that I was lukewarm about.
Does anyone know how I can get hold of Playground Richard Powers. Ive now read 11 of the books. I am just starting Creation Lake which came out yesterday and I desperately want to complete the full 13 before the shortlist is announced. Ive got the time but Ive looked at my library and it’s not there and Waterstones have it on pre order. I cant believe it’s not out until the after the shortlist announcement. Any help Bob or anyone!!! Ralph
@@ralphharris6374 I got mine via NetGalley, and it may still be on there! I think some of the other review/advance copy sites will have it too.
@@BobTheBookerer thanks Bob, I’ve tried to join net galley but they ask for website or you tube channel details. Not sure how to blag my way in
I guess I'm going to have to read Praiseworthy.
Aha I hope you like it if you do!
thinking Playground will be my first Powers. excited to see what the fuss is about haha
Oooh, I hope you like it! Beware that he’s not very subtle at times ahaha
Interesting how we all have different shortlists- mine would be James, My Friends, Orbital, Held, Playground ( probably) and then I am not sure - perhaps Enlightenment.
Oh that’s a good shortlist!
@@BobTheBookerer i have started Enlightenment now so I am sure I want it on my shortlist! Exciting !
I agree with James being on the shortlist but would definitely put 'This strange eventful history' by Claire Messud on it too which is magnificently written.
Yes, I can definitely see a case for it! I wish I had liked it more overall, because on a page by page basis, I thought it was excellent.
I've read earlier books by Claire Messud and Anne Michaels, but I'm not sure I would recommend either. If you haven't read The Essex Serpent then you're in for a treat.
Ahh, fair! But yes, excited for Essex Serpent!
I'm interested in your description of Headshot as intense because I felt just the opposite about it. Despite there being intense things that happen to these girls (I think the dead boy at the pool is mentioned in the first couple of pages), I never felt like the reader comes up against those traumatic things very forcefully. And even though punches are thrown.... it all feels very controlled, and actually the word that keeps popping into my mind to describe this book is "elegant". I quite enjoyed it too (not quite as much as you) but it does seem like we read different books.
Ahh, that’s such an interesting take on it, and I can totally see what you mean there! You’re right- we watch the violence, but we’re sort of held at an arm’s length from it too.
Your shortlist has 3 I’ve read & 3 unread. Playground? Hasn’t been released yet. ( Why does the Booker do this??) My enthusiasm has waned. Maybe it will spark again after shortlist.
Ok but what if we actually lock the judges in a room. Would we get a different list?
Ahah, Hunger Games: The Longlist.
@@BobTheBookerer add cameras so we can finally see how the list is created
@@NerdyNurseReads Aha, yes! There are far too many mysteries- we need a livestream
He done
Source (Bookerer, The Bob, 2024 [online] 0:00)
He bacc, he snacc, but most importantly, he finish the stacc
SO FUNNY!!!