Gilbert Cruz Holds a Short Podcast
Gilbert Cruz is the editor of The New York Times Book Review. He has suggested three books that his team thinks are the best books of 2024 so far. Two are surprises, and one certainly is not. That book is James, by Percival Everett. I don’t think I can overemphasize the power of this book judging from the critical reviews. A wonderful opportunity awaits those of us who live in Charleston. On June 6, at 6:00 p.m., Garden and Gun Magazine will hold a cocktail reception and interview with Percival Everett at the magazine’s headquarters at the Cigar Factory. Details are available at the website https://gardenandgun.com/event/gg-reads-percival-everett/
The two surprise novels Cruz recommends are Good Material and Beautyland. Beautyland is written by Marie-Helene Bertino and is the story of Adina, an alien girl who is sent to earth to report on what goes on here. She transmits her observations back to her home planet via a fax machine. She navigates life on earth as best she can but not without some very sad and some very funny episodes. Cruz mentioned in the podcast that we can relate to Adina because we have all felt, at one time or another, like an alien. So true!
The other book Good Material, by Dolly Alderton, is about a guy named Andy whose goal is to become a stand-up comic. His main problem, however, isn’t his career but rather the breakup of his relationship with his long-time girl friend. Amid heartache and hilarity, this book is also relatable as it explores the mystery surrounding all relationships. Alderton’s first book Everything I Know About Love won a National Book Award for Autobiography of the Year.
