Book Lovers Rejoice: PBS News Hour's Top Picks for the Year

As the leaves change colors and the weather cools down, many of us are cozied up with a good book. On the PBS News Hour, host Jeffrey Brown sat down with two literary luminaries, Maureen Corrigan, book critic for NPR's Fresh Air, and Ann Patchett, renowned author, to discuss their top picks for the year.

A Year in Review: The Best Books of 2023

In an era where reading is more accessible than ever, it's exciting to see what the critics and authors have been devouring. Maureen Corrigan, a veteran book critic, shares her top picks from 2023:

Fiction

• "The Promise" by Damon Galgut: A sweeping historical novel that explores the complexities of power, identity, and belonging.
• "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda: A domestic thriller that delves into the dark side of human relationships and the secrets we keep.

Ann Patchett's list is just as impressive:

Fiction

• "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller: A beautifully written retelling of the Trojan War, exploring the complexities of love, war, and identity.
• "The Death of Vivek Oji" by Akwaeke Emezi: A mesmerizing novel that examines grief, trauma, and the power of storytelling.

Non-Fiction

Maureen Corrigan's non-fiction picks include:

Memoirs

• "Becoming: Adaptations" edited by Caroline Randall: A collection of essays that explore the complexities of identity, community, and belonging.
• "Solito: A Memoir" by Javier Zamora: A powerful and poignant memoir about one man's journey to find his place in America.

Ann Patchett's non-fiction list is just as compelling:

Essays

• "The Undocumented Americans" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio: A searing and timely exploration of the experiences of undocumented immigrants.
• "Me and White Supremacy: Conversations on Race, Love, and Freedom" by Layla F. Saad: A thought-provoking collection of essays that challenge our assumptions about racism and identity.

Author Insights

Both Maureen Corrigan and Ann Patchett shared their insights into the world of books:

• The importance of diversity in literature: "We need to be reading more books by authors from underrepresented groups," says Ann Patchett. "It's essential to expose ourselves to different perspectives and experiences."
• The power of fiction to change our lives: Maureen Corrigan emphasizes the impact that great storytelling can have on our understanding of the world: "Fiction has the power to transform us, to challenge our assumptions, and to make us see the world in a new light."

A Year in Reading

As we look back on 2023, it's clear that there were countless amazing books published this year. Whether you're looking for fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, there's something on these lists for everyone.

• Get lost in the world of Ann Patchett: Explore her list of top picks and discover new authors and titles.
• Dive into Maureen Corrigan's favorites: Discover the books that resonated with this esteemed book critic.
• Join the conversation: Share your own favorite books from 2023 and discuss what you've read with others.

The world of books is vast and wondrous, full of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, there's always something new to explore.

So go ahead, grab a book, and get lost in the pages.