I'm such an arsehole

Fewer of not the best

BBC Culture: 18 of the best books of the year so far 2023Those bookish babes at BBC Culture, Rebecca Laurence and Lindsay Baker, have finally got around to updating this year's must-reads-so-far list. And, breaking from their film-buff counterparts, they've thankfully updated their article's headlining image, presenting a pleasant change from the gormless photo of Eleanor Catton that's been there since April.

The passing of three months has added only another six mustpossible-reads to those they lined up in April. This comes as some relief to those of us who were a little overwhelmed last time, when we were faced with twelve literary masterpieces to work through.

Laurence and Baker have deviated from past practice in one notable way though. Before, they simply reviewed the reviews of two other reviewers, instead of reading the books they're reviewing; this time, however, they've gone whole-hog, and reviewed the reviews of three other reviewers, instead of reading the books they're reviewing. This might explain why they have only six recommendations this quarter, not that there's fewer worthy tomes being churned out, but because of the extra work entailed in bringing cultural excellence to their readership.

And that shows true dedication to their profession. Whatever it is. (shrug)

After the Funeral
(Tessa Hadley)
RL engages in worthy cultural exchange, with the help of: The Observer, The Guardian, The Washington Post
August Blue
(Deborah Levy)
LB just loves the work of: The Scotsman, The Times, i
The East Indian
(Brinda Charry)
RL is stimulated by the insight of: New York Times, The Guardian, NPR
Crook Manifesto
(Colson Whitehead)
LB takes reading notes from: LA Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph
Mrs S
(K Patrick)
RL likes what she sees at: The Observer, The New York Times, The TLS
The Postcard
(Anne Berest, transl. Tina Kover)
LB reflects upon: The New York Times, Library Journal, The Washington Post
Of course, true linguaphiles will appreciate the subtle nuances of Berest's original, and seek out La Carte postale. Because a third-party translation often divorces one from the author's true word, wouldn't you agree? (nerd)

And that's it, folks: all the culture that's fit to read for this quarter. Roll on, October!