What Are the Best Books to Read from 2017?

TL;DR

The best books from 2017 include 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner, which explores complex family narratives in the South, and 'Confessions of a Mask' by Yukio Mishima, a coming-of-age story in post-war Japan. Other notable mentions are 'The Serpent and the Rainbow' by Wade Davis, which delves into Haitian culture, and 'Woman in the Dunes' by Kobo Abe, offering insights into existential struggles and human connections.

Transcript

good afternoon everyone welcome to better than food book reviews its 2018 in freezing here in Florida hope you had a very Happy New Year's I have a couple of quick announcements I reviewed a very old man with enormous wings the short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez on patreon for patrons only it's a magical realism story from 1955 Marquez was a par... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Introduces exclusive short story reviews on Patreon to explore new authors and provide in-depth analyses.
• 📙 Curates a list of diverse top books of 2017, ranging from magical realism to southern gothic genres with profound narrative depths.
• ⌛ Emphasizes the importance of choosing books wisely to optimize reading time and avoid unsatisfactory literary experiences.
• 🤳 Explores themes of self-discovery, cultural attachments, and cruelty in Kobo Abe's "Woman in the Dunes" and the tragic legacy of the South in Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom!"

Questions & Answers

Q: What prompted the reviewer to start doing short story reviews on Patreon?

The reviewer started offering short story reviews on Patreon to produce more in-depth content, explore new authors, and thank patrons for their support while delving deeper into literary collections.

Q: Why does the reviewer emphasize the importance of choosing books wisely to save time?

The reviewer acknowledges that reading can be time-consuming and stresses the significance of avoiding bad books or mismatched expectations to ensure an enriching reading experience, especially amidst numerous demands on readers' time.

Q: How does the reviewer describe the book "Woman in the Dunes" by Kobo Abe?

The reviewer portrays "Woman in the Dunes" as a Japanese Kafkaesque nightmare, exploring themes of self-discovery, cultural attachments, and human cruelty against a backdrop of oppressive sand imagery and psychological intensity.

Q: What makes "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner stand out as the best book of 2017 for the reviewer?

"Absalom, Absalom!" is praised by the reviewer for its complex narrative, sprawling themes of fate, family, war, and southern heritage, presenting a challenging yet rewarding reading experience that reshapes the reader's understanding of narrative possibilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The reviewer announces exclusive short story reviews on Patreon for patrons, delving deeper into literature.

• List of favorite books of 2017 includes works by Marquez, Mishima, and Faulkner, showcasing diverse genres and themes.

• Reflects on time-saving resolutions for avid readers, emphasizing the significance of choosing books wisely to avoid wasted time.