In the world of media, the year ends a month early.
The “best books of 2024” and “best movies of 2024” lists are already out, with calendar pages still turned to November, as of this writing. It makes some sense to jump the gun — the lists come in handy when shopping for gifts and spending time during the holidays.
At a recent stand-up performance in Manhattan, Jerry Seinfeld spoofed the urge we feel to recommend our favorite streaming shows to friends. He doesn’t care what you like to watch — and especially doesn’t want a recommendation of a show where you have to endure the lousy first four seasons to get to the good parts.
Still, it seems like a good time to take stock of what bits of our overstuffed culture made an impression on me this year. (Much of what I list below was published before this year, but 2024 was when I caught up with them.)
Here are some things I’ll remember.
Movers and shakers
Revolver, by Jim Rasenberger: A suspenseful biogra…
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