Explore NPR’s Extensive Book Collection: Books We Love
The excitement for book lovers is palpable as NPR unveils its comprehensive list of 384 books in the Books We Love collection. This annual compilation, akin to WVIA’s Bookmarks, gathers the year’s most cherished reads as recommended by NPR staff and critics.
Among the featured authors is Laurence Roth, a professor at Susquehanna University, whose memoir, “Unpacking My Father’s Bookstore”, has been included in this esteemed list.
Inside the Selection Process
NPR’s Book of the Day host, Andrew Limbong, shared insights into how the list is curated. “It’s a lot of spreadsheets. It’s a lot of people in Google spreadsheets chatting each other,” Limbong explained. Every year, NPR sends an email to its entire staff, spanning various departments, to gather book recommendations, culminating in a diverse collection of about 380 books.
According to Limbong, the list’s expansive nature is intentional. It aims not to narrow down the year’s best books but to offer a wide range of options so “you are 99% likely to find something in here for you.”
Laurence Roth’s Memoir: A Personal and Historical Journey
SCINTO: What inspired your memoir, “Unpacking My Father’s Bookstore”?
ROTH: It’s a reflection on my experiences growing up in J. Roth Bookseller of Fine and Scholarly Judaica. The bookstore served as a microcosm of the LA Jewish community from 1966 to 1994, highlighting the acculturation of American Jews. I wanted to weave my personal story with the store’s history, offering a unique perspective on our cultural heritage.
Recognition and Impact
Roth expressed his delight upon discovering his memoir’s inclusion in the Books We Love list. “I was floored to see that my book was on it. I just did a double take,” he remarked, describing it as a significant honor.
With NPR’s reputable influence, Roth hopes that his book will reach a broader audience. He also emphasizes the importance of independent bookstores, urging readers to support these vital cultural hubs that often go unappreciated until they vanish.
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Explore NPR’s extensive list, Books We Love, and find more literary recommendations from WVIA listeners at wvia.org. Discover the books your community has been enjoying through Bookmarks.
