In the ever-evolving literary landscape, readers find themselves constantly on the lookout for the next great read or fascinating trend. 2024 proves to be no exception, with some notable highlights already making waves in the book world. Among the buzz-worthy announcements, Barnes & Noble's 2024 Book of the Year has captured the attention of avid readers and critics alike.

Barnes & Noble's Book of the Year: "James"

Barnes & Noble recently unveiled their choice for Book of the Year, and it's none other than "James," a novel by acclaimed author Percival Everett. Known for his innovative storytelling and captivating narratives, Everett's latest work reinvents the classic tale of Huck Finn in a modern context. This choice comes as no surprise to those familiar with Everett's earlier works, which often blend humor, social commentary, and complex characters. "James" has been described as a "modern masterpiece," and those who have had the pleasure of reading it echo the sentiment. Take, for example, this enthusiastic review:

"By turns hilarious, beguiling, provocative, and terrifying, 'James' is virtuosic. It is a miracle of page-turning readerly entertainment paired with god-tier literary experimentation and thematic depth. We don't get ones like this very often, so when we do it is cause for celebration."

Intrigued by this selection? Discover more about Everett's fascinating journey and other notable award-winning books in [this original article](https://bookriot.com/category/news/today-in-books/).

Exciting Developments in Children's Programming

In other news on the literary front, PBS's beloved show "Reading Rainbow" is set to get its own dedicated channel on Amazon Prime. This development promises to reintroduce LeVar Burton's iconic reading program to a new generation of young readers, eager to be captivated by the magic of storytelling. You won't need an Amazon Prime account to enjoy this nostalgia-packed content, as it will be ad-free. By launching such a channel, PBS aims to entice viewers and possibly open avenues to more exclusive content on Amazon. Read more about how Amazon Prime is expanding its [streaming services](https://thedesk.net/2024/11/pbs-streaming-amazon-prime-video/) without requiring a subscription.

Academic Perspectives on Literary Criticism

In addition to these bookish developments, the literary critique scene has witnessed the return of esteemed critic Parul Sehgal to The New York Times. Sehgal is renowned for her deep dives into books that push literary boundaries, though her new role might see her branching out from book reviews to broader "ideas journalism"—a change that might excite some while disappointing others who eagerly awaited her book critiques. For insights into how important novels influence societal perspectives, check out this [New York Times segment on ideas journalism](https://www.nytco.com/press/a-new-critic-to-deepen-our-ideas-journalism/).

A Call to Book Lovers

For those looking to show off their passion for literature in more tangible ways, exclusive bookish merchandise is a captivating avenue. Websites like [Liam and Lore](https://www.liamandlore.com) offer an exciting range of products that celebrate the themes and stories we both love and cherish. From apparel inspired by classic novels to tote bags designed for book crawls, their merch is a great way to keep the spirit of your favorite stories alive, whether you're browsing their collection or gifting them to fellow book lovers.