Michael Silverblatt

As in past years , this is a list of favorite books of the year. Critics who use the term “best books” are not thinking. Of the thousands of books published each year, no one has read enough to say which are the best. These are our favorites.

Finishing the Hat: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes (Knopf) A collection of lyrics from the first half of Stephen Sondheim's career, along with insights into the art of…

Sheila Heti speaks about her new book, “Pure Colour,” and how she couldn’t think or write in the same way she did before the death of her own father.

Zac Smith’s “Everything is Totally Fine” creates intense emotions in small space — and inspired special guest Tao Lin to awaken his Muumuu House imprint after a ten year slumber.

Tao Lin’s ‘Leave Society,’ in which he grows his idea of himself in a book.

Tao Lin’s ‘Leave Society,’ in which he grows his idea of himself in a book.

The debut novel of Robert Jones, Jr., “The Prophets,” is lyrical prose about the dimensionality and interiority of people.

Close friend of Michael Silverblatt’s and Bookworm editor for 30 years, Alan Howard guest hosts this episode on grief and loss. When the two met more than 33 years ago, Michael’s first words were, “What are you reading?”

Longtime friend and editor of Bookworm, Alan Howard, returns to host this episode, the last of 10 shows to journey through Bookworm’s 33 years and offer a retrospective look at Michael’s accomplishments on behalf of writers and readers. For decades Michael has read almost all of a writer’s work, not just the book which has been most recently published. Howard has watched writers glow as they realize that they’ve been seriously witnessed by the ultimate Bookworm. All of the writers on today’s show have become friends of Michael’s and of Bookworm. We’ll hear from rock band Sparks (brothers Ron and Russell Mael), Art Spiegelman, Françoise Mouly, Ann Beattie, Susan Sontag, and Dennis Cooper.

Bookworm, a premier literary talk show providing intellectual, accessible, and provocative literary conversations. Hosted by Michael Silverblatt at KCRW.com.