The growth of online information has many problems, but it also yields treasure. From the beginning of my experience, that treasure has been centered on books and conversations about books. Whether it's learning of books new to me, discovering books that may be far better than their descriptions or being able to dig in deep and savor the ideas in a book and the new thoughts that come from talking it over, the treasure is rich.
One of the greatest annual examples of those conversations is the Tournament of Books, hosted by The Morning News, and this year is no exception.
Every year, a curated group of books are examined by guest judges in head-to-head contests, with a winner emerging to claim a fictional rooster.
In this year's initial week, I've read one book in each of the four match-ups. The ones I've read have advanced in two of the rounds. Only one of the other books does not look like one I would want to read. Another is one I have wondered about; the commentary didn't win me over to the book but I do remember how trusted online friends have enjoyed it. The other two novels are ones I am looking forward to reading a great deal, and only one of them was on my radar as "get to it sooner rather than later".
The judges' commentary has been clear and convincing in stating their reasoning. I don't have to agree with their conclusions (although it would be absurd to agree or disagree without having read the other entry) to enjoy their thought process. Commentary by the tournament organizers and invited guests, followed by that of other reading enthusiasts, deepens the process. What a delight that in this world, where people advocate for racist tropes and keeping children in poverty, that people also have the chance to show they care about ideas, characters, plot and how words bring a story to life.
The judging also brought to mind what was worthy of appreciation in the books I've read. Reading their judging commentary, once again I am with Sportcoat and all the other characters brought to life in Deacon King Kong. I am back up in the tree with the characters in A Children's Bible. I am questioning everything I was raised on and looking for answers with love and dignity, as Gifty did in Transcendent Kingdom. And I am transported to Interior Chinatown, the restaurant setting downstairs and the apartments above it.
I invite you to check out the Tournament of Books, and find treasure for yourself. And, as always, I look forward to our exchange of ideas.