Comparison kills: why ranking books can get problematic

What are the best books published this month? Questions and titles like this led to writer and teacher Thea Lim’s article “Abolish the Top Ten List,” for the Walrus magazine. She noticed how rankings and lists dominate how we speak about books, narrowing the number of titles that reach the surface. Is this a healthy way to interact with art? She joins the show to talk about it. Plus, author Don Gillmor talks about his venture into crime thriller writing with Cherry Beach and recommends a read-alike. Books discussed on this week's show include: Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane Cherry Beach by Don Gillmor Liked this conversation? Keep listening: Are literary prizes a scam? Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks