Book List

Best Arts & Culture Books of 2020

NONFICTION

THE AGE OF FOOTBALL

by David Goldblatt

Superb: Essential reading not just for fans of the sport, but also for students of geopolitics. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

WARHOL

by Blake Gopnik

A fascinating, major work that will spark endless debates. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE BIGGEST BLUFF

by Maria Konnikova

A smart and subtle delight—highly recommended for fans of cards and brain-hacking alike. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CHASING CHOPIN

by Annik LaFarge

A seamless blend of the musical and literary verve, with just enough research to ground and elucidate. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

FUNNY WEATHER

by Olivia Laing

Vibrant commentary on art and society by a writer with a sharp eye for the offbeat. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CULTURE WARLORDS

by Talia Lavin

Righteous indignation meets techie magic to shine light on one of America’s most malignant warts. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

DOLLY PARTON, SONGTELLER

by Dolly Parton with Robert K. Oermann

A splashy, entertaining guide to the lyrics of one of the most popular musicians of our time. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

BRING THAT BEAT BACK

by Nate Patrin

No one wants a dry hip-hop book, and Patrin’s work is thoroughly engaging from first needle drop to last. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

CAN'T EVEN

by Anne Helen Petersen

A well-researched and -rendered analysis of why so many millennials feel overwhelmed despite their best efforts. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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