"Unprecedented" surely was one of the most popular words of 2024 so it's fitting that my best books list begins with an "unprecedented" occurrence: two novels by authors who happen to be married to each other.
James by Percival Everett
James, by Percival Everett, reimagines Huckleberry Finn told from the point of view of Jim, Huck's enslaved companion on that immortal raft ride. Admittedly, the strategy of thrusting a so-called supporting character into the spotlight of a reimagined classic has been done so often, it can feel a little tired. So, when is a literary gimmick, not a gimmick? When the reimagining is so inspired it becomes an essential companion piece to the original novel. Such is the power of James.
Alternating mordant humor with horror, Everett makes readers understand that for Jim -- here, accorded the dignity of the name James -- the Mississippi may offer a temporary haven, but, given the odds of him making it to freedom, the river will likely be "a vast highway to a scary nowhere."