PODCAST:The Book Review
TITLE:Steven Soderbergh on His Year in Reading
DATE:2024-01-12 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In this episode of the "Book Review" podcast, hosted by Gilbert Cruz, editor of the New York Times Book Review, the guest was Steven Soderbergh, a prolific director known for his detailed documentation of his cultural consumption. Soderbergh discussed his habit of logging every book he reads, every movie and TV show he watches, and every play he attends, which he has been doing since 2009. He explained that this practice serves as a personal calendar, helping him chart what was happening in his life during a specific period.
Soderbergh shared that the more he reads, the more stressful his year tends to be, as he reads to calm down and as a form of meditation. He revealed that he read around 80 books in 2023, indicating a stressful year for him. He also discussed his approach to reading, highlighting that it's a singular experience that demands complete focus, unlike other activities.
The podcast delved into Soderbergh's reading habits, including his tendency to read multiple books simultaneously and his willingness to stop reading a book if it doesn't resonate with him. He emphasized that paying for a book means you can do whatever you want with it, including not finishing it.
Soderbergh also discussed specific books he read, such as "How to Live: A Life of Montaigne" by Sarah Bakewell, "Pictures from an Institution" by Randall Jarrell, and "Determined" by Robert Sapolsky. He shared insights on how his reading influences his understanding of human behavior and his approach to filmmaking, particularly in character development and plot structuring.
The director revealed that he gets book recommendations from various sources, including The New York Times, friends, and his digital devices. He also expressed his admiration for authors like Donald E. Westlake and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose works he read multiple times.
Soderbergh's extensive reading list and his thoughtful insights into the books he reads reflect his deep engagement with literature and its impact on his personal and professional life.
