It’s that time of year again, when Vulture’s critics embark on our messiest annual tradition: finalizing our top-ten lists.

Hope Bihar can once again be that impossibly noisy village in Phanishwar Nath Renu’s Parti Parikatha—divided, yes, but still ...

So do you listen to Sarah Vaughan and Ella…?” They asked. The pre-teen still dressed in school uniform replied “Sarah who…who ...