When sequels aren't just about riding the original book's momentum

It's tempting to dismiss many sequels as attempts to maximize whatever good effects came from the original — be it money, acclaim, or a mix of both.

Katy Waldman won't deny that's a factor, particularly among the media executives who stand to profit as much (or more than) the actual creators.

But in looking at the number of follow-up books in 2022, she came to wonder if — and sometimes realize that — there's more to the trend than just money.

Waldman puts forth theories on what these high-profile literary sequels mean about the authors and the greater mood in an essay for The New Yorker.

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