There are many ways to select books to read. Some people are methodical and read all the books by one author; some read only certain types of books, and others like to browse. This is a selected list about books and reading that might make you want to stay home and read, read, read.
A play and a movie were based on this small book of letters between New York writer Helene Hanff and British bookseller Frank Doel. Helen Hanff's love of very specific books set her on an adventure to find the books she wanted to own. The time is post-World War II, and the only way to buy books was at local stores or by writing to booksellers. A tribute to the love of books and reading.
If you don't know what to read, or think there is nothing left to read, then pick up this book (all 3.4 pounds of it), and be reawakened and refreshed to the joys of reading widely and deeply. The list includes fiction and non-fiction, arranged alphabetically by authors' last names. Mustich then adds a type of addendum, "A Miscellany of Special Lists". This book will make you want to live longer to read more.
Peter Orner's book is a collection of essays which inextricably meld books and life. Beautifully insightful, quirky and so very personal as he ruminates about his own life and the books which mattered. The subtitle sums it up: notes on living to read and reading to live. There is an excellent author and title index
If there are children or teens in your life, then consult this book. It is never too late for adults to revisit some old favorites, or learn about others they have never read.
Roxanne J. Coady, owner of R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison Connecticut, asked 71 writers, all of whom had appeared at the bookstore for public readings, to write one short essay about the importance and impression one book had made in their lives. Included is a reading list of the selected books, and Roxanne's Very Opinionated Reading List. This small book, with lots of surprises, was created to promote childhood literacy because all proceeds went to Read to Grow.
Will Schwalbe is a dedicated, lifelong reader who celebrates the information and joy books can bring to everyone. He analyzes specific books, why he has read them and what modern day problems they might address.
Best known for his irreverent writing, this collection of essays about reading and books by Henry Miller, about his favorite authors, will present another view of the writer.
Michael Dirda, book critic for The Washington Post, takes off on a historical survey of his favorite books, beginning with old classics (not necessarily by old masters) up to modern writers, including a list of science fiction books that he likes.
A selection of 65 interviews with writers, from the regular New York Times Book Review, all about their favorite books. These interviews are the uncut versions and interesting sidebars.
Will Schwalbe’s absorbing and heartfelt memoir recounts the last two years of his mother’s battle with cancer as they exchange and discuss a variety of books from contemporary fiction to classic literature. It speaks not only to the shared love of reading but how the discussion of literature is a language in and of itself that has the power to connect people to one another.
Over one hundred writers were asked, "What books have left the greatest impressionon you, and why?" Their answers may surprise you.
Alberto Manguel set out to write a book about the history of reading, and in doing so he covers thousands of years of the very special engagement between the printed word and an individual reader. An important form of communication that most of us take for granted.
Mortimer Adler was a promoter of the Great Books program, which had the study of philosophy as its base. The focus is on the world of ideas in western civilization.
Remembrances of important older gay novels by 28 modern gay writers.
This is based primarily on western civilization, but offers readers a guide to books from the ancient world to the modern.
The editors of the New York Times Book Review section have carefully selected book reviews from its 125-year history. Not only do they present book reviews, but they include photographs, anecdotes and letters, some which have never been printed.
Nick Hornby wrote a monthly column, "Stuff I've Been Reading," published in The Believer Magazine. This book covers September 2003 through June 2013; each section begins with two lists: Books Bought and Books Read. Yes, the man buys books and makes no apologies for doing so. Both serious and humorous, Hornby is a reassuring guide for those who have fallen out of the reading habit, or feel remiss for not having read certain classics.
With recipes, games and activities from well-loved classic children's books, Jane Brocket will take you down memory lane. Some readers might want to revisit the joys of early childhood reading and pick up a few of the memorable books that are referenced. Many of them are chapter books.
Susan Wise Bauer offers a modern-day version of the Great Books so that individuals can read and learn without attending formalized courses. She is an enabler who offers encouragement to slow readers; how to learn to critically analyze the printed word in whatever form; and how to find enjoyment in reading.
Harold Blooms's guide to the great books of western civilization, and why he thinks they are important.
During World War II the United States government, with the help of Librarians, sent over 120 million paperback books to serviceman in Europe. The books were loved and cherished, and many authors received fan letters from the troops. There are two book lists; one is especially interesting, "Banned Authors," a small selection of writers whose books were banned in Germany and German-occupied countries during World War II.
Le Guin is a prolific writer, best known for science fiction, however her interests and writing ability are more wide-ranging: poetry, essays, children's books, book reviews, talks. This volume is a small compilation of her other writings, which reveal her bravery to express truth with clarity and wit.
Travel the world by reading its novels, poetry, folktales, and other written works. That is what British journalist Ann Morgan did after the 2012 Olympics came to London. In one year she read a book from each of the 196 independent countries of the world, and blogged her reading adventures in A Year of Reading the World. The blog continues today with more reading adventures. This book has a fantastic bibliography arranged alphabetically by country.