Miller, Andy. The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-So-Great Ones) Saved My Life. New York: Harper. 2014. Print.
My life is nothing special. It is every bit as dreary as yours.
Description:
I just love books about books. That's just all there is too it. And what's not to like? Such books contain lists of recommended books, commentary by a clever reader, and back stories behind choices, disappointments, and treasures. Humor writer Andy Miller in his The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-So-Great Ones) Saved My Life delivers on all levels.
He documents the year he decided to read fifty books, "some of the greatest and most famous books in the world, and two by Dan Brown." These are books he had avoided throughout his life, not necessarily the best books ever written. His list is whimsical, ranging from Middlemarch to The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, from On The Road to I Capture the Castle.
For each book, Miller writes a story. A ranging, funny, serious stream of consciousness evaluation of what the book has brought to his life. His comments meander into movies, songs, personal letters to authors, libraries, and his own life.
Just having access to the list of his books he read and the bonus list of the books that influenced him in these choices (included conveniently in the Appendices), made the book a valuable treasure map for me.
Eclectic, fun, and insightful commentary on every page. It introduced me to many books I'd never even heard of and provided new interpretations over the ones I actually had read. Highly recommended for any book-lover seeking new titles and anyone else who appreciates cleverness in writing style and topics.
He documents the year he decided to read fifty books, "some of the greatest and most famous books in the world, and two by Dan Brown." These are books he had avoided throughout his life, not necessarily the best books ever written. His list is whimsical, ranging from Middlemarch to The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, from On The Road to I Capture the Castle.
For each book, Miller writes a story. A ranging, funny, serious stream of consciousness evaluation of what the book has brought to his life. His comments meander into movies, songs, personal letters to authors, libraries, and his own life.
Just having access to the list of his books he read and the bonus list of the books that influenced him in these choices (included conveniently in the Appendices), made the book a valuable treasure map for me.
Eclectic, fun, and insightful commentary on every page. It introduced me to many books I'd never even heard of and provided new interpretations over the ones I actually had read. Highly recommended for any book-lover seeking new titles and anyone else who appreciates cleverness in writing style and topics.
Happy reading.
Fred
Fred
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About The First Sentence Reader blog
If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
Walton, Jo. What Makes This Book So Great? Rereading the Classics of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Queenan, Joe. One for the Books:
About The First Sentence Reader blog
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If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
Walton, Jo. What Makes This Book So Great? Rereading the Classics of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Over 130 essays on older, sometimes fogotten or overlooked science fiction and fantasy books. Walton writes with a passion and intellect for this genre, so uncovers many titles that sound tempting to plunge into yourself. (Previously reviewed here).
Queenan, Joe. One for the Books:
A voracious reader who sometimes is reading 15 books at the same time. His reviews are insightful, his titles pursued extensive, and his stories about reading, people, and books are wonderful. A must read for anyone who loves books. (Previously reviewed here)
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