The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them (Paperback)
- Category: Short Stores / Essays
- Publisher: Gotham Books (Nov 1, 2007)
Our Shelf Talker
This collection is a celebration of our 17 years of book selling at R.J. Julia. Each essay is a beautifully written story in its own right, described in such a personal and touching way that even I—having worked on this for almost a year—was surprised and moved by the ample evidence that books really can change lives. But perhaps the best thing about this book is that it’s like talking with a bunch of wise friends (including Frank McCourt, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Billy Collins, John McCain— and 67 others) and learning about a slew of books that you will find yourself dying to read. It gives you that delicious sense of anticipation and excitement you feel when someone you really respect suggests a great book and you can’t wait to sit down and read it. Seventy-one times! That’s why this is the book to give everyone on your list.- Roxanne
Description
Now in paperback, a delightful collection of essays on the transformative power of reading In "The Book That Changed My Life," our most admired writers, doctors, professors, religious leaders, politicians, chefs, and CEO s share the books that mean the most to them. For Doris Kearns Goodwin it was Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August," which inspired her to enter a field, history writing, traditionally reserved for men. For Jacques PA(c)pin it was "The Myth of Sisyphus," which taught him the importance of personal responsibility, dignity, and goodness in the midst of existentialist France. A testament to the life-altering importance of literature, this book inspires us to return to old favorites and seek out new treasures. All proceeds go to The Read to Grow Foundation, which partners with urban hospitals to provide books and literacy information to newborns and their families.