For me this is a special book. Anne Fadiman writes beautiful, amusing vignettes about writing, books, and her family. I bought two extra copies to give to friends.

A bookaholic writes about how and why. A great little book to start a book club.

Anne Fadiman (b. 1953) is that rare writer - she speaks directly to the mind of the reader. Though we don't know her, she seems to be our best friend. I even think she'd be pleased that I read the 162-page volume the way I'd pick at a delicious tinned fruit cake - savoring each morsel-filled page. Emerging from an eminent literary family - and knowing enough, though happily married - to keep her own name - she recounts childhood days of compulsively proofreading menus and enjoying the art of reading a Toyota manual. An entire chapter is delightfully devoted to the library of former British prime minister Gladstone (1809-98). When "leadership pressed too heavily on him, Gladstone did one of 3 things: felled large trees with an ax; walked around London talking to prostitutes; or arranged books." Arrange your own bookshelf or nighttable to include this beautiful lime-colored volume, with little Anne sitting atop a pile of books, our next-best teachers on how to live our lives. Her wit and humanity abound!

This writer has talent and we get to enjoy the fruits - a taste at a time!

A wonderful collection of essays and musings on books and the love of them. Buy now and enjoy re-reading for ever.