The Most Wonderful Books: Writers on Discovering the Pleasures of Reading - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1571312161 ISBN 13: 9781571312167

Publisher: Milkweed Editions, 1997

Synopsis

Authors describe how they became readers through contact with children's favorites, traditionally accepted classics, and a wide variety of other reading material

About this title

Review:

Perhaps as many people set out to be writers now because of things they've seen--movies and TV--as do because of what they've read. This is for those in the latter category. A cozy compendium of authors discussing first books they've loved, letting the mysteries and pleasures of becoming readers--requisite before becoming any kind of writer--envelop them. Editors Michael Dorris and Emilie Buchwald have assembled a range of stories, from Nicholson Baker's shock at a death in The Hobbit, to Mona Simpson's "ABC" lessons with alphabet soup, and more. You'll be reaching for old Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books before you know it.

From the Back Cover:

Think back, for a moment, to the first book you really loved--the one you read over and over, day and night, because it took you someplace you never wanted to leave. Or remember the person--a teacher, a parent, a librarian--who showed you how words could make magic.

There are the memories that 57 of today's best writers share in The Most Wonderful Books--the stories, the experiences, and the people that made them lifelong readers. From Sherman Alexie recalling how Superman comics taught him how to read, to Howard Norman's childhood rides in his town's bookmobile, this collection helps us to reconnect to the sheer delight of books. Although they came to reading in many different ways, the contributors remember how books allowed them to escape to other places and times and helped them feel less alone.

Inspiring for readers, teachers, librarians, and parents, The Most Wonderful Books is a testament to the importance of books to both children and adults alike. It's also a welcome reminder that, as Gregory Maguire notes, "reading is fun. Other reasons follow."

About this edition

• Publisher: Milkweed Editions
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1571312161
• ISBN 13: 9781571312167
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 180
• Editor: Dorris Michael, Buchwald Emilie