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The Book That Changed My Life: 71 Remarkable Writers Celebrate the Books That Matter Most to Them
With the goal of promoting literacy (and with proceeds going to the Read to Grow Foundation), here are 65 spirited testaments to the transformative power of reading from 65 distinguished contributors, as compiled by bookseller Roxanne Coady and editor Joy Johannessen.
Books change lives, and if you have any doubts on that score, you need only dip into this joyous celebration of reading by 65 people who have distinguished themselves in various fields, from sports, to cooking, to journalism and the arts. In brief and lively essays, the contributors— wrestlers, actors, singers, monks, Nobel Prize winners, chefs, politicians, writers—tell about the single book that changed the way they see themselves and the world around them.
Books change lives, and if you have any doubts on that score, you need only dip into this joyous celebration of reading by 65 people who have distinguished themselves in various fields, from sports, to cooking, to journalism and the arts. In brief and lively essays, the contributors— wrestlers, actors, singers, monks, Nobel Prize winners, chefs, politicians, writers—tell about the single book that changed the way they see themselves and the world around them.
A sampling of contributors includes: Elizabeth Berg on The Catcher in the Rye; Harold Bloom on Little, Big; Steven Brill on The Making of the President, 1960; Da Chen on The Count of Monte Cristo; Maureen Corrigan on David Copperfield; Nelson DeMille on Atlas Shrugged; Tomie dePaola on Kristin Lavransdatter; Anita Diamant on A Room of One’s Own; Linda Fairstein on The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; Sebastian Junger on Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; Wally Lamb on To Kill a Mockingbird; John McCain on For Whom the Bell Tolls; Lisa Scottoline on Angela’s Ashes; Susan Vreeland on To Kill a Mockingbird; and many more. . . .
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2006
40 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
April 21, 2018
[2.5 stars] I was seduced by the word Book in the title but unfortunately, this is a bland, uninspired collection. The essays read like dutiful assignments. A few were worth reading, thus my rounding up to a generous 3 stars.
February 28, 2018
Great book for readers. I mean, come on, a book by authors about which books they liked? How could that go wrong? (It doesn't, in case you think I am being sarcastic.) It's tremendous fun to find one of your favorite authors in this book, see what book they chose and read why they chose it. It is like a peek inside their minds and lives. Some authors choose their book based on how it impacted their writing, and others choose a book just because they liked it! For example, one author chose a certain book because it helped her establish her understanding of narrative structure, and another author picked The Little Engine That Could because he remembers reading it in bed as a child.
Plus, thanks to this book, I added quite a few new books to my "Must Read" journal.
This was a great beside the bed book. Too tired to read? You will still be able to read one of the short entries and go to sleep thinking about all those books yet to read out there...
Plus, thanks to this book, I added quite a few new books to my "Must Read" journal.
This was a great beside the bed book. Too tired to read? You will still be able to read one of the short entries and go to sleep thinking about all those books yet to read out there...
June 23, 2016
I totally love! Don't read if you don't want to become besotted with the quantity of wonderful literature there is for you to read. I'm not even overwhelmed! I'm excited! My Goodreads is blowing up!
January 24, 2008
As I do with most books about reading, I loved this collection of essays. So, so charming. I haven't read many of the books mentioned by the writers but enjoyed their accounts of the books that matter most to them. It is so fascinating to learn how different books impact different people. In particular, I appreciate reading accounts of books that I hated and understanding beauty in the work.
Some notable passages:
"A good book changes you, even if it is only to add a little to the furniture of your mine. It will make you laugh and perhaps even cry; it should certainly make you think. A great book will make you dream in regions you have never dared to before, and ultimately it will spur you to create or achieve something new yourself."
"reading a book became an act of intimacy. Take in a breath and don't let it out until you get to the last page."
"but your journey is never over until you return from it to share with society what you have learned. Then and only then can you begin your next journey in life as the process repeats itself, as you constantly become."
"I read my way through a solitary childhood. Books were the bedrock of my emotional and intellectual life, books that proscribed no limit to the imagination, books that were full of resourceful girls, princesses and goatherds and Victorian maidens, not to mention the sand fairies, the talking animals, the scheming step families, and the handsome men who had been transformed into beasts, both real and metaphorical."
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I got this book from my mom for Christmas. It is just my style. I love to read about books, reading, writing and people's habits with each. So far it is fascinating. Some of the essays are truly moving. Books provide so much for people.
Some notable passages:
"A good book changes you, even if it is only to add a little to the furniture of your mine. It will make you laugh and perhaps even cry; it should certainly make you think. A great book will make you dream in regions you have never dared to before, and ultimately it will spur you to create or achieve something new yourself."
"reading a book became an act of intimacy. Take in a breath and don't let it out until you get to the last page."
"but your journey is never over until you return from it to share with society what you have learned. Then and only then can you begin your next journey in life as the process repeats itself, as you constantly become."
"I read my way through a solitary childhood. Books were the bedrock of my emotional and intellectual life, books that proscribed no limit to the imagination, books that were full of resourceful girls, princesses and goatherds and Victorian maidens, not to mention the sand fairies, the talking animals, the scheming step families, and the handsome men who had been transformed into beasts, both real and metaphorical."
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I got this book from my mom for Christmas. It is just my style. I love to read about books, reading, writing and people's habits with each. So far it is fascinating. Some of the essays are truly moving. Books provide so much for people.
March 8, 2023
Wow.
Wow.
The last third of the book was frickin' awesome. For so many reasons.
This book taught me so much about why I read and about why I read what I read. This book itself was a race to the end - I could not put it down. But I had to occasionally so I could make real notes on which books to add to my 'To Read' bookshelf. And this book is a keeper - now I have to get a few more copies to give away to friends. Definitely going to read this one again.
Thanks, RJ.
Wow.
The last third of the book was frickin' awesome. For so many reasons.
This book taught me so much about why I read and about why I read what I read. This book itself was a race to the end - I could not put it down. But I had to occasionally so I could make real notes on which books to add to my 'To Read' bookshelf. And this book is a keeper - now I have to get a few more copies to give away to friends. Definitely going to read this one again.
Thanks, RJ.
August 4, 2010
While the first essay in this book is written by Dorothy Allison, whose novel, Bastard out of Carolina, I read several years ago, the book's other seventy short essays are by contemporary writers, many of whom I have not read and do not know. Nonetheless, this book is a great reference for readers. The contributors include the literatti, if not the famous (James Atlas, Nicholas Basbanes, Harold Bloom, Billy Collins, Frank McCourt, et. al.), and, at least to this reader, the less well known (Barbara Leaming, Carlos Eire, Da Chen, et. al.) There are the obligatory contributions from politicians, such as Sens. McCain and Lieberman, and a few from the usual bestseller suspects, like Patricia Cornwell and Dominick Dunne. The collection has interest for anyone who loves books and enjoys finding new authors. If you are willing to explore interesting and different books you should consider reading this book.
October 28, 2018
I was excited when I found this book on the shelves at my local library. Woohoo!
I immediately started looking for authors that I knew, and wanted to see what had influenced them.
Sometimes it's best not to know. Many of these essays read like a high school book report. Something dashed off for a commitment made in a burst of goodwill, reluctantly fulfilled by deadline. Ugh.
When I found out that John McCain was included, I was done. He's not a writer. He's not even a good speaker.
The stars are for the few I found interesting, but none of them were what I was looking for. Meh. Perhaps if I had been younger?
I immediately started looking for authors that I knew, and wanted to see what had influenced them.
Sometimes it's best not to know. Many of these essays read like a high school book report. Something dashed off for a commitment made in a burst of goodwill, reluctantly fulfilled by deadline. Ugh.
When I found out that John McCain was included, I was done. He's not a writer. He's not even a good speaker.
The stars are for the few I found interesting, but none of them were what I was looking for. Meh. Perhaps if I had been younger?
April 5, 2009
I was completely excited about this book because I love reading books about what other books people really love. (How is that for a lame intro to my review?) The fact that the book reveals authors' favorite reads only made it more enticing. However, as well-read as I am (or considered myself to be) I have not heard of many of the authors in this collection, nor have I heard of many of the books they selected. Not that I expected to read 71 essays about Salinger, Rand, or Lee, but still. I was kind of disappointed, and to be frank, even kind of bored.
September 1, 2013
I found this book to be inspiring. As I read it, I found myself asking the question - just what book changed my life? My answer kept coming back to the same thing - ALL of them! I found this book to be an inspiring collection of essays by a variety of authors. Writing styles, humor, individual quirks; small opinions of each writer could be found in each essay. I do, however, have one small complaint. my list of to-read books got much longer during my reading of The Book That Changed My Life! So many books...too little time!
February 20, 2015
Some essays are rather dull, others are fairly interesting. All are short, so it's a quick read.
Nothing very groundbreaking here. With the exception of maybe three names, I've never heard of any of these authors, or their works.
Nothing very groundbreaking here. With the exception of maybe three names, I've never heard of any of these authors, or their works.
June 27, 2015
Can't decide on this one. Maybe it was the question itself...most of the authors just spoke of the book they liked the most, not really saying what it did or how it changed them. And since when are political figures "remarkable writers".
January 27, 2009
Incredibly boring.
February 13, 2018
I don't remember how I came across this book, but I'm really glad I did. Reading is so important to me, and has been since I can remember. I truly don't think I'd survive without having reading in my life. I remember devouring every Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Trixie Belden book I could get my hands on when I was a kid. I had a "library" in my room where I "checked out" books to my sisters, complete with the little envelope in the back with the due date slip. I had an index card box where I wrote out a card for every book I read back then, organized alphabetically. I wish I still had that, and have begun re-reading some of my favorites from back then (The Indian in the Cupboard, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Borrowers, Bridge to Terabithia, A Wrinkle in Time, Good-bye Pink Pig, Tuck Everlasting, Anne of Green Gables just to name a few).
My interest in books spans many genres, although dystopian and historical fiction are probably my favorites. My favorite books have made me cry, made me think, and made me want to tell everyone I know that they "need to read this book!" I don't know that I could select a book that I feel "changed my life" but reading certainly has. Some of my favorite books are: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Enchanted, Gone With the Wind, Alas, Babylon, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Matterhorn, and Bel Canto, again, just to name a few. One of my saddest truths is knowing I will never be able to read all the books I want to in my lifetime and therefore deciding "what to read next" is always a struggle.
I enjoyed this book, reading the many different reasons the authors chose the books they felt changed their lives. I have read some of the books mentioned, and have read works by some of the authors who wrote the essays. I recommend this book to anyone who considers reading as essential as breathing. Just a warning, though- your "to-read" list will likely become much longer after reading this.
My interest in books spans many genres, although dystopian and historical fiction are probably my favorites. My favorite books have made me cry, made me think, and made me want to tell everyone I know that they "need to read this book!" I don't know that I could select a book that I feel "changed my life" but reading certainly has. Some of my favorite books are: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Enchanted, Gone With the Wind, Alas, Babylon, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Matterhorn, and Bel Canto, again, just to name a few. One of my saddest truths is knowing I will never be able to read all the books I want to in my lifetime and therefore deciding "what to read next" is always a struggle.
I enjoyed this book, reading the many different reasons the authors chose the books they felt changed their lives. I have read some of the books mentioned, and have read works by some of the authors who wrote the essays. I recommend this book to anyone who considers reading as essential as breathing. Just a warning, though- your "to-read" list will likely become much longer after reading this.
November 15, 2018
71 authors give their perspective on the book(s) most important to them. There are lots of collections like this, but what distinguishes this one is the interesting assortment of authors and their clever takes on the assignment. For example, the poet Billy Collins discusses The Yearling and Lolita; mystery writer Patricia Cornwall talks about Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Senator John McCain on For Whom the Bell Tolls, critic Harold Bloom on Little, Big, and chef Jacques Pepin on The Myth of Sisyphus. One essay that was a nice surprise was physician Sherwin Nuland writing on a little known book from my mother’s childhood, Ab the Cave Man. In addition, both editors throw in their own recommended reading lists. Better still, the profits go to The Read to Grow Foundation to buy books for children.
“Growing up poor in China during the seventies, I would do anything for a good meal, but I would do even more for a book. ” Da Chen on The Count of Monte Cristo
“Growing up poor in China during the seventies, I would do anything for a good meal, but I would do even more for a book. ” Da Chen on The Count of Monte Cristo
November 3, 2019
Veteran luminaries voiced the literature that proved pivotal for them. It felt poignant when Senator John McCain provided his offering for the book that influenced him: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway. A tale of war and great love, Senator McCain undoubtedly saw Robert Jordan as a man to emulate, even in adulthood. I thought it was sweet that Frank McCourt appeared both as a contributor and as an inspiration for Lisa Scottoline.
Maybe I am revealing too much. Carry on!
Maybe I am revealing too much. Carry on!
February 27, 2022
This was fun - plus it provides me with even more books I want to (or should) read. It would be difficult for me to identify one book that "changed my life" but it could definitely foster really great discussions.
January 16, 2020
Just what I needed: to add even more books to my endless To Read List! A delightful book. I love hearing how books change people’s lives. They’re so powerful, so personal, that they connect us and make us feel like we’re not alone. That’s my favorite thing about books.
June 20, 2021
2021 A Book of your choice
August 7, 2021
This is a wonderful, funny, entertaining, and moving book of essays by many writers of different genres about the book that inspired them to want to be a writer. My two favorite chapters were the one's about Jane Eyrye's "Charlotte Bronte" and G.K.Chesterton's "The Man Who Was Thursday."
August 29, 2022
Great Reflections!
September 27, 2010
If this book had been described as "the 71 books that a random collection of authors think are good and important" then I wouldn't have been so disappointed. Instead, this books purported to be about how books change lives and, for the most part, it was not. Most of the essays were your typical descriptions of how great books like The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird are. This is true, these are great books, but that doesn't make them life-changing. Most of the essays were missing this very personal element. They were uninspired and often boring - this is at least in part because the writers were chosen because they happened to visit a certain bookstore in Connecticut on a book tour and not because they had a great story to tell.
All that said, there were a few (very few) gems: Gina Barreca reads The Snake Has All the Lines in the shower, Frank McCourt falls for Shakespeare in an Irish catholic hospital, Anne LaMott discovers Ram Dass' The Only Dance There Is in the midst of a flu- and jealousy-laced misery, Edward Sorel is compared to a character in The Red and the Black and eventually changes his name, and John McCain is pressing some four leaf clovers in For Whom the Bell Tolls when it's words distract him and carry him away.
Themes: literature, writing, reading, bibliophiles, life, books
All that said, there were a few (very few) gems: Gina Barreca reads The Snake Has All the Lines in the shower, Frank McCourt falls for Shakespeare in an Irish catholic hospital, Anne LaMott discovers Ram Dass' The Only Dance There Is in the midst of a flu- and jealousy-laced misery, Edward Sorel is compared to a character in The Red and the Black and eventually changes his name, and John McCain is pressing some four leaf clovers in For Whom the Bell Tolls when it's words distract him and carry him away.
Themes: literature, writing, reading, bibliophiles, life, books
September 1, 2019
A book about books. A book by authors. A book with recommendations of books read and unread.
I was caught up with the reasons for the selections the authors named--and for the reasons associated with reading and story telling. Every writer did not declare that his/her life had been dramatically changed by the selection, but each asserted that the choices had affected them in some way. "Their words are a testament to the life-altering importance of literature and their reading choices inspire us to return to old favorites and seek out new treasures."
Brief chapters made for easy, quick reading. In fact, with each chapter I felt as if I'd been privy to a small discussion group.
I have many new suggestions on my "to read" list. What a great way to increase literacy!
I was caught up with the reasons for the selections the authors named--and for the reasons associated with reading and story telling. Every writer did not declare that his/her life had been dramatically changed by the selection, but each asserted that the choices had affected them in some way. "Their words are a testament to the life-altering importance of literature and their reading choices inspire us to return to old favorites and seek out new treasures."
Brief chapters made for easy, quick reading. In fact, with each chapter I felt as if I'd been privy to a small discussion group.
I have many new suggestions on my "to read" list. What a great way to increase literacy!
February 6, 2009
I think anyone that enjoys looking at this website would enjoy the essays in this book. It's always interesting to find out why a book is significant to a person, and added to this, these essays are written by people talented at writing. I'm going to have to go through this book a second time to glean a list of reading suggestions. I love these ending lines from Frank McCourt's essay on Henry VIII: "I don't know what it means and I don't care because it's Shakespeare and it's like having jewels in my mouth when I say the words. If I had a whole book of Shakespeare they could keep me in the hospital for a year."
January 2, 2016
I have alot of books about "what to read". . .all are useful - but this one is really excellent. The pleasure in reading this is that 71 authors tell what book really impacted their lives - and it's terrific to find an author I value - then see what he/or she recommends and at what point in their lives was their impactful book useful to them. Really good quick little chapters.
October 4, 2018
I LOVE Roxanne Coady and her podcast "Just the Right Book," and I devoured this book, with all its personal stories of what books have meant in the essayists' lives. Some stories were fun(ny), and some were quite touching. How magical books are! I kept adding to my TBR, and those additions were especially enjoyable, having come from the backlist.
September 21, 2014
Interesting book. Gave me a whole list of books I want to read. Especially liked the essay by Alexandra Stoddard about Letters to a Young Poetby Rainer Maria Rilke.
October 21, 2016
Best when recounting what reading meant to the contributors who had to fight to do it- due to political repressions, family ignorance or geographical obscurity.
Otherwise, it's just a collection of brief and not very compelling book reports.
November 17, 2020
Has far too many unremarkable and bland essays.
August 3, 2016
Read some. Really not so interesting very short entries without that much depth.
November 9, 2011
Couldn't even finish it, which is unusual for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews