Every Book Its Reader: The Power of the Printed Word to Stir the World
Nicholas Basbanes
The subtitle of this book directly states the book's premise, that books have the power to change lives, and indeed to change history.
Basbanes supports his premise beautifully, with examples of historical figures, interviews with respected critics, authors, and literary academicians, and with examples of social programs. He also covers the subject from myriad angles, some obvious, some more finely nuanced, and each fascinating.
To say that I loved this book is possibly an understatement. I first learned of Basbanes when I caught a half-hour long interview with him on Book TV. I was immediately drawn to the program and to him, as one bibiliophile to another. Oh, he's certainly a more serious and erudite bibliophile than I, but I so strongly identified with his love of books - of the printed word. The interview took place in his home, and I was mesmerized by his bookshelves, if a bit envious.
Every Book Its Reader is everything I expected from Nicholas Basbanes. I strongly intend to re-read it in the near future. I read it this time for pleasure. Next time I'll read more deeply, probably even taking copious notes, (and not just jotting down the titles of interesting books to explore.).
This, my friends, is a Book! I wonder if any true bibliophile could read this without being touched, moved and inspired.
