Browsings by Michael Dirda is a collection of
nonfiction essays on the literary life. This man lives and breathes books, has
opinions on books, collects books, and earned a Pulitzer Prize as a critic on
books. This book is not for everyone and I admit I skimmed some chapters.
However, he also offers some funny anecdotes. He discusses literary pets,
the lost art of cursive writing, book inscriptions, author photographs,
novelists in old age, Oberlin College, a year in Marseille, writer’s block, and
more. (cover blurb)
And he offers up reading suggestions that would last more
than ten lifetimes. He gives lists of perfect book titles, great
adventure novels, favorite words, books about books, and children’s classics.
He offers this with love and hate – eager to steer the world in the proper
direction toward good books. He himself cannot stay away from used book stores,
and admits to almost hoarder status as far as boxes and stacks of books in his
home. He is married, so it sounds as there is some control and he won’t be
crushed by his collection.
Dirda’s enthusiasm shines through, and he does put a lot of
work into his passion. Browsings was a library book choice
for me and worth signing out to browse.
Sounds interesting. I think I would have to browse it myself :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Library is the way to peruse
DeleteWell if you have to be an almost hoarder, books aren't a bad thing to hoard
ReplyDeleteThis does sound interesting. It is kind of strange about cursive disappearing from school curriculum. My daughter's seventh grade social studies teacher said she would try to fit it in (a little) so the kids would be able to read parts of historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. I wonder if young people today can even sign their name in cursive or do they just print?
ReplyDeleteMy scribble gets worse and worse
DeleteSo interesting, both your post and the author who really enjoys reading.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
It was a different sort of read
DeleteSounds like this is full of gems and fun bits of information. And on such a great topic too!
ReplyDeleteIt has nuggets. I skinmed some chapters
DeleteI can think of worse things to hoard.
ReplyDeleteYep. A good vice
Delete