As an enthusiastic reader and writer, I love to discover books about books that examine the process of writing and reading. I’m happy to share this list of books I’ve read over the years that I’ve found truly inspiring, memorable, and which offer great ideas for future reading.
Here’s a sampling:
The Destiny Thief: Essays on Writers, Writing, and Life, by Richard Russo. This Pulitzer Prize-winning author offers insightful observations of his writing and teaching life.
Ten Years in the Tub by Nick Hornby. Enjoy summaries of a decade of soaking up great books, that’ll give any reader ideas for even more books to read.
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan. A British woman buys a van from which she sells books as she moves to Scotland. This is a light-hearted, fun read.
Books for Living by Will Schwalbe. This wonderful look at how books bring meaning and purpose to life is one to keep and cherish over the years, and also offers ideas for future reading.
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. After she is diagnosed with cancer, a dying mother and her son discuss a lifetime of books. It’s a bit like armchair travel with these two, covering the ages through literature.
The Kite and the String by Alice Mattson. An MFA workshop teacher from Bennington College provides insightful writing tips based on her years of teaching and writing.
One for the Books by Joe Queenan. This author writes about his lifelong love for books and how they fit into not only his life, but the lives of others.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabriele Zevin. This book is definitely for people who love the importance of books and the written word.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloan. Travel around a world of books, computer codes, and secret societies in this creative novel any booklover will savor.
How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster. This inspiring tool for reading between the lines with examples of great literature is a must when it comes to figuring out how to make reading experiences more rewarding and enjoyable.
Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman. This witty collection of essays recounts the author’s lifelong affair with books and language.
Time Was Soft There by Jeremy Mercer. This memoir of an unemployed man centers in and around the famed Parisian bookshop, Shakespeare & Co. He brings the reader through a literary journey that explores some of the hidden magic of Bohemian Paris.
The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee. This book is ideal for book “lusters”. It’s all about books, bookshops, and booksellers.
Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose. This book was like participating in a memorable literature course. It’s not only inspiring, but it’s hard to put down.
The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life by Steve Leveen. This book is perfect for readers who don’t have enough time with good books. It offers practical advice on how to get more books in life and more life from books.
Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading by Maureen Corrigan. This professional book reviewer describes how books remain center in her life.
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. The literary landscape is this author’s natural habitat. She writes fluidly about reading where verbal skill, style, and imagination still count for something, and in the process, inspires readers to seek meaning and purpose.
