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jennifermreads's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
As is typical and expected for a book like this, I was reminded of how much I have not read—and my TBR grew quite a bit. It was refreshing to find a variety of books across the ages; the list was not all classics. I also found the books included a diverse representation in backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and sexuality.
Even reading the essays about the books I have already read, I found surprising and thoughtful tid-bits. For example, in Kakutani’s thoughts about Moby-Dick (yes, I know, I was so shocked to find the White Whale on the list…NOT!), she noted: “The work has inspired work … (like the) beginning and end of The Great Gatsby—not to mention Fitzgerald’s use of an Ishmael-like narrator…” To say that my discovery that the novel that haunts me influenced my all-time favorite classic was a “DUH!” moment is an understatement. In fact, I am extremely annoyed that the two are connected!
If you do pick up this book, I would encourage readers to proceed with caution. There are spoilers throughout without any warning that they are coming. It is unfortunate because, if you haven’t read a book, you may not even be aware you are reading a spoiler—and, often, those spoilers are a big reason one would enjoy and treasure a book in the first place.
jporterfield99's review
5.0
I’m a big-time believer in curated lists, and this one is excellent. I always enjoyed Kakutani’s NYT reviews. Her essays here offer the same insight and the occasional personal anecdote.
helentt's review
4.0
Good to dip in and out of. Introduced me to some American books I was not aware of and gave an interesting insight into the author's feelings on books I have enjoyed myself.
Spoilers throughout so handle with care.
Spoilers throughout so handle with care.
zuzana_be's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.0
Knižné reviews od vraj jednej z najvplyvnejších literárnych kritičiek v US. Mňa osobne to až tak nebavilo, lebo tam bolo príliš veľa kníh o US (fiction aj nonfiction), v pár knihách povedala celý príbeh (tie, ktoré si chcem raz prečítať som preskočila), ale našla som aj zaujímavé tipy.
Vizuálne taká mini coffee table kniha.
Vizuálne taká mini coffee table kniha.
spillminttea's review
4.0
This book told us how the writer reading journey in essay format. Honestly, it added my TBR. Yet, I'm surprised that even "Educated by Tara Westover" and Chimamanda who wrote some feminist literature are also written on the list. It's a combination between the contemporary, classics, and nonfiction. This is great book yet not a 5 star because some of you perhaps will be feeling bored when reading this book. More look like summary.