Michiko Kakutani

"From "the most powerful book critic in the English-speaking world" (Vanity Fair) comes 100 personal, thought-provoking essays of the life-changing books she wouldn't want you to miss--beautifully illustrated throughout"--

100+ Books to Read and Reread

Ex Libris

"From "the most powerful book critic in the English-speaking world" (Vanity Fair) comes 100 personal, thought-provoking essays of the life-changing books she wouldn't want you to miss--beautifully illustrated throughout"--Provided by publisher.

Vilandra

I was really excited to read this book. It’s beautiful, and I love finding new books I haven’t read yet. But if I could get my money back for this one, and the wasted time, I would. First, it’s more a collection of college newspaper book reviews than a love letter to great books. Reading it, I thought the author was some 22 year old. Come to find out, she’s supposedly some highly acclaimed New York Times book critic who is old enough to know better. Second, it’s boring. I wasn’t inspired to add a single book to my reading list, and found myself just wanting it to be over. Third, too many quotations and too many name drops. And finally, more write ups mention Trump than don’t. It’s out of place in a book like this, and leaves us feeling as if the author is a petulant child - and an uneducated one at that. She needlessly inserts her political beliefs in her summaries, and with a complete unawareness of the irony. Don’t waste your time on this one.

Jason Porterfield

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.

Ex Libris 100+ Books to Read and Reread

Reviews