Ex Libris: 100+ Books to Read and Reread

I love books about books! They give me a feeling that life contains infinite possibilities! "Ex Libris: One Hundred Books to Read and Re-read" by Michiko Kakutani is a brilliant example of an author sharing a love of reading and books. I learned about this book because Kakutani recently wrote a wonderful article in the New York Times about an owl named Flaco who escaped from the zoo and now lives in Central Park. Ex Libris was published in 2020. It is precious because it opens a window on contemporary writers, many of whom I am not familiar with. I enjoyed this book so very much! I feel inspired and I can't wait to read some of the books Ms. Kakutani recommends in her vibrant, heartfelt essays!

All of us need friends who are willing to do what Michiko Kakutani does here: share with us the precious wisdom that comes from a life's work.Such wisdom can't be spoonfed. But it can be gestured toward, allowing us to pursue it. This book will give you at least a dozen ideas for your future reading pleasure.

This may be the first time this has ever happened to me, but I’ve finally read a book about books that really disappoints me.The primary reasons I read books like this is to discover books I don’t know, for encouragement to read books I haven’t read, and to have a conversation about books I have. Over the course of her brief discussions of 100 books (about 1 – 2 pages for each book), Ms. Kakutani has not left me with any desire to read the books she recommends. Additionally, I find what she has to say about books I know cursory and uninteresting.She has also succumbed to a problem to often apparent in books written in the past 4 years: the need to talk about Donald Trump. It is problematic enough how often she interprets book themes in terms of what it tells us about Trump, but I started to wonder how many of her selections were made in an effort to satisfy her need to talk about him. Yes, great books do have the ability to comment on our lives today; however, they are so much more. Ms. Kakutani has allowed herself to be corralled into writing a book for this time as opposed to a book for all time.I don’t think I’m constitutionally capable of passing up a book about books. It is rare, however, for me to finish one without having found inspiration and recommendations for new books to try. Unfortunately, this is one of those rare instances. It’s too bad.

It is an honor and a privilege to spend time with this insightful and witty woman. I miss reading her in the Times, so this was a welcome reunion. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves literature, fine writing, and keen perception. A work of art in itself, it is also, as intended, a guide to selecting what to read next, and next, and next.

I like books that make me buy and read other books, and this does exactly that. And to boot, it nicely made, hence a pleasure to hold and to read. A valued addition to my collection.

These essays are beautifully written. They are illuminating, insightful, often moving, give context, and are a delight to read. This anthology is a keeper, and would make a great gift for anyone who cares about books.

Ms Kakutani's reviews are similar to the reviews/reminders I do on Goodreads, only mine are for personal consumption. Needless to say, the similarities end there--it's impossible to match her easy eloquence and literary mileage.Think of this as a mixed bag of candies. With a few chewy caramels, which appealed to me but left me wanting more, some minty ones which I merely tolerated, and some surprise flavors, which I intend to pursue further. Having said that, this is one of the most attractive, eye-catching books on my shelf—literal eye candy.I also couldn't help noticing how intentionally well-represented and politically correct her reading list was though. I think the best part was her introduction, with the all-too familiar impulses and manias of the passionate reader.

The author's use of every aspect of the English language, her exceptional vocabulary, and her ability to so graphically describe or explain her point, make this an instructive and enjoyable read. The topic - of summarizing the best of books also makes it worth reading. The summaries are a bit shorter than needed to move the read into the really good category, but another flaw in the writing which also keeps it in the 3 star range is the author's continuing exhibition of Trump Dersngement Syndrome. She sees Trump's shortcomings in so many books, some written decades ago, and describes them with generalities that advertise her Syndrome. Should have left these political views out.

El libro llegó rápido y en buenas condiciones.

The book came on time and even though it is used it looked brand new. I’m so excited to read it :)

The media could not be loaded.  Perfect book.

Sieht nicht nur super im Regal aus, sondern hat mir auch Tipps zum Weiterlesen für Literatur gegeben. Handliches Format, gut geschrieben.

Kakutani analyzes the greatest writers of 1800 and 1900. The representation of expressive art and the strong approach of men as Wallace,King, Rushdie, gives us the sense of our actual life, not is only about the literature. The American culture is still winning, not is only an exercize of nice style. Important also what is happened between Kakutani and Trump: a relation often very hard, but always lived with deep respect.