A dose of honesty up front: I am well disposed towards Ms. Lesser. As editor of The Threepenny Review, she published a poem of mine in the journal some years ago. As this is not a common occurrence for me, I remain grateful for her show of excellent literary judgment. I expected much the same from this book—excellent literary judgment—and, for the most part, I was satisfied.Since I’m being honest here, a second dose: I am well disposed towards books about books no matter who the author is. Having few people in my life who like to discuss books as much as I do, I enjoy having this, granted, one-sided conversation with someone who clearly loves reading. She has decided to frame her conversation around topics like “character and plot”, “novelty”, “authority”, and “grandeur and intimacy”. Though there’s nothing particularly ground-breaking about this, it works well enough and gives her views some depth.Of course, what I’m really after here is what books make a reader tick. Ms. Lesser covers quite a bit of ground but it’s also clear that she’s got certain books on her radar right now (as she admits). In particular, she seems enamored of the classic Russian writers as well as Henry James, who gets a lot of talk time. Though I’ve dipped into these writers over the years, I can’t say they rank as personal favorites but that’s just as well. One thing I am always looking for in a book is that it will lead me to another book that I might not have decided to read. Ms. Lesser does that for me here.Ironically, despite her passion for the Russians and James, the book she has led me to is Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence. After being left fairly cold by my previous experiences of Lawrence—The Lost Girl and Lady Chatterley’s Lover—I decided to give Sons and Lover a try. Now, a little over halfway through the novel, I have finally found a Lawrence that moves me and speaks to his reputation as a great writer. And, as I read, Ms. Lesser’s words come back to me: “But wait—never trust the artist, trust the tale. David Herbert Lawrence the person may have had it in for his father, but the novel Sons and Lovers knows enough to allow for our sympathy for Walter Morel. The book wouldn’t work without it.” (p. 107) From what I’ve read so far as I devour this novel, she’s right on target.I expect I will try some other of her suggestions that I haven’t read yet. Hopefully, they will work out as well as the Lawrence. In the end, I couldn’t ask for much more.I found this short book just Ok. I gave it four stars because I probably drew a half a dozen insights on literature from the book and learned some things about the classics that I hadn't known. The major problem with the book is it is not about what the title claims it to be about. She only talks about maybe a dozen or so writers, all well known, and she doesn't explain so much what it is she likes about them as what the contribution each has made to literature. For example we are reminded at least a half a dozen times that Cervantes "Don Quixote" and the works of Shakespeare are the great literature from which all great and lesser literature can trace its beginning. This is some blazing insight that just about anyone who has read a paperback novel already gets,So buy this book or don't. You will be little affected by either decision. Oh by the way, I really wanted to like this book when I bought it. So sad.I am afraid the lower rating is due more to a failing on my part than on the author's. Reading this was like attending a serious advanced course in literature and her knowledge far exceeds mine. She hones in on classic literature - the Russian greats, Shakespeare, Joyce, James - books that take a lot of plugging for me to get through. She also dabbles in genres that I tend to avoid - plays and poetry, for example. So, while I am a serious reader, I tend more toward more modern novelists and non-fiction works on current affairs so this really does not fit my profile. Not that it is a failing of hers - I would have loved to have had her for an instructor back in my college days and I was impressed by her comments related to the physical pleasure of books, despite the fact that I read this on my kindle.Lesser has written books that are much more geared to academic research. This book is quirky is good ways. She writes well about the need for reading and the results that accrue from doing so. I found her list of her best books to be a mix of te usual suspects and a few that I would never have thought about. I have put on a few of these on my 'to read' list as she makes a good case that books talk to us both in general ways that are useful but also in ways that whisper to our own quirky selves in ways that are mysterious, rich, and strange.I gave this just a medium rating, but only because this book seems binary to me - some may love it, others not. I consider myself an avid and lifelong reader, and I have read some of the books and authors mentioned, but for me, this book is for much heavier bibliophiles, and a bit too ivory tower for me. That said, I'm happy that the author supplied a list of books in the appendix as it challenges me with new things to read.A fine reading experience. Carefully developed analysis of Canonical works as well as lesser known authors. The joy Lesser expresses about her reading transcends to the reader. It also gave me quite a few tips for further reading.Like all great writing, this book compels the writer to enter the mind of the author. The experience in this book is luxurious in its exact and literate explorations of the author's favorite books. I am always struck with awe when a piece of writing captures my vague or ill formed thoughts into cogent and startling insight. Sharing a compulsion is deep pleasure that is multiplied by glimpses into unknown terrain. This book contains both and can take its place as a great work with literature.If you've been a reader most of your life, this is a great book. If you have never been much of a reader, I don't know that you will be convinced to become one. This book preaches to the choir and is a festival... a love in....Wendy Lesser is a lover and she knows whereof she speaks....this is a book that truly celebrates reading and books read... and the contribution that reading can make to the wisdom, texture, and richness of a lifelong dedication...You want the book never to end...Author Wendy Lesser is the founding editor of The Threepenny Review, an American literary magazine. Having spent her life working in the world of books, this contains an analysis of why she loves reading and what it means to her. As an avid reader, I found the introduction of this book very enjoyable. Having mused on what reading means to her, she then investigates many of the themes of reading – such as character and plot, grandeur and intimacy, literary authority, truth and imperfections.Although much of this book has a scholarly feel and Lesser has an obvious admiration for Russian literature, she does not only examine reading from the viewpoint of the classics. Modern novels, such as “Wolf Hall,” are used as examples; as are Scandinavian crime fiction, science fiction and poetry. Other issues close to the heart of readers, such as translations and, of course, the advent of the paperless book, are all covered. Lastly, there is a list of 100 books recommended by the author.This was an enjoyable read and it has led me to add many books and authors to my wish list.As the book, why we read.Excellent!