Note from the Book Review Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FENDER

[dropcap]In[/dropcap] the early months of this year, I found myself teaching a class on books and reading at our local college. It was delightful. Experiencing inquisitive, enthusiastic, and expressive students who were not too shy to voice their opinions was an inspiration, followed by invigorating discussions.

American editor and literary critic Edmund Wilson captured the true essence of why sharing an appreciation of books is a pleasure but can also be a challenge. “No two persons ever read the same book,” he wrote. As enjoyable as it is to gather and share with other bookish people, reading is still an intensely personal experience, yet books offer the perfect fodder for social interaction.

Every week, the latest best-seller lists with an assortment of the shiniest and newest offerings in the literary world come across my desk. How to choose? Book lists can seem random or capricious. With so many possibilities, books that stand the test of time seem to provide the most fertile ground for passionate review and discussion.

The power of reading was recently explored and celebrated in the PBS television series, “The Great American Read.” The program introduced 100 of America’s most-loved novels. The books were selected based on a national survey, with most titles easily recognized by avid readers. At just 100 titles, the list is manageable. Number one on the list is “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Translated into 40 languages, it is considered the most beloved book of all time in American literature. It is also reviewed in the next pages by Forrest “The Fonz” Whitehurst, who agrees with its selection as number one.

Author James Mustich’s personal compilation, “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die, A Life Changing List,” has been called the ultimate literary bucket list. Well-organized, expansive, diverse in its selections, and nicely illustrated, the book is entertaining if for no other reason than pondering the selections and their concise summaries. The index includes a convenient checklist of all the books included, half of them fiction, the other half nonfiction. As I checked off the books I have read, I was surprised I have a long way to go.

What sparks your interest in a book? For local businessman Richard Dodd, Hurricane Michael’s recent effects on our community inspired his latest reading. The book, “Our Towns,” showcases civic and economic reinvention in towns across America. Following Richard’s review, “Our Towns” is on my list of must-reads.

What informs and inspires your reading life? Send me an email and share your bookish experiences. I love to hear about them!

-Laura

[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]Submit your book review for consideration to: Laura@panamacityliving.com