This is one of the most important and necessary pieces I've read in a very long time. It hit me with so much meaning and reflection on my personal background. It has answered some of the questions I've had about my own book obsession, and how I remember what reading was done in my family in the post-War years when I was a child in the 1940s. I will be reading this again and again - Than You!
The reference you made to embattled servicemen in World War II resorting to books reminded me of how that boosted the popularity of the classic, THE GREAT GATSBY. Last year was the 100th anniversary of its publication and I re-read it for the first time since high school. I also learned that F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece was a commercial flop until about 150,000 copies were printed and distributed to troops during the war. The rest became history with the book's enduring popularity.
Michael, an excellent and thought-provoking essay for which I thank you. I am reading books more than I ever have. They take me to places I have never been. I am now reading a terrific historical novel titled The Winter Warriors about the Russo-Finnish war and the most famous Finnish sniper nicknamed “White Death.”
Thank you for this article DM Scott! My colleague and I were just having this discussion about the these times we are living in have impressed upon us the imperative to read more!
This is one of the most important and necessary pieces I've read in a very long time. It hit me with so much meaning and reflection on my personal background. It has answered some of the questions I've had about my own book obsession, and how I remember what reading was done in my family in the post-War years when I was a child in the 1940s. I will be reading this again and again - Than You!
The reference you made to embattled servicemen in World War II resorting to books reminded me of how that boosted the popularity of the classic, THE GREAT GATSBY. Last year was the 100th anniversary of its publication and I re-read it for the first time since high school. I also learned that F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece was a commercial flop until about 150,000 copies were printed and distributed to troops during the war. The rest became history with the book's enduring popularity.
Michael, an excellent and thought-provoking essay for which I thank you. I am reading books more than I ever have. They take me to places I have never been. I am now reading a terrific historical novel titled The Winter Warriors about the Russo-Finnish war and the most famous Finnish sniper nicknamed “White Death.”
Thank you for sharing this perspective— so timely and so important.
Thank you for this article DM Scott! My colleague and I were just having this discussion about the these times we are living in have impressed upon us the imperative to read more!
Thank you putting in words why we read. Enlightening. Sharing this with my book club 📖🤩
Great article!
Thanks Paulette. 🙏