Book Review :: The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

The Man Who Loved Books Too MuchThe Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Are you willing to serve a term of 18 months in prison for the love of books?

The true story of Ken Sanders and John Gilkey who play cat and mouse game- Ken chasing Gilkey for his thefts of rare books. This is a fascinating biographical fiction. The author who interviews both John and Ken on the issue narrates the story. It involves strange and interesting recounts of John's thefts and equally intriguing strategies on Ken's part to capture John.

Embedded into the story are the author's own feelings and thoughts about books and collectors. The interviews of great book collectors and random book lovers' quotes here and there add a cherry-tree beauty to the book. Included are enlightening details of all the great books such as, Lord of The Rings, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Cather in the Rye... Watson and Crick's notes on DNA model, Great Cooking Books... Harry Potter.. Gone With the Wind.. to name a few (more than 100 great books have been mentioned). The reader derives pleasure not just by the story but turns pages eagerly to quench the thirst for information on these great books.

I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the greatest book or something that everyone will enjoy. It's a private entertainment piece for people who really understand what loving a book is. If you are a casual reader, it is better to stay away from this book. You might end up being unappreciative about it. But, if you are one of those who relishes the pleasure of holding a book, enjoying its smell- Read this!

PS: There's a whole lot to be shared from the book. All that on my FB note/blog :)


View all my reviews

Popular Posts