Book List: Books About Books
What is the best gift that you can give a reader? Well, a book, of course—but what about a book about books?
Maybe there’s a book lover in your life, or perhaps you also get excited about this slightly-nerdy genre. I can guarantee that there’s nothing better than to relax with an author (really, a fellow book nerd) and enjoy their take on books, reading, literature, and the entire bookish culture. The best part is that several of the following books include book lists, which are great to peruse and find new reading ideas. Add some of these books to your TBR list, or order a copy as a gift for a book-loving-friend!
Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life Sarah Clarkson
I discovered this book on clearance at a used bookstore. I almost didn’t take it home, but I recognized the author’s name and decided to give it a shot (I was admittedly not a fan of the cover). But once I started reading, I devoured this book! Clarkson looks at various genres and categories of reading, and explains how they can influence and touch our lives. As an added bonus, Clarkson has curated over twenty reading lists in every category. Buy this book for yourself, and read it again and again to remind yourself why you read.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections With Your Kids Sarah Mackenzie
Sarah Mackenzie is passionate about reading—specifically, reading out loud to your kids. I loved the premise of this book! Mackenzie teaches you the advantages of reading aloud to your kids (increased vocabulary! Reading comprehension! A love for reading! Empathy and compassion!). She also gives you tools to implement in your own family. The end of the book contains book lists that she suggests for reading aloud, divided up by age. This is a great book for a mom who loves to read, or a teacher.
The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Other’s Eyes C.S. Lewis
This is a collection of short essays and quotations from C.S. Lewis, themed around reading and literature. This is a fun coffee table book or addition to any Lewis fan’s library. It also exposed me to some other books by Lewis that I haven’t read yet, but hope to read in the future!
Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Guide to Literature Gene Edward Veith Jr.
This book was fascinating! It covers the various genres and modes of literature through the ages, including Christian authors and their influence on culture. Though it’s a few decades old at this point, it still contains relevant and interesting information on approaching literature from a Christian worldview. This would be especially interesting towards those with academic interests.
Honey for a Child’s Heart: The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life Gladys M. Hunt
My childhood was heavily influenced by reading; especially by reading good literature. But what makes a book good, and how do you introduce children to it? This book is a wonderful addition to any mother’s library, and will especially be useful to those who homeschool. The beginning chapters cover the importance of reading and books in a child’s development, as well as in family lifestyle, but the book lists at the end are the best part for sure.
I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life Anne Bogel
I love the charming cover on this book! Bogel describes how reading is more than a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. The feels of nostalgia, the reasons why you read, and favorite books that take your breath away—all of these feelings and memories are documented and communicated so neatly. This short book contains reflections about the literary life that will make you want to pick up a literary classic right away. This book is a great gift for the woman in your life who devours books.
So, which of these titles will you be checking out? Do you have any additional recommendations for me?
