A good, well-rounded list for inspiration on "good" books to read. Definitely worth a flip through. Although organizing alphabetically by author last name makes sense, it doesn't provide much framework when choosing what to read next. To me, the best part was the lists in the back -- "A Miscellany of Special Lists." This is a much more approachable way to use this book, and gives the reader some structure and knowledge of what they're reading and accomplishing.

Interesting................................................................................................................................................

A big thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is supposed to be a reference book. This is an eclectic gathering of books, and let's face it no list will satisfy everyone. This took a ton of time to compile because it is more than just the name of the book and the author. I believe that the romance genre is severely lacking I believe only 2 romance authors made the cut. No Nora Roberts or any other big names in romance, yet The Hunger Games made the list. Overall I would say this is a good start and a great resource. I rate this a 4.5.

I love lists. There is nothing more satisfying than checking something off a list when complete. So when I saw 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die, I knew I had to read it. The books included range from expected texts like the Bible, to books that have influenced popular culture, like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Each book includes a synopsis, other books by the author, suggested reading if you enjoyed the listed book, and adaptations, such as movies or TV shows based on the book. I'm only part way through the list now, and already by To Be Read list has ballooned.

This book will spur many of our patrons to read beyond the best seller lists. I found the endnotes very helpful.

Are you a bibliophile? If the answer is a resounding yes, then this book is a must for you. From the opening quote by Virginia Woolf, “How Should One Read a Book?” to its last pages acknowledgments, of indexes and checklist for you track your progress if you wish, 1,000 Books To Read Before Your Die: A Life-Changing List is the best I've read of its ilk. Not to James Mustich's introduction provides a fine blueprint as to purpose and organization of its pages. Even at 1,000 books readers will wonder at what is chosen and what is not. You'll find old favorites and hopefully new gems to add to your reading pleasure. Citing the genre, date of publication, edition, awards, other titles by the author, further reading, adaptations; I particularly found valuable the what to try if you liked this title feature. First addition TBR list, Eric Ambler's A Coffin for Dimitrios.

1,000 Books To Read Before Your Die: A Life-Changing List could be read straight through but can also be dipped in and out of, savoring the offerings in any way you choose. It is a book that will grace my shelves for reference when in need of a good read. Will it change my life? Perhaps not, but I'm willing to let it try.

This book probably is not life-changing but it clearly sticks out among others of its kind. It doesn‘t exclusively list novels as does Peter Boxall‘s work with the very similar title. It also describes books from a great variety of other genres and types, including dramas, poems, philosophical texts, history and science books, reports on recent events (e.g. 9/11), etc. I liked this combination because I clearly missed many of these works on other lists. However, I sometimes found that Mr Mustich‘s book put a little too much emphasis on the non-fiction works and should have focused a bit more on fiction. Of course many of the non-fiction works were (and are) life-changing, but does that really mean I have to read them all? A lot of the historical works I‘d rather leave to the historians and scientists.

Another thing which makes this book special are the suggestions for further reading and the hints for books with similar topics, listed for each single work! In his preface Mr Mustich says that it took him years to compile this book and this is clearly visible. I have great respect for him for putting so much effort into this work.

Mr Mustich‘s book is a great alternative to Mr Boxall‘s list, epecially for all those looking for more than just novels.

An interesting compilation! Many of these books I have never seen turn up on any "must read" lists. It even includes a few children's books and graphic novels to round out the selections.

I'm not totally finished with all the lists yet, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. as a book worm, this has helped me add numerous books to my to read shelf.

Great list of books to read! I love books like this and recommend them to teachers and parents who are looking to build a broad reading list with their children or students.

MY TBR PILE HAS GAZOOPLED!

1,000 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU DIE is a gorgeous compendium by James Mustich, co-founder of the acclaimed book catalog, A Common Reader. This must-read guide to must-reads features a rich eclectic mix, each title described as only the most enthusiastic reader would recommend a beloved book to a friend.

Following each entry are endnotes with pub dates, preferred editions, other books by the same author, related books, and adaption listings that include movies and audiobooks. In all, 6,000 books titles by 3,500 authors are included.

Finally, A Miscellany of Special Lists gives entry points into the collection, such as Books to Read in a Sitting and Offbeat Escapes and for the most inveterate, A Long Climb, but What a View with such page-monsters as “In Search of Lost Time.” Highly recommended!

Pub Date 02 Oct 2018

Thanks to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#1,000booksToReadBeforeYouDie #NetGalley

This is quite a book! While I didn't agree with every choice (really?? No "Handmaid's Tale"??) I was fascinated by the books that were included. Many, I hadn't heard of, but many were ones I've had on my "to read" list for ages. I liked the extensive commentary with each book, with the real greats having whole pages dedicated to them. This is an excellent book for anyone who loves books! I can see my library purchasing this for our own collection development. Great idea, and done quite well.

I feel like books wth this type of title set themselves up for criticism. Who is this guy to tell me what to read in my life? But you know what? There are a lot of great titles, many of which I've read, many I want to read, and many that are completely new to me. And that's why I read this book and why I'll read the next book telling me what I should read before I die. I like ideas. This version is heavy on classics. I appreciate the suggestions and have added several titles to my list of books to read.

I won't say I read it cover to cover, but did finish the introduction and premise dscriptions, while scanning the entries for the individual 1000 titles. Well thought out and presented collections which is, arguably, a good starting list for a lifetime of reading challenges.

Wow, what a wonderful resource for the true book lover or librarian. I loved seeing the wide variety of reading material included. Fiction . . . non-fiction . . . and every genre you can imagine. The information at the end of each entry was very helpful - other works by the author, similar writings you might enjoy, adaptions of the work, and even ideas for further reading if you'd like more information. The special lists were fun to read and had fun subject headings.

Organized by author but spanning thousands of years in time and a fairly wide geography as well, this selection of 1,000 books to read before you die takes you on a roller coaster of entries where Lark Rise to Candleford is followed directly by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which is followed directly by children’s favorite, Eloise. Each listing captures what about the book makes it special and worth reading. Whether you agree with every selection or not, if want to read across many genres, it’s a great exploration that’s sure to make your TBR pile even larger.

An absolute treasure to have on hand not only to search for future reading but to refer to as one might an extensive bibliographic encyclopedia, complete with index and sub-groups. Also of note is that it offers a diverse selection of literature, including modern works.

There are a lot of these types of books/lists, and a lot of them feature the same titles/authors. This one has a lot of those perennial "read before you die" mentions (i.e. The Bible, Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte's Web, William Faulkner/Ernest Hemingway/John Steinbeck/most other famous white male authors), but there are a lot of other titles and others I had never heard of included. There was a decent diversity to it as well with many women and minority writers, however as mentioned above the majority of titles were by white male authors (not necessarily the fault of Mustich and more the fault of the world of literature in general). You can tell Mr. Mustich is a very well-read man, and his descriptions of titles were eloquent and well done. As a children's librarian, I liked that there were children's/YA books mixed in too. A lot of the books skewed to the old side - it was almost like the 21st century didn't exist in literature - but it's still worth skimming through. I can't imagine how laborious this process must have been but the end result was a well-written and compiled anthology of books worth reading.

Also, I loved the "Miscellany of Special Lists" in the back that grouped books from the list into different subjects like "Read in a Sitting," "12 Books to Read Before You're 12" and "Listen Up! 12 Terrific Audiobooks."

This book is valuable for those interested in readers advisory, as well as those interested in exploring a wide variety of literature and other writing. I was surprised by the breadth of works recommended, such as the 9/11 Commission Report, though a list of 1,000 books will require some breadth. The author's style is somewhat personal, which some may find engaging and others may find mildly obtrusive.

I requested an advance reader's copy of this book and cannot be happier that I did. As a librarian, this book is an excellent reader's advisory resource. As a lifelong reader (not to mention as a somewhat snooty English major who thinks they've seen it all), this book truly impressed me - and I am hard to please when it comes to book lists. It's just so incredibly well done, full of thoughtful notes on both books and their authors, photos and illustrations relevant to the works discussed, and cross-referenced with related books, themes, and subject matters. It also includes thoughtful critiques on each work and on the styles of each author, making it an especially good resource for literature students. This all-inclusive reference guide has a little bit of everything, encompassing all genres, age groups, and eras - no small feat in the history of world literature. I'll be looking for a paper copy to keep and carry so that I can more easy flip through the pages and share with others. Very highly recommended for all readers.