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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
This was an interesting story, and it taught me quite a bit about book collecting. I especially enjoyed the discussion of journalist ethics, and the concept of reporting, but not affected that arose due to the way the author became involved in the story as a result of the nature of the individuals involved. Having information from two individuals on different sides of the case gave a very well rounded perspective. Ultimately I would recommend this to anyone interested in books in general, book collecting or even true crime.
Very interesting. Who knew there was a seedy underbelly to collecting rare books?
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
I, like the author, have never understood the draw of collecting books for the sake of collecting books, and I still don't. I had always assumed Gilkey stole at least some of his books for love of story, and I'm personally disappointed that that's not the case.
The book itself is interesting but not enthralling. Bartlett does a good job presenting the story from Gilkey, Sanders, and other sellers, but in order to be an honestly enthralling book she needs more depth and detail.
The book itself is interesting but not enthralling. Bartlett does a good job presenting the story from Gilkey, Sanders, and other sellers, but in order to be an honestly enthralling book she needs more depth and detail.
Foi uma adorável leitura surpreendente. Eu peguei despretensiosamente pelo titulo no Kindle Unlimeted, não tinha lido resenhas nem avaliações no Skoob. E que livro fantástico!
O livro é uma biografia da jornalista que adentrou no universo de livros raros. Tem muita história e casos verídicos.
Eu diria que é uma obra pra quem gosta de livros, uma exaltação deste amor que temos por literatura.
Deixo aqui uma passagem marcante: "Tanto quanto são recipientes para histórias (ou poesia, informação, referência etc.), os livros são artefatos históricos e repositórios de lembranças: todos gostamos de lembrar de quem nos deu os livros, onde estávamos quando lemos, que idade tínhamos, e assim por diante."
Não está no meu gênero predileto, mas este livro foi ótimo. Embora possa ser algumas vezes uma leitura mais lenta, e alguns detalhes serem dispensáveis (ou não), eu recomendo muito a leitura.
O livro é uma biografia da jornalista que adentrou no universo de livros raros. Tem muita história e casos verídicos.
Eu diria que é uma obra pra quem gosta de livros, uma exaltação deste amor que temos por literatura.
Deixo aqui uma passagem marcante: "Tanto quanto são recipientes para histórias (ou poesia, informação, referência etc.), os livros são artefatos históricos e repositórios de lembranças: todos gostamos de lembrar de quem nos deu os livros, onde estávamos quando lemos, que idade tínhamos, e assim por diante."
Não está no meu gênero predileto, mas este livro foi ótimo. Embora possa ser algumas vezes uma leitura mais lenta, e alguns detalhes serem dispensáveis (ou não), eu recomendo muito a leitura.
medium-paced
Two things on this book: this man is a narcissistic kleptomaniac and drove me insane how do you STOP someone like THAT, and I think I may be a book collector.
A book thief, a book cop, and a book writer. These are the cast of characters in this charming real-life tale of book thievery in the rare-book world of collectors.
The author writes this book in a style that is very much like a crime-drama story that at times, I forgot I was reading a book of non-fiction.
Such a smooth and comfortable read. After meeting this author, I can see why her style is the way it is as she is a very comfortable person.
John Gilkey is what is known as a "bibliomaniac" a collector of rare-books, first-editions. These books can costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. Trouble was, he had no money. He managed to steal over a $100K worth of books and was captured by Ken Sanders, a rare-book store owner who was hot on his trail for 3 years.
Gilkey shares his trades secrets to our author and through her narrative shares her story of Gilkey's crimes and even at times, finds she has become part of her own story.
For anyone who loves to collect books, as I do, this is a delightful read and highly recommend it.
The author writes this book in a style that is very much like a crime-drama story that at times, I forgot I was reading a book of non-fiction.
Such a smooth and comfortable read. After meeting this author, I can see why her style is the way it is as she is a very comfortable person.
John Gilkey is what is known as a "bibliomaniac" a collector of rare-books, first-editions. These books can costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. Trouble was, he had no money. He managed to steal over a $100K worth of books and was captured by Ken Sanders, a rare-book store owner who was hot on his trail for 3 years.
Gilkey shares his trades secrets to our author and through her narrative shares her story of Gilkey's crimes and even at times, finds she has become part of her own story.
For anyone who loves to collect books, as I do, this is a delightful read and highly recommend it.
Pretty fascinating and full of interesting information. It was also well-written and flowed along in an engaging manner. However, the author lost me towards the final chapters by pricking my own sense of morality. To me, there should have been no dithering about notifying the authorities or at least the book dealers when Gilkey revealed additional thefts and plans to her. Legal obligation? Consult her lawyer friends? No. It is wrong and you report it to someone - even if it was just giving a vague heads-up. But I guess that's why I would never be a successful investigative journalist. My testy morals would put the story beneath the crimes in prioritizing. Like I said, I was right there with her, just as fascinated and puzzled and intrigued, until that point. Heh, then my hackles went up. We all have our lines and quirks, I suppose.
Author Allison Hoover Bartlett stumbled across the story of John Charles Gilkey, a rare book thief who spent years steeling books from dealers across North America. Gilkey is not a sympathetic figure. A career criminal from a dishonest family who routinely steal from each other, he seems to think that he is owed a good life. A collection of rare books is a symbol of that good life. It does not matter that the collection is funded by stolen credit cards and bad cheques. In fact, Gilkey even views some of his thefts as revenge for slights the various bookstores have given him. Slights such as keeping him on hold too long.
Through looking at Gilkey's past, crimes and escapades, Bartlett also gives us a look at the rare book business, what makes a book rare, what makes it collectible. She also introduces us to the people who collect books and who sell them. We meet people with obsessions just as strong as Gilkey's, but who stay on the right of the law. Most interesting among them is Ken Sanders, the rare book dealer who has made it his life's mission to hunt down people like Gilkey and get them behind bars. She also gives a brief history of rare books and rare book thieves.
Bartlett also finds herself pulled into her story as Gilkey begins to look upon her as his confessor, if not biographer. He seems to crave the attention she gives him and at the same time desires her to chronicle his "accomplishments".
A good book that was enjoyable to listen to as an audio book.
Through looking at Gilkey's past, crimes and escapades, Bartlett also gives us a look at the rare book business, what makes a book rare, what makes it collectible. She also introduces us to the people who collect books and who sell them. We meet people with obsessions just as strong as Gilkey's, but who stay on the right of the law. Most interesting among them is Ken Sanders, the rare book dealer who has made it his life's mission to hunt down people like Gilkey and get them behind bars. She also gives a brief history of rare books and rare book thieves.
Bartlett also finds herself pulled into her story as Gilkey begins to look upon her as his confessor, if not biographer. He seems to crave the attention she gives him and at the same time desires her to chronicle his "accomplishments".
A good book that was enjoyable to listen to as an audio book.