storymel2023's review against another edition
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
Good book to read before bed or early morning. The writer takes herself a bit too seriously but she’s an academic book lover so I guess she is just being herself
bailey_the_bookworm's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
This is a book about books—books in the physical, material sense, rather than in the sense of merely being effusive about writing and the joy of reading. It’s thoroughly researched and does a lovely job of balancing archival sources with contemporary touchstones. Interesting, readable, and informative.
swifteagle's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.75
Loved this exploration of books organized topically rather than chronologically. Smith recognizes and celebrates the interaction between books and their readers, and digs into the ways books have been used as tools to educate, control, inspire, and oppress.