This is a very quirky collection of short stories, excerpts and even poems by the author/editor's favorite writers, many of whom I had never heard. All but a few are from the 20th century, and range from Billy Holiday to Rainer Maria Rilke, from recollections of World War II to a comic strip to a nature essay on the Caringorn Mountains in Scotland. As an English major, I loved the ride; even though I wouldn't typically have subjected myself to a few of the pieces, the premise, writing style, characterization, or some other aspect ended up enriching my experience. Reading this book is like attending a giant, multi-evening potluck dinner where you get to sample lots of different, sometimes familiar, sometimes exotic foods. And just as you might covet the recipe for that amazing quiche, you might also want to delve deeper into these writers. That happened to me with the chapter from Wise Children by Angela Carter - a light and delightful book about elderly twin English sisters whose dancing career heydey was in the 20s, but whose adventures never stopped! Even my all-time favorite book is excerpted here: Marilynne Robinson's eccentric, haunting and gorgeously written Housekeeping. I highly recommend The Book Lover to those who enjoy broadening their horizons, and stretching, bit by bit, to embrace different points of view.