Books About Books

If your bibliomania has bibliomania, you’re in the right place. There’s something magical about books in which libraries, bookstores or books are more than just window dressing — they’re woven into a story. These “books about books” are something special, reminding us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. Need some ideas? Read on.

Some Nonfiction

I’ll start with one of my favorites. “The Library Book,” by Susan Orlean, is a love letter to a beloved institution and an investigation into one of its greatest mysteries. In April 1986, a fire ripped through the Los Angeles Public Library. When the flames were extinguished, 400,000 books were destroyed and 700,000 more were damaged. Was it arson? Or an accident? Orlean is such a delight to read, and this book tells the broader story of librarians, libraries and the people who populate them. It’s a real treat for book lovers.

Another perennial favorite is “84, Charing Cross Road,” by Helene Hanff, who incidentally was born in Philly. It’s a funny, heartwarming love story told in a series of letters between Hanff, a freelance writer living in New York, and a used book dealer in London. The pair never met, but shared a charming, sentimental correspondence based on their common love of books. The New York Times said about this oldie but goodie, “it will provide an emollient for the spirit and a sheath for the exposed nerve.” I wholeheartedly agree.

You might also check out “Why We Read” by Shannon Reed. Reed is a longtime teacher, lifelong reader and New Yorker contributor. She believes that above all else, we should read for pleasure. Reed shares surprising stories from her life as a reader and the lovely ways books, like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “Gone Girl,” among others, have impacted her students.

Fiction Choices

If you’d rather read fiction, there are plenty of wonderful choices. “James” by Percival Everett is a fascinating, darkly humorous take on an American classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” But this time, it’s told from the point of view of Jim, the runaway enslaved man. According to The Atlantic, “To call ‘James’ a retelling would be an injustice. Everett sends Mark Twain’s classic through the looking glass. What emerges is no longer a children’s book, but a blood-soaked historical novel stripped of all ornament … .”

Then there’s “The Shadow of the Wind,” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, set in 1945 Barcelona. Daniel, a book dealer’s son mourning his mother, finds comfort in a mysterious book called “The Shadow of the Wind.” But when he tries to find the author’s other work, he learns someone’s been destroying every copy of every book he’s written! Daniel’s pursuit uncovers one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets. This is an epic story of murder, madness and doomed love.

Want a feel-good story that will lift your spirits? Then grab a copy of “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. This library is very different from the one in your neighborhood. It houses an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the tale of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you’d made a different decision at any point in your life. It’s a powerful, uplifting tale about regrets and the choices we make in life.

For the Kids

Let’s not forget the kids. “Dear Bookstore,” by Emily Arrow, is a great way to start kids on the road to reading. This charming picture book features a little girl whose local bookstore is her haven. It’s a place that allows her imagination to soar and gives her answers to questions, and there’s always someone there to welcome her and help her find her next book. What could be better than that?

Well, how about “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” by William Joyce? Morris Lessmore loves books, but a powerful storm destroys his collection. His world brightens when he finds a magical library filled with living books that fly, dance and read themselves to him each night. As Morris grows old, his book friends protect him, help him write again and heal his broken heart.

This is just a small sampling of what’s available at your local independent bookstore. Drop by your favorite one, and lose yourself in a book about books.

Shelley Laurence is a bookseller at Main Point Books, an independent bookstore with a handpicked selection for every member of the family. Check out their events, book groups and children’s activities at MainPointBooks.com or on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Order online for delivery or pickup. 484-580-6978; 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne.