This truly is a book that everyone should read, because it's about the riches, and the richness, of the reading experience. How we read, what happens to our brains and emotions when we read, why we need to read - if I could put it all in a review there's be no need for this book, but there is a need for it. In a world where libraries are being shut and people turn to short-term and short attention-span pursuits, there has never been a greater need for the kind of immersive experience that reading offers. It's not for snobs, not for the educated, not "educational" - it's a basic human need which helps us to learn about ourselves, our neighbours, and our world, which changes (literally) and delights us, which sometimes (literally) saves our lives. Please buy this book, pass it on to friends and enemies, give it as a present - it's cheap enough. Above all, read these amazing, humane, and wonderful essays. I know you'll enjoy and marvel at their insight and relevance. I know you'll enjoy them. And I know that you'll see the value of their observations. They blew me away. Enjoy!
