1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die,   ISBN:9780789313706

Customer Rating: 

This is essentially ONE PERSON's take on which books make someone "well-read." This isn't a universal nor is it a unanimous list. A list of such magnitude would be quite difficult to collect. Many argue that there are no works by Chaucer, Confucius, Homer or Shakespeare. And how about religious works? Yep, none. There is a reason the list is separated chronologically. It was meant to reflect the development of the novel, development of the written word, development of- well lets the say "fictional-i-can't-put-it-down-because-the-author-knows-what-he's-doing." Whether you agree with the list (or for that- my review) or not, the list is Boxall's opinion on books to expand your understanding on just how far writers have come thus far. Now, if you're looking for books you truly will need to read (classics, poems, plays, and all) I'd suggest looking at lists that help students prepare for college. This site provides such a list:
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True, there are books (as my aforementioned Chaucer, Confucius, etc etc) that are still left out, but lists like these provide you with a better example of books you should be looking at. Finding a more extensive list (something with 1000+ books listed) will have it all. Good luck on your reading! :)

And if youre looking for a better way to keep track of your 1001 list, check out Arukiyomi's spreadsheet that even has a nifty formula that actually counts down the books you've read, will read, and wont read, and also how long it'll take you to do it.
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Customer Rating: 

When I discovered 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, it peaked my interest immediately. It is a heafty book that took me through two wonderful evenings of browsing. I found, in it, several books I had read and many more that I hadn't. It helped me focus and make a list for future reading. For bibliophiles this is a gold mine of great literature, a helpful reference book, and nightstand companion.

Customer Rating: 

I agree with some other folks that this book should not be called "1001 Books" but rather "1001 Novels." One reason that people compile lists like this one is to get people arguing about what was left out, what was included, etc. There is some valuable information in the book and if it leads some readers to some great novels, that is a wonderful thing. But it is heavily weighted toward late 20th century novels and leaves out many great works from earlier in the century and from the 19th century as well. There are a number of books listed, particularly from the last 10 or 15 years, that I am entirely comfortable leaving the earth having not read. The book can be a fun read, but by all means don't make it your only source as a reading list. Make sure you check out the most recent version of the New Lifetime Reading List for some balance.

Customer Rating: 

Recently I have been in a "reading rut" and purchased this book hoping to get some really great recommendations. My first thought after reading the first book suggestion was "why should I read this particular book?". The short summaries included do not tell you what is so great about the book. It's just like every other synopsis. That's not good enough for me. I was hoping to get an actual real-life "this book is great because...". I could have just looked at any recommended book list and saved myself $28.

Customer Rating: 

I was prepared to be annoyed and dislike this book, I was fully prepared to feel let down by its casual reference to various books and eras - but I have come away from it inspired by it. I think it is a perfect resource for what it seems to set out to do - list 1001 books that you should read before you die.

Well now, here is the issue. There is no way I am going to read some of them - American Psycho? No way - I just can't get into the ultra voilence of that kind of book - and Tristram Shandy - no way - I've tried that it was virtually unreadable. What the book does extremely well, however, is that it reviews the book succinctly and puts the book in context for not its own time and in history.

The editor, Peter Boxall, did an excellent job on keeping each review to a page, and ensuring that each of them made excellent reading on their own. It is a bit like reading a good Haiku after you have read the Lady of Shallot, both are excellent, but the Haiku leaves you savouring for more. Each review I read left me wanting to read more.

There will always be arguments about other books which should be included and ones which should be left out - and I can think of several in both cases, however all technical arguments aside, if you are going to pick 1001 books through the entire history of printing to put in a list, I think this has been an excellent job.

Certainly from my especial interest in Early nineteenth century literature (Jane Austen, Edgeworth, Shelley and co) I felt the list was comprehensive, the selection very reflective of the times, and the reviews were exceptionally well done.

Overall I think this is an inspiring book, well done and extremely useful.