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What books should everyone read before they die?Add Book
84, Charing Cross Road
Helene Hanff
Diaries & Letters
James Mustich
Aug 7, 2018
No sense beating about the bush: No volume conveys the enduring and serendipitous charm of books as happily as this one. It begins in October 1949, with an inquiry that Helene Hanff, a freelance writer in New York, posts to Marks & Co., a bookshop at 84, Charing Cross Road, London. It takes a few months for Frank P. Doel of Marks & Co. to disclose his name, more than two years for him to venture “Dear Helene,” and five more to begin matching her sarcasm. But long before that, friendship has blossomed. Although Hanff’s love for books informs the entire twenty-year correspondence, it’s her outrageous humor, especially when contrasted with Doel’s proper manner, that makes the exchange priceless.
This book is on my shelf as a guaranteed happy book for any time I need a smile.
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This is one of the books that I have to re-read every so often. It's just one of those 'feel good' stories that restores your faith in humanity.
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Wonderful is the only word I can think for this book. Excellent correspondence of letters by booklovers, well worth reading (or listening to the audiobook).
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"1,000 Books To Read Before You Die" is a registered trademark of Workman Publishing, Inc. Based on the book: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich, (Workman Publishing Co., Inc.: © 2018 James Mustich)
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