The title here: The Book: an Homage, is perfect! Author Burkhard Spinnen (with a translation by Aaron Kerner) has written a collection of essays on all things ‘book’. How they feel, or even smell. New books, old books, favorite books, those that were gifts or might have been stolen. Libraries (public and private), book stores (new and used), this was a ‘feel good’ read. Yes you can put lots of books on your electronic device, but how can that replace the pride of shelves of the real thing? And what does the printed book have in common with the horse? The illustrations by Line Hoven are a delight.

Packing My Library: an Elegy and Ten Digressions, by Alberto Manguel is a curious little collection of reflections on a life with books (in this case, the author), his own personal library, and why libraries are important. It would go well partnered with The Book: an Homage mentioned above.

Reading Hermit With Dog