Books That Mattered, The

Reviews / Votes

The Books That Mattered is an individualized account of books that affected one accomplished writer ... there is something charming about this book. Perhaps it's the sensitivity with which Gaillard recounts his gradual coming to terms with his home. Or perhaps it's the dogged reassurance that books do matter, that they can instruct us if we endeavor, as we must, to put them into revealing contexts while expanding our own contexts. Or perhaps it's simply the joy that comes with getting to know someone, which is what you've done by the time you've finished The Books That Mattered. * Southern Literary Review * Beautifully written ... highly recommended. -- Fred Kasten, host and producer * WWNO's The Sound of Books * Written with warmth, a scholar's attention to detail, and genuine insight, The Books That Mattered is a gift to readers everywhere-an engrossing personal history mapped, like stones across a river, in the books that shaped its author's life. A reminder of why reading matters to us all. -- Michael Knight * author of The Typist * In this era when a deep immersion in books is too often viewed as unimportant, Frye Gaillard has given us a powerful reminder that literature can enrich, even dramatically change, the course of our lives. The Books That Mattered deserves a wide and appreciative audience. -- Ron Rash * author of Serena: A Novel * Frye Gaillard gives us a treat. Many books celebrate the collecting and possession of books, but few describe the first experience of reading one at just the right time to change our lives. The Books That Mattered will renew similar memories in every reader. -- Dr. Wayne Flynt * author of Keeping the Faith * In writing compellingly about some of his favorite books and authors, the ones that moved and shaped him, Gaillard has produced another book that matters. It makes you want to dissect your life the way you did that frog in 10th-grade biology, looking for the guts and backbone of your beliefs and morals and philosophical leanings. -- Rheta Grimsley Johnson This wonderful memoir sets a thoughtful tone as expected of a writer with extensive and important real-world journalistic experience and a bibliography near arm's length. The Books That Mattered: A Reader's Memoir is a voyage into books that have seen the test of time, some more than others, but all rating a space on the shelf. Gaillard is an admirable tour guide. -- Mike Odom * The Fairhope Courier * Frye Gaillard doesn't simply read books; he inhabits them. The Books That Mattered is a fascinating, well-written book that keeps on giving. -- Faye Jones * Chapter 16, Humanities Tennessee * Frye Gaillard's The Books That Mattered is one to join the ranks of those mentioned within. Combining personal and literary memories, he carves out his own landscape as a reader. The result is entertaining and enlightening. This book will inspire you to reach for old favorites as well as those you have missed along the way. -- Jill McCorkle * author of Going Away Shoes and Carolina Moon *