Part reading guide and part biography, this work is a collection of mini-essays exploring David Bowie's list of 100 favorite books in the context of the artist's life and work.
... short and punchy essays ... O’Connell’s splendid book provides plenty of evidence of Bowie’s restless, rummaging intelligence, and his pleasure in the fact that books allow readers to slip into someone else’s skin and try it on for size.
O’Connell’s diligently documented book on the literary influences on David Bowie is a fantastic voyage into 100 books that inspired the artist’s prodigious output ... O’Connell’s introduction is informative and crucial in framing Bowie’s library; it’s also very entertaining. For Bowie enthusiasts, it fills in gaps of fandom knowledge with tales ... This exciting book chronicles the literary influences on a revered and visionary bibliophile artist.
I encourage any fan of Bowie or fine literature to pick up Bowie's Bookshelf ... At the end of each book's description, O'Connell adds two categories to enhance the experience: 'Read It While Listening To,' which offers various tunes by Bowie, and 'If You Like This Try,' which references another book that is similar within the same genre. This is very helpful and truly personalizes the entire reading effort ... I am quite thankful that John O'Connell took the time to put Bowie's Bookshelf together. Readers should be inspired to seek out the books on this list, along with the musical suggestions for pairing and even the links to other similar works ... It feels good knowing that a list like this exists and, in essence, keeps Bowie's spirit alive, allowing all those who miss him to have another shared experience with one of their heroes.
