Bethanne Patrick 
The Books That Changed My Life 
Reflections by 100 Authors, Actors, Musicians, and Other Remarkable People

One hundred of today’s most prominent literary and cultural icons talk about the books that hold a special place in their hearts—that made them who they are today.


Leading authors, politicians, CEOs, actors, and other notables share the books that changed their life, why they love them, and their passion with readers everywhere.


Contributors include Margaret Atwood, Dave Eggers, Tavi Gevinson, Karin Slaughter, Eric Idle, Sofia Coppola, Fay Weldon, Fran Lebowitz, Gillian Flynn, Gregory Maguire, Jodi Picoult, Laura Lippman, Lev Grossman, Liev Schreiber, Sarah Waters, R.L. Stine, Rosanne Cash, Susan Orlean, Tim Gunn, Fay Weldon, and Tommy Hilfiger.


‘Lively, addictive … Book lovers will recognize themselves in these portraits and feel among friends. Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from this joyous volume is that, in an increasingly digital world, the printed word still matters.’ —
Publisher’s Weekly


‘This is a fascinating insight into how reading inspires and it would make a fine must-read list.’ —
Country Style


‘An inspiring collection that will make a perfect gift for an aspiring writer or devoted reader.’ —
Kirkus

About the author

Bethanne Patrick is a writer, author and journalist. Bethanne is the author of two books, An Uncommon History of Common Things (co-authored with John Thompson) and An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy, both from National Geographic Books. She writes a monthly column for Virginia Quarterly Review on feminism and culture. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, AARP The Magazine, the Daily Beast, The Atlantic.com and O the Oprah Magazine.