1001 Books for Every Mood

by Hallie Ephron; Introduction by Susan Stamberg

Adams Media, ISBN 1-59869-585-1

About the book

Read an excerpt

This guide to 1001 great reads is sorted by the reader's mood. Find the perfect book for when you're in the mood for "a good laugh," or "a good cry," or "a wallow in the slough of despond," for "a kick in the pants" or "a shot in the arm," "a trip in the fast lane" or "a trip down memory lane"... and so on through more than 70 moods.

A short summary of each book gives the flavor of what lies between its covers. Icons highlight books of particular literary merit, as well as those that have been provocative, influential, inspirational, or just downright funny. Easy reads and page turners are highlighted, as are books that are challenging, kid friendly, or can be consumed in short sittings.

In a funny, poignant introduction, Susan Stamberg talks about the "pink couch" in her parents' apartment where, as a child, she read. And read. And read.  She says "Hallie Ephron is like the best, friendliest, hippest librarian you ever met. Her taste is exquisite, her writing’s a hoot, she’s done her homework, and it’s very clear that she loves, loves, loves books."

Think of it as mood therapy in a book and your personal guide to the outstanding funny, sad, thrilling, inspiring, mindbending...books of all time. With an introduction from a reader's best friend, NPR's Susan Stamberg.

The titles included were culled from books recommended by discerning readers, reviewers, booksellers, and librarians, plus my own personal favorites. I carried 3x5 cards everywhere and jotted down titles people recommended. I asked young people, old people, people I met in bookstores and libraries, in restaurants and on trains. I checked out every b ook before it made the cut--by reading at least some of it to be sure it passed my own unscientific "sniff test," reading book reviews, and checking out reader reactions. Every book included had to be in print and readily available. 

Essential to organizing was this old library card catalog drawer and 3x5 cards.  Here you \see the method to the madness. It was just a happy coincidence that the lovely sherbert colors of the tabs match the palette of the book cover.