Bowie's Bookshelf is a deep dive into David Bowie's list of one hundred books that changed his life, released three years before his death from cancer. Author John O'Connell (an avid and amazingly obvious Bowiephile) relates the history, plot, and connections to both Bowie's life and works in each of the one hundred short essays that accompany each book on the list.

O'Connell does a fabulous job of painting of a picture of the Starman throughout his career, from his crack addled mania during the Station to Station sessions, the Berlin era with Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, and the post-heart attack recluse in his later years. A chameleon in many aspects of his life, a love for books was a constant, and his list sheds intriguing light on the strong influences literature had on his musical evolution.

Most likely, this book is for the hardened Bowie fan only, as it assumes a wide pre-knowledge of his work and life. While I can't see myself reading the majority of these books soon, Bowie's Bookshelf is certainly a unique view into what made the star tick.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Gallery Books.**

As O'Connell's quick to point out, you need to focus on the book's title--it's the books that changed his life, not his *favorite* books.

I suppose this list would be pretty easy to get a hold of on the internet, saving you some sweet cash to where you wouldn't have to purchase this guide/work, eh? It's surely true, but you'd be missing out on a vast amount of information; you see, O'Connell lays out the what (the list, obviously), and then we spend the book exploring the why, as in why he, an avid reader, would choose these 100 works and give them his total recommendation.

They're not all distinct from one another, but O'Connell derives the inspiration that these must've given Bowie along the course of his life. Accompanying each entry with another suggested work and a Bowie song to rock to whilst you read (let's not forget the illustrations, either) it's a handsome compilation of material that's not only sure to bulk up your queue, but it allows you, presumably a fan of David Bowie, a great deal more insight into what helped make him the unique individual that he was.

To be clear, I had previously read 4 of these. I have my work cut out for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Pocket Books for the advance read.

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

2016 was a horrible year. It started with the death of Bowie and ended with the death of Carrie Fisher. And let’s not talk about the election okay?
If one knew anything about David Bowie, other than his music and Iman, one knew that he loved to read. There was a list of 100 books that influenced Bowie that was released before his death in conjunction with a show of his costumes at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario). After his death, his son, Duncan Jones, founded the David Bowie Book Club, a podcast series that is working its way though the list. O’Connell’s book provides a brief overview of each work on the list, but, perhaps more importantly, the influence it might have had on Bowie as well as pairing the book with one or more of his songs as well as further reading.
One question this book raises is if the complete 100 book list is easy enough to find online, why read this book? Part of it is because of the essays that accompanies each work. The essay not only serves as an introduction to the various books but also details about when Bowie most likely read the book for the first time, biographical information about the author and Bowie, and details about what songs refer to the book. There are also references to Iggy Pop.
Some of the books on this list were introduced to Bowie by his half brother Terry. This includes the influence of the Beats as well as writers that he felt an affinity for – such as Fitzgerald and Carter. It also includes writers who wrote about him such as Camille Paglia or authors that he met or wanted to meet.
Some writers, like Carter and Fitzgerald are not a surprise, but Bowie also read heavily into history – not only Howard Zinn but also a door stopper about the Russian Revolution. There are some writers or books that are somewhat surprising - such as The Leopard or Day of the Locust (tbh, I’m surprised that anyone likes Day of the Locust). Beano and Homer even make the list, and there is a good number of Harlem Renaissance Works on it and less famous works as well. I want to read A Grave for a Dolphin now, and I had never heard of it before. There are stories about recommendations that he made to friends and backing musicians, such as the Street by Ann Petry.
O’Connell’s writing is engaging, and the book is an easy one to dip in and out of. The hardest part is dealing with the grief of Bowie’s death. (OH, and not wanting to strangle O’Connell when he writes that Bowie read the most of any person on Earth type hyperbole because I know some people he should meet.

I loved the premise of O'Connell's book: taking a good look into a man's head and heart through the books he values. I find that I kind of unconsciously keep a ledger of my friends' inner-self by noting their reading choices and their reaction to books we have shared, so I was curious as to how the author would approach his subject and his "top 100."

The author was clear that these were books that were important to Bowie (one way or another), but not necessarily his favorite books. I would also like to see the list of favorite books. I chose to read BOWIE's BOOKSHELF not because I am a fan of Bowie's music or acting, but more out of curiosity to learn more about a man who would consciously compile and punish such a list. That in itself is thought-provoking.

I enjoyed this book, but found it less thought-provoking than its premise. I think my quibble is that by covering one hundred books, the author almost surely imposed on himself the necessity of composing a "Cliff's Notes" version of the list, rather than a dozen serious essays on a selection of Bowie's books. To me, it came across as less than the subject demanded, but I still found myself engaged in it. Perhaps the best way to approach the book (for me) would be to keep it bedside (or chair side) and read one or two "chapters" at a time .

Whew! This is quite a list of books. It explains a lot, I think, I've read some of the same books, others familiar with and may read someday, but others, nope. I am impressed by the books he's read tho'. Mind, I'm not a fan, I just liked some of his songs, but reading list? Hey, I love knowing what folks read! John O'Connell has done his research and fans will appreciate the book. Actually pretty telling!

This is a list of 100 books that influenced David Bowie. There are also essays from the author on why he thinks each of the books did so. Overall it was an interesting book and I liked learning what types of books Bowie read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Here's 100 books that David Bowie read that the author then did 100 essays about David Bowie's work and how each book might/most likely was influenced by each. A pretty straightforward premise, but I didn't fully understand how this would play out before diving in. A must read for fans of David Bowie, who might easily debate the essays and or add to them as their knowledge allows. On the other hand, less interesting to a casual fan and book lover.

This book starts with a list of the 100 books that David Bowie claims to have influenced his life. It follows with a brief analysis of each book and why the author believes Bowie included in the list. The result is a wonderful blend of biography and book study. I was just as interested in learning about the books as I was in learning about the musician, and the author does a great job of providing insight into both.

Are you as well-read as David Bowie? Find out as you peruse this selection of important books to Mr. Jones. Based on a curated exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the author adds descriptions and background information on the 100 chosen books. This is a great resource for Bowie fans, or for building your to-read list.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Such an interesting look into the interests of the amazing musician David Bowie. I found it completely fascinating.