Art & Culture: Read, Remember, Recommend by Rachelle Rogers Knight

I’m not exactly sure when reading moved from personal entertainment to group activity (though I’m half convinced it had something to do with Oprah and the 1990s) but, at some point, it did. Of course, reading is still something that, ultimately, must be done alone. But lots of activities can be organized around the simple, previously solitary act of reading.

It’s possible that no one knows all of this better than Rachelle Rogers Knight, a self-proclaimed “passionate reader” whose very passion led her to self-publish a fledgling version of Read, Remember, Recommend back in 2007. Three years and several improvements later, Sourcebooks introduces a more polished and complete version of that book. Serious bibliophiles will not look back.

In her introduction, Rogers Knight tells readers what she hopes they will accomplish with the book:

• Discover new writers while expanding your reading list
• Keep details about what you've read and journal your thoughts, feelings, and emotions about each book
• Keep track of your to-read list
• List your recommendations to share with other readers, friends, and book club members
• Note and keep track of books you've loaned and borrowed
• Peruse an extensive list of literary blogs and book award lists
• Expand your knowledge of literary terms

A combination of carefully thought-out log pages as well as lists of awards, notable picks and suggestions as well as a resource section make for a hefty package. Read, Remember, Recommend is a substantial book, which is a good thing as, in many ways, it’s meant to be a book you bring with you for your lifetime.

List makers, book club members and other bookish types who enjoy cataloging their books, sharing them or both are likely to enjoy Read, Remember, Recommend. A young adult version of the book is now available, as well.