(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Books about books never fail to get my attention.  Some are better than others, of course, but the subject of books/reading always appeals.  Naturally, then, I had to check out Dear Fahrenheit 451 by librarian Annie Spence.  The subtitle explains that the volume contains "A Librarian's Love Letters and Break-Up Notes to the Books in her Life."  It doesn't mention that these notes come with a big ole side of sass and snark.  This makes them funny and entertaining, but a lot saltier than I expected.  Spence loves an F-bomb, sprinkling them and other profanity very liberally in her letters.  For me, this takes away from the book and makes me a whole lot less likely to recommend it to friends.  Fahrenheit 451 is still an enjoyable ode to books, libraries, and reading—it's just not quite what I expected.

It's easy to connect with a fellow reader like Spence.  Many of her observations ring true to me, and I love all the terms she coins—"read rage" and "Bookdigger" being my favorite.  I also adore the lists at the back of the book.  In fact, I wish the whole book consisted of lists instead of letters.  Really, how can you resist lists titled "Excuses to Tell Your Friends So You Can Stay Home and Read" and "Books for the Lazy, the Lively, the Long-Winded, and the Lethargic."  Did I mention all the reading recommendations Spence offers up?  Although I don't agree with all her opinions, I did add a bunch of her recommended titles to my TBR pile mountain mountain chain.  So, even though I would have preferred a less salty version of this book, overall I enjoyed it.  If you like cheeky observations about books, you and Dear Fahrenheit 451 are sure to make a love connection.  My relationship with it is lukewarm, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be writing it a break-up letter anytime soon. 

(Readalikes:  Reminds me of Book Lust and More Book Lust, both by Nancy Pearl)

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