"The books that we choose to keep -- let alone read -- can say a lot about who we are and how we see ourselves. In The Ideal Bookshelf, dozens of leading cultural figures share the books that matter to them most -- books that define their dreams and ambitions and in many cases helped them find their way in the world. With colorful and endearingly hand-rendered images of book spines by Jane Mount, and first-person commentary from all the contributors, this is a perfect gift for avid readers, writers, and all who have known the influence of a great book"--