SKU: 14449546

An Open Book: Chapters from a Reader's Life

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Description

An Open Book: Chapters from a Reader's Life"All that kid wants to do is stick his nose in a book," Michael Dirda's steelworker father used to complain, worried about his son's passion for reading. In "An Open Book," one of the most delightful memoirs to emerge in years, the acclaimed literary journalist Michael Dirda re creates his boyhood in rust belt Ohio, first in the working class town of Lorain, then at Oberlin College. In addition to his colorful family and friends, "An Open Book" also

"All that kid wants to do is stick his nose in a book," Michael Dirda's steelworker father used to complain, worried about his son's passion for reading. In "An Open Book," one of the most delightful memoirs to emerge in years, the acclaimed literary journalist Michael Dirda re-creates his boyhood in rust-belt Ohio, first in the working-class town of Lorain, then at Oberlin College. In addition to his colorful family and friends, "An Open Book" also features the great writers and fictional characters who fueled Dirda's imagination: from Green Lantern to Sherlock Holmes, from Candy to Proust. The result is an affectionate homage to small-town America summer jobs, school fights, sweepstakes contests, and first dates as well as a paean to what could arguably be called the last great age of reading. "Dirda is a superb literary essayist." Harold Bloom "Michael Dirda's memoir no surprise to me is so good that I went up to the attic meaning to send him one of my antique Big Little books as a salute to excellence...A great job. I'll be buying "An Open Book" for my children and grandchildren." Russell Baker, author of "Growing Up" "Here, in "An Open Book," is the show and tell of a wonderful American story, everything coming together in the immemorial dance of literature and memory, of history and gossip, and of the deeply felt, bittersweet story (his own) of a young life. Read it and rejoice." George Garrett "A lovely, unapologetically nostalgic remembrance of growing up in a more innocent America, but it is also the touching story of one person's lifelong love affair with words." June Sawyer, "San Francisco Chronicle" "Dirda inhabits each book he reads. Inhabits it and makes a space alongside it for us to join him....He is a rare treasure." James Sallis, "Boston Sunday Globe""



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 12/17/2004
ISBN: 9780393326147
Pages: 335
Weight: 0.69lbs
Size: 8.26h x 5.61w x 0.93d

Review Citations: New York Times 03/06/2005 pg. 24
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SKU: 14449546

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Glutton for books
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great durability and utility
Style: Chilly Penguin, Size: Medium/Large (Pack of 2)
I love the size of these and the sturdiness. I freeze bone broth and put it in the crate or give it to dogs when it gets warm out. To help them cool or help them with teething. They have decimated other holders of frozen liquid, but these have lasted well. They also do not get sharp edges when chewed on by English bulldogs.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
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Diane
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 3
Good idea but too messy
Style: Chilly Penguin, Size: Small (Pack of 1)
Was too messy to use.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2026
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Eve
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product!
Style: Chilly Penguin, Size: Small (Pack of 1), Style: Chilly Penguin, Size: Small (Pack of 1)
My pup’s new favorite stuffed toy! It keeps him mentally stimulated for around 30 minutes. Definitely recommend! 🙏
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
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Amazon Shopper
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Its a hit for my 9lb chewer!
Style: Chilly Penguin, Size: Small (Pack of 1)
So far so good! My Pup is a chewer and destroys most of his toys. This has been great to keep him happy and occupied for about an hour. I work from home, so when I know I need to keep him busy this is perfect. Ill keep an eye on it to make sure he doesn't break it, but it is pretty solid and thick. He can get through a puzzle in seconds, so this has been so good for him. Ive done mostly broth and veggies, some kibble. Even yogurt and peanut butter. Right now he gets it twice a day. He spends about an hour with it and then hes so tired hes ready for a nap. Once around mid day and another late evening before bed. Im ordering another to keep for when I have to leave him home alone. He cleans it pretty well, but Ive found soaking in hot water also loosens any bits left behind. Because its small, I'm not worried about extra calories.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2025
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Nina
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
My yorkie loves this!!
Size: Extra Small (Pack of 1), Color: Blue
My Yorkie loves this KONG puppy toy! It keeps him entertained and is perfect for his size. It feels durable and well made, and I’m really happy with this purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026

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