Avery well researched and writtne book that would appeal to all book lovers, librarians, publishers and authors. Zaid drives the point that the expansion of the publishing industry has created more books that anyone ever could possibly read. Although like a text book the facts become quickly dated but are still informaive enough to make his point. A very interesting read that I would recommend to any booklover. ( )

In So Many Books…, Zaid takes the reader on a lyrical and informative journey into the world of reading. While so much of the world’s information, entertainment, and business has become homogenized and produced for the mass-market, the world of books continues to be an oasis for the individual reader. A book is published every thirty seconds…which one of the millions should I read? It can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring to the browser. This is an excellent, quick read for those who are involved in the book industry: librarians, publishers, and casual readers. So Many Books…instead of a lament, is an exclamation of wonder and excitement at the variety and sheer amount of reading that is at our fingertips.

I had a hard time deciding whether or not to include this on my list, because it borders textbook. Upon further thought, I decided to include it because although we used it as a text in class, it wasn't meant for that purpose, and I'd suggest it to anyone who is into genre fiction. Booksellers, librarians, readers, whatever. It's a little book about the history of genre fiction and how the publishing industry works, how to choose books, etc. it really set my mind at ease and helped relieve me of the guilt I sometimes feel when i pick up two Victoria Holt romance novels in a row. ( )

This is an important book that examines how extremely large-scale publishing is destroying the publishing industry in the developed world and harming the literary culture of the developing world. It's a small book and quirkily written, but it speaks with great insight about the collision between print culture and the excesses of capitalism. ( )

I learned a lot of stuff about the publishing industry through this book. Sometimes I had to re-read a sentence or two because I found it confusing, but I think this might be because this book is a translation. But I'm glad I read it. It was interesting and made me think twice about my dream to become a writer!! ( )

Well, I have read the first chapter and I'm thinking I want to have a reading party to sit around the fireplace and absorb this one with a glass of red. Never had a party like that before. But then again, never read a book like this before either. ( )

A fantastic look at the publishing business and what it means for writing. ( )