This book, by the author of the very popular "Life of Pi", was a list of books Mr. Martel thought Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper should read. Mr. Martel has sent at least one book every two weeks to Mr. Harper along with a letter explaining why he chose the book. These letters form the basis of the book. It is interesting to note that not once has Mr. Harper replied to any of the letters. However, if he has read them, he will know how Mr. Martel stands on many of the issues of the day including and especially funding for the arts. Very enjoyable book which has added many more books to my "to be read" list. ( )

This book is a record of the first two years of Yann Martel's project of recommending books to Prime Minister Stephen Harper for leisure reading and personal growth.

Every two weeks, from April 16, 2007 through to May 11, 2009, Martel selected a book for Harper, wrote a brief letter discussing the book and its author, and mailed them to the Prime Minister. For the most part, there is no clear relationship between the book selected and what is going on with the PM, or Canada in general, with a few exceptions (for example, a set of Christmas books for the Harper family in 2007; and one or two letters in which Martel speaks about his concerns regarding changes in government funding policies, such as the letter he sent to accompany Shakespeare's Julius Caesar).

As a collection of bibliographical essays, this is not the sort of book that most readers would read from cover to cover (although I did). It is a wonderful collection of personal essays from a celebrated, and very gifted, Canadian author on books that he thinks are worthwhile to read. Dip into it to find out what he thinks of the books that you have read and why he thinks the Prime Minister would benefit from them, and look for authors that you've heard of but haven't read. ( )

Books have often been used as a political tool, but in this initiative, Martel achieves several things: demonstrating the importance of reading, sending a wonderful homage to books and their authors, using books to make a political point about current events, showing that books reflect the reader's mind, reminding that books are one of the many ways humans express their humanity. I loved the variety of genres and authors that Martel introduces and despite being an avid reader, I discovered many titles and authors. A quick, wonderful, personal view on reading and the power of books. ( )

I loved reading through Yann Martel's letters to Harper. I enjoyed the recommended titles, but also the rationale for the project. It was interesting how the tone of the letters changed over time --they became increasingly critical of Harper's politics --and more personal. It seems the less we know Harper, the better we know Yann Martel. ( )