A Passion for Pages: Remembering a Reader Who Ticked Off 3,599 Books!

Imagine dedicating your life to reading and finishing hundreds of books along the way! Dan Pelzer, a 92-year-old former Marine and social worker, did just that. He kept a comprehensive list of his reading adventures, accumulating a jaw-dropping 3,599 titles by the time he passed away. His family really took it to heart, creating a digital archive of his list for everyone to explore at what-dan-read.com—a nod to a life lived with a book in hand.

Pelzer’s journey began in 1962 with Alan Moorehead’s The Blue Nile and concluded with Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield just before he passed. That’s over 60 years of turning pages, never missing a day, and yes, he had a recurring rule: if you start a book, you finish it. Talk about commitment! His diverse list is packed with genres, ensuring there’s something in there for everyone—from historical biographies to good old-fashioned sci-fi.

What’s particularly touching is that the Columbus Ohio Metropolitan Library has created a special archive just for him, digitizing around 500 titles and making the rest accessible through a searchable database. It’s heartwarming to see how Dan’s legacy continues to inspire readers everywhere. So, if you’re looking for your next read, you might just find a gem from Dan’s list. What’s the most significant book you’ve read, and how has it changed your perspective?

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