Twenty-five writers divulge the special books-all 250 of them-occupying the prime real estate next to their beds: how they got there, what makes them stand out, what longings they fulfill. Along the way, the wordsmiths offer insights into their own literary pursuits and why reading is such a critical element of their craft. Many of the lists are humorously written, some including books not allowed by the owner's bed because of their unseemly influence on the author's own writing. All contain humility, and admiration for masters of the word game. Appendices of publications by contributors, as well as all the volumes they write about, round out this voyeuristic book lovers' fest.