Hemingway’s Library: The Books Papa Bought and Read

Inevitably, every writer is eventually asked what they like to read. Who are the favorite authors? The most beloved books? What would they suggest other writers read?

It’s a fine opportunity to lie.

Having spent a fair amount of my life around writers and English majors, I can attest to the desire to want to appear learned, erudite, and well-read. There’s something particularly appealing (to English majors anyway) to admitting that yes, you readWar and Peace. Every word. Even the sections in...