It should surprise no one to learn that the late David Bowie was a voracious reader. A few years ago, David Bowie Is, an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario, displayed many of Bowie’s favorite books alongside other rare items from his own archives and wardrobe. The gallery also released a longer list that ranges across all manner of fiction, non-fiction, and other curiosities.
Bowie’s full list of “must-read books” is reproduced below, in descending chronological order. Keep it in mind as you celebrate his life, and while you plan your year of reading.
When you broke my
chest we were sitting
across from each other.
In my memory your office
blazes white like the sun,
dollar store socks, or a
single disrooted and
bloodless tongue lying
on the bathroom floor——
I don’t remember what you
said anymore or what I
said anymore; instead,
only the moments
before you reached
over the desk with
the fruit of the knowledge of
queer and faithless
nestled like a stickysweet voice
between your hands
and apologized
for the bitemarks; instead,
only the moments before you
cleared your throat
shakily
and said that a voice like wet brass
had called you out of sleep
and into the room where I, blind
to you, hushed, trembling, whispered
over and over and over and
over again in the devil’s ear, I forgive you; instead,
only the moments before you
met my eyes as you slipped off
your Sunday shoes, your
mouth in the shape of
sorry, and pressed both feet
firmly
against this holy ground.
Now when I remember you
my mouth goes dry and the room
gets too bright and a kindle
drums up beneath
my tongue
as if
somewhere
a bush is still there
rooted in the back of my head,
