Dan Pelzer, a former U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired social worker, dedicated himself to reading at least 100 pages daily since 1962. He meticulously maintained a record of all the 3,599 books he had read over the years, spanning across various genres. His daughter, Marci Pelzer, shared that reading was a constant in his life, leading to engaging conversations with people from all walks of life.
Sadly, Dan Pelzer passed away on July 1 in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 92. However, his legacy lives on through his extensive reading list, which has been made available online at what-dan-read.com. Marci expressed gratitude for the widespread impact of the list, inspiring others to delve into literature and engage in discussions about books.
Initially planning to distribute printed copies of the booklist at his funeral, the family opted for a website due to its extensive length. The online archive showcases the collection chronologically, beginning with titles like Alan Moorehead’s “The Blue Nile” from 1962 to Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield” in 2023. The diverse list includes fiction, non-fiction, politics, biographies, and historical works, most of which were borrowed from libraries.
To honor Dan’s passion for reading, the Columbus Metropolitan Library digitized his booklist, making it accessible through a 98-page PDF and a searchable database of titles. The library staff meticulously transcribed the list from scanned copies, highlighting Dan’s eclectic reading taste encompassing theology, history, and popular fiction.
Dan’s preference for certain authors and genres was evident, with a particular fondness for Christian novels and gripping mysteries by authors like John Grisham. Despite encountering challenging reads like James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” he remained committed to finishing every book he started. Marci highlighted the significance of books recommended by her, such as Gabrielle Zevin’s “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” among the last books her father read.
Marci emphasized that reading was not just a pastime for Dan but a means of connection and solace, especially during challenging times. Following the loss of his wife Mary Lou in 2024, reading became a source of comfort for Dan. His daughter shared that the booklist was a personal record, not for public recognition but for his own reflection and contemplation.
As the attention on Dan’s reading list continues to grow, Marci believes he would appreciate the impact it has had in fostering dialogue and understanding among individuals. Dan’s enduring love for literature and his desire for a more tolerant world resonates through his extensive collection, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary community.