1001 Books You Must Buy Before You Die

Anybody else getting a little tired of the publishing world’s latest infatuation—those books identifying “1001 [insert task here] You Must Do Before You Die”?

Here’s a list of actual such book titles, and I am not making them up:

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die

1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die

1001 Ankle Bracelets You Must Wear Before You Die Actually, I made up the last one, but you get the idea.

The idea is that we must see “Batman: The Movie,” listen to Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” and read pretty much everything ever written by Phillip Roth, before we die, or else. Personally, I’d rather watch a movie of Phillip Roth singing “Baby One More Time” than do any of those other things, but that’s just me. What will happen to those who don’t accomplish all these 1001 “musts” is not clear, but should a normal mortal ever in fact take the title commandments at face value, they would clearly have very little time left for anything else in their lives, let alone buying the stupid books in the first place. Rather than requiring us to perform only selfish acts—reading books and listening to albums and watching movies—why not make the required acts a little more socially relevant and easier to accomplish?

1001 Politicians to Avoid Before You Die, perhaps?

Other suggestions are welcome!

Jeff Matthews I Am Not Making This Up

© 2007 NotMakingThisUp, LLC

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews also acts as an advisor and clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews’ recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes investment advice, nor is it a solicitation of business in any way. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.