Man Leaves Behind 109-Page List of Thousands of Books He Read After His Death at 92

Man, 92, Leaves Behind 109-Page List of Thousands of Books He Read ​

Dan Pelzer, a devoted reader who passed away at the age of 92, left behind a remarkable legacy for his loved ones. Before his death on July 1, Pelzer meticulously compiled a 109-page handwritten list of every book he had read since 1962. This exceptional collection, which included more than 5,000 books, was a testament to his lifelong passion for literature.

Pelzer’s family toyed with the idea of sharing the expansive list at his funeral but soon realised it was too extensive for that purpose. Instead, they digitised the list and created a website called ‘What Dan Read’ to honour his memory and share his reading journey with the world.

According to his obituary, Pelzer’s fascination with reading and libraries began during his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal in 1962. He stumbled upon a small library stocked with around 150 paperbacks, sparking his habit of meticulously documenting each book he read over the following decades.

Despite his vast literary knowledge, Pelzer’s family noted that his reading preferences were grounded in simplicity and that he gravitated towards popular authors like John Grisham rather than delving into more complex works like James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’, which he amusingly dubbed as “pure torture”.

Pelzer’s daughter, Marci, fondly recalled her father’s deep-rooted love for the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where he borrowed every single book on his list. She shared anecdotes of their weekly library visits during her childhood, illustrating his commitment to fostering a love for reading in his family.

One striking detail highlighted by Marci was that all of Pelzer’s books were sourced from the Columbus Metropolitan Library, emphasising his unwavering support for the institution. She expressed gratitude for the library’s role in shaping her father’s reading journey and suggested that he might have been one of their most dedicated patrons.

Pelzer, who was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou in 2024, is survived by his children Marci and John, as well as his grandchildren Sarah, Lauren, and Owen. In their obituary, the family requested that instead of floral tributes, donations be made to the Kinship Community Food Center, alongside a thoughtful suggestion to honour Pelzer’s memory by delving into an engaging book.

The story of Dan Pelzer serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of a lifelong love for reading and the joy of sharing that passion with others. His extensive list of books stands as a testament to the enriching power of literature and the profound connections it fosters within families and communities.

Overall, Pelzer’s dedication to reading and the heartfelt gesture of compiling his book list showcase the profound influence of books in shaping individual lives and leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish and reflect upon.