James Comey, former director of the FBI, has outlined the books he would choose for an extended stay on a desert island, offering a glimpse into his literary preferences. His selections range from classic fantasy to historical accounts and contemporary fiction.
Should he find himself stranded, Comey's primary choice would be J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He noted that he last read the series as a teenager and would aim to savor it slowly. Alternatively, if the trilogy violates the hypothetical rules, he would opt for The Hobbit.
Comey is currently reading two books: Ann Patchett's novel "The Patron Saint of Liars" and Simon Sebag Montefiore's non-fiction work "Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar." He maintains a habit of keeping a fiction book by his bedside and a non-fiction title downstairs, a division he finds practical given the demanding nature of historical accounts like Montefiore's.
He expressed a preference for clear and beautiful writing, citing Patchett's style as an example. However, Comey avoids reading thrillers, fearing he might inadvertently borrow an author's unique style or plot elements.
Reflecting on his early reading experiences, Comey identified "Fortunately," a 1964 children's book by Remy Charlip, as the first book that sparked his interest in reading. He credits it with introducing him to the concept of life's unpredictable nature.
His first "grown-up" book, read around the age of ten or eleven, was "Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox of the American Revolution." This historical account details the exploits of a South Carolina commander during the American Revolutionary War. Coincidentally, Comey discovered decades later that his future wife was reading the same book in Iowa at the same time he was reading it in New York.
When asked about books that proved challenging, Comey cited Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." He read it several years ago at the suggestion of one of his children. While acknowledging Tolstoy's masterful prose, he found it required significant effort to avoid skimming. His child eventually admitted to having skimmed large portions of the book.
Comey's book, "Red Verdict," is available for purchase.
