List-mania

"The book that changed my life'' lists often are dominated by the usual suspects. It's the little-known gems that make these lists interesting.

That's no less true for "The Book That Changed My Life'' co-edited by Roaxanne Coady, owner of R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, Conn. Among the surprises: food writer Michael Stern on the joys of the Sears catalogue ("In this one comprehensive volume is twentieth-century America's ideal image of itself.''); Harold Bloom on the fantasy novel, "Little, Big'' by John Crowley; and Dr. Sherwin P. Nuland on the children's book, "Ab the Cave Man'' by William Lewis Nida.

To celebrate her bookstore's 15th anniversary, Coady asked 71 authors who've visited the store over the years to contribute an essay. Royalties from the collection, due out next month, will be used to buy books for children.