When Dan Pelzer passed away at the age of 92, his family uncovered a remarkable legacy—one not of wealth or fame, but of devotion to the written word. A former Marine and lifelong social worker, Pelzer had quietly compiled a handwritten list of every book he read from 1962 until his final year. That list, totaling 3,599 titles, has now become a source of inspiration for readers across generations. His story, now preserved online at what-dan-read.com and memorialized in a local Ohio library, is a testament to the enduring power of books and the lives they shape.

Pelzer’s reading journey began in earnest with Alan Moorehead’s The Blue Nile in 1962 and concluded with Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield in 2023. Over the decades, he maintained a personal rule: once a book was started, it had to be finished. This commitment led him through a vast array of genres, from historical nonfiction and modern science fiction to pulp mysteries and literary classics. By 2006, he had already completed 3,000 books, and he kept going—reading 100 pages a day, every day, even into his nineties.

What makes Pelzer’s story especially moving is that his list wasn’t created for public recognition. According to his daughter, Marci Pelzer, he kept it simply to remember and reflect on what he had read. “It wasn’t for anybody else, and most people didn’t know he had it,” she told CBC. Yet, after his passing on July 1, his family chose to share that list with the world, transforming it into a digital archive that now serves as both a memorial and a resource. Visitors to the website can browse the full list, discover new titles, and gain insight into the life of a man whose curiosity never waned.

I found this detail striking: the idea of a man quietly reading through thousands of books over 60 years, not for accolades but for the joy of learning and connecting. His daughter described him as “spiritual, meditative, and introspective,” someone who used reading to foster dialogue and tolerance. He read everywhere—on buses, at work, at home—and always had a book in hand. Even in his later years, when his wife moved to a nursing home, he used the quiet hours to continue his daily reading ritual.

In recognition of his dedication, the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Whitehall Branch, which Pelzer frequented, created a special tribute titled What Dan Read. The library digitized his list, using transcription software to process around 500 titles and manually adding the rest to a searchable PDF. They also built a browsable database complete with book covers, allowing library patrons to see which of Dan’s books are currently available to check out. A physical display at the branch showcases a rotating selection of titles from his list, offering a tangible connection to his reading life.

The memorial has resonated with readers far beyond Ohio. The website has become a popular destination for book lovers looking for their next read or simply curious about the literary journey of one man. The story has also sparked broader conversations about the value of reading and the impact of consistent, lifelong learning. It’s a gentle reminder that reading isn’t just a pastime—it can be a way of life, one that shapes character, expands understanding, and builds bridges between people.

Among the more memorable anecdotes shared by his family is Pelzer’s experience with James Joyce’s Ulysses, which he reportedly found to be the most difficult read of all. That he finished it anyway speaks volumes about his persistence. The second-to-last book he read was one recommended by Marci, a touching detail that highlights the bond they shared through literature.

Pelzer’s story also aligns with a growing recognition of the transformative power of books. From prison programs that reduce sentences for every book read to community initiatives that place books in barber shops for children, there is a renewed appreciation for reading as a tool for personal and societal growth. Dan Pelzer’s quiet commitment adds a deeply human example to that narrative—one man, one book at a time, building a life rich in thought and empathy.

For those seeking reading inspiration, the searchable archive at what-dan-read.com offers a treasure trove. Whether you’re interested in historical accounts, speculative fiction, or classic literature, there’s likely something in Dan’s list to spark your interest. More than a catalog, it’s a window into a mind that never stopped exploring.

In a time when attention spans are short and distractions are many, Pelzer’s story stands out. It reminds us that reading is not just about consumption but about connection—between people, ideas, and generations. His legacy lives on not only in the books he read but in the readers he continues to inspire.

Read more at goodnewsnetwork.org