Bob Woodward: By the book

Which books could we be surprised to find on your shelves?

"Alone Together" by Christian Williams, former colleague of the Washington Post. This is the story of her solo sailing in a 32-foot sloop, 2,700 miles from Southern California to Hawaii and back. Discovery: When you think you are alone, you are not alone. You bring all your memories, relationships, progress and failures. Williams' sequel, "Philosophy of Sailing: Offshore in Search of the Universe", is also brilliant. There are new things to discover about yourself and your life on the sea.

What kind of reader were you a kid?

The first book I remember reading all along was Johann D. Wyss's "The Swiss Family Robinson" about a family stranded on an island. I believe it was the first time I left my world for another period of time – the transformation that only a book can provide, forcing the imagination to stretch and complete all the details.

You organize a literary dinner. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?

Lincoln, F.D.R. and Nixon – on the disc, with several tape recorders running. Nixon, however, might not come. Otherwise, I would replace Eisenhower.

Who would you like to write your life story?

Elsa Walsh, my wife for 29 years and former editor of the Washington Post and The New Yorker and author of the book "Divided Lives". She knows the secrets as well as the flaws and the gaps.

What is the best book you have received as a gift?

A written copy of Katharine Graham's personal story, Katharine Graham.

How do you decide what to read next?

As I am a slow reader, a book is a big time commitment. I'm trying to choose something rich in human lessons that will not tempt me to go into detail. I hope that Jason Matthews, who was a CIA secret operation officer for 33 years, will follow his series of "Red Sparrow" spying novels with another brilliant study on the craft industry. # 39; espionage.