From a New York Times By the Book interview with Alan Lightman:

What books are on your night stand?

“A Gentleman in Moscow,” by Amor Towles, “At Random,” by Bennett Cerf, “The Pope at War,” by David I. Kertzer.

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

“Crime and Punishment,” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “Bleak House,” by Charles Dickens.

Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).