To read is to withdraw.To make oneself unavailable. One would feel easier about it if the pursuit inself were less...selfish.

Above literature?' said the Queen. 'Who is above literature? You might as well say one was above humanity.

Sometimes there is no next time, no time-outs, no second chances. Sometimes it’s now or never.

Those who have known the famous are publicly debriefed of their memories, knowing as their own dusk falls that they will only be remembered for remembering someone else.

Books are not about passing the time. They're about other lives. Other worlds.

Mark my words, when a society has to resort to the lavatory for its humour, the writing is on the wall.

Never read the Bible as if it means something. Or at any rate don't try and mean it. Nor prayers. The liturgy is best treated and read as if it's someone announcing the departure of trains.