“Sometimes I read the same books over and over and over. What's great about books is that the stuff inside doesn't change. People say you can't judge a book by its cover but that's not true because it says right on the cover what's inside. And no matter how many times you read that book the words and pictures don't change. You can open and close books a million times and they stay the same. They look the same. They say the same words. The charts and pictures are the same colors.Books are not like people. Books are safe.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Kathryn Erskine, the speaker emphasizes the constancy and reliability of books as opposed to people. The repetition of reading the same books over and over suggests a comfort and security found in the consistency of the written word. The comparison made between books and people highlights the idea that books provide a sense of safety and stability that human relationships may not always offer. The speaker finds solace in the unchanging nature of books, pointing out that the words, pictures, and colors remain the same no matter how many times one reads them. This quote speaks to the enduring and timeless nature of literature, serving as a source of comfort and consistency in an ever-changing world.
Modern Relevance
In a world full of constant change and uncertainty, the words of Kathryn Erskine about the reliability and constancy of books resonate now more than ever. With the rise of social media, fake news, and the fleeting nature of online content, books provide a sense of stability and familiarity that is hard to find elsewhere. Let's explore why books remain a safe haven in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Example of Usage
In her quote, author Kathryn Erskine beautifully captures the timeless nature of books and the comfort they bring through their unchanging content. The words and pictures in books remain constant, providing a sense of safety in a world of constant change.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote, the character emphasizes the reliability and constancy of books compared to people. Reflect on the following questions to explore the significance of this passage:
- How do you interpret the character's view on books being "safe" compared to people?
- Do you agree that books provide a sense of consistency and stability that is not always found in human relationships? Why or why not?
- How have books been a source of comfort or familiarity for you in the past?
- In what ways do books offer a sense of security and predictability that may be lacking in our interactions with others?
- Can you think of any examples where a particular book has remained a constant and unchanging presence in your life?
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