“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.”
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?
Similar quotes
“Many times I have learned that, you never judge a book by its cover. Like people, it is the inside that counts.”
“There's nothing wrong with reading a book you love over and over. When you do, the words get inside you, become a part of you, in a way that words in a book you've read only once can't.”
“May I ask you something?" I say. "Why do you read books, when you could be outside, living a million different adventures every day?" "Because you can always count on a book to stay the same. EVerything else changes when you least expect it," she replies, bitter. "Families split apart, and nothing's forever. In books, you always know what's coming next. There are no surprises.”
“A book you finish reading is not the same book it was before you read it.”
“Promiscuity is like never reading past the first page. Monogamy is like reading the same book over and over.”