“Maybe we should all just shut up and read a good book.”

“Alden walked me to the door and we stood outside uncomfortably---like it was the end of a first date. Was letting a host share your body and then chowing down on Chinese takeout a date? He was waiting for me to say good-bye, looking as nervous as I felt. Should I shake his hand or kiss him good night on the cheek? Maybe I should act like Spook and just lick his face.”

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books.”

“All good research-whether for science or for a book-is a form of obsession.”

“I shut the door on him. Men! I find a good guy and now he's acting like a woman.There is no such thing as "Mr. Perfect". And I hate whoever came up with that phrase.”

“WHEN YOU'RE READING YOU SHOULD PRETEND YOU'RE REALLY THERE BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE THE BOOK MOR INTERESTING!”

“The highest branch of solitary amusement is reading; but even in the choice of books the fancy is first employed; for in reading, the heart is touched, till its feelings are examined by the understanding, and the ripening of reason regulate the imagination. This is the work of years, and the most important of all employments.”