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Books Quote by Anna Quindlen

“Of those of us who comprise the real clan of the book, who read not to judge the reading of others but to take the measure of ourselves. Of those of us who read because we love it more than anything, who feel about bookstores the way some people feel about jewelers. The silence about this was odd…” quote by Anna Quindlen
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““Of those of us who comprise the real clan of the book, who read not to judge the reading of others but to take the measure of ourselves. Of those of us who read because we love it more than anything, who feel about bookstores the way some people feel about jewelers. The silence about this was odd, both because there are so many of us and because we are what the world of books is really about. We are the people who once waited for the newest installment of Dickens's latest novel and who kept battered copies of Catcher in the Rye in our back pockets and backpacks. We are the ones who saw to it that Pride and Prejudice never went out of print.””

Anna Quindlen

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Power of Reading, The New York Times, 2005

Reading is a personal journey that shapes identity and connects us to a community of lovers of books.

In simple terms: Books help us know ourselves and connect with others.

Key Takeaway

Read to discover yourself.

Themes

identity community literature nostalgia

Mood

thoughtful nostalgic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • book clubs
  • literary discussions
  • preserving classics

Key Concepts

self‑reflection cultural memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reading shape your self‑image?
  • What role do physical books play in your life?
A Different Perspective

Not all readers share the same depth of connection.

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