Books Quote by Elizabeth McCracken
““Books are a bad family - there are those you love, and those you are indifferent to; idiots and mad cousins who you would banish except others enjoy their company; wrongheaded but fascinating eccentrics and dreamy geniuses; orphaned grandchildren; and endless brothers-in-law simply taking up space who you wish you could send straight to hell. Except you can't, for the most part. You must house them and make them comfortable and worry about them when they go on trips and there is never enough room.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Giant’s House by Elizabeth McCracken, 2010
Books are likened to an extended family, each with distinct personalities, requiring care and tolerance despite differing value.
In simple terms: Books vary like family members, some loved, some tolerated, all need attention.
Key Takeaway
Accept and nurture all books, even the difficult ones.
Themes
literature
diversity
acceptance
care
tolerance
Mood
reflective
affectionate
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal libraries
- reading clubs
- gift giving
- bookstore curation
- academic curricula
Key Concepts
family metaphor
psychology of reading
emotional labor
Questions to Reflect On
- Which books have you kept despite dislike?
- How does treating books as family affect your reading choices?
A Different Perspective
Not all books will enrich; some may waste time or resources.
