Books Quote by Frances Hodgson Burnett
““Never did she find anything so difficult as to keep herself from losing her temper when she was suddenly disturbed while absorbed in a book. People who are fond of books know the feeling of irritation which sweeps over them at such a moment. The temptation to be unreasonable and snappish is one not easy to manage. “It makes me feel as if some one had hit me,” Sara had told Ermengarde once in confidence. “And as if I want to hit back. I have to remember things quickly to keep from saying something ill-tempered.” She had to remember things quickly when she laid her book on the window-seat and jumped down from her comfortable corner.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret Garden, 1911
A reader’s deep immersion can make minor disturbances feel overwhelming, leading to irritability that must be consciously managed.
In simple terms: Being absorbed in a book makes small annoyances feel huge.
Key Takeaway
Pause, breathe, and remind yourself of the larger context.
Themes
patience
selfcontrol
reading
emotions
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
advice
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- library
- study
- commute
- quiet reading
- stressful interruptions
Key Concepts
mindfulness
emotional regulation
literary immersion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you usually react when interrupted while reading?
- What strategies help you stay calm?
A Different Perspective
Even with practice, sudden disturbances can still trigger strong reactions.
