Book Quote by Jonathan Lethem
“I hate libraries for the way they put stickers on things. I don't approve of folding over pages, or of writing in books. God, forget scissors - that's beyond the pale.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2005
He objects to physical alterations of books, seeing them as violations of the text’s integrity.
In simple terms: He dislikes marking books.
Key Takeaway
Respect the printed word.
Themes
literature
preservation
authorship
Mood
defensive
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- library handling
- personal reading
- archival work
Key Concepts
material culture
censorship
bookbinding
Questions to Reflect On
- Should books be altered for personal use?
- How balance preservation with engagement?
A Different Perspective
His stance may ignore practical needs for annotation and accessibility.
