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Absence Quote by Mark Haddon

“Books are like people. Some look deceptively attractive from a distance, some deceptively unappealing; some are easy company, some demand hard work that isn’t guaranteed to pay off. Some become friends and say friends for life. Some change in our absence - or perhaps it is we who change in theirs…” quote by Mark Haddon
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“Books are like people. Some look deceptively attractive from a distance, some deceptively unappealing; some are easy company, some demand hard work that isn’t guaranteed to pay off. Some become friends and say friends for life. Some change in our absence - or perhaps it is we who change in theirs - and we meet up again only to find that we don’t get along any more.”

Mark Haddon

About This Quote

Source Interview: Author Talk, 2015

Books are likened to people, varying in appeal and effort required, forming relationships that evolve or dissolve over time.

In simple terms: Books differ in attractiveness and effort needed.

Key Takeaway

Choose books that match your current mood and goals.

Themes

literature relationships personal growth reading habits

Mood

reflective curious

Type

literary personal

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • library curation
  • book clubs
  • educational settings

Key Concepts

metaphor human connection evolution of taste

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do your reading choices reflect your personal growth?
  • What makes a book a lasting companion?
A Different Perspective

It may overgeneralize reading experiences.

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