---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A bit of trash now and then is good for…"
description: "\"A bit of trash now and then is good for the severest reader. It provides the necessary roughage in the literary diet.\" — Phyllis McGinley"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/878/phyllis-mcginley-4467_books_a-bit-of-trash-now-and-then-is-good-for_2209779.png"
---

#  A bit of trash now and then is good for the severest…

![“A bit of trash now and then is good for the severest reader. It provides the necessary roughage in the literary diet.” quote by Phyllis McGinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/878/phyllis-mcginley-4467_books_a-bit-of-trash-now-and-then-is-good-for_2209779.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/878/phyllis-mcginley-4467_books_a-bit-of-trash-now-and-then-is-good-for_2209779.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/878/phyllis-mcginley-4467_books_a-bit-of-trash-now-and-then-is-good-for_2209779.png)

> “A bit of trash now and then is good for the severest reader. It provides the necessary roughage in the literary diet.”

[Phyllis McGinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-mcginley/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Literary indulgence of occasional low‑brow material keeps serious readers balanced and prevents fatigue.

**In simple terms:** A little trash helps serious readers stay healthy.

Key Takeaway

Mix in light reading to avoid burnout.

Themes

balance literature health reading diet roughage

Mood

playful reflective

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

- reading habits
- book clubs
- personal downtime
- creative writing
- literary criticism

Key Concepts

literary diet mental hygiene

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance depth and leisure in reading?
- What “trash” books have refreshed your perspective?

A Different Perspective

Too much lowbrow can dilute taste if overused.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/)

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