Book Quote by Rabih Alameddine
““Choosing which book isn't difficult. The choice is typically the last one I brought home. I acquire books constantly and place them in the to-read pile. When I finish with whatever book I'm reading, I begin the last book I bought, the one that caught my attention last. Of course, the pile grows and grows until I decide taht I'm not going to buy a single book until I read my stack. Sometimes that works.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Rabih Alameddine on reading habits, 2022
Constantly acquiring books leads to a growing backlog, prompting a self‑imposed pause on new purchases until the pile is cleared, illustrating the cycle of consumption and intentional restraint.
In simple terms: Buying books faster than reading creates a backlog; pause purchases to catch up.
Limit new books until you finish current ones.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal libraries
- book clubs
- online shopping
- reading goals
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your impulse to buy books?
- How can you balance curiosity with completion?
Stopping purchases may limit exposure to new ideas.