7.21.2010

Need to Read


"I don't think people read 'for' pleasure, exactly. Of course there is pleasure in reading. But mainly we do it out of need. Because we're lonely, or confused, or need to laugh, or want some kind of protection or quiet — or disturbance, or truth, or whatever."

-Lorin Stein, editor of the Paris Review, via "The Fine Art of Recommending Books" by Laura Miller

12 comments:

  1. Brenna, I love that quote! Its so true that people need to read - I know that I do! When I want a book, I find myself saying that I need to buy that book. And when I pick up a book to read, its typically because I need something to stimulate my mind, or distract me from my mundane job or to make me laugh or whatever my mind needs at that moment. Gotta love The Paris Review!

    By the by, I love that pic! It looks gorgeous outside - perfect for laying about and reading!

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  2. I know I love the quote too! I basically sums up why I read.

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  3. too true...the need to escape whatever is going on in my life at the moment is why I read...to leap into a world all of someone else's creation and not my own mess. What a beautiful quote. Thank you for sharing and the perfect picture to go with it!!!

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  4. I know it's such a great quote. The article I linked is also worth a read.

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  5. So true! I've become addicted to all the wonderful things that I get from books - it's like soul food.

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  6. Reading definitely eases my mind, and makes me forget my worries; it's a great escape from my hectic day.

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  7. Reading is a definite need--- almost meditative.

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  8. I absolutely love that quote!

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  9. Thanks for sharing this quote. Books are a wonderful escape. There is no doubt about it.

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  10. I agree with this quote 100%. I enjoy reading like I enjoy breathing.

    That looks so much like the Rosslyn skyline in downtown Arlington in the background of your pic!

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  11. Constance, I've never been to Arlington. It must be pretty if it looks like the picture. It's actually Central Park.

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  12. I read to create the illusion of intelligence and culture.

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