I was one of those rare kids that loved it when I found an old quote book at a library book sale. In just a few words you could make a profound or funny statement without reading an entire book, which was ideal for someone who didn’t love reading. So for today’s post I decided to share a few of my favorite quotes on reading, since you know, it’s a library blog.
“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all.” –Henry David Thoreau
So many people feel like they have to finish a book, even if they do not like it. I used to feel that way too, but when the list of books I wanted to read kept getting longer, I decided it was time to prioritize. There is a reason there are so many different kinds of books because there are so many different kinds of readers.
“I owe everything I am and everything I will ever be to books.” – Gary Paulsen
I think this quote is fitting because Hatchet by Gary Paulsen was the first chapter book I read that I enjoyed. I was assigned to read it in 7th grade. I grew up in a house full of books and readers, but I didn’t enjoy reading because I was a slow reader. While my sister was devouring one book after another, I was stuck on the same book for the entire summer reading program. Then my class was assigned to read Hatchet. I remember my mom had to read aloud to me some nights so I could finish it in time. But this is when I discovered that to make reading fun you had to find books you wanted to read. I didn’t want to read The Babysitters Club like my sister; I wanted action, adventure, and mystery. To be honest, I still didn’t read much until I was an adult and discovered audio books (still a slow reader). Who knew I would be the one who would become a librarian in a family full of readers? My family still laughs about that to this day.
“I cannot live without books.” – Thomas Jefferson
I would make a slight adjustment to this: I cannot live without audiobooks. I need one for my car, for bedtime, and for doing projects around the house. I love that audiobooks evolved from just having someone read blandly for the sight impaired to a high quality production. I would never get through as many books as I do without them.
“Be awesome! Be a book nut!”- Dr. Seuss
Just some great final words to live by.
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