as almost anything else on earth.
What a miracle it is that out of these
small, flat, rigid squares of paper
unfolds world after world after world,
worlds that sing to you,
comfort and quiet or excite you.
Books help us understand
who we are and how we are to behave.
They show us what community and friendship mean;
they show us how to live and die.
They are full of all the things you don't get in real life,
wonderful lyrical language, and quality of attention. . . .
An author makes you notice, makes you pay attention,
and this is a great gift.