“I think a good book is a good book forever.
I don't think they get less good because times change.”

“I think it is good that books still exist, but they do make me sleepy.”

“What I have understood is good; and so, I think, what I have not understood is; only the book requires a Delian diver to get at the meaning of it.”

“I don't know if Native Son is a good book or a bad book. And I don't know if the book I'm working on now will be a good book or a bad book. And I really don't care. The mere writing of it will be more fun and a deeper satisfaction than any praise or blame from anybody. I feel that I'm lucky to be alive to write novels today, when the whole world is caught in the pangs of war and change.”

“A good book changing lives. A good writer inspires.”

“And just because I've written this book, don't think I've changed. I'm like I was back then, really.”

“A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever.”

“I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good at it.”

“O, there is lovely to feel a book, a good book, firm in the hand, for its fatness holds rich promise, and you are hot inside to think of good hours to come.”

“I wish it were as easy to buy time as it is to buy good books.”