“I often feel sorry for people who don't read good books; they are missing a chance to lead an extra life.”

“Lately, I feel like my life is a book written in a language I don't know how to read.”

“Mo: Uh… sorry. I was just wondering why you're… you know… using that if normally you just use crutches.
Thea: Well, the chair is so much more dramatic, don't you think? I use it when I want people to feel extra sorry for me.”

“Those who don't read good books have no advantage over those who can't.”

“One reads books in order to gain the privilege of living more than one life. People who don't read are trapped in a mine shaft, even if they think the sun is shining.”

“I never miss a good chance to shut up”

“I try to avoid having thoughts. They lead to other thoughts, and—if you're not careful—those lead to actions. Actions make you tired. I have this on rather good authority from someone who once read it in a book.”

“Coloured people don't like. Burn it. White people don't feel good about. Burn it. Someone's written a book on tobacco and cancer of the lungs? The cigarette people are weeping? Burn the book.”

“… Don't feel sorry for me. I'm glad I had a second chance in life like you said to be smart because I learned a lot of things that I never knew were in this world, and I'm grateful I saw it even for a little bit.”

“If one reads enough books one has a fighting chance. Or better, one's chances of survival increase with each book one reads.”