Any time I read a book, what I like to do is write down all of the lines that I like best. All and any lines, quotes, paragraphs, words that I find pretty or inspiring or silly or just plain entertaining. If the book is mine, I’ll underline the pages using a pencil, if it belongs to somebody else, I’ll write them all down in a notebook or a piece of paper, so I can keep them stored away and come back to them if the mood strikes.
In honor of the death this past week of one of the greatest writers I have familiarized myself with, J.D. Salinger, I’m reading one of my favourite books, “Franny and Zooey.” This book is definitely the most physically-worn paperback I own, with a dirty little cover full of pen marks and dirt spots and frayed edges and general signs of wear, but what’s more, of love. I have read this book I don’t know how many times. And reading through it now, I find it more enjoyable than the last (which has been a few years since). I absolutely love reading the story, but what’s even more, I love reading the parts I’ve underlined, and even adding a few new selections that weren’t caught before.
…and though we’ve talked and talked and talked, we’ve all agreed not to say a word.
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