Great Quotes

While waiting for the bus these past few mornings, I have been listening to a book by Pat Conroy called My Reading Life. It is read by the author, making it doubly enjoyable. I keep having to stop the ipod, mark the spot and come back to it later because he has so many great quotes. For example, in the first chapter where he is explaining his love of good literature, he says, "Books contain powerful amulets that can lead to paths of certain wisdom." In the second chapter, writing about Gone with the Wind, a touchstone book for him,  he says, "There is no passion more rewarding than reading itself, ... it remains the best way to dream..." I love the way he uses language. And I especially love hearing him read it himself. There are times when a writer's prose makes me want to stop and notice, to think about the way words are put together, to really marvel at the choice of vocabulary, sentence structure, and take the time to give credit to the author for such exquisite writing. Most times, I don't do this, but with the listening, especially with this book, it has seemed more compelling.  Either reading or listening, it is difficult to stop, to take the time to mark the place, to come back to the pieces of writing that pierce your heart. But, when I do take the time, it is always worth it!