Many of you have written to me, saying that you enjoy the quotes I've been adding to our newsletter. Some of you have even sent me your own favourite quotes on books and reading.
So it occurred to me that this could be a great feature for the newsletter.
If you have an interesting, entertaining or inspiring quote that is in some way related to the world of books and reading, please post it in a comment below. But we're not limited to talking about books. If your quote is about something else, but it was penned by a great writer, that's fair enough. Personally, I like to see light-hearted quotes about life in general, so anything humorous will also be good, e.g. a great one-liner from a comedian.
If I choose your quote, I'll give you a name check in the newsletter, so please fill in the comment form carefully, as I'd hate to call you by the wrong name.
Please don't put links in the comment – the system will treat your comment as spam.
It will help me to choose your quote if it's from someone well known, as I'll have to spend some time checking each one before I post it. If I can't verify your quote, I won't be able to use it, so steer clear of quoting anyone too obscure.
I'd be grateful if you would avoid anything political or religious.
Similarly, it's best to avoid quoting anyone who might be a divisive figure. There's enough negativity around without any us needing to add to it.
The newsletter is family-friendly.
That's it!
I'm looking forward to reading your quotes.
I have several quotes about words and writing in my arsenal. One of my favorites:
Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assault of thoughts on the unthinking.-John Maynard Keynes, economist (1883-1946)
Thanks. I like that one a lot.
“ He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Benjamin Franklin
Ah, yes, that’s a good one. Thanks.
My favorite quote was written by Dr. Seuss and the quote says Why Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out.
Dr Seuss taught me to read and love books, so that’s definitely going to be used. Thank you.
Do what you love to do
This is a line written by Nevada Barr in one of the older Anna Pigeon stories and goes something like this: Memories are not stored in your brain like the Dewey decimal system, but are random and you have to root around to find them. I think of that whenever I simply cannot remember something . . . like, where did I put the mailbox key!
Thank you. I like that idea. I’m sure my memories are very jumbled indeed!
Life isn’t measured by the breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away! (Not sure of author)
Normally applied to beautiful sights, sounds and a host of feelings, but a well written book can elevate intense feelings or hold your breath in moments of fear, tension, anticipation.
Thanks for your suggestion.
I have never really read much poetry, but the one poet who speaks to me even when her words are dark is Emily Dickenson. One of my favorites, which is more filled with wide open spaces to conjure, with is “Forever is composed of nows.”
Thank you. That’s rather wonderful.
‘Both optimists and pessimists are necessary to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane; the pessimist the parachute.’ — George Bernard Shaw.
Thanks, that’s a great one. I’ve made a note of it for later.
Not sure who said this “On the Plains of Hesitation, bleach the bones of countless millions, who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to rest and resting, died,
Thanks for that. A quick search suggests it was George W. Cecil (1891–1970).
I found this one today and I think it is something worth remembering during these times:
“Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life. They feed the soul”. Anne Lamott
Thank you. Very true.
From the wall of Dawson’s bedroom, attributed to Abraham Lincoln, my favourite quote to be repeated when feeling a bit down:
People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Thank you for that thought.
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” -John Lennon
Thank you. That’s one of my favourites. I’m a big Beatles fan.
To have joy, one must share it. Happiness was born a twin. -Byron
Thank you. That’s an interesting one.