Stories have been essential to human survival since prehistory: at their most base, they are how we communicate both threats and opportunities. They are how the subconscious sorts through problems as we rest; through the narratives that are dreams, we can go on and address life’s travails. Literature refines these functions, elevates them to the spiritual realm.

The devout read their religious texts daily.

Every book is a marathon.

A book at the table, just as in all places, is never rude.

How long is this damn thing?

Literature is the spirit of the Culture, the lifeblood.

Stories are fundamental to the human experience.

After one postmodern doorstopper, you’ve read them all. Pynchon got there first, really… and it was good… but most of the others have been pure drivel. Modern life is very complicated and overwhelming and it is advisable to be anxious about it all… Well, obviously!

You think literature is supposed to make you feel safe?! It’s supposed to do quite the opposite of that, believe you me!