Smile for Today ~

"When we are collecting books, we are collecting
happiness."

~ Vincent Starrett (1886 - 1974) American writer, newspaper man, born above his grandfather's bookshop in Toronto, Ontario.

"...open the the book itself, carefully lifting the front cover and, with brand-new books (as opposed to used ones), quietly thrilling at the slight resistance offered by a cover that's never been opened before. Gingerly turning the pages, I read the half-title page, the title page, and, in a nonfiction book, the table of contents, savoring each step, until I come to the first page of text. This is the real test, the point at which I will decide to buy or not to buy, elect to make this book part of my life or place it back on the shelf. And so I read the first paragraph, only the first paragraph, never more...."

~ Rob Kaplan (b. 1952) American author, journalist