Monday, January 22, 2007

One of his most morbid habits

He read a great deal. He used to sit in the club all the time, nervously pulling at his beard and leafing through magazines and books; one could see by his face that he was not reading but devouring, with barely any time to chew. It must be assumed that reading was one of his most morbid habits, since he used to fall with equal appetite upon whatever was at hand, even the past year's newspapers and calendars. At home he always read lying down.

--Anton Chekhov, "Ward No. 6"

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:48 PM

    That's it! Yes! That is why I never understood a word of what I was reading; I was too concerned with reading as much as possible to worry about WHAT I was reading! Love this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1:54 PM

    What a great quote. I admit it, based on that quote alone I would want to pick up this book. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Chekhov, great quote!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chekhov always makes me chuckle, deep down.

    ReplyDelete

A bang, not a whimper

  Two months into L.'s retirement, and I'm finished with the stockpiling of books. No more book purchases! Or at least, no purcha...