The quote reflects a character who struggles to engage with the world around him, finding it difficult to immerse himself in everyday life. Instead, he finds solace and depth in the pages of books. For him, the stories and ideas within literature resonate more profoundly than reality itself.
This suggests a profound disconnect between his inner world and the external one. While others navigate life with its tangible experiences, he seems more comfortable exploring the narratives and emotions found in literature, suggesting that for some individuals, books offer an escape and a more meaningful connection than reality could provide.