In "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami, the protagonist reflects on his approach to reading literature. He expresses a strong preference for books written by authors who have been dead for at least 30 years. This principle stems from his belief that only time can validate a work's worth and impact.

He believes that contemporary literature, while potentially valid, lacks the historical perspective that helps sift through transient trends. For him, reading is a precious use of time, and he seeks works that have endured the test of time, providing a trustworthy and meaningful engagement with literature.