In the book "Gun, With Occasional Music" by Jonathan Lethem, the protagonist reflects on his unreliable memory, likening it to a worn notepad. This metaphor highlights the fragility of recollections and how our minds struggle to retain information clearly. The phrase suggests a sense of disarray, as the act of remembering becomes a flawed process, reminiscent of a pen skipping over the page.

This depiction invites readers to consider the nature of memory itself—how it can be both essential and elusive. The protagonist's struggle to capture thoughts and names underscores a broader theme of uncertainty in one's past, as well as the challenges associated with recalling significant details in a complex world.