The quote from Nick Hornby's "More Baths, Less Talking" points to the idea that influential books can sometimes let readers down. When a book becomes popular and inspires others, its imitators may not live up to the original's quality, leading to disappointment. The rich essence of the original work can be diluted by lesser versions, which may not capture what made the original compelling.

This phenomenon can create a paradox for readers. While the original influential book may resonate strongly, the subsequent adaptations or imitations might fail to evoke the same emotions or intellectual engagement. As a result, readers may find themselves craving the depth and uniqueness of the original, only to be confronted with subpar replicas that fall short of their expectations.