It's a curse being dad's 'clever' child. He reads books the way other people take cold showers – they're good for you, but you're not expected to enjoy them.
The character reflects on the burdens of being perceived as the 'clever' child in the family, particularly in relation to their father's approach to reading. For him, books serve a practical purpose, akin to the necessary discomfort of a cold shower, rather than a source of enjoyment. This perspective places pressure on the child to live up to the expectations of intellect and seriousness.
This sentiment highlights the challenges of familial expectations and the struggle to balance personal enjoyment with perceived obligations. The quote suggests a disconnect between the character's desires and their father's pragmatic views, illustrating the complexities of parental relationships and the impact of labels like 'clever.'
