In Richard Russo's book "Elsewhere," the author reflects on the influence of his mother, who taught him that reading is a pleasurable activity rather than an obligation. This understanding shaped his appreciation for literature and its power to provide escape and enrichment. Russo emphasizes the idea that books open doors to experiences beyond the mundane reality of everyday life.

He also touches on a profound insight regarding human existence: many individuals exist in isolation, constrained by their desires and a lack of imagination. In contrast, readers have the unique ability to transcend these limitations through the worlds they explore in books. Thus, literature serves as a vital escape, granting readers freedom from the confines of their own lives.