In Carol Shields' "The Republic of Love," the author emphasizes the transformative power of reading. She urges readers to immerse themselves in a book, suggesting a commitment to the experience that requires not just attention but a deep emotional investment. By reading until reaching page fifty, one can fully engage with the narrative and the world it creates, allowing thoughts to be absorbed and shifted.

This process of "burying thoughts in print" suggests a cleansing experience where individuals can momentarily detach from their realities. By surrounding oneself with the written word, readers can find solace and perhaps even lose themselves, highlighting the profound impact that literature can have on the human spirit.