So this is supposed to be about the how, and when, and why, and what of reading -- about the way that, when reading is going well, one book leads to another and to another, a paper trail of theme and meaning; and how, when it's going badly, when books don't stick or take, when your mood and the mood of the book are fighting like cats, you'd rather do anything but attempt the next paragraph, or reread the last one for the tenth time.
The excerpt discusses the intricacies of reading, emphasizing the flow of connection between books when the experience is enjoyable. It portrays a seamless journey where discovering themes and meanings propels the reader from one book to the next, creating a sense of an enriching literary path. This highlights the joy and satisfaction that can come from engaging with literature deeply.
Conversely, it portrays the struggle that arises when reading becomes challenging. When the mood of a reader clashes with that of the book, it can lead to frustration and reluctance to continue. This experience can manifest as a desire to avoid reading altogether, illustrating the complex relationship that exists between a reader and the material they engage with.
