The thing about this bookshelf is that each of these books is a vast experience unto itself, while also being both self-contained and superbly useless. Reading any one of them doesn't get you anywhere particularly meaningful; you haven't arrived or graduated; you've just gone and done something that passed the time. It's like taking a long walk with a friend who's got a lot to say. There's not cumulative purpose to it - it's just an excellent way to waste your life.
The quote reflects on the nature of the books within a particular bookshelf, emphasizing that each book offers a unique experience that remains isolated and ultimately unproductive. Reading these books does not lead to any profound understanding or achievement; instead, it serves merely as a means to pass the time. The act of reading is likened to enjoying a lengthy conversation with an insightful friend, where no goal is reached, but the journey itself is enjoyable.
This perspective presents literature as something that can enrich our lives in a transient way. The books may lack direct utility or purpose, yet they provide a valuable opportunity for exploration and reflection. Lethem suggests that this seemingly aimless engagement is still worthwhile, as it allows for a deeper appreciation of knowledge and creativity, even if it does not contribute to tangible outcomes.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
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