To use an electronics analogy, closing a book on a bookmark is like pressing the Stop button, whereas when you leave the book facedown, you've only pressed Pause.
In "Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader," Anne Fadiman uses an electronics analogy to illustrate how we engage with books. Closing a book with a bookmark represents a definitive pause in reading, much like pressing the Stop button on a device. This action indicates a clear end to the reading experience, suggesting that you’ve completed that chapter, at least for now.
On the other hand, leaving a book facedown symbolizes a more temporary cessation, akin to pressing the Pause button. It suggests that the reader intends to return to the book soon and is still immersed in its world. This subtle distinction highlights the different ways we can interact with literature, either as a complete stop or a brief respite before resuming the journey through the pages.
