In “Ten Years in the Tub,” Nick Hornby reflects on his decade-long experience with books, blending humor and insight as he shares his thoughts on reading. He suggests that the number of books one buys contributes more to a person's identity than the number actually read. This idea highlights how consumer choices can reveal more about our interests and aspirations than our completed reading lists.

Hornby's quote captures the irony of how people often present themselves based on unfinished ambitions. At the Pearly Gates, he imagines advocating for the significance of books purchased, emphasizing that these choices reflect a deeper understanding of who we are, even if they remain unread. This perspective invites readers to reconsider what defines their literary journeys and personal growth.