In Jonathan Lethem's "Amnesia Moon," the author explores the complexities of memory and how it impacts our understanding of reality. The quote, "You can't reclaim a thing that changes as you touch it," encapsulates the notion that memories and experiences are fluid. As we engage with them, they morph and evolve, making it impossible to hold onto an unaltered version of past events.

This idea suggests that our attempts to grasp memories or experiences often lead to disappointment, as they are inherently transient. Lethem’s narrative invites readers to reflect on their relationship with memory and the inevitability of change, reinforcing the theme that what seems fixed is actually in continuous flux.