I like to read. The evidence is in the number of books I own. Some mean more to me than others. You can tell by the number of Page Points, or Book Darts, that are clipped onto the pages.
Well, that's not exactly true, some of my most favorite books have none. But some have particular lines or phrases that really stand out or have special meaning and I want to be able to reference them easily. I think you will understand why I'm especially fond of these particular passages if you take the time to read them. Maybe they will lead you to find the book and read it in its entirety. Or not. That's up to you. But I will say that my library is open for loans. No membership necessary and no late fees. Shipping available. Returns, however, are mandatory. Or...I will find you.
Now here are a few examples of what I'm talking about - in no particular order.
Anam Cara by John O'Donohue
A friend is a loved one who awakens your life in order to free the wild possibilities within you.
Our idea of beauty is impoverished now because beauty is reduced to good looks. Real beauty is a light that comes from the soul. Sometimes in an old face, you see that light coming from behind the lines.
Accidental Rancher by Eliza Blue
To put it simply, I wanted the world to get so wide, and so quiet, I could hear everything I needed to know in the silence. I have that big quiet now.
Lost Horizon by James Hilton
People make mistakes in life through believing too much, but they have a damned dull time if they believe too little.
The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer
I recalled how, many years ago, it was access to information and movement that seemed our greatest luxury; nowadays it's often freedom from information, the chance to sit still, that feels like the ultimate prize.
Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs
And finally you get to put the record on the turntable, it spins in limbo a perfect second, followed by the moment of truth, needle into groove, and, finally sound.
...a twirling melodic arch so beautiful it steals your own breath. (This line is from Bangs' Rolling Stone Magazine review of Van Morrison's album Astral Weeks).
The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin
The artist's only responsibility is to the work itself. There are no other requirements. You're free to create what you will.
Ultimately, your desire to create must be greater than your fear of it.
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.
Wilderness Essays by John Muir
But it is in the darkest nights, when storms are blowing and the agitated waves are phosphorescent, that the most impressive displays are made.
The Mind's Eye by Henri Cartier Bresson
One must always take photographs with the greatest respect for the subject and for oneself.
Polishing the Mirror by Ram Dass
We don't necessarily see things as they are. We see them as we are.
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes “Awww!"
I have many more but I'll stop here. It's late. And I have more reading to do before I sleep.
Roger O'Dea 11/14/2025
