One of the things I love to do when I read is underline sentences and passages that speak to me or that are exceptionally well-written, no matter whether the book is fiction or non-fiction. When I borrow a book from a friend, I sometimes make note of what they’ve underlined or scribbled in the margins. When people borrow my books, I encourage them to note their thoughts in it. It’s why I love used books– they’re so personal. I understand this is something a lot of readers do.

I recently sent a book to someone in Japan. “It’s aged, torn and yellowed,” I told him. The book is, very surely, older than I am by a few decades. I’m not even sure you can read it properly. Send it anyway, he said. He received it a couple of weeks ago and e-mailed me. “It’s an antique!” he wrote. “Thanks so much for sending it.” I have a feeling he’s going to save it for as long as my mother and I did until another person with a love of crumbling yellow pages comes along. I can see him underlining passages, turning pages very carefully, and reading everything that’s been written by previous readers in the blank spaces.

So instead of recommending books on this blog or reviewing them, I’ve decided instead to share some of those passages that I’ve found fascinating in books I’ve enjoyed. Whether or not you pick up the book based on those is up to you. Reviews are pretty subjective and can be found elsewhere. Here, I’ll give you a taste of the actual thing. I’ll start tomorrow.