This is a real story of Emily in relation to the book. Books, like friends, have the power to shape our lives. The right ones can inspire, teach, and challenge us, making it essential to be selective in what we choose to read. Quality over quantity brings lasting value. Quality matters over quantity when it comes to books and friendships. Like well-chosen friends, the right books can deeply influence our thoughts, growth, and perspective on life.
Why should we be selective about the books we read?
Being selective with books allows us to focus on those that enrich our lives, inspire growth, and offer meaningful insights—just as we do with carefully chosen friendships.
As a child, Emily was an avid reader, devouring every book she could get her hands on. Her shelves were filled with novels, comics, and magazines—anything with words. But as she grew older, she realized her reading was more quantity over quality. Many of the books she read were forgotten soon after finishing them. One summer, while visiting her grandmother, she stumbled upon an old, worn-out book on a shelf titled To Kill a Mockingbird.
Many of the books she read were forgotten soon after finishing them
Her grandmother noticed her interest. "That’s one of my dearest books," she said. "I’ve read it dozens of times. It’s shaped the way I see the world."
Emily decided to give it a try. Unlike the other books she’d quickly skimmed through, this one captivated her. She found herself thinking deeply about the characters, the moral dilemmas, and the life lessons within the pages. That single book left a lasting impression, inspiring her to rethink her approach to reading.
From that moment on, Emily became more selective, treating books like friends—choosing only those that would leave a meaningful impact on her life. Just as the quote suggests, she learned that "books like friends, should be few and well-chosen."
