After a certain length, a long book stops being a book. It becomes a number of unbook-like-things: an intimidating stack of pages, an enormous box-shaped thing, “the thing that takes up all the space on my bookshelf.”
The long book, maybe with a classic title that mysteriously shows up in expressions and conversations, exists on various shelves and waits - because for some curious reason, people look at it but do not open it. They have their reasons, which they sometimes discuss amongst themselves or with teachers who so unjustly assign reading War and Peace over Thanksgiving (looking at you Charlie Brown).
But the long books of the world, by virtue of being books, haven’t gotten the chance to speak for themselves. Who will speak on their behalf? I haven’t read every “long book,” to be sure. But I’ve read a few - enough to want to defend them as very good friends.
1. They're wonderful for summer.
Even if it's fast paced, in actuality, summer still claims the connotation of a rhythm long and slow. What better companion for a warm summer day than a good, thick book? If you have lingering summer afternoon ahead of you, whether at home or at the beach, a glass of iced tea and Les Misérables might be perfection.
2. It's like getting to know a good friend.
Sometimes you meet someone and know instantly that you're destined to be friends. You don't want to hang out just once or twice; you spend time together consistently, learning more and more about each other as the friendship deepens. Beginning a book is beginning a friendship - with every page you know a little more, have a little more history. As the story unfolds, good long book has the depth and development to become known well.
3. They add context to your repertoire of classic quotes.
You've heard the quotes and allusions sprinkled in everyday conversation. As a general rule, the more you read, the broader your knowledge base, and this extends to long books. You can know the full story of Les Mis, know in what context Rhett Butler says, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." (Gone With the Wind). True, you can see the movies - but the books have a richness movies just can't capture.
4. Long books are their own bookends.
A good lengthy hardcover book can stand all by itself. They're sturdy, those long books, and they can support all the little books that will topple over on their own.
