More than fifty years ago, my life was turned around by one of history's most famous metaphorical passages:That's from the Introduction (p. xi). When I got home from the library, I flipped this book open to roughly in the middle of its 479 pages and found this:
If a man does not keep pace with his companions,perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.Let him step to the music which he hears,however measured or far away.― Henry David Thoreau
I was in the middle of what is now called an identity crisis, and Thoreau's words were a lifeline. I didn't even know what a metaphor was at the time, but one of the best things about metaphors is that you don't have to know what they are to be moved by them.
And one last teaser, my favorite metaphor from this book so far. Yes, we readers love libraries.That money talksI'll not deny.I heard it once,it said goodbye.― Richard Armour (p. 278)
A library doesn't need windows. A library is a window.
―Stewart Brand (p. 236)
Gilion at Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Fridays. Click here for today's Mister Linky.
6 comments:
I've never thought about reading a book on metaphors - I loved the teasers you shared. Here's my Friday meme
What wonderful metaphors. Sounds like this book could be quite inspirational. Today I'm sharing an oldie - 1984 by George Orwell.
Sounds like a great book for people who love words and language! I'd love to have this book on my shelves.
My Friday post features The Other Daughter.
Thanks, Sandra. I liked what you wrote about The Other Daughter and put it on reserve at my library.
I want this book!
Thanks for posting on BBOF!
Yes, you do, Gilion! I highly recommend it, not for reading straight through, but for browsing for the rest of your life. :)
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