"What is it exactly that you do with a book?" "You read it.… - Walter Tevis

"What is it exactly that you do with a book?"
"You read it."
"Oh," she said. And then, "What does read mean?"
I nodded. Then I began turning the pages of the book I was holding and said, "Some of these markings here represent sounds. And the sounds make words. You look at the marks and sounds come into your mind and, after you practice long enough, they begin to sound like hearing a person talking. Talking—but silently."

Walter Tevis

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About Walter Tevis

Walter Tevis (February 28, 1928 – August 9, 1984) was an American novelist and short story writer.

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Walter S. Tevis • Walter Stone Tevis

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When literacy died, so had history.

They had told us how important courts were for protecting our sacred rights to Privacy and Individuality, and how helpful a judge could be, but you somehow got the idea that it was a good idea to stay away from courts altogether.

"Would you show me how to make an omelette?"
She looked shocked, and said nothing.
Then from the sink the other woman's voice said, "Men don't cook."
The woman beside me hesitated a moment, and then said softly, "This man is different, Mary. He's a Reader."

"What is it exactly that you do with a book?" "You read it." "Oh," she said. And then, "What does read mean?" I nodded. Then I began turning the page… - Walter Tevis

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