Garner’s Quotations

Garner’s Quotations: A Modern Miscellany by Dwight Garner was published in 2020. The book contains quotations that Dwight Garner collected for more than forty years in his commonplace books. The quotations are loosely organized by subject, and there is a good index of the originators of the quotations in the back of the book. Mr. Garner published an adaptation of the preface to the book as Dwight Garner Shares From His Stash of Other Writers’ Words.

I bought and read the book in 2020 when it appeared in the bookstores. I had heard about the book from listening to The Book Review Podcast produced by The New York Times, where Dwight Garner works. I decided to read the book again before giving it away as part of my effort at decluttering the house.

These were the quotations that stood out for me on this reading:

Listen. If I wrote like that, I’d be you.
     —Clive James to an editor

My favorite ethnic group is smart.
     —Dagoberto Gilb, interview

When you’re buying books, you’re optimistically thinking you’re buying the time to read them.
     —Arthur Schopenhauer

First, forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable.
     —Olivia E. Butler, “Furor Scribendi”

Your life story would not make a good book. Don’t even try.
     —Fran Lebowitz

Life passes into pages if it passes into anything.
     —James Salter

I made a set of quotations I liked when I first read the book, but I can’t find it. I suspect that that set and the set above are completely different. I also think I would select a different set after a later reading of this book.

Rating: Four of five stars (very good)