Books on the Wall posts featuring “Words Wednesday” book quote graphics. New graphics added every week, so be sure to check back often!
This quote comes from Louisa May Alcott’s most popular novel, Little Women. Published in 1868 and 1869, Little Women follows the four March sisters—Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg—as they grow up in America during the Civil War. Little Women is also featured on our newest product, a 24″x18″ poster featuring text until Chapter 18 of Little Women. “Love is a great beautifier.” Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Continue Reading
This quote comes from Murakami’s best-selling novel Kafka on the Shore. One of Murakami’s most beloved works, Kafka on the Shore follows 15-year-old Kafka and 60-something Nakata, two men whose lives become tied together by dreamlike blackouts, a mythical stone, an infamous murder, a reclusive library manager and an old song entitled “Kafka on the Shore.” “If you remember me, then I don’t care if everyone else forgets.” Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore
Continue Reading
This quote comes from Charlotte Bronte’s beloved novel, Jane Eyre, which follows the titular character’s journey from an abusive and lonely childhood to her eventual betrothal to Mr. Rochester, master of Thornfield Hall. Jane is beloved by audiences for her independent will, fierce determination and commitment to upholding her values. “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
Continue Reading
This quote is spoken by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third installment in the Harry Potter series. Although we name J.K. Rowling, the author of all seven original books, this quote was actually written specifically for the movie by screenwriter Steve Kloves. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” JK Rowling & Steve Kloves, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Continue Reading
This quote is spoken by Helena from William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, believed to have been written in the 1590s. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set during the festive wedding weekend of the duke of Athens and the queen of the Amazons, and the play follows the love triangle (better said, love square?) between the four main characters: Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia and Helena. Hermia’s father wants her to marry Demetrius, who loves her, but Hermia loves Lysander. Helena, who is Hermia’s friend, still loves Demetrius, her ex. The lovers run into the forest to sneak away, but end […]
Continue Reading
This quote comes from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Published in 1960, the novel follows two young children, Scout and Jem, and their lawyer father, Atticus Finch, as he defends a wrongfully accused black man in Depression era-Alabama. To Kill a Mockingbird met instant critical acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. To Kill a Mockingbird was long Harper Lee’s only published work. However, in 2015, she released Go Set a Watchman, a sequel of sorts to her previous work. Regardless of the literary quality of the novel, many critics felt that Lee—now 89 years old, deaf, and […]
Continue Reading
These are the last words of Hemingway’s 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises. Loosely based on Ernest Hemingway’s real-life group of friends, the novel follows American expatriate Jake Barnes and his love interest, Englishwoman Brett Ashley. Often considered Hemingway’s finest novel, The Sun Also Rises captures readers with its depiction of glitzy Parisian cafes, excessive drinking, women’s sexual liberation and the tragic seduction of Pamplona bullfighting. Beyond a single work, though, Ernest Hemingway is remembered for writing about the Lost Generation and for his distinctly sparse, action-driven prose. (His unique writing style has even inspired an eponymous editing app.) “Isn’t it […]
Continue Reading
This quote is spoken by Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has become Austen’s most famous work, due in no small part to the BBC mini-series and 2005 movie of the same name. Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates British society’s (and her family’s) expectations for marriage, manners and morals. “What are men to rocks and mountains?” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Continue Reading
This quote comes from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, published in 1890. A brilliant wordsmith, Oscar Wilde is perhaps most known for his sharp turn of turn-of-phrase and memorable one-liners which hide a kernal of truth in a pithy joke. When The Picture of Dorian Gray was published, British reviewers were scandalized by its so-called moral impropriety, and some even suggested that Wilde be prosecuted for violating public morality. Wilde’s reply to these critics, published in the print version of the novel, has become as famous as the novel itself: “There is no such thing as a moral […]
Continue Reading
This quote comes from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Originally published in French in 1862, the historical novel follows several characters, including ex-convict Jean Valjean and orphaned Cosette, during France’s June Rebellion. One of longest novels ever written, critics have argued that the length of Les Misérables is in fact its greatest strength. Numerous movie and Broadway adaptations have helped Victor Hugo’s masterpiece remain as popular and relevant as ever. If you’re a big Les Mis fan—or you haven’t started reading it yet—check our Les Misérables text poster!
Continue Reading