From The Journal of Contemporary Photography Volume VI, 2003 “Boy Reading, Inspired by a photograph by Julio Pimentel” by Ann Patchett

“There are always too many books. I put them on the shelves alphabetically, their spines neatly aligned, but then more come, and I force someone new into the over-crowded neighborhood, books shoe-horned in so tightly I must remove half a shelf to pull one free. And when there is not enough room to squeeze in a single human hair, another book comes, the same first letter of the last name. This book must go in the exact spot as the last one and no amount of physical strength could make that possible. Regretfully, I lay the book on its side on top of the space where it belongs, a wait list for a place on the shelf. Maybe something will open up.”