Between the Lines: Elizabeth Jarrett

CL asks lit-wits around town about the page turners they’re into these days.

“My relationship with books is both emotional and visceral — the books scattered around my apartment are strategically placed based on my relationship with them. I keep all of my most sacred texts close to my bed, so that I’m less likely to have a friend ask, ‘Can I borrow this?’ Currently, I’m making my way through Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It’s something I’ve been meaning to read for a while, and think it found me at an appropriate time. I’m not very far along in it, but I am familiar with the introspection and discovery that happens on adventure like that so I am very eager to finish it — and eager to repair my ‘65 Honda CB125S. My most precious books that I always open when I need to read something comforting are a worn copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass that my dad bought for me when I was a kid, and my absolute favorite, an early 20th century book on poetic quotations. Another lucky find is essentially a dictionary with small excerpts from Shakespeare or quotations from Fireside Poets sorted thematically. If I need to read something on friendship, I can go to that section and read some of the most beautifully composed words on friendship in history. In my building Downtown Players Club, we have an extensive script library, so I’m always rummaging through the many generous donations we receive. There’s some great text in there, although I have acquired about six copies of Tuesdays with Morrie.”
— Elizabeth Jarrett, co-founder/owner at Downtown Players Club and curator at Deer Bear Wolf