"Americans like fat books and thin women"

This quote by Russell Baker is an amusing observation about American culture. It suggests that Americans choose books that are thick and full of info, however prefer ladies to be thin and slim. This might be interpreted as a commentary on the value put on physical appearance in American society, and the emphasis on knowledge and education. It might likewise be viewed as a criticism of the concept that females should be judged by their physical appearance, while books are evaluated by their content. Eventually, this quote is an amusing way of pointing out the different standards that Americans have for books and ladies.