"Books fall from Garry Wills like leaves from a maple tree in a sort of permanent October"

John Leonard's quote is a metaphor comparing the respected writing of Garry Wills to the shedding of leaves from a maple tree in fall. Leonard is suggesting that Wills is a respected author, creating books in an apparently limitless stream. The comparison to a maple tree in October indicates that Wills' writing is abundant as well as of a top quality, as maple trees are understood for their dynamic foliage in the autumn. Leonard's quote is a testimony to Wills' writing capability and the influence his work has actually had on the literary globe. It is a suitable homage to a writer whose work has been extensively praised and also appreciated.