"First, people don't read novels off screens, and they don't have a tendency to shell out real money for books when they don't retain anything physically for their money"

In this quote, author Jack L. Chalker is making a statement about the reading habits of people in the contemporary age. He starts by mentioning that people do not generally check out novels on screens, indicating electronic devices such as computers or e-readers. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the digital age and the shift away from traditional print books. Chalker then goes on to say that people are not happy to spend money on books when they do not physically retain anything for their purchase. This might be seen as a commentary on the value put on physical items and the idea that people desire something concrete in exchange for their cash. In general, Chalker's quote suggests that there is a detach between modern-day reading habits and the conventional principle of acquiring books.