"I would sooner read a time-table or a catalogue than nothing at all. They are much more entertaining than half the novels that are written"

This quote by W. Somerset Maugham suggests that he believes that checking out ordinary products such as a time-table or a brochure can be more amusing than checking out novels. He suggests that many novels are not as amusing as they need to be, and that reading something mundane can be more satisfying. This might be since ordinary items are frequently more straightforward and much easier to understand than books, which can be complex and difficult to follow. Maugham's quote likewise suggests that he believes that checking out anything is much better than absolutely nothing at all. He implies that even if the product is not particularly fascinating, it is still better than not checking out anything. This could be since reading anything can assist to stimulate the mind and keep it active.