"It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive"

This quote by James A. Baldwin talks to the power of books to connect us to the world around us. It suggests that the important things that trigger us pain and suffering can likewise be the important things that bring us closer to others. By checking out books, we can learn more about the experiences of individuals who have gone through comparable struggles, and we can gain a much better understanding of our own lives. Books can also offer us with a sense of comfort and solace, as they can help us to feel less alone in our struggles. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that books can be a powerful tool for linking us to the world around us, and for helping us to make sense of our own lives.