"You see, the interesting thing about books, as opposed, say, to films, is that it's always just one person encountering the book, it's not an audience, it's one to one"

Paul Auster's quote speaks to the unique experience of reading a book. Unlike films, which are experienced by an audience, reading a book is a singular experience. It is an individually encounter between the reader and the text. This private experience permits the reader to form a personal connection with the book, as they are the only one translating the words and ideas. It likewise enables the reader to take their time and explore the text in such a way that is not possible with a movie. The reader can pause, reflect, and re-read passages as they please. This individual experience of reading a book is what makes it so unique and distinct.