Books like friends, should be few and well-chosen.
Joineriana
A good book is the best of friends, the same today and for ever.
Martin Tupper
With close-lipped Patience for our only friend, Sad Patience, too near neighbour to Despair.
Matthew Arnold 1822-1888, British Poet, Critic
The only sensible ends of literature are, first, the pleasurable toil of writing; second, the gratification of one's family and friends; and lastly, the solid cash.
Nathaniel Hawthorne