Daniel Pennac

Daniel Pennac (b. December 1, 1944) is a French writer mostly renown for his books for young readers.

Pennac (2008)

Quotes

• If young people don’t like reading, let’s not blame television or the modern world or school. Or rather, blame them all, but only after asking what we have done to that ideal reader since the days when we played at being both storyteller and book.
  • The Rights of the Reader (2008 translation by Sarah Adams)

• Schools everywhere have always confined themselves to making students learn techniques and write essays, while proscribing treading for pleasure. It seems to be established in perpetuity, in every part of the world, that enjoyment has no part to play in the curriculum, and that knowledge can only be the fruit of suffering.
  • The Rights of the Reader (2008 translation by Sarah Adams)

= Quotes about him =

“A well-chosen book saves you from everything, including yourself.” ... -David Pennac