It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Pride and Prejudice will always be our #1...
Ever read a book and come to a passage that completely knocks your socks off? Well, by looking at the most commonly highlighted passages by Kindle users, Amazon has compiled a list that gives us an insight into the most popular passages from literature.
Coming in first place is (and a particular favourite) the opening line in Pride and Prejudice which had over 4,000 highlights, among others to make the top 10 were passages from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Little Women and The Bible.
And while we can't say why these sentences are the most popular in a book - maybe we just all agree they're beautifully written or that they speak to the human condition (all rich single men do want to get married...right?) - they do show us that certain words just stick with you.
However, only one book series makes the list a number of times: Harry Potter. Indeed, the seven-part book series by J.K. Rowling makes up the tail end of the chart.
Have a look at the top passages below: Are you favourites in there?
1. Pride and Prejudice
'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' (Mr Darcy and Elizabeth also feature in our 8 best couples in literature, too).
2. The Lord of the Rings
'The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot for ever fence it out.'
3. The Bible
'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' The New International Version 4. Little Women
'There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.'
5. A Wrinkle In Time
Source: Pikore.com via WrinkledTime
'But of course we can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.'
6. The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
'Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.' 7. The Hunger Games
'The rules of the Hunger Games are simple. In punishment for the uprising, each of the twelve districts must provide one girl and one boy, called tributes, to participate. The twenty-four tributes will be imprisoned in a vast outdoor arena that could hold anything from a burning desert to a frozen wasteland. Over a period of several weeks, the competitors must fight to the death. The last tribute standing wins.'
And then, the Harry Potter series...
Source: BBC via Snarksquad.com
8. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone 'It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. Now, why don’t you put that admirable Cloak back on and get off to bed?'
9. Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets 'Because that’s what Hermione does,’ said Ron, shrugging. ‘When in doubt, go to the library.’
10. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban ‘THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED!’ roared Black. ‘DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!’
