What I like best is a book that's at least funny once in a while. What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.

The quote "What I like best is a book that's at least funny once in a while. What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though" by J.D. Salinger expresses his ideal relationship between a reader and a book. Salinger is emphasizing that a book that occasionally makes you laugh is great, but what truly stands out is a book that feels so deeply personal and connected that you wish you could have a personal relationship with the author. This speaks to the kind of profound impact literature can have on a reader.

Salinger’s focus on a book being "funny once in a while" reflects his belief that humor, even in small doses, can make reading more enjoyable. He values books that have a sense of lightness alongside their deeper themes, as this combination makes the reading experience more engaging. By saying that the book should make you wish the author was a friend, Salinger highlights how great writing can evoke a strong sense of connection with its creator, as if the author’s personality and thoughts were so vivid that they felt like someone you would want to know in real life.

The phrase "when you're all done reading it, you wish the author was a terrific friend of yours" speaks to the idea that the best books leave a lasting impression, making the reader feel like they’ve experienced something personal and meaningful. It’s about more than just the plot or the humor; it’s about the feeling that the author has shared something deeply human and relatable, creating a bond between them and the reader.

Ultimately, Salinger’s quote reveals his appreciation for literature that is both humorous and profoundly personal. He describes the rare experience when a book makes such an impact that you feel a connection with the author, not just with the story. The mention that this doesn’t happen much highlights how special and transformative it is when literature creates that level of intimacy with the reader.