"There are three infallible ways of pleasing an author, and the three form a rising scale of compliment:
1, To tell him you have read one of his books;
2, To tell him you have read all of his books;
3, To ask him to let you read the manuscripts of his forthcoming book.
No. 1 admits you to his respect;
No. 2 admits you to his admiration;
No. 3 carries you clear into his heart."

- Mark Twain, "Pudd'nhead Wilson"