How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The Major was miserably confused. He was tempted to climb in the car and go right now. It would be early enough when they got back to invite Mrs. Ali in for tea. They could discuss her new book. (2.32)
The Major knows that one of the best ways to get to know people is to discuss the books they read. And if someone doesn't read, well, that's not a person worth getting to know.
Quote #2
"I'm sorry, let me just move these," she said, and scooped two or three plastic-covered library books out of his way. (4.17)
Seeing these books pretty much acts as an aphrodisiac for the Major. For him, a well-read woman is the sexiest woman of them all.
Quote #3
"There's nothing useless about reading the classics," said the Major, weighing the books in his hand. "I salute your continue efforts. Too few people today appreciate and pursue the delights of civilized culture for their own sake." (4.33)
The Major's traditional nature extends to his love of books. As an old white guy, he loves the old white guys of classic British literature, and Kipling is about as old and as white as you can get. It's a good thing Mrs. Ali likes Kipling, showing that she, too, has a thing for old white guys. (More importantly, it shows that she has an open and unconventional mind.)