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Jan
22
BTT: Sweet Inspiration
2009 at 9am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
This week’s topic: Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?
There are a lot of ways to answer this question. My reading is inspired first and foremost by a love and passion for the written word. Books inform us, entertain us, challenge us, and transport us to other worlds. They can help us grow, teach us how to work with our circumstances, or provide us with an escape from them. Books allow us to peek into other lives and other parts of the world and to experience, even for just a moment, things we would never be able to experience in our daily lives.
And books connect us to each other. They give us common ground, a meeting place in which to discuss important ideas, and a way to get to know each other. They give us something to talk about at otherwise boring dinner parties and a way to express ourselves. Their value never decreases, and they offer something new with each re-reading. Just as every person we meet leaves a mark on our lives that changes us in some way, no matter how imperceptible, each book we read contributes something to the shape of our thoughts, our preferences, and our personalities. I just think that’s really amazing. I’m also in awe of writers’ abilities to successfully create these other worlds and show us other experiences, to help us step outside of ourselves and think about things in a new way, and I find that very inspiring.
In a more personal way, my reading is inspired by my parents, who love to read and who made reading a cherished part of my childhood. They knew I was hiding under my covers after bedtime, reading with a flashlight to illuminate the pages, but they never told me they knew or made me “just go to bed” because they didn’t want to take away the magic of falling in love with books. As an adult, I’ve noticed that my conversations with my parents turn to books more often than not, and I love being able to share my favorite books with them.
When it comes to selecting books to read, it’s usually a pretty organic process for me. When I finish a book, I go stand in front of my TBR shelves and go with what feels right. I pick up a few potential books, try to decide what kind of mood I’m in, and wait for inspiration to strike. Of course, now that I read a lot of review copies and ARCs, my reading is also scheduled and/or inspired by what’s next on the review list.
I also tend to go on reading kicks where I get really interested in a certain topic and then feel inspired to read several books about it. I did this with Mormonism and polygamy a couple years ago (and I then felt very ahead of the times when it became en vogue last summer), and I still find myself adding related books to my shelves. Because my educational background is in psychology and sexuality, I also keep an eye out for interesting reads related to those areas, and I love memoirs that deal with mental health-related issues. Basically, if I find something interesting, I feel inspired to read about it.
It’s a more long-winded answer than I anticipated (or, probably, that you were looking for), but there it is. What inspires you to read? What topics send you on a reading spree? Share your answers here, and join the BTT fun by clicking the icon above.
Edited to add: Silly me! Now that I’ve had my coffee and am perusing my Google Reader, I realize that I neglected to mention my fellow book bloggers, from whom I obtain all kinds of book recommendations and who inspire me to be a better reader, reviewer, and person in general. So, thanks for the inspiration, and sorry for my momentary lapse.
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Great answer, Rebecca! And I totally agree with you. I’m also inspired by my parents’ love of the written word, and I love losing myself in a good book. I go on “reading kicks,” too — right now I’m into reading historical romance (?!) and that’s been a little strange as an adjustment, but pretty fun!
Yeah don’t forget us
. Your answer is better than mine.
This is a great answer! I had a lot of trouble with this question.
I will get caught up in a subject too and just have to read more about it.
that was a long-winded answer…but I liked every bit of it..it provides a great deal of insight into your reading motivations.
lol That’s right! Don’t forget US. lol Happy BTT.
I forgot bloggers too. I should add them as well oopsie..
A good book will helps, but there is my craving and mood. Bloggers and other readers also inspire me.
Reading choices are always like double-edged sword. I want to be part of others’ reading context but my whim sometimes just won’t allow it.
In short, what inspires me is my own volition and whim.
Great answer – my mother definitely played a big part in my love of reading.
Your post was so eloquent! You said it perfectly..much better than I could express myself….so thank you very much.
you’re such a great writer.
And I agree with your answer.
Very, very, insightful! Everyone who aspires to push the pen (or bash the keyboard) should read and press your words to their bosum. I intend to put a copy of your wisdom above my monitor and when the tank depletes, read it. It’s a wonderful reminder that there are folks who want hear our answers, share our experiences, and feel our emotions, Thanks!
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Loved reading your comment. It was like reading a biography. From childhood I had a grandmother who let me at her bookshelves without any reservations. It wasn’t a big leap to grow up to be a librarian. I have always read in bursts of the same subject, and then move to another….just because a subject has taken my fancy. I do have favorite authors, but will sometimes just feel the need to explore something differant. I have always been a Sci-Fi and fantasy fan, The talent some authors have for creating whole new worlds blows my mind, Thirty years ago it was not easy to find strong heroic female characters, but they were there in Sci-Fi. I have had fun with fellow librarians who looked askance at the genre…..until I got them to try them. Thanks for your great post!