Since “Inspiration” is (or should be) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?
Well, this is hard to say. I’ve always been inspired to read, really. I have loved it since I could understand it and even before that I loved being read to. These days, my reading is inspired by what I’m looking for at the time. Sometimes, I’ll want to be absorbed in an epic, huge story with fantastic characters and an intricate plot. This is often why I read fantasy, because sometimes I need that escape. I think, however, that my reading is inspired by the fantastic, top-of-the-line books that exist, but you never know which one is going to be it for you.
Let me trot out my favorite example here. A year and a half ago, I was taking a literature class that, in all honesty, I sincerely disliked. Modernism and I do not get along, particularly modernism of the Irish variety. Perhaps it is brilliant, but I simply do not like it. I slogged through the reading for the class, perplexed why everyone was enjoying the books that I was not. I arrived at the next book on my list, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. I didn’t expect anything from it, in fact thinking it would be a chore like the rest, if a short chore. Imagine my surprise and delight that I completely adored it. It immediately shot to my favorite book of the year. I can truly say it was inspirational because ever since then, I’ve been searching for that effect, that broken heart, hopeful, simply blown away feeling. I’m not sure why that book did it for me – I’m not sure I want to read it again in case it’s ruined. But I loved it and I’m inspired to search, to see what else is out there, to keep on reading in search of these diamonds amidst a sea of lesser precious jewels. There are many good books, but there are only a few that truly inspire me to keep on reading. I always enjoy the search because I love to read, but I do think it’s those stunning books that make all the difference.
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