TGIF: Weekly Meme Fun (01/23/2009)

As has become my habit, I am behind in posting my recent Mailbox Monday discoveries. It was a good week, I have to say!


De Marco Empire by J. Lou McCartney (from the author)
The Pages In Between by Erin Einhorn (from my good blogging buddy, Florinda--thank you!)
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (This one was a complete surprise from the publisher.)

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A little Teaser from what I've been reading lately:

He drew back towards his table, and said nothing. His face showed plainly that he thought my delusion had got the better of my reason, and that he considered it totally useless to give me any more advice. [pg 437, The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins]

and

Our first stop was to be Paris, but at the last minute, and for no particular reason, we changed our minds and jumped a train to Spain. Maya spoke the language, and it seemed as good a place as any to start our adventure. [pg 195, Walking Through Walls by Philip Smith]

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Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

If you have ever taken the time to read my profile, you know how much I am drawn to stories. I crave them. I need them. The written word is but one form of story telling, but it has a magic all its own. My father and mother encouraged my reading from an early age and I was always surrounded by books. Is it really any wonder then that my personal library rivals that of my parents?

It is hard to put into words what inspires me to read. So much does. I have an innate curiosity about the world around me. I am fascinated by other cultures, history, human behavior and thought processes, religions, and other worlds. Both fiction and nonfiction inspire me. I am inspired by books that make me feel and think just as much as I am by books that offer me an easy escape. Books are inspirations all on their own. I am inspired by beautiful writing, complex characters, settings (locations and time periods) that are characters all on their own, and story lines that capture me in their spell and hold on even after coming to an end.

Where I am in my life often plays a part in what I read at any given time. That could be based on my mood or general interest. I could be inspired to pick up a book based on current events or perhaps I just want something to lighten my mood when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I am often inspired to read a book based on a recommendation from a friend or fellow book blogger--or perhaps a heated discussion about a particular book that has me curious over what that fuss is all about. Sometimes an interview with an author or finding a random book while browsing through the bookstore will be inspiration enough.

My passion for reading and stories knows no bounds. I never know what might inspire me to pick up that next book. It could simply be because the subject matter or genre calls out to me at that moment or perhaps it was just the first book my cat set his paw on when I was struggling over what to read next.

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1. Oh, I am so behind with my reading!

2. I always except changes, big and little. Change is inevitable after all.

3. During my lunch break today, I will be hiding somewhere in my office building reading. It's sad that I have to hide, I know, but it's the only way I will get any peace.

4. You did what again? Are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be farther along in The Woman in White than I am right now. That isn't to say I am not enjoying the book. I am. I am just finding it slow going. And let's not talk about all the interruptions.

6. An iPod is my favorite gadget. Actually, this isn't true. I've never had an iPod, much less used one. It just seemed like the thing to say at the time.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to starting on the second season of Charmed; tomorrow my plans include dragging my husband to see a movie; and Sunday, I want to finish reading The Woman in White!