Morbid Romantic

Book Review & Personal Blog

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

This is actually quite difficult a question to answer. I’ve never really had to reflect on why I read, I just assumed I read because I like to read. But honestly, it goes deeper than that. It has to; you can’t love something so passionately without it becoming something complex. It is just that I’ve never had to determine these things for myself or ponder them enough to come to a conclusion. Why do I read? What inspires me? I can’t give an answer that is definitive, that applies to every case, or that is clear cut. Why? Because there are many things that inspire me on and off.

First, there’s need. Reading is my hobby and it keeps me from being bored. The internet can’t entertain me forever, I don’t always have the money to go out and do something, and television kills the spirit more than it washes it. So, I read because it keeps me from dying of idleness, but it doesn’t make me exert strength and energy that I don’t have.

Second, I read because it relaxes me. After a long day or when I am filled with stress, I love to sit down and absorb myself in a book. For those minutes or hours I am reading, nothing can bother me. The stress and the tension and worries are gone. I need that way to escape or else I would be driven slowly and steadily insane.

Third, I read because I want to learn. A goodly portion of my books are historical non-fiction. It is to be expected from a former (because I graduated) history major. History is my life and love and I endeavor to learn continually. Since I can no longer sit through wonderful lectures, I read books.

Angelica had this up on her blog and tagged everyone, so I am here to take up the challenge… and, okay, to have something to do for the next ten minutes. I tag everyone, so feel free to put this up on your blog.

The rules:
1. List five of your favorite bands/artists.
2. Choose three songs from each band/artist.
3. If you can find a link to listen to the song at Last.fm, YouTube, etc. post it!
4. Tag five people. <— Or everyone!

Depeche Mode
Nothing
Personal Jesus
It’s No Good

The Birthday Massacre
Weekend
Science
Shiver

Oasis
Morning Glory
Supersonic
Live Forever

Mission UK (The Mission)
Deliverance
And the Dances Goes On
Wasteland

The Smiths
Big Mouth Strikes Again
Stop Me if You Think That You’ve Heard This One Before
Handsome Devil

On a side note, guess what I did?

I spent ALL morning going through and replying to the 100+ ‘To Be Replied to’ comments left here for the past month. Unreal, isn’t it? I set the goal, though, and I followed through. I’m actually quite impressed with my own stamina. I truly did love being able to reread all of the lovely comments left to address them properly. I even visited a few sites and left comments of my own.

Does anyone want to exchange Blogroll links with me?

Now, back to that To-Do list. I am going to finish my email box, condense some sites, do a little writing, and finish a book. Then, if I have time, I will sleep and eat.

And I got my copy of Matrimony in the mail today, which I had won earlier this month.

It went right on my immediately to read pile! I look forward to it. There’s nothing better than flipping the pages of a new book. I was so happy when I pulled the book from its mailing envelope and caressed the cover.