Morbid Romantic

Book Review & Personal Blog

A few days ago I reviewed Refined in the Furnace of Affliction by John McCulloch. I gave an honest review that I found the story lacking and that I was turned off by some of the religious beliefs and intolerance expressed. It’s my review, right? As a reviewer, it is up to me to give an honest and open opinion about what I read. No author can assume that everyone will like their work. I said in the review that I found the McCulloch family to be very charming and kind, but that I could not fully accept this as so if the writer can so easily make judgments against the lifestyle of others.

I know some people would say, “but aren’t you just as bad by making judgments against his beliefs?”

And I would say to that a most definitive, “no.” Because I’m not saying he is right or wrong or silly, just that it’s not my thing. Whereas the statement he made in his book was a direct attack against the lifestyle choices of others. Yes, it is his book, he can say whatever he wants. But, he can’t expect everyone to like it or react positively to it.

I get this response to my review by a one Visa Gift Card:

Homosexuality is often an unfortunate handicap, just as many other physical defects in our human race. Homosexual acts and behavior, however, are not accepted by our Lord and Creator. If you haven’t read the Bible you wouldn’t know this. He destroyed Sodom and Gemorah for rampant homosexual behavior. God’s will is very clear about this sin. If that offends you, take it up with God.

I know what you’re thinking now. You’re thinking, “Man, Visa Gift Cards are JERKS. I am never giving one of those out as gifts.” I thought the same thing. I did. But then I viewed the profile because I had to investigate. I just couldn’t believe that this was some very literate and religious spam.

And that’s when I went, “Oooooh.”

Real name: John McCulloch.
Location: Bozeman, MT USA

For real, ya’ll!

It was at this point that I laughed with understanding and replied:

After reading your response of enlightenment, kindness, and tolerance, I certainly do want to run right out now and join you!

Good luck in your task of eradicating all that is evil in this world, truly.

I just don’t get some people.

At 11:51pm on Friday, June 20th, I pointed to the clock in my boyfriends SUV and said, “in less than ten minutes, the world will erupt into chaos.”

There was a strange stillness to the air, a calm that portends danger to come. The roads were strikingly empty for a Friday night, the occasional car passing or merging onto a highway that was usually packed at this hour on this night of the week.

On Saturday, Alfee and I decide to go to the Greenbrier Mall because that particular one has a pet store and puppies to look at. I saw the book and told him I wanted it because I do. And, I only have a month left during which pleasure reading will be possible. After August 25th, my entire year will be spent reading books for classes.

And, I also wanted to be part of one of the biggest events of the century. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow of the hype. I mean, I bet a lot of people who could have gone to Woodstock but didn’t feel like tools for not wanting to consort with the “dirty hippies” and summarily missing their chance at storytelling fame.

So, while I enjoy the series, I do think that the majority of the fanbase are absolutely insane. Especially the Above 16 crowd who attend book parties and Harry Potter gatherings dressed up like characters. It’s like Children’s Book Cosplay. Especially overweight old ladies dressed up as Draco.

Anyway, I finally started reading it last night. So far it’s a… book.

The best part to me is the fact that the book is, most amusingly, the fake copy that almost no one wanted it to be. Every time I read a part of the book that people used as evidence as to its “fakeness,” I laugh a little (okay, a lot) inside.

Because Harry Potter is SERIOUS business.

…

Because of spoilers ahead, I will post everything else underneath a cut. If you want to read, click. If you don’t… well, don’t.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dir en grey is doing a show in Baltimore, Maryland.

I HAVE to go. I seriously HAVE to. I HAVE to see Dir en grey in concert again and I HAVE to see Die on stage again. It’s seriously a life or death need, people. Dir en grey can’t be this close to me and me not go to see them. I can’t sit at home the night of the concert knowing Die is so close and that somewhere Kyo is bleeding all over himself without me being there!

He’s got no booty, but man is he sexy anyway.

I added three more songs to that nifty radio blog over there: Access- Hung Me For The Distance [demo] because it’s my favorite version of the song, Dir en grey- Agitated Screams of Maggots though it’s not supposed to be out for another few days, and Wumpscut- Wreath of Barbs because I always will love that song. All three are three of my very favorites, especially the Access and Wumpscut.