If you are a reader of my book blog you may have noticed that it has been unusually quiet the last few days. I really like to have something for my readers to read or know about 2 -3 times a week, but lately...
I've been overwhelmed with information that has left me feeling angry, annoyed, defensive, angry, angry and angry.
First I had complaints about how many times I updated my Facebook status... then it was how I shouldn't be allowed to socialize on twitter... then it was my book reading choices.
All of it question-able.
I don't care what you think of my Facebook status updates. If it bothers you that much then un-friend me. They do allow that option, ya know. As far as twitter is concerned... these wonderful people have made my world a better place. The people I've unofficially "met" are so nice that I've labeled them all my twitter family. I'm protective of them. I cry with them. I mourn with them. I rejoice with them.
If you don't want to be on Twitter then I forever invite you to stay off the Twitter feed, but to suggest I shouldn't be socializing with this wonderful group of people that I've never really met... Well, you're entitled to that opinion. Thanks for letting me know?
Which brings me to my books. And my blog.
I read a lot of crime fiction. It's true. Can't get enough of the stuff, myself. I also have a love for short stories and short story collections, and I even like this new-to-me genre I've found called, Noir. Love the stuff.
But I also like historical fiction, young adult books, children's books, paranormal romance (although romance itself is pretty much out) and I also developed a recent interest in poetry. I know! Me, liking poetry? Whoever would have thunk it?
Is it questionable? My reading?
Maybe it is for you. And that isn't wrong, but it also doesn't mean that I throw away my reading material because it isn't something that you like. I read what I like. You read what you like. Asking my husband to monitor me or even censor me in my blog writing... Well, that's when lines get crossed and I get to share my thoughts on the subject.
Which is this.
My guess would be that if I had decided to start a christian based book blog it would have been acceptable. Oh, wait. No, it wouldn't have, because then I would be reading books by authors of another faith that might have opposing viewpoints from my gospel teachings. It would have been a problem... For someone.
I read fiction. I want to make sure we are clear on that. It means that the books that I read are made up stories written by really creative people that have the gift of telling a story on paper. I consider them perfect. The great thing about my blog is, if you don't like a book I suggest, you don't have to read it. The other great thing about my blog is, if you don't like it, you don't have to read it.
Simple...Yet so complicated for some.
I have this really great job that I love with all my heart. It exposes me to details of horrific crimes that have actually happened. No author of fiction will ever fully grasp the details of the reports that I read day in and day out. They will never be able to fully describe the sound of a mother's voice when she calls 911 to report the murder of her son. Or accurately describe the catch in her voice when she realizes with perfect clarity that she is in the same room with the person that has committed the crime. I've heard the sound of a mother cry at such a loss and held her hand as we went through the court proceedings... together. I've also seen the faces of men, women and children that have lost their lives in the most horrible of circumstances. These are the sights and sounds that truly haunt my dreams. Not the made up words that I'm reading in a work of fiction.
So as you sit in your homes passing judgment on me and a group of individuals that have written stories and books that you have never read, know this...
They are my friends.
They are my inspiration.
They are people that make me a better person every single day.
I read what I feel is acceptable to me. I stay away from things that I have no interest in. For instance... Glenn Beck. You do know he isn't a Prophet of God, right? That the quotes you use from his books are not considered doctrine? I know these things. Which is why I don't read his books.
See... I think things are questionable, too. I just don't feel it's my place to tell you what to read.
I don't know. Maybe this post will make you feel better? Help you sleep at night?
Maybe.
Or should I start looking for a new job because the one I currently have can easily be labeled...
Questionable?
