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?
14 comments:
Well said, Sabrina...No one should feel they have the right to tell you who and what you should read. That privilage died the minute you turned old enough to think for yourself. You are a lovely woman and a very good friend. I may be one of the Twitter friends you haven't "met" yet, but even I can see the wonderful woman behind the beautiful smile.
I'm not a big fan of crime novels. I know, *gasp*. but I can be the first to admit that it may be because I've never read one! Haha! But I'm a fan of you! And that's all that matters. I believe in you and the person you are because I know you.
What? People and their small inflicted minds can't accept the real world goings on? Aaaahhhh, too bad, too sad for them. This is real life ladies!!!
We are FREE to choose and read as we wish. Words said by Sabrina/Kate go hand in hand with what we do each day. I love my job too at the same office and kudos to the authors of such fabulous crime fiction, etc novels. All of you keep up the good work. Thanks Sabrina/Kate for bringing to us the knowledge that you are reaping and passing on to us for enjoyment. If there is a book I don't agree with, I don't read it. It's called CHOICE ladies!! Do something worthwhile and don't JUDGE our Sabrina/Kate!!
well put love!!
Oh yeah, well written...as usual. When you are in the prosecution arena, people truly don't get it. So when you are a little brash, they don't understand. I do...D.
To the spineless neighbors who fear Sabrina and have to tattle to Richard. "GET A LIFE".
You have no idea what a wonderful person she is and you refuse to take the time to find out.
Don't let them get you down Sabrina there are plenty of other people who love every post you create.
Ok, suggesting you shouldn't read certain things or associate with certain people just because crime fiction is involved is asinine. But suggesting that your husband should be monitoring or censoring your reading and blog writing is downright OFFENSIVE. You're his wife. Not his child, and NOT his property.
If it was a man who made that suggestion he is a misogynistic, backwards thinking pig. If it was actually a woman who said it, then I weep for her self-esteem that she would even entertain the idea a man should be controlling a woman - even his wife - in that manner. She may be happy in her submissive, Stepford Wife world, but the rest of us have been independent, free-thinking, and EQUAL for quite some time.
The only two opinions that should matter to you are yours and your husband's. Period.
Well said! I sometimes cannot believe the "well-intentioned" comments that come out of people's mouths (our neighbors especially), or the limited minds they have. To have someone actually think that you are not entitled to your own thoughts and decisions, and your husband has the right to tell you what you should write, or read? Last I checked, we all have free agency. But then again, they also believe "what the wife doesn't know won't hurt her". I actually had someone tell me that nursing was an inappropriate career choice because of the "nudity" I would be exposed to. Really? I can't think of another job that comes closer to "service of your fellow men" than nursing. The real world is horrible. The things people do to each other and to themselves is a far more evil place than a book of fiction could ever be. Read on sister!
I think people that are worried about what other people are doing/reading, have too much time on their hands, and need a hobby. You're an adult, you can monitor yourself. And, read what you want, which goes both ways. They can monitor themselves and read what they want. Which doesn't have to include what you think or write. You know, that agency thing....
Sorry people are so judgey.
I really admire you Sabrina for finding something you enjoy and being able to enlighten the rest of us with your views and ideas. I hope you never let anyone with small minded ideas dampen your wonderful spirit. It would be a real loss to the world. I always am utterly amazed when people want to censor someone whose ideas are not the same as theirs. Keep on reading and writing--we love it!!
Way to go girl! We are most definitely entitled to our own opinions and, like you said, if you don't like it...DON'T READ IT! Nobody is holding a gun to your head! I love everyone else's comments as well, although I have to remind Dawn Kirby that she also has Reacher-worthy eyes :) Loves!
You are amazing, Sabrina. Read what you want, write what you want, be who you want to be. Because I for one love who you are.
You go girl! You write what you want. At this age, I think we're all pretty capable of governing ourselves.
Well I love ya. I like your blogs and I have never read the books you like so I don't know if I like them. Personally I love cheep romance novels. I have been told they are "porn". Whatever, I like them they take away my stress and relax me. (plus I just skip the bad parts) So I just ignore rude people.
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