Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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Great question, and funny story. I had to think about how to answer this. Paranormal romance has opened my mind to tattooed and pierced guys. That's not my thing. I'm still not really into that. But now, I'll look twice at a tattooed, pierced guy and think, "Hmm, he could be a Brother, or Lord, or some guy from a random paranormal book I loved."
I'm so uncool, it's not funny. But The Black Dagger Brotherhood books have me talking in some cool lingo like, "You feel me?" "True."
Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series sparked my interest anew in ancient history and Greek mythology. I had fallen away from folklore and mythology reading since I got out of teens and thought I needed to avoid that kind of stuff. But, after my sister kept shoving her copy of Night Pleasures at me, I was in love with paranormal romance. I loved the underlying backstories and myths used. Since then, I've gotten back into this lost love of mine.
Reading books with Russian heroes (one of my obsessions, don't ask why) has encouraged me to learn the Russian language.
I may come up with more of these.
Jim, i just love how your mind works. Seriously i'm going to start asking you to send me daily PMs on your days, they sound hillarious!I would have to agree on the lingo and phrases. There are a few i've picked up that more often than not have everyone, including my dog looking at me funny. I also opened myself to dating men who had tattoo, piercings or both due to books i've read. Before then i had a sort of label for men who had these, but reading books i began thinking that perhaps there was more than met the eye. I have to say in some cases this turned out to be right.
Have experimented in MANY sexual practices because it sounded like something i would either like or picked my curiosity, and thus i needed to check for myself. This of course led to so many sites that give you so much great information in different, sometimes taboo topics. I would be quite afraid if anyone ever looked into my browsing history, that's why i try to stay up do date with my computer. No need to frighten my computer guy. *laughs*
I have come to learn about really good musicians, restaurant/meal, countries/states, shopping stores/brands. Can't say my card suffered as these were really good experiences. Although the jury is still out about my wine tasting hobby.
Lately i've become better at handling certain decisions and situations in my job. Not sure if i can credit books in general, but perhaps my reading social network. Interacting with other readers even through the web, make you experience different type of situations that you may not have experience otherwise. This for me is a learning experience, and am very happy to have a site like this one to interact with other fellow bookholics.
Rossy ~*~ Ehrotic ~*~ wrote: "Although the jury is still out about my wine tasting hobby. "Sweetie, I don't know how to break it to you, but drinking what the homeless bums pass you in the brown wrapper isn't really called a wine tasting. (:P)
And in reality, my life isn't any more interesting than anyone else's. (OK, so today was actually pretty cool and sometime I'll have to tell you about how I ended up at the library with the bottom half of a mannequin in a red thong. http://www.pbase.com/jimgephart/image... in case you thought I was joking.)
So that is two that are looking at an inked man in a new light.
LOL! I don't think that's wine tasting either. We get drunk in a more sophisticated way; by going to big wineries where you can taste all the different wines available. I'll never be considered a connoisseur since i actually swallow. *no pun intended...i think*Ok, you must send me a PM as soon as you can and tell me that story.LOL!
I've never had preconceived ideas of "inked men", my brother is a very very good tattooist who has won many competitions here in NZ and in Oz (and besides I have ink of my own!). Reading particular books has kicked me into other genres and reading styles I NEVER thought I would read. Big eg. Twilight (yeah I know)... Working in a public library with my best friend doing the adult fiction buying for said library and myself doing all ya and jnr buying, is a HUGE bonus for me (and esp. pleasing to my hubby and bank balance as I can just make suggestions for purchase and voila!). Anyway, we were both extremely cynical of all these so-called "paranormal romances" that started flooding the market. Couldn't get into them (quite frankly didn't want to), and then along came the twilight phenomenon to little ole Levin. I reluctantly picked it up... but had been asked by so many parents about it I figured I had to read it. Four huge things that made me reluctant.... didn't like vampires, didn't like teen romances, didn't like fantasy books (of any kind) and I HATED reading in the first person. Well.... you just have to have a look at my reading lists. I am now hooked on ya fiction (don't care about the romance! - me who is a romance junkie), love vampires and all associated "creatures", will read a fantasy book (if it has good reviews - have to trust goodread reviews as I'm not up with the play for good ones) and don't care if a book is written in first or third person. Still prefer third person in my romances - cos I love to get into the heroes head, but I no longer reject a book out-of-hand because of the POV it's written in.
Anyway that's my 2cents worth. Haven't contributed much lately, just way too busy (ridiculously so) and haven't had the head space for it. But Jim, you invite dialogue and I agree with Rossy and Danielle you are very entertaining. I have said to you in the past you should write - I would read it for sure :)
Thanks LL. You've been missed. If you got a smile out of it, then my work here is done. I'm not motivated enough to be a writer. I've tried a couple of times. I get a couple pages into it and then I move on to something easier. I'm great with ideas but crap for follow through.
Oh well, Jim, we will still be the ones blessed by your highly entertaining posts. :)
Dear Jim,I an unable to answer your question because my brain turned to quivering mush after reading:
"I'm ironing a white blouse and white capris."
What? Too early in the season for the white on white look? It was a really warm and sunny day if that helps. Also, it was accessorized with nice color if that makes a difference.
"Ironing" is the keyword, Jim! We commend you on your ability to use an iron properly - and even more so on something white!!!
AnneOK wrote: ""Ironing" is the keyword, Jim! We commend you on your ability to use an iron properly - and even more so on something white!!!"Yeah, I second this. LOL. I don't think my husband has ever ironed a piece of clothing in his life and I don't know if I'd let him anywhere near any of my clothes with an iron.
I've definitely been changed by reading.I know I've picked up certain words and phrases...and reading Juliet Marillier kicked off my obsession with Irish folklore and my desire to go visit Ireland some day. I also want to visit Australia thanks to some books that I've read and the fact that a couple of authors that I like live there.
I love the fact that more and more I'm seeing men with tats and piercings as the heroes in romance novels. I've always been attracted to men like that (sadly, my hubby doesn't have any tats or piercings *teardrop*) and it's only increased after reading about them.
Also, some books have inspired me to do research and learn about new things, like when I've come across interesting historical figures/events, descriptions of different cultures, or even song lyrics or excerpts from poems. I've actually learned a lot because something I read in a fictional novel prompted me to dig deeper. I think it's awesome. :)
I'm a huge Dark Tower fan and though I haven't read them in quite a while (note to self... need to go back and read the series sometime soon) I still find myself using some of Roland and company's expressions and terminology, with frequent references to "the man in black" (And I don't mean that guy on LOST. LOL) I catch myself doing the hand motion and saying "thankee sai" or talking about a ka-tet. But the biggest impact a book had on me was probably Anne of Green Gables. I love that whole series and I became bound and determined to have red hair after reading those books. LOL it took several years till i actually got around to it (read: had the money to shell out on a regular basis to do it) but I have been a red head for at least 10 years now. And it actually looks good on me and everyone who didn't know me before I went red thinks it's my real hair color (which is why I can pull it off, I have the skin tone and freckles to go well with red hair).
Okay, I'm back after I had a chance to sleep off the shock (and yes, Jim, it was the word ironing, although my husband does iron his own clothes, I seriously doubt he knows about pleats and he won't go near my clothes with a 10 foot pole.)As for quotes from books, yes, often I read and think "I need to write that down and save that." and of course I don't. Maybe this post will prompt me to keep a note pad close by for future reads.
The one quote that has followed me for several decades (age showing here) is one I got from a fortune cookie: "Time is the wisest counselor.
The one thing I've DONE after reading a book (The Bridges of Madison County), was break up with a no good, lying, cheating bf. So there. Thank you to that book, I cannot thank it enough, I will ALWAYS give that book 5 stars no matter what. It told me I need to have passion in my life and I was settling for less. Whew, saved by the bell . . . uh . . . the book (turns out ex-bf was dating someone else the whole time he was seeing me and lying about it, plus he married her after I dumped his sorry a**, then got divorced, jerk.) Me, bitter? Nah! I got my husband out of the deal, so I actually should thank the man!
Harper wrote: "I've definitely been changed by reading.I love the fact that more and more I'm seeing men with tats and piercings as the heroes in romance novels. I've always been attracted to men like that (sadly, my hubby doesn't have any tats or piercings *teardrop*) and it's only increased after reading about them."
Have you read See Jane Score? OMG, the tattoo on the hero in that one had me swooning! Whew!
I'll have to read that one. I'm a Rachel Gibson fan after all. Also, I'm trying to decide what I'll get for a tattoo.As for the ironing, I do a better job of it than my wife. Why wouldn't I want to get up and do that for her? She does so many things for me. Trust me when I say that doing a little ironing/laundry/cooking is the best part of the bargain.
outlander sparked my interest in Scottish history - its really hard to find courses that cover it (most colleges focus on English and the monarchy vice Scotland and Ireland)Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci code made me explore freemasony - my dad is one, but i never really read about it...
but I always did love tattoo's on guys, so my new paranormal kick is just emphasizing that!
KimKirt wrote: "Have you read See Jane Score? OMG, the tattoo on the hero in that one had me swooning! Whew!"No, I've never read it, but I just added it to my TBR list! :)
Photojim wrote: "I'll have to read that one. I'm a Rachel Gibson fan after all. Also, I'm trying to decide what I'll get for a tattoo.As for the ironing, I do a better job of it than my wife. Why wouldn't I wa..."
Don't worry Photojim - my sister has been married for 33 years (they've been a couple for 38 years - met at 14)...
He irons - she mows the lawns. And that's how they like it.
My ex ironed WAY better than me - including pleats - because in his family, the person doing in the ironing had control of the TV remote. That's smart.
Jim, you are my hero!! My husband is aware of what an iron is only in the 'Holy crap, she really is going to throw that thing...' sense. Although it was only a threat, in reality, it was in my hand and yes my arm was cocked back...I would never risk breaking the thing on his stuborn, thick skull. *grins sheepishly*I have to agree that I have tried many various foods, hobbies and picked up on a few phrases and *ahem* positions that have piqued my interests from novels. I believe that we can all live vicariously through novels, after all isn't that their purpose?
My wife can thank my mother for my ironing skills. She can also thank my mother and sisters for my cooking ability, the ability to shop for many hours on end, and the ability to walk into a drug store with my head held high and purchase the correct brand and style of feminine hygiene products. Yep, the only boy and a middle child to boot. I learned a great deal growing up.Annie, the love of my life is not permitted to cut the grass. That is what teenage spawn was created to do. Maybe once we have an empty nest she can take over. Maybe.
Renee, don't throw the iron! That is only a very quick release of energy and then you are without an implement of destruction. I recommend talking him into 'trying' one of those new things you read about. Once you have him shackled and secured, then the iron can be put to the purpose for which it was made. *Caution, the smell of burning hair kind of sticks with you for awhile. Shave him first.*
But seriously, as for the 'positions' thing, well... lets just say that I've been 'inspired' to try something on more than one occasion because of something I read. Sometimes it works really well. Sometimes I have to duck an iron. *grins*
I SO needed this post this morning! PJ, you always crack me (and all of your GR fam) up and have most definitely brought some welcomed laughter to my morning. I've been buried under boxes and packing paper since receiving our household goods shipment (moved from AU to JP in Feb). My back is killin' me, my hubby is workin' way too many long hours (poor thing) and I can't find time to read a damn book. But, alas, there is always a silver lining ... the unpacking is all done (YEAH!), the boxes are broken down for rubbish pick-up, my back will get soothed in a nice, long soak in the glorious spa tub in my new apt, tomorrow is 1st May and I'm gonna dive into Lover Mine and I have the weekend to spend *ahem* relieving my hubby of his stress from the past week. As far as your question, I have a tendency to remember random movie quotes: "You've got a bit of red on ya"(Shaun of the Dead); "You are our last hope" (Galaxy Quest); "Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow" (HP); "One of us" (iRobot); "Everybody Runs" (Minority Report); "I'm a leaf on the wind" (Serenity); "Don't ever do that again" (Hitch); "Are you LadiesMan 217?! Where are the glasses?" (Transformers); "Your penis is so large ..." (The Sweetest Thing); not to mention the many, many obvious action movie quotes ... as you see, I could go on forever.
I sometimes think of the crazy wording some authors (ie: JR Ward) use, but not as often. I have most definitely incorporated some of the more adventurous *action moves* into my *wink,wink* daily life, those that didn't cause injury anyway, as everyone should. LOL I'm a terrible cook, not much of a drinker, but definitely check out songs that I read about in books. I have also tried to learn more about certain events/people in history due to mention in books.
I LOVE reading and hope to continue to expand my brain, even if it is only with useless quotes, nasty villians, kickass heroines and superhot heroes. Maybe one day I'll actually start reading something that will do me more good than knowing what may or may not kill a vampire, how it's best not to run when facing a massive were, that you should always double-tap (wait, was that from "Zombieland" or a book?) zombies (just in case) and what cilices are.
If you managed hang with me & get to this point in my ramble ... thank you and sorry. I have a tendency to get diarrhea of the mouth.
Steph, glad to see the move is basically complete at this point. Always happy to have you around.Did you notice in Zombieland that he didn't double tap the clown? Always bothers me. At least before I take on a hoard of undead I'll know to limber up first.
Type as long as you like. I'll stick with you to the end.
Steph wrote: "Maybe one day I'll actually start reading something that will do me more good than knowing what may or may not kill a vampire, how it's best not to run when facing a massive were, that you should always double-tap (wait, was that from "Zombieland" or a book?) zombies (just in case) and what cilices are."The double-tap lesson is valuable knowledge. :) I have a bit of a zombie obsession (thanks to "28 Days Later") and my husband and I have actually discussed what our plan would be in the unlikely event of a zombie apocalypse. One day I need to pick up The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From the Living Dead. You never know when it might come in handy.
I had to try Chicken Marsala after reading Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me- the most specific and recent thing I can think of. And thank you, Jennifer! Another lovely and amazing guilty pleasure to add to my list. I have listened to music, tried food and drink, visited places, made friends, changed my vocabulary, changed my attitude, changed my hair, changed my life.
All because of things I read in a book. Thanks for your post, it's been an interesting ten minutes thinking about all of this. Got a little sidetracked by the zombies. . .
Photojim wrote: "Steph, glad to see the move is basically complete at this point. Always happy to have you around.Did you notice in Zombieland that he didn't double tap the clown? Always bothers me. At least b..."
Thanks, PJ. :)
{Didn't watch the clown scene ... I have a phobia - spooky clowns freak me the F out!}
Growing up in the North, I had a very skewed idea of what it was like to live in Southern USA. It's a place that I really couldn't ever imagine living. Books by Nicholas Sparks and Nora Roberts romanticized the south so much. Patricia Cornwell is one of my favorite authors as well and writes about Virgina and the Body Farm in Knoxville a lot. Now I've got myself a southern boyfriend and am living in Nashville.
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Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead (other topics)Lover Mine (other topics)
The Bridges of Madison County (other topics)
See Jane Score (other topics)
*rewinds*
Wake up well before the alarm and stretch. Stretch is answered by naked wife stretch beside me.
*oops, too far. mark this part for playback later.*
*forward a little*
I'm ironing a white blouse and white capris. I'm not a big fan of the capris, but at least they are easy to iron. The blouse on the other hand is a pain in the ass to iron. I don't mind. It looks really good on her. I'm just finishing the last of the pleats in the blouse (did I mention that I hate pleats?) when Sherri, light of my life, mother of my children, my heaven and earth, walks in from the shower in a white terrycloth robe while squeezing water from her hair with a towel. "Thank you, my love." she says to me. Yeah, she calls me 'my love' sometimes. Especially after... oh yeah, we skipped that part. *reminds self to go back and watch that part again later* Anyway, I raised the iron in my right hand high into the air, pointed at her with my left hand, assumed the power rocker stance (watch School of Rock and have Jack Black explain it if you don't know what the power rocker stance is), and exclaimed, "You rock my stripy socks!"
*found it. confusion causing statement located.*
She wasn't confused by the large naked bald guy ironing her clothes for her before she leaves for work. I do that most mornings. It had to be the stripy socks comment. Of course the power rocker stance may have contributed. "Just something I read last night. I think it means that you are the most amazing wonderful sexy woman in the world and if I indeed did own a pair of stripy socks you would rock them."
"I'm not going back to bed with you." Yeah, she's mean like that.
*End playback*
So this morning I got to thinking as I lay back in bed - ALONE- about phrases or actions that we have picked up from books. I got to thinking how every book I've ever read has left some small, or on occasion not so small, imprint upon me. I've picked up phrases from books and used them for years. Examples of such are: 'I grok.', 'We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.', 'Oh zombie Jesus! Hakuna fucking matata!', 'It hovered, much unlike the way bricks do when thrown.', 'It is time.', 'Truly I was born to be an example of misfortune' and a hundred others come readily to mind.
It's not just the phrases, but I've emulated habits as well. I read about a poet, I've tried to write a poem. I read about a musician, I picked up the guitar and learned something new. I read about an artist, I tried to do something artistic (carving in alabaster is harder than it looks, oils are fun, watercolors are not my thing, photography is where it's at). I read about a computer geek and I wrote a few lines of code to make sure I could still do it. I read about a chef and I cooked something new and creative. I read about a professional athlete, I picked up the guitar and learned something new (I'm in no shape to exercise - let's be serious). I've bought clothes because I liked the way they sounded on certain characters. I've eaten foods that were described to me. I've visited places because they sounded cool in a book.
So yes, books change us. Much as food feeds our bodies, words and ideas nourish our minds. And don't forget, 'You are what you eat.'
So tell me, my GoodReads family, what have you done or said that you read somewhere? Gotten a literary inspired tattoo or piercing? Taken up a hobby? Tracked down some obscure song? Started using words not meant to be paired in the language of your choice? Tell me how books have changed you.