Reading

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on writing. No shock there, right? I'm pretty sure, though, that writing has something to do with reading. So, in preparation for Tristi Pinkston's most excellent challenge, I've read a few books to get the creative juices flowing. The latest novel was The Count of Monte Cristo. Before that I read Wings by Aprilynne Pike, the ARC for The Maze Runner by James Dashner, The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Currently, I just read Graham Bradley's MS of Sidewinder (totally awesome!) and I'm in the middle of Donna's MS of Riptide (I can't wait to see this one in print!). I think I may have shot myself in the foot with The Count, though, being my most recent read. I mean, come on! There's a reason it's a classic. It's witty and intelligent, has depth and meaning. Oh! and it talks about God, redemption, revenge and the complex human state. All within the constrains of reality. No fantasy. No magic. No machines squashing humans like bugs. No alien invasions. No vampires or faeries. Just people living their lives. I think it might've hit a little too close to home in some respects, but then, a good book should have that affect on you. I mean, if it doesn't evoke even a glimmer of emotion in you, then what's the point in reading it? Don't get me wrong, I love action. LOVE action. But without the motivation...I just can't get behind it. And that right there is the standard I'm searching for. The bar that I may never reach. But I'm crossing my fingers that I might come close.