I asked the other day about summing up your message in one word as a writer.
So that got me thinking about why we pick up a book to read. What do we look for? What do we want in the end? What message do we want to come away with?
Is it the same with each book?
What makes us feel like we spent our time well?
Can we put it in one word?
Escape? Knowledge? Information? Hope? Refreshment? Encouragement?
I choose inspiration.
In fiction and nonfiction.
I want to feel inspired to reach higher and deeper.
Inspired to grow.
Inspired to learn more.
- About something.
- About people.
- About a person.
- About a place.
- About a time in history.
- About God.
Inspired to read another book.
Inspired to go from words to the Word.
Inspired to write words of my own.
What’s your one word as a reader?
Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Heska King
Hi Sandra –
I like your word, "Inspiration," but I think I'd choose, "Revelation."
Revelation transforms the dry, dead letter of the law into something vital and alive. A well-written story goes beyond technical perfection.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Oh, Susan! I love that. Wish I'd thought of it first. 😉
I love your choice of inspiration. It applies in so many ways! Since that's already taken, 🙂 I think I would choose refreshed. I am refreshed creatively by reading all sorts of books; I am also refreshed spiritually by reading the Bible and other good books. I am refreshed physically and mentally with a reprieve from a good story.
I would have to say "quench" – my thirst for stories and knowledge that is. But I do love "inspiration" and "revelation" too!
Creatively "refreshed" and thirst "quenched." Love it!
Resonance.
"A real book is not one that we read, but one that reads us."
— W.H. Auden
Ooo…all great answers! I thought I would say inspiration until I read all the others! Now, I don't know! They're all good! And great post, Sandy!
I'd really like to say inspiration as well, but in an effort to be different I'll go with Learning.
I like to Learn other people's point of view, I like to learn other trains of thought, I like to learn different writing styles.
@Cassandra: That's a great word! Love the quote!
@Lynn: I know, right? And thanks.
@Lynda: Good thoughts! I like learning, too.
A Twitter friend wrote:
"I pick up a book because it calls me from the shelf, maybe a word in the title meets me where I'm at, or where I've been."
Later she wrote:
It's "like trailing your hands in the water & finding a beautiful water lily."
We're still trying to settle on one word.
And from Facebook friends comes another vote for "inspiration" and one for "escape."
Now if a writer could appeal to all these reasons in a book . . .