The Way I Read (reading notes)

Image courtesy of OGGHOO via stock.xchng

Image courtesy of OGGHOO via stock.xchng

For some of us, analysis and enjoyment go together. Finding words for why we like something increases our enjoyment, and so does finding connections between different parts of our world.

Two big areas of my world, in experience, interest and study, are Fiction and Health. My favorite books are those that find a way to illustrate principles of mental, emotional, and relational health, and my biggest pet peeves generally come down to those principles being ignored or treated as irrelevant.

I am a Christian, quite conservative in many ways, but fiercely egalitarian. That means that I believe men and women do not exist in a hierarchy, and as a result expect the best stories to show both men and women as strong, flawed, powerful, dynamic, cooperative, foolish, aware and clueless. Maturity, in both men and women is evidenced by self-awareness, generosity and sacrificial love.

I don’t believe anyone raises themselves or their fellow man (or woman) by being critical or judgmental of the polar opposite. Women are not made more-awesome by standing next to men who are buffoons (I’m looking at you, Brave) and kids aren’t any more secure or empowered by proving their parents (or other authority figures) are idiots.

All that to say, one of my greatest values in finding favorite stories is watching creative cooperation, which is a major component of what I call relational health.

Image courtesy of Emma Charles via stock.xchng

Image courtesy of Emma Charles via stock.xchng

When I hear that countless people have griped about romantic movies or the romance genre, shouting that they give people unrealistic expectations, I counter that these are the perfect gateway to talk about what one is “allowed” to expect. As we read our minds are shaped, and as we write, we presume to shape the minds of others.

This is magic, what we do. It is nothing to fear, but it is everything worth being aware of.