My friend, who is an avid reader, suggested I read The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. It is the fictional story of a woman in the time of Jesus who is forced to hide her writing, and ultimately marries Jesus. As I read the book, I was inspired by the main character's passion for writing, no matter the cost. I thought if she could find the spirit of writing within herself, I could find it within myself. That's when I started to write more under my name and less as a ghostwriter for others. Truly inspired.
In my reading of Sue Monk Kidd's book The Book of Longings, my soul was deeply stirred, not only because of the content but by Kidd's writing. It is so evocative and challengingly descriptive. I read it a year ago and still haven't gotten it out of my head. This book also came to me during a time when I was really struggling with my faith. It was such a godsend and I would read it again for the first time if I could!
Simone de Beauvoir's "Le Deuxieme Sexe" (The Second Sex) made an indelible mark upon me during my college years in France. Its powerful message about women's rights made a strong impactful statement about equality for women, broadening my horizons beyond anything I imagined before discovering works by other writers. De Beauvoir's work explores the historical marginalization and oppression of women within society, asserting that men have subjected them to submissive roles by withholding autonomy or assigning secondary responsibilities for them. De Beauvoir exposes patriarchal structures and cultural norms that restrict women's freedom, through her examination of women's roles in family, politics and the workplace. She champions for their liberation as autonomous individuals within society - something World War II women earned the right to do on April 21, 1944 (Vote) and 1965 when bank accounts could be opened without approval by husbands - landmark achievements which I credit Simone de Beauvoir with fighting hard for. As both a father of daughters and brother to my sisters, de Beauvoir's insights have been immensely influential in my understanding of the challenges women are currently experiencing in today's society. Gender equality remains an ongoing struggle; "The Second Sex" serves as an inspirational guide in my pursuit of more equitable societies - my favorite quote being: "One does not become woman." Et voila! :) Best regards, Guy
Certainly. One particular anecdote that comes to mind is when I first read "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The powerful portrayal of racial injustice, moral courage, and empathy deeply resonated with me. As I followed the characters' journeys, especially that of Atticus Finch, I was profoundly moved by the timeless themes of compassion and integrity. The novel's poignant exploration of societal issues challenged me to confront my own beliefs and prejudices, fostering a greater understanding of the complexities of human nature and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. "To Kill a Mockingbird" remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of literature to inspire empathy, provoke reflection, and ignite social change.
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Answered 2 years ago
Many authors advised me, you must read to write well. So I did, and also watched movies. Like many people I had unrequited love in my life, so I focused on school and work. One weekend I was watching some romantic comedies and got reminded about Jane Austin. She wrote, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. It struck a chord with me because when I was young and broke, I thought I needed to have a fortune to be loved and get married. I met others like me. The quote struck me because if we are still single by the time we earn our fortune, then we fear the woman only wants the fortune, and doesn't want the guy who earned it. I then thought about the quote by Robin Goodfellow, "Lord, what fools these mortals be!" I had a role in A Midsummer Night's Dream. I have friendships with other single guys, some of whom are now married. They all feel their real name is Romeo and they are unlucky in love, or a "star crossed lover," as Shakespeare once said. I used the pride and prejudice quote on a dating profile. It did get a few women to say hi to me, but they were in another continent, and said they regretted they didn't have a visa, nor cash to fly to my city, but hoped one day I could fly to theirs. I told them, "I would if malaria didn't scare me away so much." Life is fun, but it is even more fun when you have a partner who likes your hobbies, tolerates your quirks, and is willing to stand by you when the world seems ready to tear you down. Stay hopeful, it's documented that optimistic people are healthier more often than pessimists, and return to health sooner than pessimists.