Boundaries of Imagination

Sometimes I read something that goes beyond. It stretches my mind, and usually leaves me feeling a little green that my mind wasn't heretofore at those limits. Which is ridiculous, of course. Having that particular experience is one of the best reasons to read in the first place.

I came upon this while reading The Alphabet Versus the Goddess this evening (so my headache must be better!): There exists another dimension also; the sheer aesthetic pleasure that accompanies reading. Breaking the confines of the shell that more or less encases each individual, literature allows readers' minds to merge into the imaginations of the most thoughtful writers who have ever lived (p. 430).

And in thinking about how writers refuel their minds, reading is definitely one of those ways. I've had this joyous experience a few times. While I always enjoy reading (because if I don't enjoy it, I put it down), there have been a few works that have been more stimulating to my imagination than others.

Island of the Blue Dolphins - While I was young, I read this story several times. It took me to that island, and I was that girl. And it was so simply written that I remember thinking, "Maybe I can do this, too."

Jacob Have I Loved - I didn't realize it at the time, but this YA story weaves together two things that have become themes for me: a 'vintage' setting and an emphasis on the battle between religion/duty and passion/hunger.

Interview with the Vampire - This may be on many people's lists. The first read was for fun and curiosity. Something in the story or characters, however, made me read it again. And again. Anne Rice admits that religion figures in her writing, and this story in particular gives me something new every time I ready it (which is annually). Her following stories were more transparent in their delivery, and never really matched up--until maybe Christ the Lord, which made me curious about other things.

The Secrets of Jin Shei - I don't know how to describe the read except to say it opened the lid to my box. We all have boundaries on our imagination, whether formed by nature or nurture. When you encouter someone whose imagination is more open, bigger, than yours, you know, and you want to learn.

I'm searching for more of these experiences. I feel a reading binge coming on. I've ordered the follow up to Jin Shei, The Embers of Heaven, and tonight ordered Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon. Looking at The Fledgling, by Octavia Butler, and the Grigori series from Storm Constantine.

Who does it for you? Who's popped your cork, lifted the lid, or opened the door to your imagination?