Upbeat Book Talk

Reading Something Painful  Do you avoid reading anything that is depressing, sad? Some people do. If it doesn't bring a smile, give a mood boost, or at least some assurance the ending will redeem any unpleasantness, they avoid it.  That may be the right thing to do in their case for a variety of reasons. But not for me. Learning about dark times in history or the huge challenge someone goes through because of what life unexpectedly brought their way is not always a few hours of hilarity. Sometimes it's achingly sad, gut-wrenching even. Anger comes reading about injustice, suffering, and blatant evil.

          In the literary world what inspires you, what lifts your spirits?    This is a very personal question.