March 2015 Question #5 and Question #6

[kybearfuzz]

Asked by guywithmonsters:

"What one book would you have everyone read if you could?"

Honestly, I don't have an answer for this one, as I've never had a book that had an overly profound effect on me. This has more to do with my reasons for reading and the type of books I go for.

Since I left college, I have made reading (outside of work) strictly an activity for pleasure. I read very little non-fiction for fun. I read to escape and they tend to be horror, mystery, and science fiction.

However, I guess if I had such a power to make people read something, I probably would have them read something outside their usual comfort zone in the hopes of expanding their horizons. For example, I would make overly religious people read a book on witchcraft or paganism, or a racist read a book by Toni Morrison or Terry McMillan.

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Asked by boobooirl:

"If you had to stay one age for the rest of your life what age would you choose?"

I guess there would be a lot of perks to say I would like to be 21 or 25 again, but as I've gotten older I realize how people my age often view the people that age. To be viewed as a adult "kid" would not be so fun.

I think I would choose "35" as my permanent age. It seems like that is a great place to be, experienced enough to have the respect of others, but young enough to still enjoy an evening out with friends. At 35, I think I was in my best shape and my work life was at a very exciting stage. If I could maintain the feeling that accompanied that year, I think it would be a great life.

What about you guys?

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March is question month. If you would like to ask me anything, go here.

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I would choose 40. It kicked off my most successful decade professionally and personally life was pretty damn good! I hadn't lost anyone close to me yet and my health was excellent. Life changed dramatically after 54 when I moved to Minnesota. So, 40 sounds just about right!

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

My favorite book that I would want everyone to read would be HAVE SPACESUIT, WILL TRAVEL, written by Robert Heinlein. I read it when I was 30, and it was a terrific book! The main character wins a space suit in a contest, and then he gets into all kinds of trouble after that. Either that or THE MARTIAN, by Andy Weir. I read that one only just last month, and it is an exciting read that will have you on the edge of your seat! It's about an astronaut who is accidentally left behind on Mars, and all the things he must do to stay alive until he can be rescued.

What age would I want to be permanently? Probably 65, as I would be a senior citizen. I'm only a little more than 7 years away from that landmark now. I never cared overmuch for being young at all. I like being older and looking older. I do get respect from more people now that I'm getting close to 60. :)

But to be an old man in this society? I would need to have super powers just to survive, as long as we are being hypothetical, LOL!

[dorisduke.livejournal.com]

Age for the rest of your life.

That brings up a question. If I choose and age that had me in perfect health, does this mean being that age confounds death?

But being 40 to me would work well. It just felt right and I looked good. I no longer cared what folks felt about me. I was ready to slam those who tried to bring pain to me to the ground. It was a freeing age.

Like you no book has ever been profound. But I did and still do like the series of the tales of the city by A Maupin, it tells of a time and place so well.

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

What entertainment or escape do you find in horror?

I agree with you on 35. My thirties was my favourite decade.

[boobooirl.livejournal.com]

That's funny. I would have chosen 35 as well.
I think it really is a good combination of experience, self confidence and stability and also not being too old.

But don't worry that you are already well past that age.... You're still pretty damn good looking!

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

40, I'd pick 40.

35 was OK--but I was just testing the waters after coming out. I was more comfortable in my skin at 40.

[guywithmonsters.livejournal.com]

If I could be 30 and have the life and knowledge I have now that would rock. Otherwise 42 is pretty good so far. lol