A Post: Literary Tattoos

There seems to be a lot of talk about literary tattoos as of late. I find that I see articles and posts on the subject on my twitter feed quite regularly now. I can't say I'm surprised by this development as tattoo culture seems to be less and less taboo. However, I have a feeling that most of the people posting images of their ink and their love for the art probably don't really care if society's accepting and were doing it long before it was cool. So. I'll admit that I have more than a few tattoos. Yes, I got them when I was younger. No, I don't necessarily regret the decision. Not all anyway. But when it's done, it's done and there's really no going back.

When I read over this awesome post by Book Riot over the weekend I was finally convinced that despite my no-more-tattoos rule, I had to get something from one of my favorite books. I sat there thinking... how could I not have a single literary tattoo? Well... I guess I have a pretty lame explanation. While I've always loved reading. Always. I was, like most young adults, really into my music. So into my favorite music, in fact, that virtually all of my tattoos are lyrics or interpretations of songs. For instance, take a peek at 23-year-old Beth. Yes, this photo is seeing the light of day despite that fact that this expression is a little too close to the dreaded duck face for comfort. But. It gives you a good glimpse of this Beatles-inspired piece I had drawn based on the song "Dear Prudence."

I wanted mother earth and sunshine and all things beautiful. I wanted a tattoo that would make me smile on the darkest days. My love for the Beatles actually precedes my love of reading because I totally jammed to "Twist and Shout" before I could even speak properly.

I have others... some in places that aren't visible when I'm walking down the street (I bet you would love to see those). And then some like this bit of a Bright Eyes song on the inside of my arm that people can't seem to refrain from asking me to read. BEWARE: 21-year-old Beth is even scarier and maybe COOLER than 23-year-old Beth. Don't even get me started on what this line actually means to me. No, people can't kill people and be in the right in my mind. Jeez. I'm looking at you, Mom and Dad.

Hopefully if you've been having a bad morning these photos are totally turning all that around.

The whole point of this post was to work through whether or not I should get a tattoo to reflect my love of reading. But is this even a question!? No, it's not, and yes, I should totally get another one. I knew the title I'd pick up immediately. Most of my regular readers probably know too. I thumbed through my battered, highlighted, dog-eared, and post-it-noted (totally made up) copy of The History of Love and located some of my favorite quotations. I think I've got it narrowed down to two quotations. Hell, I might even get both.

What's your opinion on the subject? Don't be afraid to speak up! What would you get if you could get any literary piece? Would you stick with a line, or go for a full out interpretation? Feel free to link up if you already have some so we can all see!

Note: 28-year-old Beth definitely frowns upon the provided photo decisions of younger Beth. Ugh. You live, you learn.

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