This week, Bernadette at Reactions to Reading asked us to share our thoughts on the subject of separating the authors' lives from their writing. Are you able to separate them? Does your view of an author and his or her work change when your own beliefs and opinions differ from that of the author? Does an author's behavior, past or present, impact your opinion of him or her? Just how much or how little background information on an author do you want to know?
This is what some of you had to say:Erotic Horizon says that an author's secret past doesn't bother her, but rather may increase her interest in reading his or her books. However, when it comes to certain issues, it can depend, such as an author's continued sanitation of rape scenes. An author who behaves badly is another she could do without.
Another blogger whose interest is piqued by a criminal past is Amat Libris Between the Covers. She also discusses the relevancy of politics between authors who are alive or deceased, and tackles the subject of just how difficult a balancing act it can be for an author espousing their own beliefs.
Margaret from BooksPlease admits that an author's personality and past crimes affect her reading, but an absorbing plot may be enough to get her past it. When it comes to nonfiction, credentials or lack there of do matter.
Bill Pullman is an author KT from Literary Transgressions doesn't especially like but adores his book Northern Lights. KT goes on to offer an example of how one's personal beliefs can interfere and ruin a book.
Trisha of Eclectic/Eccentric does not take much of an interest in authors' personal lives, but the internet has shed a disappointing light on a few. While she may disagree with an author's beliefs, she does promote reading books that we may not agree with:
Reading is not agreeing, and I believe that reading belief systems other than your own is actually a positive intellectual pursuit. It opens your mind to other ways of thinking and helps you determine your own personal beliefs. It sparks discussion, contemplation, and growth. And all of that is, in my opinion, a good thing.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Weekly Geeks this week, and remember to check back tomorrow for our new topic!