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The Word Made Flesh: Literary Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide by Eva Talmadge, Justin Taylor
jgintrovertedreader's review
3.0
I pulled this out of its mailer and my husband took one look and said, "Oh, crap. You're going to have a tattoo soon, aren't you?" I was a little hesitant to open it for fear of that very thing myself. I don't have anything against tattoos on other people, they just aren't for me. Let's just say that, working in health care, I've seen too many wrinkled, formless tattoos on those who never thought they'd grow old. Yeah. Not for me.
But in looking through the tattoos in the book, I can admire the artistry, but many of them really are more Literary than what I normally read. I'll pick up the classics every now and then, but I typically read for entertainment, not necessarily enlightenment. So the tattoos of Kafka and company don't mean a whole lot to me.
The tattoos of quotes were interesting, and they did leave me pondering if there's a quote that means so much to me I would have it permanently etched on my body. Nothing yet, but I'll keep you posted.
There were more popular tattoos included, such as tattoos for Harry Potter and Twilight, and I at least understood those a little more.
The ones that intrigued me the most were part of a living story. Each person has one word from a short story written by Shelley Jackson specifically for this project tattooed on their body somewhere. The short story isn't written down in its entirety anywhere. The people who have the tattoos have read the story but no one else ever has or ever will. It sounds so very cool to be part of a living story. Okay, so we live our personal stories daily. I hope you know what I'm trying to say. It would be cool to be part of the canvas for someone else's written story.
The book was very entertaining to look through, but I can't say it rocked my world. Those who are more into body art than I am will probably have a different reaction.
Thanks to Harper Perennial for sending me a copy for review.
But in looking through the tattoos in the book, I can admire the artistry, but many of them really are more Literary than what I normally read. I'll pick up the classics every now and then, but I typically read for entertainment, not necessarily enlightenment. So the tattoos of Kafka and company don't mean a whole lot to me.
The tattoos of quotes were interesting, and they did leave me pondering if there's a quote that means so much to me I would have it permanently etched on my body. Nothing yet, but I'll keep you posted.
There were more popular tattoos included, such as tattoos for Harry Potter and Twilight, and I at least understood those a little more.
The ones that intrigued me the most were part of a living story. Each person has one word from a short story written by Shelley Jackson specifically for this project tattooed on their body somewhere. The short story isn't written down in its entirety anywhere. The people who have the tattoos have read the story but no one else ever has or ever will. It sounds so very cool to be part of a living story. Okay, so we live our personal stories daily. I hope you know what I'm trying to say. It would be cool to be part of the canvas for someone else's written story.
The book was very entertaining to look through, but I can't say it rocked my world. Those who are more into body art than I am will probably have a different reaction.
Thanks to Harper Perennial for sending me a copy for review.
90sinmyheart's review
2.0
Thought it would have a lot more modern and mainstream stuff I would recognize. Done in by a science degree yet again.
balletbookworm's review
4.0
Received from HarperPerennial for review.
A very nice book of photos devoted to tattoos of all literary stripes, from single characters in black ink to full color sleeves/backs. The range of creativity is amazing. It almost makes me want a tattoo of my own.
Almost (I am notoriously indecisive and a big wuss when it comes to needles).
A very nice book of photos devoted to tattoos of all literary stripes, from single characters in black ink to full color sleeves/backs. The range of creativity is amazing. It almost makes me want a tattoo of my own.
Almost (I am notoriously indecisive and a big wuss when it comes to needles).
jennuinepain's review
3.0
I was not that impressed with this book. I bought the kindle version which was kind of hard to follow. I did enjoy the SKIN story, but overall I've found more literary tattoos that I liked on tumblr. I wish I'd have found the book to borrow rather than spend almost $10 on it.
chupacabra2000's review
1.0
I had been looking forward to this book for a long time since it covers two of my biggest hobbies in one - and it was such a HUUUGE disappointment.
First of all the majority of the tattoos in this book are utter shit. I don't mean shit as in personal taste/bad motives - but shit as in execution. Squiggly lines, patches and blowouts is more a standard than exception in this book. You'd think a book consisting of tattoo compilations would have some sort of standard to meet - but no. In the beginning of this book they even brag about how many submissions they got, I can't even imagine what the rest looks like...
PSA: PLEASE RESEARCH YOUR TATTOO ARTIST BEFORE GETTING INKED!
Second of all there was so many typos in this book, and so many bad and blurry pictures of the actual tattoos. Also, they didn't even edit their e-mailed submissions (the worst one containing emojis and "bcuz") - which is weird since it's a book for "bookworms".
Sigh. The cover was pretty though...
First of all the majority of the tattoos in this book are utter shit. I don't mean shit as in personal taste/bad motives - but shit as in execution. Squiggly lines, patches and blowouts is more a standard than exception in this book. You'd think a book consisting of tattoo compilations would have some sort of standard to meet - but no. In the beginning of this book they even brag about how many submissions they got, I can't even imagine what the rest looks like...
PSA: PLEASE RESEARCH YOUR TATTOO ARTIST BEFORE GETTING INKED!
Second of all there was so many typos in this book, and so many bad and blurry pictures of the actual tattoos. Also, they didn't even edit their e-mailed submissions (the worst one containing emojis and "bcuz") - which is weird since it's a book for "bookworms".
Sigh. The cover was pretty though...
yokorie's review
4.0
I've written before about my desire for a literary tattoo and my admiration for those who go through with getting one. I think that they're beautiful, inspiring, and always have great stories behind them.
The book itself includes dozens of color and black and white photos of different literary tattoos, some of them with their accompanying stories. Each picture also has the line rewritten and the book/ poem/ play that it came from written underneath, for those who didn't get the reference.
Honestly, I didn't know a lot of the books/ poems/ etc. that made up the tattoos, but it was nice to see what was important to other people. The book is concise, meaning that depending on how long you stop to gaze at the pictures you can probably get through it in an afternoon (of an insomnia-fueled night, if you're me.)
The Word Made Flesh is a great book for artists, readers, and those who too dream about honoring the written word in the most personal way possible.
The book itself includes dozens of color and black and white photos of different literary tattoos, some of them with their accompanying stories. Each picture also has the line rewritten and the book/ poem/ play that it came from written underneath, for those who didn't get the reference.
Honestly, I didn't know a lot of the books/ poems/ etc. that made up the tattoos, but it was nice to see what was important to other people. The book is concise, meaning that depending on how long you stop to gaze at the pictures you can probably get through it in an afternoon (of an insomnia-fueled night, if you're me.)
The Word Made Flesh is a great book for artists, readers, and those who too dream about honoring the written word in the most personal way possible.
sarahannkateri's review
3.0
It's probably because I watch some literary tattoo communities online, but I feel like this could have been more comprehensive.
malamarvoncat's review
3.0
Some very interesting tattoos. Like the authors said in the introduction,I was surprised to find that a book like this hadn't been done before.
There was some nice work displayed in here, but also some that made me wonder why it was chosen for the book :-)
There was some nice work displayed in here, but also some that made me wonder why it was chosen for the book :-)
thegeekyblogger's review
4.0
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Purchased: Sent to me by Publisher
What I Loved:This was a fantastic picture rendering of many different literary tattoos. They ranged from classics to contemporaries and all were a work of art! I loved when the people would explain why they got a particular tat.
What I Liked: The authors really set back and let the tats speak for themselves.
Complaints: None really!
Why I gave it a 4: I really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and wishing that I had enough nerve to get another tat!
Who I would recommend it too: I would recommend it to anyone who loves Literary quotes, Book readers, and Tat Lovers!
Purchased: Sent to me by Publisher
What I Loved:This was a fantastic picture rendering of many different literary tattoos. They ranged from classics to contemporaries and all were a work of art! I loved when the people would explain why they got a particular tat.
What I Liked: The authors really set back and let the tats speak for themselves.
Complaints: None really!
Why I gave it a 4: I really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and wishing that I had enough nerve to get another tat!
Who I would recommend it too: I would recommend it to anyone who loves Literary quotes, Book readers, and Tat Lovers!