Tattoo a Book Upon My Heart…
Published January 25, 2012
TRUE CONFESSION: I have a tattoo.
Just a thin thread of an ivy strand I got when I was eighteen and away at college. It encircles my ankle and makes me smile whenever I notice it’s still there. They say that once you get a tattoo, it’s like an addiction and you want more, covering your skin with art and poetry and pictures of loved ones. But not me…
At least, not usually.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll come across a tattoo that charms my whimsical heart–such as my sister’s, which is written in pretty, elvish words and translates “Shall we dare the dragon?” (Are you thinking she’s awesome? Because, yes she is. In fact, ten points to whoever can tell me what book that’s based on…) And while I’m totally convinced my sister’s tattoo is the coolest ever, I came across a link from Publisher’s Weekly for some other literary tattoos yesterday when I was flitting around the internet kingdom. (Thanks to one of my Book Blog friends, Mary at Bookhounds!)
Check out these ones of The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, and Where the Wild Things Are (which my kids liked best)! What do you think, eh?
Next week I’ll give you MY best-of-the-best list of literary tattoos. But in the meantime—do any of YOU have tattoos? *stares intently until you ‘fess up*
And if not, have you ever wanted one? What would it be of???
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Christina Perri: The Lonely
Tags: Book Blogs, book tattoos, christina perri, literary tattoos, Mary BookHounds, publisher'sweekly, tattoo, the little prince, youtube video The Lonely
01.25.2012 / 6:27 pm
I do. I have 4. Stuff I got when I was too young to pick well.
If I had it all to do again I would tell myself, “Wait till your 30. You’ll pick something cooler then.”
I LOVE literary tats.
Especially quotes.
My father in law has Horton (from Horton Hears a Who!)
01.25.2012 / 6:29 pm
I don’t have any tattoos- but most of my friends do. So far- nothing has come to me that I would like to have forever. I do love to draw and paint and I think there are some gorgeous tattoos out there. I actually enjoy watching Miami and LA Ink. I think your sister’s tattoo is awesome. Is it from: The Silmarillion (spelling?) by Tolkien? That is my guess. I think it is excellent that your tattoo makes you smile every time you remember it. That means it was a good thing!
01.25.2012 / 10:27 pm
Do not have a tattoo… currently. I think there are some beautiful ones out there, but like Jess said above, I have never personally found one I would want forever. (I also have a tendency to pass out at the sight of needles…) However, I would someday like to have some of the words to the song “Every New Day” by Five Iron Frenzy in a tattoo form. But I’m in no rush.
I think the Max tattoo is my favorite of the above three. Especially considering the story behind it. Beautiful.
01.26.2012 / 8:45 am
Wow I was really surprised by that list. I figured Alice’s adventures was a given, those storie are so visual. Slaughterhouse-5 though????
Since it wouldn’t be fair for me to “guess” my own tattoo, I’ll just say that I love all the ones I have and am looking forward to the next one.
01.26.2012 / 9:09 am
I have three tattoos – secret secrets are no fun.
And your sister is a freakin’ badass, pardon my french.
I NEED an Alice tattoo. I’m going to start planning. This made my day.
01.26.2012 / 12:19 pm
Is your sister’s tat from The Hobbit? Anywho, I also have one tattoo that I got when I was in college. I designed it myself. It’s a pair of lips with the nickname my friends called me written in script under it. But it’s close to my special no-no place so no one would ever see it except a significant other, or the doctor.
The Little Prince tattoo is pretty.
01.26.2012 / 7:16 pm
I do. Rattler wrapped around a rose, impaled and bleeding on the thorns. My idea. My brothers artwork. Right chest from just inside and above my nipple to just below the collar bone. Probably could have been a little smaller. It has meaning to me…which is why I got it. Have no desire for another.
01.26.2012 / 7:33 pm
Juju, I think I might agree with you on that. While I’m fond of mine, I’d definitely choose something different now that I’m older. And Horton? Adorable!
Jess, I remember my mother saying (something to the effect of) “Just don’t get anything you’ll hate to look at when you’re 90 years old, dear.” So, yes, that’s almost forever, right? ;0) And you’re SO close with Tolkien!!!
Kristen, funny story. A guy friend and I went together to get tattoos–super sweet, big teddy bear type of guy–he passed out. He had his done first and apparently didn’t have enough sugar in his system. I loaded up on sugar and then teased him about it for FOREVER. (Yes, I can be evil.) And isn’t that Max story precious?
Kati, I had the same reaction as you to the list. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!!! Maybe a picture of me, ahem. Because, seriously, how much more awesomer can you get than that? Just be sure to have them draw my good side.
Cassie, that’s probably the word I use most often to describe her. Now if only she had throwing knives….
Jade, you got it!!! “The Hobbit.” Which is way cool, yes? And I designed my own tat as well. (Not that a tiny ivy strand is hard to draw OR original, but hey…) :0) And isn’t The Little Prince just the sweetest?
Rob, I appreciate tats that have meaning. And I think that’s pretty awesome you and your brother collaborated on it. Very cool.
01.28.2012 / 6:20 pm
Cool I love tattos… I have a small one on my shoulder blade – got it back when I was in Uni with a friend.
01.29.2012 / 12:01 pm
I do – a gypsy lily with the word beloved under it. It also has significance and comes from a book too
Next though I really want to get something with the nations- a map of some kind or something…
01.30.2012 / 10:53 am
I adore Kati’s Hobbit quote. And it looks so pretty! I’ve always wanted a Tolkien-inspired tattoo, but I’m constantly pregnant and so content myself with tattooing Tolkien names on my offspring (currently incubating a daughter who will be graced with the middle name “Eowyn.” Yes, I’m the coolest mom ever.)
When I’m done with the offspring-bearing years (which will be quite soon), I would like to have the white tree of Gondor done on my back with the kids’ names written into the branches. Although, I just came across the Riddle of Strider again and think that I might need that somewhere on my body, too (http://pinterest.com/pin/106819822381451043/).
01.30.2012 / 3:35 pm
I can’t wait to read your best-of-the-best post on literary tattoos!
I do have a tattoo on my lower back. I’ve had it for over a decade now. It’s the profile of a Moon Goddess, and her wavy hair and profile form a crescent moon. It’s based on a piece of mythical artwork I saw years ago.
It does have a special meaning for me. It’s a reminder that all women are part of the feminine divine.
(Although getting it was anything but graceful. My foot fell asleep because of the position I was in, and when I stood, I stepped on the tattoo artist’s foot pedal that ran the needle. Twice.)
02.9.2012 / 5:10 pm
Tania, I think the shoulder is quite the perfect spot for a cool tattoo…
Lori, I like the map idea. And a gypsy lily is awesome.
Dani, your kids have rockin’ names! Also, that tree of Gondor is amazing.
Tracy, that’s hilarious! Your tattoo sounds pretty. :0)