celebrating the freedom to read

 

The next Books & Beyond (BAB) meeting is Tuesday, October 25th at 6:30pm in the library’s conference room.  If you’d prefer to attend on Zoom, register here: https://emmetoneal.libnet.info/event/5494765. The topic for the meeting will be books on general knowledge/trivia and I have a display up at the 2nd floor service desk.  The Shelf Care page of the library’s website also showcases these display books, simply scroll down to the row titled “Test Your Knowledge!”: https://oneallibrary.org/adults---reading-recommendations

Upcoming programs:

Stop by the library for a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s film, Rear Window, on Sunday, October 2 at 3pm: https://emmetoneal.libnet.info/event/7057343.

Bring your craft projects and network with other hobbyists at Crafternoon on Saturday, October 8 from 2pm-4pm: https://emmetoneal.libnet.info/event/6891937

Tis the season for folk horror on Sunday, October 9 from 7pm-9pm with UAB film studies professor Gareth Jones. He’ll give us a primer on the folk horror genre in film and media before a screening of the 1975 telefilm, Murrain. Ages 16 and up recommended. https://emmetoneal.libnet.info/event/6814844

This week, BAB met to talk about the importance of the freedom to read and banned/challenged books in general.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Set in the mid-17th century in New England, The Scarlet Letter follows married Hester Prynne after she conceives a daughter through an affair. Societal standards of puritan New England force her to wear a scarlet “A” on her clothes as a constant reminder to her and everyone else of her past infidelity. Through the life of Hester and of her child, they both struggle through the overwhelming stigma behind Hester’s adultery, and despite the mounting pressure, she refuses to name the father of her child. Hawthorne paints an eye opening story of acceptance, shame, guilt, and fierce social ostracism surrounding one woman and the burden she bears in her life.

“In 1961, parents of students in a Michigan district objected to the assignment of the novel in high school, arguing that it was “pornographic and obscene.” Though the parents demanded that the book was removed from the curriculum, the request was denied. Other requests continued well into the twentieth century, but the novel is still commonly read in high schools all across the United States.”  https://blog.lib.utah.edu/banned-the-scarlet-letter/

Answers in the Pages by David Levithan

When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it—much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius...right? But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book's main characters are gay, Donovan's mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle. Interweaving three connected storylines, David Levithan delivers a bold, fun, and timely story about taking action (whether it's against book censors or deadly alligators...), being brave, and standing up for what's right. 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned. Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has had thirty-nine public challenges or bans since 1983.  The majority of complaints were from parents who objected to the book’s depiction of sexually explicit scenes, including the rape and molestation suffered by the author as an eight-year-old, but it also has been challenged for being “anti-white” and encouraging homosexuality.  The Office for Intellectual Freedom has received significantly more confidential reports of challenges to this iconic book in the past three decades. In a victory for the freedom to read, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings has often been retained despite challenges and attempted removals.”https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/spotlight-on-censorship-i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/#:~:text=Because%20the%20display%20of%20Maya,the%20Spotlight%20on%20Censorship%20series

Grendel by John Gardner

The first and most terrifying monster in English literature, from the great early epic Beowulf, tells his own side of the story in this frequently banned book. This is the novel William Gass called "one of the finest of our contemporary fictions."

“1978 - Maryland - Challenged at Frederick County Schools for being "anti-christian, anti-moral, and violent." / 1986 - California - At Wasco High School the principal felt it was "profane," and created a restricted list of books, this being the first and only book on the list. / 1997 - Colorado - Challenged but retained at Douglas County schools for being obscene and violent. / 2008 - Oregon - Challenged but retained at Sherwood School District for torture and mutilation”https://www.bannedlibrary.com/podcast/2019/7/21/grendel-by-john-gardner

The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell (Hoopla ebook, also freely available via any internet search)

“William Powell was just 19 when he wrote this 1971 cult classic. The guerrilla how-to book managed to anger not only government officials, but also anarchist groups. One such organization, CrimethInc., said the book misrepresents anarchist ideals and later released its own book of the same name. Other critics attacked the book for more practical reasons — some of the bombmaking recipes that Powell included turned out to be dangerously inaccurate. Ironically, an older and purportedly wiser Powell later tried to censor his own book. After converting to Christianity, Powell publicly denounced his work, writing in 2000 on Amazon.com that the book is a “misguided product of my adolescent anger at the prospect of being drafted and sent to Vietnam to fight in a war that I did not believe in.” But even Powell couldn’t successfully ban the book from print; he no longer owns the rights.”https://entertainment.time.com/2011/01/06/removing-the-n-word-from-huck-finn-top-10-censored-books/slide/the-anarchist-cookbook/

The Holy Bible

“James LaRue, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom's director, said that the Bible is sometimes challenged because of "sexual content inappropriate to minors" and "incitement to violence." More often, he said, people mistakenly believe that just having the Bible in a library violates the separation of church and state.”https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-holy-bible-is-now-one-of-the-most-challenged-books-in-america_n_570d2d33e4b01422324a4465

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

“Critics have also accused The Hunger Games of being anti-ethnic, anti-family, and violent, and of having offensive language, occult/satanic references, and references to overt sexuality. Collins has never directly responded to banning attempts, but has stated that the book raises important themes that should be talked about publicly.”https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/hunger-games-by-suzanne-collins/

The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer

Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife -- between desire and danger.

“In 2009, the YA vampire-romance saga ranked fifth on the Top 10 Banned and Challenged Book list that year, with challengers citing the books’ religious viewpoint (Meyer is Mormon), sexually explicit content, and age-inappropriateness. Twilight also appeared in OIF’s 2010 list of banned and challenged books, when it was flagged for violence.”https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/my-head-is-sort-of-private-the-twilight-saga-as-privacy-parable/ 

The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

“Reasons for challenging the book included: glorifying witchcraft, promoting the occult, tones of death, hate, lack of respect and sheer evil, leading children to hatred and rebellion, confusing children, and leading them astray. Some were also concerned about the increasing dark tone in the later books but overall, most of the challengers’ reasons based on religious beliefs.” https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/harry-potter-the-most-challenged-book-of-the-21st-century

The His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman

These thrilling adventures tell the story of Lyra and Will—two ordinary children on a perilous journey through shimmering haunted otherworlds. They will meet witches and armored bears, fallen angels and soul-eating specters. And in the end, the fate of both the living—and the dead—will rely on them. Phillip Pullman’s spellbinding His Dark Materials trilogy has captivated readers for over twenty years and won acclaim at every turn. It will have you questioning everything you know about your world and wondering what really lies just out of reach.

“In 2008, the His Dark Materials trilogy came second for one of the most banned books. Many of the concerns were brought up by members of the clergy or parents that had expressed their belief that the true meaning of the story was anti-god. It is interesting to note the contentions caused by Pullman’s books usually claim to be in the defense of religion. Phillip Pullman has stated that the true intended meaning is not an attack on faith or the people who truly believe in the faith, but those who are using faith for their own benefit. Pullman declared that “In my view, belief in God seems to be a very good excuse, on the part of those who claim to believe, for doing many wicked things that they wouldn’t feel justified in doing without such a belief.” “https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/phillip-pullman-his-dark-materials/

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss

HBO's Emmy winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever...With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming bunny book for kids explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this better Bundo book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.

“Challened and vandalized for LGBTQIA+ content and political viewpoints, for concerns that it is “designed to pollute the morals of its readers,” and for not including a content warning.”https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/a-day-in-the-life-of-marlon-bundo/

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

An unforgettable tale, set in 17th century England, of a village that quarantines itself to arrest the spread of the plague, from the author The Secret Chord and of March, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged hill country of England, Year of Wonders is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. Written with stunning emotional intelligence and introducing "an inspiring heroine" (The Wall Street Journal), Brooks blends love and learning, loss and renewal into a spellbinding and unforgettable read.

“In 2020, the book was named the 100th most banned and/or challenged book in the United States from 2010 to 2019, according to the American Library Association because of “witchcraft, madness, and repressed sexuality.””https://waldina.com/banned-books/year-of-wonders-by-geraldine-brooks/

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the coming-of-age story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

"Although it was certainly controversial in the Middle East, there were no publicly reported challenges or bans of the book in U.S. schools or libraries until March 2013, when Chicago Public Schools administrators abruptly pulled it from some classrooms…claiming that the intention was never to remove the book from libraries, but only from classrooms due to “graphic language and images that are not appropriate for general use.”"https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/c.php?g=606679&p=4206258#:~:text=Although%20it%20was%20certainly%20controversial,pulled%20it%20from%20some%20classrooms

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe (Hoopla ebook)

Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Kobabe’s Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

“Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.”https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/gender-queer/

GENERAL DISCUSSION

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

“To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most frequently challenged books in the US due to its themes of rape and use of profanity and racial slurs.”https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/harper-lee-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

The hero-narrator of The Catcher in the Rye is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caufield. Through circumstances that tend to preclude adult, secondhand description, he leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in New York City for three days.

“Between 1986 and 2000, at least nine different attempts to remove The Catcher in the Rye from schools were based on the novel’s use of profanity and sexual references. Three of these attempts (Wyoming in 1986, North Dakota in 1987, and 1989 in California) were successful in getting the book removed. Another commonly cited reason is the novel’s use of vulgar and obscene language, as well as statements defamatory to God. Other, less common reasons for challenging the novel include accusations that the book is anti-white, immoral, and/or violent.”https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/j-d-salinger-the-catcher-in-the-rye/           

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian future, environmental disasters and declining birthrates have led to a Second American Civil War. The result is the rise of the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian regime that enforces rigid social roles and enslaves the few remaining fertile women. Offred is one of these, a Handmaid bound to produce children for one of Gilead’s commanders. Deprived of her husband, her child, her freedom, and even her own name, Offred clings to her memories and her will to survive. At once a scathing satire, an ominous warning, and a tour de force of narrative suspense, The Handmaid’s Tale is a modern classic.

“2014-Challenged, but retained as required reading for a Page High School International Baccalaureate class and as optional reading for Advanced Placement reading courses at Grimsley High School in Guilford County (NC) because the book is “sexually explicit, violently graphic and morally corrupt.” Some parents thought the book is “detrimental to Christian values.””https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/the-handmaids-tale/

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Freshman year at Merryweather High is not going well for Melinda Sordino. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, and now her friends—and even strangers—all hate her. So she stops trying, stops talking. She retreats into her head, and all the lies and hypocrisies of high school become magnified, leaving her with no desire to talk to anyone anyway. But it’s not so comfortable in her head, either—there’s something banging around in there that she doesn’t want to think about. She can’t just go on like this forever. Eventually, she’s going to have to confront the thing she’s avoiding, the thing that happened at the party, the thing that nobody but her knows. She’s going to have to speak the truth.

“2021-Banned, challenged and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint, and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity.”https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/speak/

Unrelated to banned/challenged books, but a short topic of conversation at the meeting!

Abbot Elementary tv show  (an ABC show streaming on several services, including Hulu and HBO Max)

A group of dedicated, passionate teachers -- and a slightly tone-deaf principal -- find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do -- even if they don't love the school district's less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Trailer for season 1: https://youtu.be/cO-_7oi-61Y