I don't think I need to remind you that this week is Banned Book Week. The blogosphere is buzzing with posts on how much banning books sucks. I am here today to second that.
The ever-awesome Tahereh and The Rejectionist have teamed up to host the Best Banned Book Bonanza, where people can review their favorite banned book on their blogs.
Me? I'm going with one I can never stop thinking about.
I have so much to say about this book, but I won't say it. Everyone who's anyone around the Web has already said it on my behalf. And they said it better than I ever could.
I am going to take a moment to acknowledge the awesomeness of Anderson's writing, though. This woman took a tale about rape and infused it with moments of humor, wit, and a killer deadpan voice. Anderson paints the reader a big picture, one that's impossible to miss--speaking up is the only way you can heal. The only way you can move on, find happiness, and be yourself.
That's why book banners can suck it. Hard. "Don't read this book" becomes "don't listen to that person". And even worse, "don't think for yourself". I'm very sorry, but nobody needs to be told how to think. Especially if the thoughts are stupid, backed up by prejudice and ignorance. Isn't USA the land of the free, people? Well, that includes defending what you believe in. And if a story about a rape victim and the consequences of such an atrocious act is what you believe in, defend it.
Never shut up, folks. Speak LOUDER.
This is the second post I've seen about this book. I. Must. Have. It. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI read it last week! OMG. I'm so lucky to have so many people recommend it to me. It will stay with me for a long long time.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I'm on the list to get this book. It's flying off the shelves (funny how banning a book can do that). I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteYay. I love this book. I recommend it to everyone I can. I'll SPEAK up for it!
ReplyDeleteI need to read this book. I keep meaning to... and putting it off. I vow to stop that!
ReplyDeleteGreat book and great review! :)
ReplyDeleteHear! Hear!
ReplyDeleteTake care
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SPEAK is such an extraordinary book, and it's helped many rape victims. Every library should display this book proudly. Thank you for adding your voice to its defense.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and an amazing book! It's almost funny that banning books has the opposite effect. People can't stop talking about this one!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Renae here. I would never have heard of SPEAK had it not been challenged... nearly two weeks ago? Yeah, about that.
ReplyDeleteNow I want it, despite my TBR pile being so high. I want all the books on the banned list because, cripes, we have to defend these.
Even if most people can still access those book, even if banning has the opposite effect half the time, on principle, we cannot stand by.
Every of the 86 bloggers on Tahereh's list are awesome for doing this. I wish I could read them all!
Suck it hard is RIGHT!!!!!! Go girl!
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