Now that dramababy is older and sleeping more (yay!) I'd like to move forward with starting a Books Board Book Club. I think our first book should be a banned book, in honor of Banned Books Week (September 26 - October 3). We can read the book, discuss it here, and then review it as part of Patsy's Banned Books Write Off.

Here are three on the most challenged of 2008-2009 list that I thought we could vote on for our first book:

Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Harper.

From Library Journal: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a classic science fiction work that continues to be a significant warning to our society today. Tony Britton, the reader, does an excellent job of portraying clinical detachment as the true nature of the human incubators is revealed. The tone lightens during the vacation to the wilderness and the contrast is even more striking. Each character is given a separate personality by Britton's voices. As the story moves from clinical detachment to the human interest of Bernard, the nonconformist, and John, the "Savage," listeners are drawn more deeply into the plot. Finally, the reasoned tones of the Controller explain away all of John's arguments against the civilization, leading to John's death as he cannot reconcile his beliefs to theirs.The abridgement is very well done, and the overall message of the novel is clearly presented.

Retained in the Coeur D’Alene, Idaho School District (2008) despite objections that the book has too many references to sex and drug use.

Anaya, Rudolfo A. Bless Me, Ultima. TQS Pubns.

From Amazon: When a curandera comes to stay with a young boy, he tests the bonds that tie him to his culture and finds himself in the secrets of the past.

Banned from the Orestimba High School’s English classes in Newman, Calif. (2008) by the superintendent after complaints that the book is profane and anti-Catholic. Teachers claimed that the superintendent circumvented the district’s policies on book challenges and set a dangerous precedent. The book is about a boy maturing, asking questions about evil, justice, and the nature of God.

Kaysen, Susanna. Girl, Interrupted. Vintage.

From Publishers Weekly: Kaysen's startling account of her two-year stay at a Boston psychiatric hospital 25 years ago.

The New Rochelle, N.Y. Board of Education (2008)announced that it would replace all fifty copies of Susanna Kaysen’s memoir after school officials tore pages from the book deemed “inappropriate” due to sexual content and strong language. Removed was a scene where the rebellious Lisa encourages Susanna to circumvent hospital rules against sexual intercourse by engaging in oral sex instead.


Spread the word and cast your vote!

What a great way to start the book club off!! Thanks for tying this into Banned Books week. So where do we cast our vote -- here, with you in email, other?

patsy

Vote here or to me via email. Just vote and commit to reading the book and discussing it here!

Based on current availability at my library's hold list, I vote for Bless Me, Ultima or Girl, Interrupted.

Grace

I vote for Bless Me, Ultima.

if I have a vote.

I'll bravely go where no one has gone before and vote for Brave New World.

Mark

Also based on my library's current availability, I'll go with "Girl, Interrupted."

~*~Danielle~*~

I also vote for Bless Me, Ultima.

I love the idea for a book club - such fun!

I'm not into reading books that are like "work". I remember Brave New World as being like that back in high school when I had to read it.

If Girl, Interrupted was the book, I'd join in on the discussion. If not, then I'll wait for another month and a different book.

I vote for Bless Me Ultima, because I know where that one is, and Brave New World has gone walkabout. I think it might be at one of the twin's houses.

Talyseon, who occassionally has a practical side....

My vote, also, Bless Me Ultima

patsy

I vote for Bless Me, Ultima, too. It would be fun to do something I haven't read before.

I'll vote Bless Me, Ultima, since it is the one of the three that I haven't read.

ME