The Chocolate Wars by Robert Cormier (Banned Book Review and a CHOCOLATE GIVEAWAY!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)41 Comments

 

Do I dare disturb the universe?

 

Jerry Renault ponders this question from the Private Catholic School he newly attends.  Each year the school partakes in a chocolate sale which help funds programming.  While the sale is said to be optional for students to participate in , they are strongly, STRONGLY encouraged to do so.This year the students are encouraged to sell double what they did last year,   and the cost has doubled as well.

A group of bad-boy “secret society” types called the Vigils find Jerry to be a target for their latest prank and tell him that he is not to sell the chocolates for the first 11 days.  Each week as the students are tallied for the number of boxes they have sold, Jerry announces he has sold none.  The head master is furious much to the Vigils delight, but after day eleven, Jerry decides to take a stand and not sell the chocolates as all, thus making the head of the Vigils a laughing stock amongst his peers, and this does not go over well.  Jerry’s stand turns into a war witht he Vigils, with some of the students, and with  the school.

As Jerry’s fellow students admire Jerry for his courage, the headmaster as well as the head of the Vigils have other plans for making Jerry comply…

 

The Chocolate Wars is also a movie

Why did I want to read this book?  It is a banned book and looked like one I wanted to give a try to.

Wowza.  Can  say we have a winner?  The Chocolate War is the portrayal of a dystopian type world where you just need to fall in line with what you are told to do… (think Pink Floyd, The Wall video).  When Jerry comes on the scene and at first is bullied into not selling the chocolates like everyone else and then decided to not sell at all.. things get pretty crazy in this book.

Bullying is a strong theme throughout the book, and not just the physical kind – and not just from the students….  really the book is powerful and sad but really made an impact on me.  I am so glad I read it.

The audio is a 5 1/2 hours and was perfect with my current crazy schedule.  Narrated by Frank Muller the book read well and kept me engaged.  Recommended!

 

Why Was The Chocolate War Banned?

2010

Challenged and/or banned for nudity, offensive language, being sexually explicit and unsuited for age group.

2008

Initially removed from Harford County (MD) High School curriculum due to vulgar language overshadowing anti-bullying message, but in November 2007, the school superintendent reversed the ban to allow the use of the book in classes dealing with harassment for which all parents have signed permission slips. Challenged as optional reading in a bullying unit at the Lake Oswego (OR) Junior High School because the novel is “peppered with profanities, ranging from derogatory slang terms to sexual encounters and violence.” Challenged in the Coeur d’Alene (ID) School district where parents say the book, along with 5 other, should require parental permission for students to read them. Challenged as required reading for 7th-grade students at the John H. Kinzie Elementary School in Chicago (IL). Challenged at the Northridge School District in Johnstown (OH) because “if these books were a movie, they would be rated R, why should we encourage them to read these books.”

2007

Challenged, but retained in the West Hartford (CN) schools. Parents of a King Philip Middle School eighth grader thought the language, sexual content, and violence made the book PG-13. Challenged in the Wake County (NC) schools because the book has “vulgar and sexually explicit language.” Parents are getting help from Called2Action, a Christian group that says its mission is to “promote and defend our shared family and social values.”

2006

Challenged for sexual content and offensive language.

2005

Challenged for sexual content, offensive language, religious viewpoint, being unsuited to age group and violence.

2003

Challenged in Fairfax (VA) school libraries by a group called Parents Against Bad Books in Schools for “profanity and descriptions of drug abuse, sexually explicit conduct and torture”.

2002

Challenged for profanity, scenes of masturbation and sexual fantasy along with segments denigrating to girls.

2001

Challenged in York County (VA) for sexually explicit language. Retained as optional reading for eighth graders in Girard (PA) despite a grandmother finding the book offensive and not wanting her grand-daughter reading it. Challenged for being on the eighth grade reading list of Lancaster (MA) school district for language and content. Challenged at a Lisbon (OH) board of education meeting as a “pornographic” book that should be removed from high school English classes.

 

So… you want some chocolates? 😛

My friend Florinda at The 3 T’s Blog  also wrote a post on the Chocolate Wars today (book version) and we thought it would be fun to a little “sweetness” to our reviews.  I will be giving away Ghiradelli chocolates to one of the lucky commenters using both out blog posts to enter.  Just leave a comment on either my or Florindas post for an entry – comment on both and you will get three entries because math… is not my strength :D. 

 

Banned Book Week Day Five – 10+ Giveaways and posts

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)21 Comments

Day five!  I hope you have been enjoying these posts and finding them informative.  I am having a blast working with all these awesome bloggers who have put forth their thoughts on banned books and many with giveaways too!  Before I list today’s participants remember at the bottom this post I am listing the four previous days participants as well and these are DNM (Do Not Miss) posts!  There has been a lot of great banned book reviews and I have entered some of the awesome giveaways as well!  😀

But first…

 

 

Ok lets see who is up today and what they have to say…

 

The AWESOME Natalie from Coffee and a Book Chick is sharing today about The Chocolate War and hosting a book giveaway! 

 

Sweet Florinda from The 3 R’s Blog  (and I as well!) will be reviewing The Chocolate War, she read it and I listened to it on audio.  Check out my post later because oh yes, there will be chocolate!

 

 

The amazing Cass from Bonjour Cass will be sharing her thoughts about banning children’s books  and she will host a book giveaway as well!

 

 

**  so I am going to break in here to share a fun fact about these 3 above bloggers.  I have all three of them in person in New York.  I had dinner with Natalie and Florinda and I have went to the broadway play, Mary Poppins with Cass. 😀

 

 

Kendal from Kinx Book Nook is sharing thoughts on The Color Of The Earth, a fantastic looking book! 

 

Shannon from I Run, Teach, Read is posting about an old favorite of mine, Little House On The Prairie.  Yup. A banned book.  Check out her post to find out why it was banned.  She is also hosting a giveaway.

 

 

Tara at Finding Wonderland is reviewing Catcher In The Rye with a book giveaway!

 

 

Johnathon Of The Rogue Scholar has taken on Brave New World along with a book giveaway.  (Oh and I am loving his style for his giveaway… just saying 😀 )

 

 

Kai from A Fiction State Of Mind is reviewing LUSH and having a gift card giveaway!

 

Michelle from The True Book Addict is sharing thoughts on The Girl With The Pearl Earring!

 

 

Tracy at Uncharted Parent is posting on The Color Of The Earth (I must get this book!)

 

Wendy at Musings Of A Bookish Kitty is going to talk about a book called Blankets.  I love the cover of this one and I want to know more about it.

 

 

Katie from Book Addict Katie is chatting up To Kill A Mockingbird and offering a book giveaway!

 

 

Stacy from A Novel Source is reviewing The Dead Zone and having a book giveaway (I never get tired of book giveaways… just saying 😀 )

 

 

And do not forget the posts earlier this week with great info and tons of active giveaways!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

 

Dont forget I am offering up a Banned Book Package with a gift card!  By commenting on any (or all) of the posts on banned books I have linked this week – including my own, you are entered… that means one entry per comment so go, learn about these great books – and have some fun!

 

SO that’s todays offerings.  😀  I am working today but an going ot the library to help with their E Book launch this morning which may be fun. 😀   I know I have a banned book ot two to pick up as well, so double duty.  😀   Out weather has turned MUCH COOLER this week which is not making me too thrilled as I have a 50 mile bike ride this coming Sunday in Mankato, MN.

What book are you reading today?

Sad Desk Salad by Jessica Grose

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)15 Comments

 

Alex Lyons loves her job as a writer for Chick Habit ‘s website.  After all who wouldn’t love a job where you get to sit at home on your couch scouring the web for hours looking for the next big story.  Celebrity mishaps is Alex’s bread and butter, and she knows she is only as good as her last story. 

When a juicy tip comes in about a squeaky clean Ivy League daughter, Alex in on that like white on rice.  This tip is too hot and way to good to pass on… but will Alex’s “tell all” be worth the pain and destruction it will cause in the girl’s life?  And what will it do to Alex’s own life?

Why did I want to read this book?  Helloooooo… look at that fun title!  Right away I was curious about this and had to (had to!) know more!
Sad Desk Salad is a fun read for anyone who enjoys on-line blog reading (like me!)  Alex is witty and clever, and hey – so is author Jessica Grose who sprinkled the magic dust that made Alex come to life in this “snort out loud” tale of the blogging world from a tabloid like atmosphere.  (And really – why not?  As author Jessica Grosse happens to be editor of a site called Jezebel and Slate. )
The title refers to the fact that the fictional Chick Habit’s website in the book gets the most hits over the work day lunch hour when the women are at their desks eating their sad salads and scanning the internet for their favorite gossip. 
While Alex is not always awesome – clearly her “work from home” hygiene habits need some literal “cleaning up”, she was surrounded by enough secondary characters that leveled her out so I was able to take her faults in stride.    Mostly I enjoyed the way the book held my attention and whenever I had to sit it down (darn life stuff like work and errands!) I found myself thinking about how it would all play out.
A good debut novel about online blogging and where to draw a line when it comes to privacy in today’s highly social networking world.  Worthy of taking a look at and maybe enjoying this lite read over a few or your own lunch breaks. 

 

 

Ready For More? It’s Banned Books – Day Four! (Giveaway Links)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

Day four of banned book week already!  Are we having fun?  Have you learned anything about banned books this week?  (Hang on to that question – I am going to ask again at the end of this post. 😀

 

So… let me dig through the videos… what can we show today.  Hang on, I need to pull some footage off the top shelf….. there.  Ok, here we go:

 

 

And there are the amazing bloggers who have banned book posts and giveaways to celebrate today:

 

Gina At Book Dragon’s Lair comes today with her thoughts on The Absolute True Diary Of A Part Time Indian

 

Suey from Its All About Books is going to talk to us about Slaughterhouse Five (I haven’t read this one yet!) and a book giveaway!

 

My buddy Ryan from Reading In Taiwan wrote a great post of Fahrenheit 451 and a discussion on the ban.

 

Kristi from Kristi Loves Books is going to chat about The Lord Of The Flies (creepy title!) and a book giveaway!

 

Rachel from Resistance Is Futile is back with Blood and Chocolate.

 

April from Reading To Write is talking The Land Of The Painted Caves

 

Crys from Book Em! is discussing SPEAK or Part Time Indian and I cant wait to see which one!  AND a book giveaway!

 

Sharon from Sharon’s Garden Of Book Reviews is going to discuss Hunger Games and do a book giveaway!

 

 

Stephanie from On Page And Screen is up today for American Psycho and a gift card giveaway!

 

 

Mine, The Giver with a copy to give away (get that?  The giver?  Then I give a copy…. LOL 😛 )

 

 

And dont forget the past three days of posts and giveaways that are still going on:

 

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Also, if you are enjoying banned book week, make sure that anytime you stop and check out Bonnie’s Banned Book Blog .  Bonnie posts reviews about banned books all tear long and when I am organized (ummmm…. not currently) I post my banned book reviews there as well. 😀

 

Ok, I need to get ready for work but I will be back this afternoon to posy another banned book review and… some fun 😀

Have you learned anything about banned books this week?

The Giver by Lois Lowry (Banned Book Week with a giveaway copy!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)50 Comments

Jonas lives in a world where there is no poverty, no sickness, and no thought or dream that is left unturned by his elders.  In Jonas futuristic world, children are given privileges and assignments by age.  At 9, you earn your bike… your transportation.  At 12, which is where Jonas is at, you are assigned your life career bu the elders of the community.  While Jonas anxiously wonders what he will be – and hopes he likes what is chosen for him…

Jonas is assigned a position that was considered an honor position, he would be The Receiver Of Memories.  At first, this seems pretty cool.  Jonas is given rights that others (even the elders) have never been given.  While being trained by the elderly man “The Giver” who has maintained the position for years, Jonas is allowed to ask questions that in other places would be rude, but as the Receiver, he had privileges and rights.  He is given the right to see and posses all the memories through the history of his world and he soon learns he can go back in this new memory and see birthday parties (something he had never seen!) and scents, and families, and the word love… but he also sees war, and learns the truth about his world, a truth he does not wish to know…

and now he has to decide if he can live with knowing…

 

Reminds me a bit of the Hunger Games

 

Why did I want to read this book?  This is another book that has graced my shelves for years…. I knew this was a book that I must read, but I had not.  Now, during Banned Book Week, the title came up on the list and I knew it was time.  I chose the audio version as it is a little over 4 hours long and worked well into my schedule – I could listen while cooking and cleaning.

I admit, I am always a little nervous on older titles that deal with “futuristic” scenarios.  I never have enjoyed sci-fi, but let me stand before you.. corrected.  The Giver is dystopian before dystopia novels were cool.  Or, more accurately, before we knew dystopia novels were cool.  I picked up themes of The Hunger Games, and Divergent…. two books I really enjoyed.

And another thing.  The Giver, although the cover is a picture of this God-like old man… is indeed a YA novel.  Seriously, I am blown away.

The Giver is one of those books that I would say need to be on everyone’s book bucket list.  Filled with wisdom and thought provoking dialogue, The Giver is one that will remain on my keeper shelf. 

 

Why was The Giver Banned?

* The Giver was challenged in 1995 by a parent in Franklin County, Kansas, on the grounds that it is “concerned with murder, suicide, and the degradation of motherhood and adolescence.” The book was removed from elementary libraries but remained available for classroom use at teachers’ discretion.

* In Wrenshall, Minnesota, a school board member and two parents objected to the inclusion of The Giver on a list of books to be purchased for a high school, on the grounds of offensive language and objectionable themes. The school board approved the book but stipulated that parents would receive a list of books to be studied during the year.

* In Johnson County, Missouri, complainants charged that The Giver desensitized children to euthanasia and asked that the book “not be read in class to children under high school age.” The book remains in the high school section of the K-12 library.

* A parent in Sidney, New York, publicly objected to the novel’s “usage of mind control, selective breeding, and the elimination of the old and young alike when they are weak, feeble and of no more use…” but did not file a formal complaint.

* A review committee in Brecksville, Ohio, recommended the removal of The Giver from an elementary library. Objections referred to infanticide and adult themes in the novel. The book was removed.

* Somewhere in Oklahoma, a parent objected to the novel’s use of terms such as “clairvoyance,” “transcendent,” and “guided imagery,” because these are “all occult New Age practices the Bible tells us to avoid.” The review committee voted unanimously to retain the book but prohibited it from being read aloud in fourth grade. The committee also recommended that immature readers be discouraged from trying it, and that the librarian should make fewer copies available.

* Medford, Oregon: In the absence of a formal review policy, language arts teachers decided not to use the book in seventh grade classrooms after a parent complained of graphic descriptions of euthanasia.

* In 1994, The Giver was temporarily banned from classes by the Bonita Unified School District in LaVerne and San Dimas, California, after four parents complained that violent and sexual passages were inappropriate for children.

* The book was restricted to students with parental permission at the Columbia Falls, Mont. school system in 1995 because of its treatment of themes of infanticide and euthanasia.

I am giving away a copy of this book!

To enter this giveaway – share with me in a comment, using the book you are currently reading (banned or not) and tell me why that book should be banned.  Just make something up!  Have fun with it!  😀  Winner will be chosen on Sunday using random.org 🙂

Banned Book Week Day 3 – OH! The Giveaways!!!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)30 Comments

Day three!  Are we having fun yet?  I sure am!  I hope you had a chance to check out the Day 1 posts and giveaways and the day 2 posts and giveaways.  There is a lot of great information in the posts and a lot of wonderful books and gift cards being given away.  I hope you can take some time to visit these great blogs and bloggers. 😀
Here’s a little Banned book Video to get you in the mood:

Now that you are warmed up!  Here are todays wonderful bloggers that are going to share with you some of their thoughts on banned books:

Laura from A Library Of Clean Reads is going to share with us her thoughts on The Great Gatsby with a gift card giveaway!

 

Daenel from Living Outside The Stacks is also going to chat up To Kill A  Mockingbird today and she is also giving away a gift card!  NICE!!!

 

Charity from The Bookworm Fairy returns with her trilogy watp up as she shares about Mockingjay (yes that is a mocking bird above and now we have added a mocking jay…) Charity’s giveaway of the trilogy and the movie is a do not miss!

 

Lisa from Lit and Life is going to talk banned books today – have you seen her incredible blog layout?  Go take a peek!

 

The Brunette Librariankeeps things going with The Glass Castle and a gift card giveaway!

 

And here comes Jennifer from The Relentless Reader covering an old favorite of mine, Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret.

 

Stephanie at On Page And Screen is talking about one I am really curious about, American Psycho and offering a gift card giveaway!

 

Joy from Joystory is going to discuss Judy Blume (SSSSQQQUUUEEE!) and will be having a crocheted book mark giveaway!

 

Sue from Great Books For Kids and Teens has a little Banned Book talk for you.

 

Sue also has a post at Book by Book which if her adult blog!

 

 

Suko’s Notebook talks banned books and what she is reading this week.

 

 

Jennifer from Book Den is going to discuss A Wrinkle In Time – one I have yet to read but  want to!!!

 

Wendy from Musings Of A Bookish Kitty is going to discuss The Absolute True Diary Of A Part Time Indian (LOVE this one!)

 

*Remember all comments on all posts this week that are linked here (including my own) will go into a drawing for a prize package of banned books and a gift card!

 

How is that for an amazing line up? 

 

and this great link about banned books will give you a chance to win 30 e-books!  Apparently people are backing up Banned book Week and I am loving it!

If you have missed the last two days posts and giveaways do not fear – they are active and could use a visit from you:

Banned Book posts and giveaways day 1!

Banned Book posts and giveaways day 2!

Are you reading banned books this week?  How about movies off of banned books – there are some great ones out there… Hunger Games, Harry Potter, The Lorax, Charlotte’s Web…

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Banned Book Week!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)22 Comments

 

Charlie… prefers to observe.  Well, observe and carry on discussions on paper written to “Dear Friend” about the people he sees, how funny some people act now that he is in 10th grade, why things are the way they are, the girl he likes, the discrimination he sees, why does he always respond by crying, and his quirky family dynamics. 

Charlie, alone is just fine as he is quite self motivated and can find plenty to do.  His English teacher seems to pick up on Charlies gift of reading and writing and assigns his additional reports to write on books that he chooses for Charlie which is well… fine, and maybe a little weird as Charlie really doesn’t want his only friend to be his English teacher.

That’s just awkward.

And then Charlie meets Sam and Patrick and things get a little easier.  Sam is Patrick’s (beautiful!) sister and they too seem to stand a bit to the sidelines, but somehow – they make it look cool to be on the outside of the clicks and the trends.  As their friendship grows Charlie becomes more sure of himself and more comfortable in his own skin.

 

 

Why did I want to read this book?  This one was on my radar for last years Banned Book Week and I just never got to it.  Now that it is a movie (released Sept 14th of this year) I knew I really had to make time for it.

 

Why oh why does it take me so long to read some books that I know I want to and them when I do…. wow, I have to say what took me so long?  Perks Of Being A Wallflower on audio made me laugh, sigh, and yeah, like Charlie, it made me cry… but in a good way.  Narrated by Noah Galvin I had goosebumpy (my word) feelings of a John Green novel – and that is a BIG compliment.

The book is smart and witty.  Charlie’s character is the perfect mix of teenage awkwardness, low self-esteem, and the push to be something more because you know inside… you are something more.  I love books that talk about books and when (yes when!) I listen to this one again I will need to write down all the book references because there is something about books that talk about books that makes me want to read the books that were discussed.   To Kill A Mockingbird, Catcher In The Rye, Walden, The Fountainhead, Naked Lunch, Peter Pan…  (and I love that some of them are banned books as this one is too!).

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is about growing up and growing strong.  It is about friendships that don’t relay on status or stereotypes.  It is a book I think we all need to read in our lifetime and sit back and bask in what true friendship is.  It is heartbreaking at times and it is heartwarming.  Looking for a great audio?  Pick this one up and thank me later.  🙂

 

Why was Perks Of Being A Wallflower Challenged/Banned?

According to the Marshall University Library the book has been banned and challenged since 2003 for sexually explicit conduct, drug use, and a rape scene.

 

 

Amazon Rating

Goodreads Review

 

Book’d Out is reviewing this one today too

At Owl Tell You All About is a review and a giveaway for a copy of this book!

Banned Book Week Day 2 Posts And Giveaways!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

Good morning!  I normally do not post on Mondays but instead let the Monday meme ride, but it is banned book week so if you are looking for Monday, What Are You Reading, link up here to that.

However – if you are those book readers who enjoy bad horrible filthy books… this is where you want to be.  😀 

LOL…. just kidding… but if you have followed the Banned Books lists and reviews then you know… there are some WONDERFUL and AMAZING books that have been banned and challenged through the years and honestly?  I just think it is really fun to celebrate them!

Today I have a whole other group of Banned Book reviews and giveaways and I am hoping you will take time to show them some comment love and check out what they have to say!  😀  Remember, I am running a giveaway package this week and all comments on all the banned book posts that I have shared with you during this week will be entered. 

 

 

Here are todays posts:

 

Liesel from Musings On Fantasia has a post up called:  Three Reasons Why Banning Is Not The Answer and a sweet giveaway!

 

Tracy from Pen and Paper (she cracks me up!) has a post up of Dr. Suess’s Green Eggs and Ham – see I told you the bans would surprise you!

 

Sarah from Sawcats Book Blog shares her thoughts on the book 1984 (one I have yet to read!) and a great giveaway!

 

Charity from The Bookworm Fairy continues her banned book series with Catching Fire and if you have not seen the awesome package she is giving away you really need to check it out!

 

Shannon from Giraffe Days is talking about The Color Purple (amazing book if you have not read it yet!) and another great giveaway!

 

Rachel at Resistance Is Futile has a post about The Headless Cupid (new to me) and it looks interesting!

 

Stacy from A Novel Source is posting about The Dead Zone (perfect for Halloween!!!) and she is also having a giveaway!

 

Shelly Rae at Book’d Out is sharing her thoughts on The Perks Of Being A Wallflower  ( a book I will be reviewing this week too!) 

 

 

So that is today’s list!  I have several reviews ready, not sure which way I am going today yet but know… there will be something banned going on here 😀 

In recap – all of yesterdays posts and giveaways  from Banned Book Day 1 are still going all week so please stop by and check them out as well!

Do you see any books on this list today that surprise you?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)45 Comments

Welcome to It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading!  This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

I love being a part of this and I hope you do too!  As part of this weekly meme I love to encourage you all to go and visit the others participating in this meme.  I offer a weekly contest for those who visit 10 or more of the Monday Meme participants and leave a comment telling me how many you visited.  **You do not have to have a blog to participate! You receive one entry for every 10 comments, just come back here and tell me how many in the comment area.

Since I was out of town last weekend I never got the previous winner posted so this is the two week ago winner and this past weeks winner using random.org (because that is how I roll!)

Last weeks winner: Lisa from Lisa’s World Of Books!!!

Congratulations!  Please choose a book or bookish item from the Reading Cafe!  And for those of you waiting on a win, the book room as you will see below is now done so I can find the books to mail you 😀

What a great and crazy week!  The construction finished on Wednesday for the book room, I set up and had a family reunion at my house on Saturday and I am tired but now geared up for Banned Book Week!

Here are the posts worth checking out from this past week:

 

We Need To Talk About Kevin – book and movie reviews – I read this book so long ago but it still haunts me

 

There And Back Again by Sean Astin – an interesting take on being a hobbit and the working behind the scenes of the Lord Of The Rings

 

Defending Jacob by William Landay – OOOHHHHHH lets just say….oooooohhhhh!!!!

 

Back Seat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson – wow!  I think I found another author to wacth!

 

SSSQQUUEEEE  The book shelves are finished!!!!  Here are the pics and the final room look!

 

PREP by Curtis Senterfield – my first banned book review and a giveaway of a gift card!  (OOH – everyone likes gift cards!)

 

Banned Book Blog Hop is going on and I am doing a giveaway as well as many MANY more blogs check it out – its a good week to win some great books!

 

Banned Book Week kicked off on Sept 30 and I will be hosting blogs and giveaways all week long!  Here is the first post and amazing book giveaways you will not want to miss!

 

 

It was a great week but thank goodness for audio because I have been not getting any book time lately.  I set the book room, cleaned the house and garage all to audio.  Because of this I am ahead for banned book week with two more banned audio books to review and a third being listened to right now.

So as I said, it is banned book week and if you know me – you know I love chatting Banned Books!  Here is what I will be reading/listening to this week:

 

In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community’s Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. With echoes of Brave New World, in this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, Lowry examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable society. Gradually Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and pain-free society can be, and boldly decides he cannot pay the price.

A banned book and one that has graced me shelf way too long unread.

 

 

 

Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth’s natural beauty.

One of the funnier banned books – I want to review book and movie.

 

 

 

On the night of October 6, 1998, a gay twenty-one-year-old college student named Matthew Shepard was lured from a Wyoming bar by two young men, savagely beaten, tied to a remote fence, and left to die. Gay Awareness Week was beginning at the University of Wyoming, and the keynote speaker was Lesléa Newman, discussing her book Heather Has Two Mommies. Shaken, the author addressed the large audience that gathered, but she remained haunted by Matthew’s murder. October Mourning, a novel in verse, is her deeply felt response to the events of that tragic day. Using her poetic imagination, the author creates fictitious monologues from various points of view, including the fence Matthew was tied to, the stars that watched over him, the deer that kept him company, and Matthew himself. More than a decade later, this stunning cycle of sixty-eight poems serves as an illumination for readers too young to remember, and as a powerful, enduring tribute to Matthew Shepard’s life.

On October 6 I am going to break away from the banned books to review this sad book about Matthew Shephard on the anniversary ate of his brutal murder.

 

Ok I plan to fit in more banned books but we will see how this week goes.  Now I am so excited to see what you are reading!  Please add your link below where it says click here.  😀

 

 

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and those of you who read mainly children’s through YA reads – please ALSO link your post here:

PREP by Curtis Sentenfield (Celebrating Banned book Week and a Giveaway!)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)38 Comments

Lee Fiora knew from a young age she wanted out.  Out of her hum drum life in South Bend Indiana, out from under her parents smothering thumbs….  she dreamed of being a boarding school student but her family did not have the means or the desire to see her attend such a place.  Lee knew is she wanted to make that dream come true, she would have to work for it.  When Lee earns a scholarship to Ault, her family is shocked but accepts that their daughter is going away.

What Lee finds at school is mostly money kids who have always had access to money and never have known what it is like to live on a budget.  These students were raised as privileged and Lee finds herself feeling insecure in her placement at Ault, while few know she is on scholarship, she fears she reeks of inadequacy. 

Between hot girls and cute boys (enter the likes of super hotty Cross Sugarman), Lee stumbles along always feeling like an outsider.  She works hard to earn every tiny step she makes towards feeling good about herself and if making slow but steady progress when she makes a major lack of good judgement and destroys all that she has worked so hard to earn.

Prep, is Lee’s story.  She narrates this as being 24 years old looking back at her days in Ault, reliving each feeling and what, now in hind site, she could have done differently.

Why did I want to read PREP?  I actually started reading PREP over a year ago.  At no fault of the book, life became busy, I sat it down and just did not get the time to finish it.  This year, I found the audio version at a sale and could nor resist giving it another go.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out this book was also a Banned Book, so it fit right into my Banned book Week planning. 
PREP is Lee’s story.  Narrated by Julie Dretzin this 17 hour+ audio can feel long at times, and yet author Curtis Sittenfield keeps it  engaging.  As Lee retells her prep school adventures you can feel for her… trying to find a good roommate, avoiding the girls that others pick on so she can up her status, meeting the guy, thinking about the guy, dreaming of the guy… and then getting the guy…

sort of.

It’s hard to review this book because it really is day-to-day life at Ault and while as I mentioned above, there are periods in Lee’s retelling that seem to be drawn out… in reality, life is not one big moment after another… but times of small moments… with occasional big ones. 😀  All in all, while PREP wasn’t over the top engaging, it did hold my interest and I am glad I had this opportunity to listen to it. 

Why was PREP challenged/banned?

In 2008 and in 2009 Pulled from the accelerated reading program in the Heritage Oak School in Yorba Linda (CA). A parent complained that the book was “pornographic.”

My thoughts:  PREP has a few sex scenes, but they are not anything detailed and I have read much more detailed scenes in books that are not banned. 

Amazon Rating

Goodreads Review

Check out other banned book reviews and giveaways here

 

 

For this giveaway – A $10 Amazon gift card will be given away at the end of Banned Book Week.  To enter, let me know in a comment what book on the banned book list really surprises you.  Click here for a list of these books.