Book Club - February

 

Banning books has been a hot topic lately, although the people advocating for removal are quick to say they don't want books banned, they just don't want them available in schools.

Toni Morrison, who passed away in 2019, said banning books is a "purist and yet elementary kind of censorship designed to appease adults rather than educate children."

Her book, The Bluest Eye, highlights the psychological toll of racism on a young girl, which is considered offensive on some school boards.

Heavy by Kiese Laymon

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Books about black people and other marginalized groups are being targeted under the veil of protecting children, but one organization claims that these books are "indoctrinating kids to a dangerous ideology," because knowing the experiences of other people is damaging.

I must also mention Maus by Art Spiegelman, called out for EIGHT curse words and nude imagery.  It should be noted that the imagery was used in the depiction of his mother's suicide, nothing remotely sexual in nature.

I'm still reading Shadow of the Wind but for Black History Month, I intend to grab one of these books under fire as well.  The Hate U Give has been on my list.

I read a short story last night, by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah.  It has some Brave New World vibes if you're interested.

The Era