book banning

A slew of books are being banned across America citing "pornographic" and other arcane laws as a reason for the bans. Different states are banning different books, but there is also a bit of copy-cating going on.

These states think they are protecting children and parents and family values. I disagree.

When I was about 11 years old my parents banned me from reading Jaws by Peter Benchley. Even though I had gained excitement about reading it from dinner table discussions my parents had about the book after they read it. Go figure!

I am, and was, the oldest child in our household. I was listening. Their excitement about the book made me excited to read it as soon as possible.

I was told NO.

Also, I was a slow-to-learn reader. My first and second grade teachers claimed I was "behind the class." They didn't use the words "standards back then...

So it strikes me as a bit counterintuitive to ban me from reading, if I was finally showing excitement to actually read on my own!

I didn't listen to my parents.

I sneaked the book off the family bookshelf after they moved on to another novel. Kids do not forget. I hid under my covers each night and began to read Jaws with my Girl Scout flashlight.

My room was across the hall from my parents, I got caught. I don't remember if I read the entire book or not. I think I did. I think the "you want me to read, don't you?" Argument won my case.

You see, children will find a way. When parents say "NO", children naturally have a desire to push back on the boundaries. This is healthy childhood behavior.

Jaws was gruesome. I actually want to read it again now! Maybe I will.

In the meantime, Utah has banned these books:

Would anyone out there like to read these books and discuss them via a book club with me?

Putting it out there, y'all know how to reach me. Y'all know I absolutely LOVE to read.

Also, I have written a few books.

 

Back to blog