And when you feel like this and start to wonder if perhaps you might be the mythical Sasquatch, blogging falls pretty low on the list of priorities.
And yet
I’ve been hearing all sorts of talk about censorship the last couple of day, thanks to a certain Mr. Scroggins who would like to see books like Laurie Halse Anderson’s SPEAK banned from schools, and it’s bothered me enough that’s it’s pulling me out of my Sasquatch hibernation. Now, I respect Mr. Scroggins’ opinion, and I would never try to take away his right to express it.
But I reserve the right to disagree.
Rape is a dirty four letter word. I can understand why someone wouldn't want to read about it. It’s ugly and life-shattering. But it’s real and it happens. And it happens to young girls. All. The. Time. And it’s books like SPEAK that might help a rape survivor find a way out of the silence that often results from her victimization. And her only access to such a book might be in school.
I believe in a parent’s right to protect her child. I GET this. I carefully screen the movies my children watch, and I read the books they read. But I would never presume to know what is best for someone else’s child. I expect the same sort of respect from others. My children are mine. I determine what they’re exposed to. No one is allowed to speak for me.
If Mr. Scroggins' intent was to shed some light on books like SPEAK, he has succeeded.
I’ve been hanging on to this bracelet wondering when I might give it away. Now’s a good time, don’t you think?
***********************************
In honor of Banned Books Week, I’m giving away:
Banned Book Bracelet
Each charm is the cover of a YA banned book, except for one charm which reads: “I read banned books”
2 copies of SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson
And because I think it’s an important issue:
Pre-order of THE MOCKINGBIRDS by Daisy Whitney
To enter my Banned Books Giveaway
Just fill out this form. That’s it. Giveaway ends Sunday, September 26, so, you know, hurry….
BANNED BOOKS GIVEAWAY FORM
(Will ship internationally)
**********************
Laurie Halse Anderson: This guy thinks SPEAK is pornography
Casey McCormick: Speak Loudly
Myra McEntire: Speak Loudly in Defense of Laurie Halse Anderson
Beth Revis: Speak loudly: The Rights of Americans
Lisa and Laura Roecker: #Speakloudly, Your Comments=Donated Copies of SPEAK
If you know of other great posts on the topic, feel free to leave a link in the comments!
Wow.
ReplyDeleteFirst, this was a wonderful post, Carol.
Second, This is a wonderful giveaway!!! I've always wanted one of those bracelets, and those are perfect books for a banned book contest giveaway. You are amazing! :-)
This is awesome and I hope you feel better!!! Can't have you looking like THAT! ACK!
ReplyDeleteFrankie
Great post, I am just so made right now. I can't believe he's actually proposing censorship - especially when this book is so important! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWaha! International giveaway! Yes, yes yes! turns out September is my lucky month!
ReplyDeleteReally? Wow, I hadn't heard about that! I think along with SPEAK he should perhaps ban TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD if the truth bothers him so much. Now, I AM a teenage girl and I would very much like to read that book - I think people have not realised entirely just what a shake some girls need to understand potential dangers.
Am entering giveaway in a moment.
You are the queen of giveaways! The only thing that is good about banned books is that sometimes the controversy makes more people read it. Unfortunately though not all parents are open minded and just don't let their children read certain things. Why don't they read the book together and use it as a tool to discuss important issues with their child instead of ignoring the issue?
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to express my anger of book banning. There is a difference between a parent picking what their child can read and someone else telling me what my child can or cannot read. Excuse me I can do that for myself. It absolutely sickens me.
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome, that bracelet is GORGEOUS *hugs*
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect giveaway! I'll be sure to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteDamn! I thought that you were giving away that lovely Sasquatch! Now it turns out to be another book, not even a watch. Damn, damn, damn. Get well soon, though.
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet is so awesome :D And it's so generous of you to do so many giveaways all the time :)
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I can't seem to alter my post to add a link without making the formatting all screwy. Die, Blogger.
ReplyDeleteWait, no. Don't die. Just work.
Anyway, be sure to check out Jamie Harrington's post on #SpeakLoudly: "Time to Speak."
http://www.totallythebomb.com/time-speak
I'm loving everyone who's voiced their opinion on this issue. And I'm extremely thrilled at the massive amount who have done so! It's wonderful to see our community pulling together to support such a great book.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the bracelet is awesome. What a great idea!
That bracelet is awesome, and I don't even wear jewelry!
ReplyDeleteThat bracelet rocks! And I agree with you 100% on this issue. Well said!
ReplyDeleteSorry you're so sick. No fun at all! I hope you get better soon. :( And second, I completely agree with your stance on this issue. What a great giveaway. You are awesome Carol.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the idea that parents should have the right to decide for themselves! Thank you for the chance to read these books.
ReplyDeleteCarol, as usual, you are amazing! You managed to say, much more eloquently, what I was trying to say in my blog post on the subject. And you added a super awesome give away into the bargain! You rock my socks!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! It should definitely be up to parents to decide what their kids do or don't read!
ReplyDeletei LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteGreat contest to bring attention to a great cause. Nicely said. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery parent in that town should be pissed that Mr. Scroggins apparently thinks that they are incapable of making the right decisions for their own children.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I'm grateful that I enjoy reading because I can talk these books and subjects over with my daughter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT giveaway too! Thank you!
I'm so sorry you're not feeling well!! At least you're looking very cute like that lovely monkey - and it's a lovely monkey - it's got a sweet little face!
ReplyDeletePlease take care and rest, rest, rest!
There's been quite a few robust rebuttals of Mr Scroggins position:
http://maybegenius.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-out-for-speak.html
http://ellenbrickley.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-in-support-of-laurie-halse.html
and both have links to more!
GOOD LUCK all those entering - this is truly a FAB giveaway!!!
Take care
x
Also, check out the follow up they did. The guy is trying to take his comments back AND the library has a wait list for the books. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post Carol...definitely going to check out some of these other blogs as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I'm never in favour of banning books. At the same time, banning a book only makes people more curious to read it. I had a letter once from one of my readers who wanted to buy an ebook of mine because she wasn't able to buy the paper copy in her country. It wasn't allowed. That had a serios impact on my thoughts on ebooks and how good they are in breaking the boundaries of book banning.
ReplyDeleteJai
Aw, I hope you feel better soon. *hugs* Can't having you looking like a sasquatch;)
ReplyDeleteAgain, I'm floored by your generosity Carol. What a great way to promote Banned Book Week and shed light on this issue. Parents should have the final say over what their children read, not some stranger who has issues with certain topics.
It's amazing how many people are supporting Laurie :) I'm so happy!
ReplyDeleteGet well! we can't have you looking like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous prize that bracelet is. Wow. I admire you getting out of your sick bed for this, but it is so important that each of us speak out against book banning. Not just today but all the time.
Oh my gosh that bracelet is a great idea! I truly believe to not judge others on what they were reading, or should read. Get some banned books this week!
ReplyDeletethanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! A four letter word indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe bracelet is gorgeous! I certainly hope you are feeling better soon. :)
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover
Great post! Thanks for SPEAKING LOUDLY!
ReplyDeleteFeel better soon, Carol! *gentle hugs* * sanitizes self* *sly grin*
ReplyDeleteThanks for speaking loudly, and the giveaway. :) The bracelet is *AMAZING*.
I can not believe that such things happen, this guy must really be sick! I already joined the campaign through Twitter and Facebook and I hope the book isn´t banned.
ReplyDeleteI don't think thay should have a right to ban books it's a advisable right to chouse what your going to read.
ReplyDeletePs don't now if that was the right word spell check was know help
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Awesome contest!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Thanks for the giveaway. I don't get why that guy is attacking Speak. I just got done reading it and it is a great book.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when I heard what he said. Porno is entertainment. Rape isn't. How can he confuse the two?
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing the news, I decided to donate money to my local rape crisis center to be used specifically for teens. It was a cause close to my heart for several reasons, including because my wip deals with rape.
I loved SPEAK and can't wait to read MOCKINGBIRDS. :D
The bracelet is brilliant. ^^ It would be a great conversation starter at work.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
jedisakora@msn.com
Some people just don't understand boundaries...or people's freedom to express themselves. It's pretty sad that freedom of press is what allowed him to express his opinion, yet he's trying to take away that right from others. And you've got some great points in this post, way to stand up for a great cause, afterall what attracts more attention than free stuff??
ReplyDeleteI've got Speak on hold at the library right now, I'm hoping it comes in soon. I'm definitely going to be reading as many banned books as I possibly can in the future.
On a side note, I wonder if Mr.Scroggins knows that his words against these stories are getting them out their even more.
Thanks again for the giveaway, way to get SPEAK and other banned books' stories out there.
SUCH A GREAT POST! As always you are generous and amazing!
ReplyDeleteHow come you get hairy when you're sick? That's kind of an odd symptom of the flu, innit? I hope you get better soon, Carol.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a very delicately-worded post on the whole Speak issue, good lady. You're the soul of circumspection.
Good luck to all in the giveaway! (I'll sit this out, since that bracelet looks like it'd clash with my skin tone. Can't have that, can we?)
OOOOOH! I've seen those banned book bracelets but somehow I don't have one yet.
ReplyDeleteMr. Scroggins sure has opened a can of worms, hasn't he? Everywhere I turn, I see supportive posts for SPEAK. I shudder to think what this world would be like if people with such narrow minds as Mr. Scroggins had the control they seek.
Book banning is simply ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for the giveaway! :)
I hate that books are banned.
ReplyDeleteBut I <3 Banned Books Week!
What a neat little braclet! I haven't ever seen it before. Very neat, and great giveaway and post!
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelet! It's so pretty <3 Thanks for the giveaway and SpeakLoudly all the way!
ReplyDeleteShesh...I'm hoping these people aren't watching cable TV! Cause if they are they'll want to ban it to and with much more reason...Speak is an amazing book, one that I have not restricted my 14 year old from reading. It has teachable momments in it...books with tough topics are just that, perfect opportunities to have open discussions with your kids or your students....
ReplyDeleteGreat contest, Carol!
Well, I wanted to enter this contest, but the form seems to have disappeared! Awesome prizes and I love the banned books bracelet!
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much! I'll be linking up to this contest in my "Bloggers Speak Out" post tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for promoting banned books. It's crazy, isn't it, some of the amazing books people choose to attack?
ReplyDeleteWell done, Carol. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting! Thanks for supporting!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post and take that, censorship!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your supportive comments!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Censorship is such an ugly thing. I've never agreed with it on any level, music included. This is a great post!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon. Boo! *hands you healing chocolate*
I've never heard of this book, so I clicked on the link you provided. Based on its reviews, it seems like a very important book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book, but in my opinion banning books is never a good thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the giveaway Carol!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. We all need to SPEAK loudly about this subject.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bracelet btw. :)
Thanks for this amazing giveaway and for Speak loudly :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see the number of bloggers who have been publisizing this issue.
ReplyDeleteIt just goes to show the power of the blog.
Congrats to you and all the other bloggers.
Carol T
I hope you're feeling better soon! :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific post Carol. I completely agree. Banning books drives me batty! I try to read at least one banned book to my class each year.
One heartfelt, heartbreaking post I've read on the issue is by CJ Redwine http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/
Thank you for bringing up such an important topic...and doing it while you are feeling badly too. Get well soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteIt's really great that so many people are supporting Speak. Thanks for the giveaway. You rock!
ReplyDeleteOh I love that bracelet! I haven't read that book yet but its on my list.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written and I agree with you bang on!
ReplyDeletecontestmom AT hotmail DOT com
What I've found encouraging in this is finding post after post from Christians critiquing the book-ban-guy using the terms of his own faith tradition. I'm glad to know there are folks who share my feelings about this and say so eloquently and winningly. Here are two I found especially good:
ReplyDeletehttp://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/christian-take-on-banning-speak.html
AND
http://writingfinally.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-loudly-in-defense-of-laurie-halse.html
Great post and great giveaway. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! I would love to wear that bracelet in school to help support this effort with my students...They always notice my funky jewelry! Thanks for supporting this effort.
ReplyDeleteomg! those charms! so pretty!:D
ReplyDeletewhat a great giveaway. new follower on gfc as jhb. thanks
ReplyDeletejhbalvin at gmail dot com
This is a great post. Thanks for sharing and making us aware of the attempt to ban the book Speak.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to wear that, take a stand. That's for the awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeletegreat post , feel better soon
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting issue, I wish banned book week would get more attention nationally.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, i've been seeing a lot regarding this issue around the blogesphere.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely amazing that in this day and age, where we have, books are being challenged or banned. I think that being open minded and having great literature is something that should be around for generations to come!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thank you!
-Julia
I meant to say 'where we have so much freedom'! Sorry!
ReplyDelete-Julia
Hey girl! I wonder, if rape is so banned, why allow "lovely bones" then? The first scene is practically rape *shuddering* itself! I turned my stomach and made me sick.
ReplyDeleteGreat contest.
Pick me.
thank you all for admiring the bracelet. i designed it with the American Library Assn.i used to be a young adult librarian. its on my site, shipping immediate for banned books week. free shipping at $50 also necklace and bracelet with adult titles like Howl,The Color Purple.
ReplyDeleteThank U 4 the giveaway!! ^^
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteWell, let's all take comfort in the fact that a call for a book ban has backfired in the would-be banner's face! ;-)
I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling so poorly, Carol. I really hope you get better soon.
As always, I'm promoting your giveaway in my sidebar. =)
Great post! I haven't even fully realized what a big problem book banning is and what consequences does it have until this week. You, book blogers, are doing an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteLove the bracelet. What a great idea. I don't like reading about rape either, but like you said if it helps even one rape survivor summon up the courage to tell their story then how can it be banned?
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I'm certain you could never look like the poor creature in that photo!
Great post, and I hope you are feeling better now. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love the voices I heard from bloggers regarding to this issue. To be completely honest, I don't understand why books need to be censored as we all know that there are reasons why one particlar book to be written. There are messages in between the line and that's what us, as readers, appreciate most. It is sad to see books that hold strong messages being censor like this. Really sad.
ReplyDeleteReally great post! And many thanks for the giveaway.
I think what you're saying is completely right on. Banning books is banning ideas and that is never a good trend to set. I fully support parents having the right to shield their children from ideas that they find offensive, but their rights end when they trample on my own
ReplyDeleteGreat post and thank you for the giveaway!
My freshman in HS daughter's class is reading Speak right now! I am glad our school system is brave enough to allow controversial reading material!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad there are bloggers like you who promote reading banned books, too!
Crazy Cat Lady
ccllibrary@aol.com
http://crzycatladyslibrary.blogspot.com/
This just doesn´t make any sense...
ReplyDeleteThanks for making this international! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteamandarwest atgmaildotcom
Cool giveaway! I'm very excited because this one is open internationally and I *finally* have a chance to win a book I really want to read. I know a bunch of posts on the topic, mostly because I have been spreading the voice like crazy! I'll leave you a few here:
ReplyDeletehttp://ggpreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/banned-books-seem-to-be-topic-of-month.html
http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-loudly.html
http://aimeeswindow.blogspot.com/2010/09/speaking-up-for-speak.html
http://consumedbybooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-i-speak-loudly-and-you-should-too.html
That's about a tenth of my list, but if you want more, email me at this address: feryerith AT yahoo DOT com.
This is such an awesome giveaway! I'm new to your blog but I'll be back! Banned Books Week is one of my favorite times of year because it allows me to really advocate for something I feel so strongly about. Thanks for showing such great support for SPEAK and offering this cool bracelet and The Mockingbirds, which is on my to read list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for Speaking up about censorship!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to stand up for Banned Books!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, thanks so much for this. I'm loving all the support of #SpeakLoudly
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to our blog post (Donna H.)
ReplyDeletehttp://evesfangarden.com/blog/2010/09/23/contest-alert/
What an AMAZING giveaway and that charm bracelet is GORGEOUS, I love it! Where ever did you get it?? Thanks so much for this! And I can not wait to read The Mockingbirds!
ReplyDeleteJenababy13(at)gmail(dot)com
www.sliceof-love.blogspot.com
well, Mr. Scroggins gave me the push I need to participate in BanThis! and Banned Books Week.. Speak is on it's way, and I'll be re-reading Huckleberry Finn as a readalong with my Bebe Boy, re-reading "The Giver" and reading for the first time two of my "I must read before I die" books: Running with Scissors and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I wrote a combo blog post about BanThis!, SpeakLoudly and BBW last night .. Twenty Boy SUmmer is one of the books on my Christmas buy list for my Not-So-Bebe Girl, and Slaughterhouse Five is also on my "I must read before I die" list. All (except Speak) were books that I already had or already had on my wishlist, so THANKS Mr. Scroggins, for your persuasive argument that brought Speak back into the spotlight - you've just boosted sales of all of your "soft porn" books.. great job!
ReplyDeleteJulie @ Knitting and Sundries
Thanks for this ah-maz-in contest!!!!! Thanks a bunch! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I love the bracelet! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks heaps for the contest! I love what you're offering. I hope to win something from you one day--you hold one of the greatest giveaways! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway. The only good thing about banning books, is that when I talk about it, they seem to immediately go out and read the books. It has the opposite of the intended effect.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool........
ReplyDelete:DDD
Thanks for the great giveaway! As I'm not AMerican I haven't heard or read Speak before last week's event, but now I so want to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWe'll be having a special post on Sisters in Scribe on Tuesday, speaking more about rape and the importance of books like SPEAK.
http://sistersinscribe.blogspot.com/
Fabulous giveaway. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see the blogging community banding together over this issue! Thank you so much for SPEAKing out!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a brilliant idea and the giveaway sounds awesome :) Brilliant post
ReplyDeleteEvents like SPEAKing out are just one of the reasons that I love the blogging community. It's great to see people rallying and writing impassioned posts on censorship, which is such a big issue. Thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!! I love that you are helping to get the word out about the insanity of banning books! Speak is an amazing book with such a power to help those who are afraid or ashamed or just feel like they have no where to go. I am also participating in the Speak Loudly book drop since I feel so strongly about this. Once again THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so great how everyone is coming together and speaking up for banned books. Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I have had my eye on that bracelet for a year now.... thank you for the chance :)
ReplyDeleteTo celebrate Banned Book Week this year, I bought "To Kill A Mockingbird". I have loved this book since High School. Thank you for the chance to win the bracelet, SPEAK (which I am going to buy even if I don't win it) and THE MOCKINGBIRDS. If we don't win the bracelet, is there someone we can order one? Just wondering! THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteforgot to leave me email address: boo2bosh(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway.. I love how many blogs are speaking out about book banning!
ReplyDeleteThat is the cutest bracelet I have ever seen! It totally rocks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post too. :)
Great giveaway! Thanks!
ReplyDeletesena.sagani [at]gmail[dot]com
Would love to win the book. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway :D
ReplyDeletethank you! :D
ReplyDeleteYou are so nice! And it's a great cause. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway! I think Speak is a beautiful novel. I had no idea about banned books week before I started blogging! Unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteI just love it that there is a banned books week. It's good publicity in letting the public know that even in a free county, books are under attack!
ReplyDelete