Banned Book week

So the last week of September (I believe) was banned book week. Things can get busy around here, and I'm not able to read everything I would like. I have attempted to read some of the classics over the years. Banned book week was a great incentive for me. Of course I didn't select just one book, but I plan on attempting some in the next few months.

I hope to read them and review them here. Here is a link to why some of the books were banned.  Note that Ulysses doesn't have any explanation for being challenged.  I do find that process fascinating - why some books were seen as immoral or dangerous that seem rather tame now**. (I'm thinking specifically of D.H. Lawrence).

The first novel I've finished is Their Eyes Were Watching God By Zora Neale Hurston. The dialogue was difficult to get through at times, I think this is a book to read out loud (much like Shakespeare). I do think Janie (the main character) was a feminist character. I can't explain why this book was banned - the only thing I can think of is some of the descriptions of rape near the beginning - the descriptions were not graphic. They were matter of fact - not a central point of the book - merely revealing Janie's past (and that of her family). Her grandmother was a slave - I wouldn't think that would cause the book to be banned. Evidently the novel was sexually explicit. 

Books I am attempting:

* The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway (burned in Nazi Germany according to the above website.  I would not have assumed that given where I'm at in the novel so far. 1933.)
* Ulysses, by James Joyce (wish me luck, I'm attempting this one over the holidays)
* Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh
* An American Tragedy, by Theodore Dreiser (Also burned in Nazi Germany and banned due to "low love affairs".)
* Rabbit, Run, by John Updike


**Honestly, it is amazing that some of these books were burned.  I wonder if the German language or English language version  were burned.  And what an interesting thing to look back on, now - almost a badge of honor to have your work burned in Germany.  I suspect the authors weren't thrilled by it at the time (I love Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s description/opinion of censorship...)

Priorities

Due to budget cuts, they will probably be closing the library closest to our home, and the one where I attend book club.  I will admit, I have personal reasons for disliking the proposal.  We go to story time at the library closest to our home almost every week.  I've attended book club for at least three years.  There are other libraries and my kids will be going to kindergarten soon.

Public libraries are important institutions.  Before there was the internet, libraries were the best reliable source of information.  My library has the highest circulation in the area  - and there are always people on the various pc's.  I always see people meeting in the meeting rooms, learning to read, learning new languages.  It is a community center. 

I trust I don't need to break out quotes from founding  fathers about the importance of libraries, books and the free flow of information. 


I support my local library in re-evaluating their priorities.  I firmly believe in living within your means.


But my city also contracts with some local sports teams.  It's not even a question if the sports teams throw their weight around, asking for millions more. They get what they ask for.  Or for a new, state of the art stadium.  They have a blank check to get anything their hearts' desire. 

I am a fan of some of the local sports teams, and it's true that they are good for some businesses.  But it is so difficult for me to read about teachers being laid off and libraries being closed while sports teams are getting bailouts. 


I question what our priorities are.  In twenty years, after an extensive investment in a local sports team, what do we have?  Perhaps some national championships - lots of people who've been employed and those who have attended great games. 

With libraries and schools, we can have a more educated populace; we support tools for life-long learning. 

I don't understand why libraries and schools always seem to come up short when the chips are down.  They don't have trophies or rings.  But we have people who are better equipped to live their lives. 

We can't preach self- reliance to communities and then take away the tools they have to become better people and more educated citizens.