I've just found out it's Banned Books Week.
I don't much like censorship. I don't like other people telling me what is or isn't fit for me to read. I only have to hear that a book is banned to want to read it.
I remember reading Lady Chatterley's Lover when I was a teenager. Well, when I say I read it, I mean that I skipped through it looking for naughty bits. I suspect it would seem much tamer to me if I reread it now.
26 COMMENTS:
Thanks for bringing this up - I just went and looked at the lists.
Amazing - and this just pisses me off every time I think about the audacity of a group of people trying to tell me what I am allowed to read. Jerkweed self-righteous blowhards. Ten to one they never get any, and when they do, they look away.
So, Robin, tell us how you really feel. ;-)
Not a banned book (that I know of), but I read Looking for Mr. Goodbar at 13. A lot of it went over my head, I'm sure, since I only remember one thing from the book.
We read what we read and take away from it what makes sense in the framework of what we know. There are adult jokes in kid's movies. Do the kids get the joke? Not usually. It's outside their frame of reference.
But I guess there will always be those people policing my behavior and my access to things for my own good.
The sound of joyful sniggering rang through my house when I read your comments, Robin, especially "and when they do, they look away".
Yeah, you two, well, as you know, I'm well known for my circumspection!
Robin, that is so true.
I'm still collecting banned books, but I haven't had a chance (or the money) to add to my collection lately.
I always thought Lady Chatterley's Lover was a trick book. I could never get any of the pages open.
The hubris of those who would 'save' me or anyone else from varying points of view! So annoying--and dangerous.
Just read Whirl's. I'm still laughing.
I replied to Sarah and my comment got lost.
I had to google Looking for Mr. Goodbar and it looks like strong stuff. It reminded me that I did restrict my boys' viewing when they were young and I wonder how that fits in. Or maybe I'm just a hypocrite.
No, that doesn't make you a hypocrite, FHH—only a good parent.
Good parenting is only one of the reasons these yahoos don't need to ban books. If they want to restrict their own kids' reading based on their belief systems, fine. That's the right of every parent. But to have books removed from a library, telling other parents what their children can or cannot read (not to mention the parents themselves)? Totally different story.
That's a reassuring thought, freddie, thank you!
Hey FH,
Are you all right?
Where the hell is your story?!
I should talk. Drunk. I'll put it up tomorrow. ; )
Hi Robin and Freddie,
I've been too tired to post. I haven't even listened to everyone else's stories yet. I start thyroid replacement medication next week so I hope to feel better soon.
Thanks for noticing.
:)
Hi FHH,
Please do keep us posted (no pun intended). I hope you are feeling better very soon!
Thanks, Freddie.
Feel better soon - hope that treatment plan works quickly!
Thanks, Robin.
Been to the doctor? I'm worried because you've gone quiet again.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for keeping an eye on me. I've started taking the thyroid but you have to start on a very low dose and work up so I'm still waiting for anything to change.
I'm OK though. Ish.
It's nice to know that you've noticed I've been quiet.
Hope you're OK, FH. I know thyroid stuff can really knock you about. Here's to a speedy return to snuffling round the hedgerows...
Hope you're feeling better, FHH! I miss your posts . . .
Hope you come back and play soon!
We miss you.
Thanks, all of you.
Sending love and healthy wishes.
Miss you.
Thanks, Sophie.
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