Hold on to your Vonegut! Banning Books is “IN” This Year.
When the Huffington Post put together a list of books banned in America, it got me thinking (and laughing) at the irony of things. We live in a country where kids obsess over Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. They’d rather keep up with the Kardashians than hang out at the library. Let’s be honest, not all kids are avid readers. We love it when they are (truly we do), but the dreaded boob tube gets more action than Cliff’s Notes these days and frankly, it’s a bit depressing. So when word got out that Kurt Vonnegut’s literary classic Slaughterhouse Five had been banned at a high school in Missouri, we had to scratch our heads. Why? Wesley Scroggins, a professor at Missouri State University, spearheaded the book ban when he wrote a column for a local paper last year. The reason behind the ban? Two words: “Profane language”. Perhaps he hasn’t listened to the enriched vocabulary of a high school student lately.
In school, history teachers tell tales of woe surrounding infringement of freedom and continually point out how far we’ve come and how much farther we need to go. The hypocrisy of preaching freedom while banning books is laughable. When books are banned in our high schools, aren’t we taking a giant step backwards? The same school that banned Slaughterhouse Five also banned Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. The material was said to be “sensationalizing sexual promiscuity” and “shocking”. Perhaps the folks in charge should tune into Gossip Girl on the CW, as I feel their perception of teens and sexuality might be a bit dated since Anne of Green Gables wrapped in 1985. And while we’re on the topic of bans, what about ‘Norwegian Wood’ by Murakami? Not only were millions of copies sold but it also received rave reviews from the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. Unfortunately that didn’t mean anything to the Monroe Township School District in New Jersey, as they removed it from their 10th grade reading list this year due to a “graphic… lesbian sex scene”. What are the chances that this whole book banning fever is an elaborate reverse psychology scheme? Yea, we didn’t think so either. Shame – they could’ve been onto something!
The act of banning a book, especially the ones listed above, rubs us (and many others) the wrong way. But you don’t have to take it sitting down! Banned Books Week celebrates freedom and artistic expression. Show your support with readers from all over the country as they celebrate Banned Books Week 2011 from September 24th – October 1st. Let’s show those high school kids what it’s like to fight for something you believe in.
Coffee Shop Encounters: Part Deux
Typically I make breakfast at home. It’s fast, its cheap, and on most days it’s healthy. But some mornings I wake up craving something crafted by hands other than my own. Today in particular, I was really in the mood for an almond latte and a veggie breakfast panini from Portfolio Coffee House. With our blog series in mind (Coffee Shop Encounters), I made a point to survey the scene and see what Portfolio had to offer. I met Sarah Korell on my fourth bite…. she knocked over my latte with her purse. I told her I’d buy my replacement drink if she agreed to be interviewed.
1. What book has been the biggest influence in your life?
“I know why the cage bird sings” by Maya Angelou. It’s basically her autobiography. The book shows how the pressures of living in a thoroughly racist society have profoundly shaped the character of her family members and she strives to surmount them. It also documents her victories and successes. It taught me that no matter what circumstances you come from, we ultimately have the power to shape our own future.
2. What author and/or character do you identify with most?
The author I identify most with is Jane Austen. I feel I have this hopeless romantic side of me yet I still have this ever present stubborn independent side, which is usually a characteristic in the female characters of her books.
3. What do you think happens to you when you die?
I believe we are all energy and after we leave our bodies. When we “die” we become one with the highest energy force or higher power…..and no I don’t wear crystals around my neck. Haha.
4. Have you ever penned anything yourself? And if so what’s the recurring theme?
I mostly just write journal entries daily. The recurring theme seems to be a series of bad dates and short lived relationships.
5. If you had to re-live your life as a character in a book, what book/character would it be?
If I could come back as a character in a book it would be Algrenon Moncrieff from “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Algrenon’s character is brilliant, witty, selfish, amoral. He invents a fictional friend, “Bunbury,” whose frequent sudden relapses allow Algernon to wriggle out of unpleasant or dull social obligations. Therefore he basically gets to live a life of of leisure.
Sarah was such a stand-up gal. Not only did she let me interview her, but she also insisted on buying me another drink. Very classy!
Switching gears for a moment – Have you ever wondered who’s running the show at BookRix? We’re pulling back the curtain (week by week) and introducing you to the folks that make it all possible: http://www.bookrix.com/_groupforum-en-behind-the-scenes-at-bookrix-who-is-running-the-show.html Check it out and let us know what you think!
Don’t Quit Your Day Job – At Least Not Yet.
Everyone has something they’re passionate about. It might take some folks longer than others to locate or ignite it within themselves, but it’s there. For an aspiring writer, punching in and out of work can be depressing. Sure it pays your bills and for that you’re grateful – but what happens when your “temporary” 9 to 5 acts as a road block to your passion? Members within our community at BookRix can attest to one thing. Reading and writing is their life. So what’s an author to do when their mediocre “just until I catch my big break” gig digs into their inspirational writing time? It’s a familiar feeling. An idea hits you, and immediately the writer’s block you’ve been carrying around on your back like a pack mule has been lifted. YES! The feeling is so joyous that you let out a triumphant “Whoo!” or punch the air (we usually perform a mini victory dance, ourselves). But then your desk phone rings and you’re shot back to reality. It’s your boss asking for that TPS report that was due this morning. Ugh.
When life hits you with monotony, don’t let it take you down. The pendulum swings both ways, and you’ll have your moment to shine. Remember that along with these tips below:
Take time for you - You’d be surprised how many people work through their breaks and/or lunches. Not only is this illegal in some states, but you’re frying your brain. Step away from the desk! Use that time to focus on things that inspire you. Whether it’s a podcast, book, playlist, magazine, going for a walk - doesn’t matter. Give your mind the opportunity to breathe.
Be Prepared – No one knows when their million dollar idea is going to hit. But when it does, you’ll want to be ready. Keep a pen and notepad handy or a voice recorder. Few things are worse than chasing a thought after its gone.
Don’t throw in the towel – No one likes a quitter. So remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. A great success story to reference is 26 year old Amanda Hocking. Not only did she complete her book series, but she published them herself. A true inspiration to independent writers. Way to go, Amanda!
Pat yourself on the back – You may not be selling books off the shelf at rapid speed (yet), but you’ve got a goal in sight and you’re seeing it through – one sentence at a time. Completing your book might be the big picture goal, but don’t lose sight of the steps taken to get you there. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made thus far and give yourself some credit for pursuing your passion.
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain
Coffee Shop Encounters: A Series
While waiting in line at Viento y Agua Coffee house on 4th and Termino this afternoon, I gazed at the small shelf next to the register that housed borrowed books. My eyes immediately fell on the large bold text “JANE”. Prior to its demise in 2007, I had been a huge fan of this magazine and maintained a subscription during my roommate days in Costa Mesa, Ca. I picked up the issue marked September, 1998 and Natalie Portman stared back at me. One of my favorite recurring articles was ‘The Same 5 Questions We Always Ask’. I flipped through the pages and felt as though I was stepping back in time. It got me thinking. Having a recurring interview on our BookRix blog could be fun! As this epiphany hit me, I glanced around the coffee shop and saw a sea of material! What do people do at coffee shops? Sure they come for a latte or an espresso, but they also stay to read. One girl in particular caught my eye.
Her name is Nadia Bec and she’s been living in Los Angeles County for the past year with her boyfriend Jean. When Jean moved to California from Paris (of course he would be French) for an editing job, he wasn’t sure which city he wanted to settle down in. While visiting a friend in the city, he made a stop at Agua y Viento for an afternoon coffee and saw Nadia in her usual corner reading. They’ve been together ever since. I took note of two important things: 1.) Apparently stuff like this doesn’t only happen in the movies, and 2.) I need to hang out in coffee shops more often if I want to meet the man of my dreams.
1. What book has been the biggest influence in your life?
Khalil Gibran “The Prophet” I think this book is basically a guide on how to live your life. Now if i could only follow it!
2. What author and/or character do you identify with most?
I think the character I identified the most with was Holden Caulfield from “The Catcher and the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Angst, alienation and rebellion are not only adolescent issues. I can relate to the struggle he has within his own psyche. That wanting to connect with others on an adult level while a part of me wants to reject the adult world as being “phony”.
3. What do you think happens to you when you die?
I believe in a sort of reincarnation after death. I feel you keep coming back in other forms until you learn the life lessons you missed in your previous existence. Essentially until you reach enlightenment.
4. Have you ever penned anything yourself? And if so what’s the recurring theme?
Yes i write all the time. Mostly poetry. The recurring theme seems to be the struggle to attain self fulfillment. I like to go back and reread some of my writings from my high school years. In some ways it allows me to see how far I’ve come and in other ways its a bit discerning when i notice I’m still dealing with some of the same issues. Either way it will make a great memoir some day:)
5. If you had to re-live your life as a character in a book, what book/character would it be?
I think i would choose to back as Jack Kerouac in “On the road”. Spontaneous road trips , life without boundaries. Who wouldn’t want to be that character?
