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OCTOBER 2, 2009
Tender Morsels
In light of Banned Books week, I would like to post about the book I am listening to, Tender Morsels, by Margo Lanagan. It’s a Young Adult book. Heard of it?? When I first heard of the book, it was because it was getting wonderful reviews across the board. Tender Morsels had starred reviews in Booklist, Horn Book, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly. It was on School Library Journal’s Best Book list. It was a 2009 Printz Honor Book. The reviews all say things like, “beautifully written and surprising, this is a novel not to be missed,” and “a story of extraordinary depth and beauty.” So, after reading all of this I ordered a copy for the library, and got the audio book as well. However, the book has stirred up some major controversy, although I’m not certain it has been officially challenged anywhere (anyone know?). The controversy stems from the content; incest, rape, forced miscarriages, and bestiality (sort of..), combined with the fact that it is a labeled as a Young Adult novel. Interestingly enough, I first heard of the controversy from other librarians on an email listserv I belong to. Librarians were discussing whether or not they were going to purchase it. Some chimed in saying they would not – due to the content. During a week where libraries are celebrating our freedom to read, it’s important to remember that it’s not always parents and patrons who want to censor what is available at library, censorship can also come from within. Carol found this great snippet from an interview with the author, Margo Lanagan, where she shares her views on censorship: “Censorship, and protests about dark or sexy books often seems to me to be fear parading as concern for children and young people. If you really respect young people you make yourself available to answer any question they pop up with, at whatever time it happens and in whatever circumstances. If you're not ready to answer the questions that a challenging book poses, I don't think the issue is with the book.” To read the whole interview copy and paste the link below: http://writing-genre-fiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/margo_lanagan_interview Anyways, as I said I am almost done listening to Tender Morsels. Here’s my two cents; the beginning was TOUGH, and I almost didn’t make it through. But, the writing is beautiful, the story is completely unique and imaginative, and in my opinion the book deserves all the praise and awards it has received. Anyone else read it? I’d love to hear your opinions!
Comments
CarolK said, on Oct. 2 at 10:55AM
Megan Q. said, on Oct. 2 at 11:39AM
Mercedes said, on Oct. 5 at 12:01PM
L. Williams said, on Oct. 12 at 8:43AM |
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