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Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!
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!

 

 

Add a comment  (4 comments) posted by Megan Q.

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Comments

CarolK said, on Oct. 2 at 10:55AM
I'm glad we own it.

That being said, my question would be "Did the beginning need to be TOUGH? Did it add to the story overall? Could it have accomplished its goals without possibly turning off readers just starting the read; those who may not know about the excellent reviews, the beautiful language coming.

I'll be interested in the discussion I'm certain this post will generate. I'm also going to read more of the author's viewpoint. And lastly, I think I'll purchase this for my teen grandaughter. She's bound to love it!

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Megan Q. said, on Oct. 2 at 11:39AM
Carol, To answer your question, I do think that the beginning needs to be that tough. Without giving away too much, the beginning of the story has to show some of the evils of the world in order to contrast with beauty that later unfolds. Hmmm..I'm being vague aren't I? I should also mention that even though I found some parts disturbing, I didn't think anything was especially graphic. Of course, this is all my opinion, so you'll just have to read it and decide for yourself!

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Mercedes said, on Oct. 5 at 12:01PM
Doesn't sound like the kind of book I'd ordinarily choose to read but now you've awakened my morbid curiosity! Obviously there is good and evil and the juxtaposition of the two is what makes such excellent stories but sometimes I cannot stomach a book that has too much cruelty in it. I tend to have nightmares so I try to guard what I read (and I can just read the news to get all kinds of nasty stories)...but a story that is told with lyricism and the right language can transend a story. I may just have to give it a read!

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L. Williams said, on Oct. 12 at 8:43AM
I read it because of the controversy and... well it's the best book I've read in a long, long time. Personally, I didn't think that any of that controversial stuff was overt enough to warrant the controversy. And the message? Well it's a great one: To experience life to its fullest, you need to experience pain. I think that's a good message, and, ultimately, and uplifting one.

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