Library Love Fest

Censorship Versus Free Expression...

Hello all -

We just received this post from HarperCollins author Kenneth C. Davis of the popular "Don't Know Much About" series.  It is of special interest to anyone who cares about the topic of censorship.

http://www.dontknowmuch.com/2011/01/sicko-ants-on-a-crucifix/

-Bobby

Banned Books Week!

What reminds you of Autumn? Pumpkins, apple-picking, that first brisk chill in the air? How about Banned Books Week? BBW takes place every year during the last week of September and recognizes the efforts of booksellers, teachers, and librarians who ensure that we, as citizens, have open access to information.  It's a time to reflect on the vital importance of our First Amendment rights. Take a peek at what Ken Davis has to say about BBW, get more info from the American Library Association, and check out this list of frequently challenged titles, including To Kill A Mockingbird, Native Son, Rebecca, and Brave New World.  What's your favorite challenged book? 

-Kayleigh    

A New Anne Frank Movie

In case you missed it, yesterday Early Word reported that Disney has acquired the rights to a new film version of The Diary of Anne Frank, with David Mamet helming the project.  Our very own Francine Prose was mentioned in the article, as was her forthcoming book Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife (9780061578267).  Early Word reports: "One of Prose’s objections to the earlier versions is that they don’t show Anne’s growth as either a person or an artist; 'On the pages, she is brilliant, on the stage, she is a nitwit.' She also points out that they attempted to 'universalize' the story to broaden it’s appeal; few mentions are made of the family’s Jewishness and Anne was made to seem more hopeful. Says Prose about the movie, 'She sounds like an American girl. And why not? It’s an American movie.'" David Mamet is sure to challenge our assumptions about this beloved piece of literature, just as Francine Prose has done with her book.  Be sure to check out Booklist's starred review, in full, after the jump. 

Burn this Book

Over on the Roaring 20s I posted about Burn this Book, a provocative collection of essays on censorship and the power of the written word.  Edited by Toni Morrison, Burn this Book features literary heavyweights like Salman Rushdie, Orhan Pamuk, David Grossman and Nadine Gordimer.  Head on over to check it out!