Monday, May 31, 2010

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret: A Summary

I would've finished this book in one day, but I decided to take my time with it. I think when you can read fast, you sometimes miss a lot of the metaphors and innuendos that are in a story.

Summary: The book centers around Margaret, who is an only child and is moved to a new neighborhood where she doesn't know anyone. She has to become acclimated to a society that believes everyone should belong to a religion. Her parents were raised in different religions, but decided to not have a religion when they fell in love and eloped. They told Margaret she could choose a religion when she's old enough, but only if she really wants to. So, because of a school assignment, Margaret spends her sixth-grade year studying various religions trying to figure out which one suits her and lets her "feel" God.

Favorite Line/Passage: "...I've been looking for you God. I looked in temple. I looked in church. And today, I looked for you when I wanted to confess. But you weren't there. I didn't feel you at all. Not the way I do when I talk to you at night. Why God? Why do I only feel you when I'm alone?"

Banned Reasons: No real definitive reason. Various research suggests book is challenged/banned due to religious overtones and puberty references.

I disagree with the book being challenged/banned. Yes, the book references various religions. Yes, Margaret talks with God on a regular basis. Yes, the girls in the book discuss periods and bras and boys. But, what 12-year old girl doesn't discuss these very things? That's a time in a girl's life when their hormones are starting to take over and they're in the transitioning stage when they want to be grown up. So, of course they're going to discuss periods, bras and boys. I applaud Judy Blume for taking this awkward time in a girl's life and putting it into a story form.

And, as for the religious aspects... it's not like Judy Blume is promoting one religion over another. She simply told the story of a little girl searching for a religion that suited her. As it turns out, religion wasn't for Margaret because it didn't make her feel as close to God as talking to Him one-on-one every night. I think if more people were like Margaret and talked to God about every situation they were in, they wouldn't be in as bad of a predicament as they are in.

Overall: I would recommend that pre-teen girls read this book. I think they would be able to relate to the main character in the book.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

#99: 'Are You There God? It's Me Margaret.' by Judy Blume

Book Info

149 Pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
ISBN #0-440-40419-3

Synopsis: Little Margaret is confused about her mixed religious heritage and she struggles to figure it out.

Reason for being banned/challenged: There's really no definitive reasons for the book being banned or challenged. The only reasons I can tell (from reading reviews on various websites) is the fact that the book deals with religion(s) and a little girl's growing up experiences (first period, first bra, etc.)

I will start this book tonight. Should have a review soon! =)

Monday, May 24, 2010

America: A Summary

So, I've finally gotten started on this Top 100. My first assignment, "America" by E. R. Frank, was a little more than I expected.

Summary: The book centers around a boy named America, who is seriously screwed up from the events that happened to him by the very people he learned to trust. He ends up in a psych hospital where there's a doctor who earns America's trust, slowly but surely. America eventually gets well enough to get out of the psych hospital and into a transitional living home.

Favorite Line: "I'm in America, and America is me."

Banned Reasons: Inappropriate use of language and graphic description of sexual activity. There is definitely an inappropriate use of language in the book, but it's sort of to be expected... especially after knowing everything America has been thru. The sexual activity, on the other hand, isn't as graphically depicted as the critics claim. There are sexually active parts in the book, but they do not go into graphic detail.

Overall: The reasons the book is banned from school are valid. I was surprisingly drawn into the book and didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. I will read it again.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

FINALLY!!!!

I finally have the #100 book in my possession!!!! I will begin reading tonight. FINALLY!!!! I can now begin the Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books!!!!

Stay tuned... =)

Friday, May 7, 2010

Getting Aggravated....

I ordered my book over a week ago and it still hasn't come in yet. I don't know when it will come in...I am so ready to get this Top 100 started!!!!!!

Ugh!