![]() NCAC believes that rating books like movies is a bad idea. You can’t write if you’re trying to make everyone happy. I had all of these new voices in my head - some of them angry. That’s one of the reasons my fifth book, Carry On, was so hard to write. It was hard not to take it all personally, even if I vehemently disagreed with it. Honestly, other types of criticism sunk in just as deep. There’s a lot of me in the book, and I felt like the things people were saying - filth, disgusting, pornographic - were about me. I kept thinking, “But they don’t understand! If they read it, they would understand!” I felt really deeply misunderstood and, I’m embarrassed to say this now, shamed. The very first time my book was challenged, it hit me hard. Do these controversies in any way affect how you write now when you describe sexual or other “mature” situations, or craft dialogue that may include curse words? But I’ll never get anything else written if I get too hung up on other people’s judgments.Į&P has been a target of censors since it was published, the most recent controversy coming in Chesterfield, VA where one parent labeled your book and others ( Tyrell, Dope Sick) on a summer reading list as “vile” and “pornographic.” One can argue that there’s a self-censor in all of us when criticized. No…But I don’t go looking for people’s opinions about my books. Have you encountered anyone who previously objected to the content of your work come around to its value and merit? It’s pretty good! There are lots of ‘80s references - you might like it! ![]() If your kid is doing fine, this book might give them compassion toward people who are struggling.Īnd if you let your kid read Eleanor & Park, you can read it yourself after they’re done. If your kid is feeling alone or helpless, this book might give them hope. This book is about two kids who are doing their best to rise above violence, poverty, racism, peer pressure. And they’re doing their best to get through. ![]() What I’d say to those concerned parents is: I think the story is very, very appropriate for most teens. What would you say to parents who think Eleanor & Park is not appropriate for their teenage children to read? Your books are very relatable to young people. ![]() We spoke to Rowell about these challenges and how her commitment to free speech influences her writing. Her raw portrayals of teenage life have, however, frequently made her books subject to censorship attempts. This Interview originally appeared in Censorship News Issue 125Īuthor Rainbow Rowell has won enormous praise for stories like Eleanor & Park, which perfectly captures the growing pangs, hormonal joys and general awkwardness of the teenage experience. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |