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Originally Posted by barryem
This is veering slightly off-topic but talking about being ashamed to be seen reading something reminded me and I think it's worth telling. I hope you agree.
I'm an old guy of 74 and when I was a teen my parents read what was then a terribly shocking book "Peyton Place". By today's standards it's not really steamy at all but in the 1950's a lot of people wouldn't admit to having read it even though they seemed to know all about it. 
Anyway I always had a paperback in my back pocket, even at school, and when they finished "Peyton Place" I began reading it. Then a teacher spotted it in my pocket and I was sent to the office to see the vice principal. He sent me home with a note that I wasn't to return to school till my parents talked to him.
The next day they brought me to school and they were pretty upset about this. They had no problem with me reading the best selling book of the decade. They were glad I was an avid reader and hated the idea of the school discouraging that in any way.
The issue was resolved by their agreeing that I wouldn't carry "racy" novels to school anymore, at least not where they could be seen. Nobody was happy with this outcome. The VP thought I should be at least scolded for my reading habits and my parents thought it was none of his business. I wasn't really asked for my opinion but I didn't think it was any of their business and the whole thing was silly.
I've re-read "Peyton Place" every 4 or 5 years since then. Yes it was a racy novel in those days but what seemed to be overlooked was the beautiful and insightful writing and the brilliant imagination of Grace Metalious. If there really is a Great American Novel I think this is probably it!
Barry |
Can we switch parents? You were so lucky, and good for your parents sticking up for you and what was right.