Quote:
Originally Posted by JSWolf
I'm Jewish and I find that book highly offensive for a number of reasons. I would hope others would understand and nobody would second this one.
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I'm a human being and I find that book highly offensive. I even read it, a very long time ago, because I was curious. Just the same, it's a very slippery slope when you start saying something can't or shouldn't be read. Why? Because we're a bunch of incipient proto-Fascists who can't be counted on to resist the evil message? Look at what's happening at Duke right now as evidence of where this kind of reaction leads.
Just the same, I think it would be a terrible choice and should be opposed on that basis. Given that it is highly offensive, it would only be interesting to discuss it on its historical terms, in light of what it said to and about Germany in the run-up to the Nazi era, and we're hardly eqipped to do that here.
However, I can't imagine anyone would want it to be chosen, so I think the nomination is best left to seek oblivion on its own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamlet53
So which YA book was "absolutely dreadful?" I've only read the Harry Potter book out of the YA nominees so far.
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Since I think I've probably implied my reactions anyway:
Golden Compass - Very good, rather dark and probably could be discussed with interest.
Harry Potter - Light entertainment, no real substance
Perks of Being a Wallflower - Not good, written to be "relevant" and it sinks under the weight of all that relevance. I read it at the behest of my then 13-year old niece, who thought it was wonderful and I can see why a kid of that age would find a lot of depth in it.