Banned books that I have read-Julie

To Kill a Mockingbird
     My all-time favorite book.  One man standing up for another while a daughter watches with naive  and trusting eyes.
Lord of the Flies
      Loved it but scared me.  I was their age when I read it and the pig head really scared me.  It was frightening to see how savage we can become.
The Great Gatsby
      Junior in high school when I first read this.  I loved this book.  It was about a glittery world with a much darker underside.  I learned that there is more than what you can see to everything, from this book!
Where the Wild Things Are
      I know, I couldn't believe this was banned either!  I learned that I could be angry and still be loved .  I learned that imagination could free you!  It's good to have fun but there is a time and place for all things!
Lord of the Rings 
      I chose to read these books rather than Animal Farm  (another banned book).  Good triumphs over evil.  Evil sees everything.  Friends are needed.  Different races can work together for a common good.  Learn a new language!

Banned or challenged books can teach us many things but I think their most important lesson is the freedom to read whatever we want is an awesome thing!  Tell us about some of your favorite banned or challenged books that you have read!

Boo to the Ban! by Linda

It was the mid 1960’s and there was a new controversial TV show on the air starring a youthful and handsome Ryan O’Neil. As a young teen I was instantly enthralled. Even then I knew that the book was always better so I bought the book Peyton Place by Grace Metalious. I was quite proud of reading the book because it was an adult book and pretty thick too. So I eagerly added it to my school reading list. I’ll never forget being pulled aside by my teacher and told that I must take that book off my list. I was very indignant. But my teacher told me I had to take it off my list because this list would be going to high school with me, and it wouldn’t do for those teachers to think I was “that kind of girl”. She stood over me and watched while I reluctantly erased my entry. It was my first personal experience with censorship. I didn’t like it then; and I still don’t!

The New York Times Bestseller List September 9, 16 and 23

  September 9: Fiction and nonfiction.

  September 16: Fiction and nonfiction.

  September 23: Fiction and nonfiction.

The New York Times Bestseller List September 2

  Fiction and nonfiction.

A Review from Lynne!

One of the last books I read was “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.  It was a combination of suspense and psychological thriller.  It’s the story of a seemingly happy couple and then one day the “missus” is gone!  The story switches back and forth between the two main characters and you, the reader, are trying to figure out what happened to her.  The story had many twists and turns right up to the very end!   Each time I finished a chapter, I had to read the next.  There was a race to the finish to determine which person (the husband or the wife) was the nuttiest! I would recommend the book for those of you who like to be kept guessing!  

The New York Times Bestseller List August 19 and August 26

August 19: fiction and nonfiction.

August 26: fiction and nonfiction.

Book Groups at Topsham Public Library

Thinking about joining a book group? Book groups can be a great way to meet new people and talk about your reading. Here at Topsham we have three book groups on offer:

Great Books is a lively discussion group that has been meeting monthly for more than three years in the library's Conference Room, usually on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10.00am. They are currently discussing short stories taken from “The Seven Deadly Sins Sampler,” authors in this anthology include William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor and Margaret Atwood. If you are interested in joining this group, please call the library on (207) 725-1727 or email emma@topshamlibrary.org.

Like reading unusual and interesting popular fiction? Rare Reads is a new book group that meets on the fourth Thursday of every month and has two sessions, one at 10am and one at 6pm. You can attend whichever is more convenient to you. Can't make it? Join the discussion on the blog: rarereadsattpl.wordpress.com. You can also vote for the next book up for discussion on the blog or in the library! Registration not required.

Mystery Readers Roundtable is in its third year and will be meeting again on September, 25 at 3.00pm. Once a month, fans of the mystery genre gather over hot drinks and share their favorite crime novels and good company. From the cozy confines of Great Britain to the rocky coast of California, they have explored means, motive, and opportunity. Have a few laughs, investigate themes, and visit some very dark places. If this sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee) come and join the group. Registration is required for this one, so call the library or email tplinfo@topshamlibrary.org if you would like to join.