Book Banning: a bit of a rant

For banned books week, the library where I live designated a special shelf with all the banned books and the reasons as to why they were either challenged or taken off the school education system. Some of the reasons were just downright crazy, and it just irked me so much. I decided to get it out and write a post; I already apologize for the rant.

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People who ban books. If you're reading this, I truly wonder; why do you do it? I really do wonder what your purpose is. Are you that incredibly sensitive towards these matters that once you find something that remotely offends you or ticks you off you'd just go ahead and lash out against it?

Who told you that you had the right to tell others what to read and what not to read? Who told you that you had that kind of power to take away something that others might find useful, interesting, or even just plain entertaining? Just because you didn't like something doesn't mean that everyone else won't like it. Just because you think it's inappropriate doesn't entirely mean it's inappropriate for everyone else. Just because you think you're right, doesn't automatically mean you are.
Did it ever come across your mind that, 'oh hey, maybe I'm just being an immature and close-minded person.' That maybe you're just ruining something for everyone else? Seriously, if you didn't like a book -- or a movie or whatever -- get over it. Go ahead and tell your kids not to read it or watch it, but leave everyone else alone. You can think for yourself, let others do the same.

On Lending My Books

I take really good care of my books, no matter what. I am very careful about them, making sure that they don't get any folds, stains, any kinds of creases, among many others. I've always been this way ever since I could remember, but this tiny case of obsession (I guess you can call it that) never stopped me from letting others borrow my books. Back then, I was everyone's library. If they didn't have a copy of a title, they'll ask me first before going to another source. It always made me happy when I'd able to lend a copy, as I feel like I'm spreading the "love for books and reading." Then, something happened a few years ago that changed how I view letting others borrow my books, and in fact, even made me scared to do so.

I let a friend of mine from high school borrow my paperback copy of 1984 by George Orwell. It was an old edition so it looked well-loved already, but it was still in pretty good condition. There were no creases on the spine.. no folds.. no anything. I let her borrow the book for a while, telling her she can use it as long as she needs it. About six months later, she decided to return it to me. She gave it back to me looking like this.

Yeah. I know. I wish I could have taken a before picture. I guess I was hoping that the least she could have done was to warn me of this.. err.. predicament. When she handed it to me, I tried really hard to smile and say it was alright, because I didn't want to come off as such a sensitive-book-brat. But I was genuinely beyond hurt and annoyed that she didn't consider what I'd think of what she did.

Her excuse was that she accidentally sat on it, and there was a little wear and tear. Is this what she calls 'wear and tear?'

Anyway, because of that situation, I think it's safe to say I have been traumatized for life. I don't trust my books with just anyone, and it means I trust them a lot if I do.

How about you? I really want to hear your side and your thoughts on this. What are your rules when it comes to lending books? Who do you lend it to? And if you have similar horror stories you'd like to share, PLEASE feel free, because I'd love to know that I am not alone with this. Here's me hoping all your books are in perfect and well-loved conditions!

"Best Seller Lists": a possible rant

Note: This post was actually inspired by a fellow blogger in The New Dork Review of Books, who is a wonderful writer. You can find his post with this particular issue here.

What does being in a bestseller list really mean? From what I know, it basically consists of titles of books that are -- for lack of a better word -- best sellers. In other words, "Which books get purchased the most?" But does being in this list define the quality of a book?

I notice that nowadays, most buyers and some readers do rely on New York Best Seller, National Best Seller, #1 Best Seller, etc for ideas and recommendations. This is totally understandable, as most of the time, the list provides help while in search for a good book. I think we all check out books that are in these lists because they do receive a lot of acclaim -- word of mouth included. It is after all, human nature to want to check out something that is popular, so we can see and judge for ourselves. These lists even become some sort of an aid for buyers to help them with their choice -- to give them options -- which is pretty convenient. This is perfectly fine. I too, choose from it. I even notice that most of the books I read do happen to belong in the list. And who am I anyway, to not read a book because they are there? Pretty ridiculous, if I do that, if I may say so myself.
But I guess my main point here is, I just don't like how there is a common misconception that:

Best Seller = Good Read

I'm not saying though that the books that are included are always bad ones and undeserving. (ahem, like The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown =P) No, not all of them are like that. Definitely not. Most of the time, there's bound to be great picks there. Some titles for example: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, among many others.
I guess all I'm saying is, I always have the urge to burst people's bubble -- and this brings me back to those days when I worked at a bookstore -- when I would hear (some) customers talk like this:

Customer1: *points to the novel* That's a good book.
Customer2: How do you know? Have you read it?
Customer1: No, but it is in the best seller list. It's got to be good.

At times, I know, I can't blame them. But you know what I mean...... right? ;)

I'm probably just rambling on and on with this, and most of the things I said probably are not even valid, but this just irks me sometimes. Maybe it's the 'assumption' that I find that I don't like. But then again, maybe it is just me being oversensitive.
But I'd like to hear your thoughts about this. If I have offended anyone though, I don't mean to do so at all. I am simply stating my opinion. Please feel free to let me know what you think :)

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown: a "review"

Warning: This review will in fact come off as a biased rant. I am not entirely apologetic about it.

I'll begin by getting straight to the point; I did not like this book, at all. Next, let me just say that I am a big fan of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. I really enjoyed those two, mainly because they were entertaining, intriguing, and interesting. In fact, I was such a fan that I bought this book on its release day, pre-ordered and all. So if you're wondering if I’m just hating on the book for my mere entertainment, I hope you know I'm really not.

Having finished the book, and feeling slightly -- a.k.a. VERY -- upset and annoyed with it, I decided to share to you a little "review." Basically, this is pretty much how I imagined Dan Brown’s notes to have looked like before and while he was writing The Lost Symbol. I’m pretty sure it looked something like this…

HOW TO WRITE MY NEXT #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER:

1. Start with a renowned expert dying a hideous and morbid death. *next chapter* The phone rings in the middle of the night, waking up our main character, informing him about sudden, shocking, unexpected events that just happened. Our protagonist would then need to take an unexpected flight to nowhere. Once destination is reached, he will then have to face hours of grueling mystery and dangerous adventures, uncover historic secrets, and solve the problem hand in hand with a bunch of random other characters…… or else.

2. DESCRIBE DESCRIBE DESCRIBE. (in full detail) Talk endlessly about main character’s brooding looks, clothing (turtleneck, Harris Tweed jacket, khakis, and collegiate cordovan loafers), six pack swimmer and water polo abs, and Mickey Mouse watch. (also: talk nonstop about how the other characters’ use their iPhones and Blackberry<– very important!)

3. Have different variations of these:

Character 1: A lot of people don’t know but ‘X’ can be seen throughout history.. even famous landmarks and monuments.

Character 2: I don’t understand what you mean…

Character 1 shows Character 2. For a moment there, Character 2 could not grasp what Character 1 meant. And then all of a sudden… *GASP* it dawned on him.

4. Talk about Christianity/God/Jesus/Catholicism/Buddhism/Muslim/ancient groups/secret orders/secret cults/science/The Bible, etc.

5. Add a beautiful, wealthy, sexy, smart scientist (aka love interest. gender: female) who has ground-breaking secret inventions, research, and experiments that could forever change the course of history!

6. Add a villain. Tall, freakish looking, psychotic, bald, and rich. (by the way, come up with smarter adjectives ASAP)

7. The Ending. Something big. Something crazy. Something drastic. Add a twist. Something inspiring. Anything jaw-dropping.

8. One last thing. Add cliffhangers in EVERY chapter. And then make the readers wait for the revelations. They don’t have to make sense. They don’t have to advance the plot, or count for anything.They just have to be shocking!

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1.)Write about 500 pages to satisfy my editor’s requirements. 2.) End it with a bang (talk about faith, hope, OR even love. I don’t know and I don’t care what it is as long as it is inspiring)

NOT-SO-IMPT NOTES:

Just copy/paste from previous novels if lost. Nobody will notice.

END LIST.

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Consensus: Personally, I thought it was boring, lengthy, dragging, uninspiring, and completely unnecessary. Believe me, I really wanted to love this one. But it pretty much failed on so many levels. Please don’t waste your time.