Thursday, September 21, 2017

Friday Fun: Good Food, Banned/Challenged Books & Authors I'd Like to Meet--or Not

A couple days ago I started reading Teresa Messineo's The Fire by Night for an upcoming book tour. I could not resist this one after reading the blurb.

 Snippet from Goodreads Summary:  
 A powerful and evocative debut novel about two American military nurses during World War II that illuminates the unsung heroism of women who risked their lives in the fight—a riveting saga of friendship, valor, sacrifice, and survival combining the grit and selflessness of Band of Brothers with the emotional resonance of The Nightingale.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

She was cleaning his wound now, patting at it with gauze in the half-light, washing it with the cold water she had boiled earlier, still sitting in its freezing teapot. He kept getting the gun between her and the light. Exasperated, she grabbed the Luger from him--but just to thrust it back into his other hand, pushing both up against her head. "There, fine, shoot me if you have to, but just stay out of my light." [56% from uncorrected proof, e-copy of The Fire by Light]
She certainly has moxie, doesn't she? It may seem a bit reckless on her part to grab the gun away from him and give it back, but given what she's been through and where she is in that moment . . . I would say she doesn't have much to lose. At least, she doesn't think so. As a result, she resorts to the one thing she does have control over. Putting her nursing skills to use.


What do you think? Is this a book you would continue reading?

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Each week Maureen from Maureen's Books asks participants to share a favorite on the weekly designated topic.

This week's topic is my favorite restaurant.

I am not really sure I have a favorite restaurant. Red Robin perhaps because I love their Whiskey Barbecue Chicken Wrap. Or it could be Romano's Chicago Pizzeria, whose pizza I have been favoring lately. Even my daughter likes their pizza, which is saying something because she hates almost everything. Then there is Don Jose's (now Rodrigo's, although I haven't been there since they changed their name), when I'm in the mood for some good Mexican food. Joe's Italian Restaurant is a favorite place to take out of town guests who like Italian food. It's on the smaller side and plays the old oldies-- and it is a nice cozyatmosphere.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? 

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Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

In regards of Banned Books Week (www.bannedbooksweek.org/), what are your favourite books that has been banned or challenged?

A few years ago for Banned Book week, I read a novel by Laurie Halse Anderson called Speak. The book had a profound impact on me. I saw myself in the main character Melinda. It was like looking at myself in a mirror, despite our circumstances being somewhat different. Parents over the years have challenged the book, calling it pornography (Melinda is raped) and arguing that it deals with too difficult issues such as bullying, depression, rape, and harassment which they believe aren't suitable for their teens to read about. And yet these are very real issues our kids face. Pretending they don't by not letting them read about it, can have the opposite intended effect. Had this book been around when I was in school, would it have changed anything for me? Maybe not. But at least I would have known I wasn't alone.

On a less serious note (sort of--because trying to ban books is just wrong), I couldn't help but think of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, which have been accused of glorifying witchcraft. The fear is that these books will lead our children to practice real-world witchcraft. I adore these books. In fact, I love books about magic in general. I have since I was a child. My daughter likes to play pretend and will cast spells and such. Those against Harry Potter would likely call me a bad parent. Let them. I like to cast spells alongside my daughter. This last time, we turned the cats into a prince and princess.

Another favorite, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has been banned in multiple places over the years, believed to be anti-religious, anti-Christian, and promoting witchcraft. Anyone who knows Tolkien's history knows how ludicrous this is. The author, in a letter to his friend and fellow writer C.S. Lewis, acknowledged that The Lord of the Rings (and The Hobbit) had elements and themes of Christianity throughout. He himself was a devout Catholic.

It makes me sad and angry that in today's day and age books still face being pulled off the shelf because someone feels threatened by a book that goes against their personal beliefs. It is one thing for a person to choose not to read a book him or herself--or even to make that decision for their own children. It is an entirely different one when someone wants to take that choice away from everyone else.

Next week I will be focusing some on banned books for Banned Book Week, including children's picture books, including one by Dr. Seuss that is a household favorite.

What about you? What are your favorite banned or challenged books?

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Everyone has a favorite and then we also have something we dislike. Like a coin, there are two sides to every question. Each week, Carrie at The Butterfly Reads and Laura from Blue Eye Books ask participants to list what they like and don't like about that week's topic.


This week's topic is Author You'd Most/Least Like to Meet

Author I would most like to meet:

I can think of a number of authors I would like to meet: Juliette Cross, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Neil Gaiman, Sue Grafton, Karen E. Olson, Lisa See, Stephen King, just for starters. But if I have to chose the one I most want to meet, that would likely be J.K. Rowling. Not only has she demonstrated that she is a brilliant story teller in multiple formats, but she also seems like a smart and courageous woman. She has come a long way in her life to make her dream become a reality. She stands up for what she believes and is not afraid to speak her mind. I have a lot of respect for J.K. Rowling, not only as a talented author, but also for the person she is.


Author I Would Least Like to Meet:

Whereas it was hard to narrow down my list of authors I would most like to meet, I found it particularly difficult to come up with ones I would least like to meet. I can think of a few people who have written books on the political spectrum I would like to avoid like the plague, but I really didn't want to go there. So, instead, I am taking the easy way out. The author I would least like to meet (at least for the sake of today): J.D. Salinger. Not just because he is dead and either a) I'd have to be dead to meet him or b) he would be a ghost and there's no telling if he would be a friendly one. No, I simply would not want to meet him because he likely wouldn't want to me. Or anyone for that matter. He was a recluse for a good part of his life. And as such, I would respect his desire for privacy.


Which author would you most like to meet? How about least? 


 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

57 comments:

  1. Hi Wendy!

    The book beginning/blurbs of the Fire by Night makes this sound like a very enjoyable read. Totally Moxie!

    Here's mine: https://alternative-read.com/2017/09/22/tgif-friday56-read-with-instagram56-bookbeginnings-thetasteofbluelight-by-lydiaruffles-followfriday/

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Sassy Brit - I am really enjoying it so far. The author pulls no punches about how ugly war is. Thank you for stopping by!

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  2. I've got The Fire By Night in one of my book piles, as I like novels set during WWII. And I totally agree about banned books!

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    1. Catherine - I like to read WWII novels too. I hope you like it when you get to it! Thank you for coming by!

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  3. Is sounds like a good book. And I don't really have a favorite restaurant, but I have a few a prefer. Bob Evans, AppleBees, and La Tonlteca.

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    1. Lisa - I'm glad I am not the only one who doesn't necessarily have a favorite restaurant. I had the chance to eat at a Bob Evans for the first time while on the East Coast this summer, and was impressed with their menu.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I'm shocked at times when I've learned a book I loved has been challenged or banned. Sometimes I think it could be a good thing if it drives kids to read that particular book. I don't think I could pick a favorite.

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    1. Kathy - You make a good point. I know when I was growing up, I was more likely to want to read a book that was being challenged or had been banned. I still am that way. :-) Thanks for visiting!

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  5. I'm going to have to get Fire by Night simply because it's WWII era fiction. I'm a sucker for WWII era fiction. And you are absolutely spot on about banned books, I look forward to your more in-depth post about them.

    Have a great weekend. - Katie

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    1. Katie - I hope you do read it, Katie! I say that although I haven't finished it yet. I'm assuming it's going to continue to be as good as it's been so far.

      Thank you for visiting, Katie!

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  6. I am drawn to The Fire by Night...love that era, and the opening lines were great.

    Even though I haven't read the Harry Potter books, I've seen several interviews with J. K. Rowling, and think she's amazing.

    When you mentioned Red Robin as a favorite restaurant...I remembered how I haven't been in a long while, and there is one right down the street! I used to take my grandkids there...but now they're too busy to go out with Nana. LOL. I could go on my own, though..might just have to do that.

    Thanks for sharing, and here's mine: “THE HEIRS”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I think you would like The Fire by Night.

      I think J.K. Rowling is amazing too. She's a great role model, I think.

      I hope you get a chance to visit your local Red Robin! We don't go very often, but I do enjoy their wraps and Freckled Strawberry Lemonade.

      Thank you for visiting, Laurel-Rain!

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  7. The Fire By Night sounds like the kind of story I adore. I'll be reading it for sure.
    My Friday post features Half Broke Horses.

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    1. Sandra - I hope you do read The Fire By Night! Thank you for stopping by!

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  8. I have never heard of Speak before, but I agree with you.

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    1. Shannon - I hope you get a chance to read it someday. It's worth reading. Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. It is always surprising which books are banned and the reasons cited. I'm fine with parents monitoring the books their children read, being aware of the content and able to discuss issues presented--but not with schools or libraries pulling books from others because of the personal beliefs of a few.

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    1. Jenclair - I find it interesting too. Sometimes the reasons seem to come completely out of left field.

      I think you said it much more succinctly than I did, but yes, that's exactly how I feel too.

      Thanks for visiting, Jenclair.

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  10. Thanks for your interesting answer to the Blog Hop question.

    I am finding so many things out this week.

    ENJOY your weekend.

    Happy Hopping!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Blogger Hop

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  11. Sounds like a powerful read! Happy weekend!

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    1. Freda - It is proving to be! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great weekend too.

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  12. I knew JK Rowling would be on this list somewhere lol
    She's just too popular.
    Thanks for linking up.

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    1. Carrie - I couldn't resist. :-) Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Lisa - Wouldn't it? I would probably embarrass myself and not be able to speak, but it would be awesome. :-) Thanks for visiting!

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  14. I loved reading the Harry Potter series and I've never read Speak. Sounds interesting though!

    Here’s my Book Blogger Hop!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog

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    1. Ronyell - The Harry Potter series is great. :-) Thanks for stopping by, Ronyell!

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  15. Oh my gosh! I didn't know Speak was banned! I loved that book!

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    1. Erica - It still irks me that someone called it pornography. Only in a twisted mind, maybe. It's a great book. I think it should be required reading.

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  16. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on the banned books.

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  17. Yummm.. Pizza. I love pizza. Haven't eaten a lot of pizza lately. Sounds difficult that your daughter doesn't like a lot of food.
    Harry Potter banned because of gloryifing witchcraft.. I've heard about that. It makes me so angry!! Some people are just stupid.
    Thanks for joining my favorite and visiting my blog! ;)

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    1. Maureen - I love pizza too. Probably too much. LOL It does make it difficult that my daughter is such a picky eater. At least she eats?

      I've also heard people say that Harry Potter is satanic, but those types of people tend to think anything having to do with magic is satanic.

      Thanks for visiting, Maureen!

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  18. Those who agree with the banning of Harry Potter would probably class me as an unfit parent for my kid LOVES Harry Potter, the Hobbit and many many others that are 'banned' or 'questioned' and I couldn't care less! lol

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    1. Nicola - You and I can be unfit parents together if that's the case. :-) My daughter loves Harry Potter also. She hasn't been introduced to the Hobbit yet, but I'm sure that's coming. Thanks for visiting!

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  19. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on The Fire by Night, Wendy.

    I really don't understand why certain books are banned just because of some personal views of some readers. In fact, I think it might have an opposite effect as readers might either seek them out out of curiosity or as a form of support.

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    1. Melody - So far I really like it. I am confident that will remain the case. Yes, tell someone they can't read something and they are often more likely to get curious and want to see for themselves. Thanks for visiting, Melody!

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  20. I would definitely continue reading the book. I do like books set in WW II era. Sounds excellent.

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    1. Yvonne - I really enjoy the setting in novels too, and so far, I am liking this one. I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  21. Oh, "The Fire By Night" sounds SO good!! I have always been interested in WWII stories, and this one sounds particularly compelling, as it focuses on the courageous contributions of women in the midst of all the fighting. And that quote! WOW. That certainly took a LOT of courage! Adding this one to my GR shelves! Thanks!

    It just so happens that we have a Red Robin here in Miami, too, and it's one of our favorite restaurants, as well! We love their lettuce-wrapped Smoky Jack burger, and we order it with cole slaw. We also LOVE their onion rings! YUUUUM!!

    GREAT answer to this week's BBH question, Wendy! While I don't agree that certain books should be made available to children (and younger teens) in school libraries, I do agree that it's ridiculous to say that the Harry Potter books will lead kids to practice real witchcraft. Heck, the spells in the books don't work in the real world! Lol. There are other things in the books that are more disturbing, though, such as the severed hand in the potion to revive Voldemort. I would say that older teens should read these books.

    As for "Speak", I do think this book merits an exception. The issues it presents are indeed issues that high school kids -- even younger ones -- deal with in real life. So I do think that this book should be in high school libraries.

    YAY on your choice of author to meet!! I would LOVE to meet her myself!! This woman has an AMAZING imagination, and is, as you say, not afraid to speak her mind. She recently tweeted against Trump, and her tweet was priceless: "You little, little, little man." LOL. She is very wealthy, but donates most of her money to charity. What a GREAT author to meet!! AWESOME choice!! :) :)

    I agree on your choice of J.D. Salinger, but because I HATED "The Catcher In The Rye", which I had to read in high school. I would like to re-read it now, though, to see if my opinion would be different at this point in my life.

    Since Salinger is not available to us, I would then choose Stephen King, as I don't like the horror genre. However, I wouldn't mind discussing his nonfiction book, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft", which is about the writing techniques. This book has gotten rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It would be fascinating to discuss it with the author! So, in that case, meeting him would be great!

    Thanks for all of your answers, Wendy!! Hope you and your family have a WONDERFUL weekend!! HUGS TO YOU AND MOUSE!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)


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    1. Maria - The Fire By Night is very good. The author shows the war in all its glory--the blood and violence and desperation. It really goes to show just what these women had to endure.

      We don't go to Red Robin often, but I do enjoy going when I get a chance. I love their Freckled Strawberry lemonade.

      I actually really liked Catcher in the Rye when I read it in high school. It was one of my favorites back then. I would love to meet King. He's such an intelligent man and he and I see eye to eye on a lot of social issues. I would love to get him, Neil Gaiman and J.K. Rowling together.

      My daughter loves the Harry Potter movies and we watch them frequently. I'm looking forward to reading the books with her in the next couple years or so.

      Have a great rest of the weekend, Maria!

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  22. P.S. And thanks for commenting on my BBH post!! <3 <3 <3 :) :) :)

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  23. I love WWII fiction and The Fire by Night sounds AMAZING! Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend! :)

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    1. Ashley - So far it is! I am loving it so far. I hope you are enjoying your weekend too. Thanks for stopping by!

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  24. The Fire by Night sounds very good. I have heard of the book Speak before. It's crazy the books they ban isn't it? Especially in this day and age. All the best books have been banned, it's ridiculous. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a favorite by Maya Angelou, and it was banned. So was Fahrenheit 451 another favorite classic.
    When my daughter was little, she loved reading the Junie B Jones books, those were banned too lol. She had so fun reading those and we'd read them together.

    How amazing would it be to meet J.K. Rowling? She's an inspiration. I'd have to pick Stephen King. I'd least like to meet Georgette Heyer actually, I really like her a few of her classics, but then I found out she was racist and it just put me off to her work. I saw her books differently then.

    Enjoy your weekend! September is almost over can you believe it?

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    1. Naida - Why the Caged Bird Sings is an amazing book. I have so much respect and admiration for Maya Angelou. I always chuckle about Fahrenheit 451 being banned given what it's about. But it's not really a laughing matter, is it?

      Junie B. Jones made it to my list for Tuesday's topic. :-) I know another blogger who doesn't like the books at all, but I'm curious to see what I think. My mom's experience with them was relatively positive when she was teaching.

      Yes, J.K. Rowling is such an inspiring woman. I adore her. I came close to picking Stephen King. He is such a smart man and, like, J.K. isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes. I think being able to meet with both Rowling and King at the same time (thrown in Gaiman for good measure) would be awesome. I haven't read anything by Heyer. I can understand how you could be turned off of her books after finding out she was a racist. I try to keep the art separate from the author's behaviors and opinions, but sometimes it is really hard to do. I feel that way about Marion Zimmer Bradley and Orson Scott Card.

      I hope you are enjoying your weekend too. I am not ready for September to end. I'm really not. Haha.

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  25. I do like the sound of the book that you are reading. I haven't read a lot of banned books but I have read a few. I agree with you in that I do not like it when other people think that they can decide what other people should be reading.

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    1. Carole - It's really good so far! I'm always surprised by the books that end up on the banned and challenged books lists. It's so sad. Thank you for visiting, Carole!

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  26. I LOVED The Fire By Night! I chose it for a book talk over the summer and again for one I'm doing in November. Hope you enjoy!

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    1. Steph - The Fire by Night was really good! I think it would make a great discussion book.

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  27. Wendy, I'm a HUGE fan of J. K. Rowling, Tolkien and Seuss, for sure! And I "get" the witchcraft thing (I actually know at least one girl who grew up on the books and very seriously wanted to become a witch/wizard), but for books to have that kind of influence, it has to do with what is or isn't present in a kid's life BEFORE they read the books that dictates something like that. I actually wrote a post on this that you might enjoy (which I can't remember if I mentioned it you lol https://writersideup.com/2014/09/26/up-a-free-harry-potter-download-in-honor-of-banned-books-week/), AND I'll be writing a post on a Seuss issue (not banning) at some point, too. Banning is wrong 'cause no one should decide for others something like that.

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    1. Donna Marie - Thank you for the link to your post about book banning! You raise some very valid points. I know rating books has come up before, or even trigger warnings. It's a good idea in theory, but putting it all in place would be quite a challenge.

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    2. Oh, definitely a challenge and it would take several years, I would think, but so do many things. I see it as the only fair and balanced answer/compromise. It'll never happen so it doesn't matter anyway, I guess :-\

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  28. I'm so against banning any book, but particularly for teens - they are at the point in their lives when they are already learning about the world and its ugliness. They need books that bring these things to them in a way they can relate to and that make things easier to understand.

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    1. Lisa - Yes! That's how I feel too. I couldn't agree more.

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