Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out with Jessica Sankiewicz

Hi everybody!!

I've been wanting to do the Virtual Read-Out ever since I first heard about it. Then every time Banned Books Week rolls around, something got in the way. This year? I wasn't going to let that happen. I made a plan and I was determined to follow through on it.

Banned Books Week means a lot to me because the idea of banning books is utterly ridiculous. I understand that not every book is going to be everyone's cup of tea. The problem is when one person's opinion tries to get in the way of OTHER people reading the book. There's nothing wrong with not wanting your child to read a book because of more mature content, etc., but when you're forcing the issue on all children, that's when you're crossing a line.

What can we do? Read banned books! Talk about banned books we loved!

I'm proud to *finally* present my Virtual Read-Out. I chose to read from Hold Still by Nina LaCour because it's one of those books that resonates. There's a lot going on in the story, and it's heavy, and heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I highly recommend it (you can even read my review here).

So, tell me--what do you think of Banned Books Week? What is your favorite banned book? Or books?

Banned Books Week: 30th Anniversary!

Banned Books Week has arrived!

Time to celebrate the freedom to read. This year it runs from September 30th through October 6th. You can read more about Banned Books Week here. Check out the frequently challenged books--click on the side to see the lists by year, author, etc.

I think Banned Books Week is great. Last year I read Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. This year I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I read it early so I could share my review with you this week.

Virtual Read-Out!

During Banned Books Week there is a Virtual Read-Out. People record videos of themselves reading a banned book. Authors and celebrities have participated. So can anyone else, including you and me! I was hoping to record one of me reading from a banned book, but it wasn't going to work out this year.

I promise that next year I will do one! Maybe you can too. ^_^

30 Years!

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Banned Books Week with me! Read a Banned Book. Participate in the Virtual Read-Out. Buy a Banned Book. Enter a Banned Book giveaway. Whatever! Have fun and have a wonderful day!

~Jessica