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stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
Read this one in honor & celebration of Banned Books Week (which was celebrated in early October in the US). Celebrate your freedom to read!
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned
Overall, I think the topic is important & I enjoyed reading about the various contributors as much (or perhaps more than) the various writings/art that were included. Much of the writing is straightforward, raw, real -- about prejudice, love, hate, understanding, misunderstanding, uncertainty, & certainty... the road of life. A few pieces stood out above the others; much more was the style of what you would read in a high school or perhaps college-level literary magazines. I think the feelings & topics encompassed are the impact of this work (vs. the actual writing/art itself). As far as it having been a "banned" work -- really, it's not explicit. Yes, there is cursing, there is reference to queers (and many other terms, much of which is included in a glossary), to loving others. But, explicit? No. Filled with love, rage, anger, triumph, the good & bad? Yes.
Personally, I would love to hear a follow-up on the writers & artists in this book to see how life is going for each one of them a dozen years after the publication of this anthology.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned
Overall, I think the topic is important & I enjoyed reading about the various contributors as much (or perhaps more than) the various writings/art that were included. Much of the writing is straightforward, raw, real -- about prejudice, love, hate, understanding, misunderstanding, uncertainty, & certainty... the road of life. A few pieces stood out above the others; much more was the style of what you would read in a high school or perhaps college-level literary magazines. I think the feelings & topics encompassed are the impact of this work (vs. the actual writing/art itself). As far as it having been a "banned" work -- really, it's not explicit. Yes, there is cursing, there is reference to queers (and many other terms, much of which is included in a glossary), to loving others. But, explicit? No. Filled with love, rage, anger, triumph, the good & bad? Yes.
Personally, I would love to hear a follow-up on the writers & artists in this book to see how life is going for each one of them a dozen years after the publication of this anthology.
erikathered's review against another edition
4.0
As a queer youth activist, I found this collection to be inspiring and empowering. I will say, though, that the book reveals its age at times - especially in its language (I cringed every time I saw the term "transgendered" or "transgenderist" or "transsexual"). I also feel the collection suffered from inconsistency in writing quality, probably due to Sonnie having an insufficient pool of writers to draw from. Nonetheless, much of the writing - particularly the poetry and some of the biographical writing - was simulaneously relateable and informative, and I left the book feeling more inspired and empowered than ever to pursue my activist goals.
rrrrj's review
4.0
One thing that struck me - considering the censorship that this book has faced - were the multiples entries concerning libraries. A child of lesbian parents defending Daddy's Roommate against censorship, a teen looking for information on sexuality in library and only finding a scientific study on homosexuality in cows, and two strangers who use graffiti on a library desk as a lifeline. How, after reading in young people's own words about the role that libraries could play in their self-discovery, could someone take this resource out of their hands?
The banning of this book (and yes, it was successfully banned in at least one school) is particularly heinous to me for a few reasons. Unlike other resources for queer teens, this book is told in young people's own voices, and it very intentionally highlights voices of young people of color, immigrants, trans people, people of diverse faiths and people with disabilities. It's also out of print and impossible to come by in bookstores. Get it on Amazon (unfortunately) before it's gone.
The banning of this book (and yes, it was successfully banned in at least one school) is particularly heinous to me for a few reasons. Unlike other resources for queer teens, this book is told in young people's own voices, and it very intentionally highlights voices of young people of color, immigrants, trans people, people of diverse faiths and people with disabilities. It's also out of print and impossible to come by in bookstores. Get it on Amazon (unfortunately) before it's gone.
hollowspine's review
5.0
"Revolution begins in the heart." Amy Sonnie's anthology of young writers from across the world and spectrum give an awesome representation of that quote. Even though this anthology was published 15 years ago back in October, 2000 it still rings true, both to the inspiring experiences discussed, but sadly also to the fact that in the face of growing awareness there remains a growing hatred.
It was also great to read a multicultural collection and gain a perspective different from my own within a community I still don't quite understand myself. I would recommend this for anyone, especially those who work in a public community setting to help with understanding and providing safe and prideful support to everyone.
My favorite parts of the anthology, strangely for me, were the sections of poetry, which were political, humorous and satirical and cutting. I especially liked, America's on Sale by Olsen, which despite being 15 years old still rings true today (unfortunately). I had to get this from Inter-library Loan, but I'll correct that soon! This is something I believe should be owned by any place of public education and I'd recommend as required reading for any student or educator.
It was also great to read a multicultural collection and gain a perspective different from my own within a community I still don't quite understand myself. I would recommend this for anyone, especially those who work in a public community setting to help with understanding and providing safe and prideful support to everyone.
My favorite parts of the anthology, strangely for me, were the sections of poetry, which were political, humorous and satirical and cutting. I especially liked, America's on Sale by Olsen, which despite being 15 years old still rings true today (unfortunately). I had to get this from Inter-library Loan, but I'll correct that soon! This is something I believe should be owned by any place of public education and I'd recommend as required reading for any student or educator.
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