So, today I live in NYC, and walked out in the world, to see how it was doing after the storm. I live in one of the areas seemingly least affected, with the power never having gone out, no flooding, and a minimum of destruction. So the people were out in force - re-stocking on groceries, getting coffee, eating pizza. And going to the bookstores. Every bookstore within walking distance of me that was open was filled with people on all levels, people browsing, bringing their kids to browse, or to pick out a new book or toy.
It was busier than when I had ventured out on Sunday, when before I shopped for groceries and other hurricane supplies, I went to the Strand to buy some cheaper used books for when I thought the lights would go out.
Being from California originally, I'm used to storms and blackouts, but not hurricanes. The closest I ever came was a huge storm that hit Northern/Central California a few years back. I was living in Santa Cruz, and got just over the hill from the SF Bay Area right before they closed the freeway due to bad weather and falling trees. When I got to Santa Cruz, power had been blown out over most of the city and the campus was shut down for safety. Power didn't come back on for a day or two, and it stayed storming.
I got through the nights of that storm with friends - going to the one pub in town with gas stoves, and drinking beer and eating greasy food by candlelight, then playing sardines in the dark by flashlight.
But the days I got through with Jane Austen. No internet, can't go outside - I sat in the living room with the most light, and lit some candles to reduce eye strain as the unseen sun set. And I got through the storm with Jane Austen.
Again, as with pretty much everything, Jane Austen isn't for everyone - but for me, it was one of those things that because I was forced to read it in the high school setting, I dismissed and didn't like Austen at first. Then, out of curiosity and boredom, I tried Pride & Prejudice again. Now it's one of my favorite books - and Austen is my go-to for being trapped, alone in the dark in a storm.
The world of these books is far removed from the one I live in - no electricity, matters of gossip and manners and marriage raised to utmost important. It's a time when candlelight is ubiquitous, and entertaining oneself is dependent on being able to endure solitude, to not be bothered by a room in silence, and conversation with people you don't like is an art. Most importantly - the books are always hopeful. Written at a time of rampant classicism and patriarchy, the books undoubtably have their issues of classicism, feminism, racism, and worse. But they also place utmost value in sincerity and honesty, in intelligence and integrity, and always have hope that those that are good will end well, and those that are otherwise will get what they deserve.
It's about having hope, and having hope and faith in yourself and your beliefs (no matter how secular or mundane) be rewarded.
And what better to have by your side in the dark and stormy night, but a candle and a stack of books full of hope and love?
Stay warm and safe and dry through the night.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Banned Books Week 2011
Welcome to the end of Banned Books Week!
This year's Banned Books week has taken place from September 30 - October 6 of 2012.
If you don't know, for some reason, Banned Books Week is an annual national celebration by schools, bookstores, libraries, and others in favor of free speech, specifically by celebrating and promoting banned books.
The Huffington Post has published this article (and sparkly interactive graph!) of the ten most challenged books of 2011, and the reasons why they have been banned.
I unfortunately have to admit that out of these 10, I've only read (along with just about everyone else) the Hunger Games books - but you can be sure this handy list just got added to my pile.
Most of the books that are most popular, most prolific, that last the longest and are recognized to have the most cultural value end up banned by someone at some point or another. Harry Potter shaped the dreams and vernacular of an entire generation. Salman Rushdie had a jihad declared on him for the Satanic Verses.
Books are important for how they connect and affect people - even the ones who haven't read them. Reading what's been banned and making our own decisions about them connects humanity together, and breeds tolerance, dialogue, and understanding. Think about it the next time you read a banned book.
This year's Banned Books week has taken place from September 30 - October 6 of 2012.
If you don't know, for some reason, Banned Books Week is an annual national celebration by schools, bookstores, libraries, and others in favor of free speech, specifically by celebrating and promoting banned books.
The Huffington Post has published this article (and sparkly interactive graph!) of the ten most challenged books of 2011, and the reasons why they have been banned.
I unfortunately have to admit that out of these 10, I've only read (along with just about everyone else) the Hunger Games books - but you can be sure this handy list just got added to my pile.
Most of the books that are most popular, most prolific, that last the longest and are recognized to have the most cultural value end up banned by someone at some point or another. Harry Potter shaped the dreams and vernacular of an entire generation. Salman Rushdie had a jihad declared on him for the Satanic Verses.
Books are important for how they connect and affect people - even the ones who haven't read them. Reading what's been banned and making our own decisions about them connects humanity together, and breeds tolerance, dialogue, and understanding. Think about it the next time you read a banned book.
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