Sexual, blasphemous, atheist, magical, anti-racist and feminist, or just too rooted in scientific reality — which books, From the ridiculously licentious Fanny Hill to the sublimely path-breaking Origin of Species — have raised the ire of a school board or other authority? The ALA (American Library Association) has lists of books people have tried to get ousted from libraries and schools and they might surprise you. [Read more…] about Big Beautiful Sexy Banned Books
Books
Indian academic calls women writers whores but women wield their pens undaunted
The recent public remarks by an Indian university vice chancellor, Vibhuti Narain Rai, that Indian women writers are no better than prostitutes (chinaal) has unleashed a (well-deserved) storm of controversy and (appropriate) demands for his resignation.
In the name of everything matrilineal, and human, this is the stuff of feudal history. [Read more…] about Indian academic calls women writers whores but women wield their pens undaunted
Is Jane Austin your Homegirl?
We came across this reading challenge on The Book Buff in honor of Jane Austin.
Have you read Jane Austen’s books a million times? They are amazing, but do you crave more? This is the perfect challenge for you, this challenge is to read as many Austen inspired and Austen spin off books as you can before the challenge ends at the end of July, 2011. I am a huge lover of giving out free books, so participating in this challenge gives you a chance to win books!
So, rather than agreeing to marry someone you do not love, or going to dull parties filled with dull party-goers concerned with only seeing and being seen and then marrying dully but well, perhaps you could spend some time with a good book or twenty (there is a list).