WSJ, I disagree.

I wasn't going to do this. Seriously, I wasn't.

So, as you should know by now (really, it's everywhere!) the Wall Street Journal published an "article" on Saturday that provoked some pretty strong reactions from YA readers. I won't recap the article just because I think it's a lot better if you and read it for yourself. Basically though, the article in question is entitled Darkness Too Visible: Contemporary fiction for teens is rife with explicit abuse, violence and depravity. Why is this considered a good idea? I think that says it all.
I was talking to a friend yesterday on Facebook and I shared the link with her. She shared her opinion on it with me and I just wanted (with her permission, of course) to post it for your viewing enjoyment. Here we go:

I wonder if the writer of that realized how ridiculous it was while they were writing it. I mean, I'll admit; the only book I've read that they mentioned was "The Hunger Games," but still. These books weren't written to scar readers; they were written to educate people on how some of this really happens and how they can try to better it or help someone who is going through it. It's not as if someone who writes a book about someone cutting is trying to make readers cut themselves; they write it to show the emotional suffering a person is going through and how people around them can help, and/or maybe even prevent this kind of stuff from happening.
Novels are written to enrich a person's mind, and these novels were written to show this kind of stuff happens in society. And what's more is that the older generation is constantly complaining about how the younger generation doesn't read books enough anymore. If it gets this kind of reaction to books, what are we supposed to do? Ignore that these kinds of things happen to people? Society isn't picture perfect and never will be. We can try to help it as much as we can, but we need to educate ourselves on these issues. And how else are we going to do that without reading? The article said itself, there's some "ghastly stuff" on the Internet.

Another thing; this is supposed to count as journalism? Journalism is supposed to be written from an unbiased perspective - this seemed pretty biased to me.

That's it. Now comes my part. 

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Okay, first of all, this woman couldn't find anything but "vampires and suicide and self-mutilation" on the shelves? Really. You cannot expect me to believe that this bookstore didn't stock any light contemporary suited for a thirteen-year-old. If that's what you want your children reading, great! Give them Meg Cabot or Ally Carter - both wonderful authors with wonderful books.

This whole argument about how things in the past were so much better than they are now because books like ones today didn't exist makes no sense to me. People were always being murdered and raped, teenagers always suffered from depression and anxiety and eating disorders. The only thing that has changed is that now these people have more means of support and comfort - by this, of course, I mean novels. 
Books that go into the darker topics help people every day by showing them that they are not alone in their struggles and that maybe, someday, everything will be okay. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and we can rise above the challenges we face - however big or small.

I am a teenager. That does not mean I am ignorant or impressionable enough to kill someone because the main character in a book is a murderer.

I am young. I can think intelligently and formulate my own opinions and viewpoints. Please don't talk down to me like I don't understand.

This whole article just felt so condescending to me. Let's not disregard the value of the books that were mentioned.

The real thing (one of them, anyways) that gets to me though, is the bundle of comments made against Scars by Cheryl Rainfield. Please do not go against this book - you have no idea how powerful it was to me when I first read it. Not because I'd been through anything remotely similar - my life is wonderful and I am so, so lucky to have the family I do - but because that's the kind of novel it is. It's the book that makes you step outside your sheltered little bubble and think and want to do something. It was my first venture into novels like that and I am so glad I decided to pick it up.

Has the author of this article done any research at all? I was shocked and angry to read what she had to say about this book because it isn't some made-up nonsense designed to haunt readers' every waking moment. It is all based on the suffering Cheryl Rainfield went through as a child and teenager. That "horribly scarred forearm" on the cover belongs to the author. Obviously, she has not written this book to "trigger a sufferer's relapse." These books are written for the complete opposite!

The thing is that the world isn't sunshine and daisies. Is it so ridiculous to have books focusing on rape when 1 in 4 women in North America are sexually assaulted sometime in their life? 17% of girls under 16 have experienced some form of incest. 83% of disable women are sexually assaulted.* These statistics are horrible and scary but true. Isn't it important that these people have as many ways of possible overcoming these struggles as possible? I think so.

In regards to banning books, I get it. People want to protect children and shield them from the books that can terrify and harm them. I have no problem with that! Do it for your children. Sit down with your children and tell your children what they can and cannot read. Have an open discussion about it! Don't tell other people's kids what to read and what not to read though. You can parent your children, and your next-door-neighbour can parent theirs.

Oh, and the suggested reads on the sidebar - WHY IS THAT DIVIDED BY GENDER? I feel like I've stepped into a time machine.  

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The statistics used in this post were found on this website.
* The last two stats are for women in Canada.

In My Mailbox (1)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren which gives bloggers a chance to share the books, swag, etc. that they've received each week.
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I feel like there should be some dramatic music playing right now as I venture into my very first IMM. I kind of obsessively like to check out other people's IMM posts so I've finally decided to do one of my own.

So, yesterday morning, my mailbox exploded (well, for me, anyways). My dad comes into the house with like a million brown packages with my name stamped across them and I like was like "YAY! HAPPY FACE!" Here's what I got:

(Sorry for the weird quality. It was really blurry since I took it with my iPod and then I had to brighten it to make it visible. Clearly my editing skills could use some practice.)

My horrible editing skills aside, ISN'T THIS AWESOME? I know that for some people, this is nothing, but I thought it was fabulous. Don't be expecting something this cool every week, guys.

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting is a book that I got from the library. I really loved The Body Finder so I was thrilled that this one came in!

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney was gifted to me as a R.A.K. from Ann over at Annabell's Book Nook. Thanks, Ann! I didn't know what you were sending me but I love it and I'm so excited to start reading.

White Cat by Holly Black was also gifted to me through the R.A.K. program. This one came from Memrie whose blog can be found right over here. I loved White Cat and it's fantastic to finally have my own copy. Thanks so much to Memrie!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick is another library loan. I have been dying to read this one ever since I finished Hush, Hush so I'm glad that I'll finally get a chance to do so.

Entwined by Heather Dixon is a book that I won as part of a big prize pack from Elaina over at New Reading Mania. I love the original story this book is based on and the cover is stunning. This one will be proudly displayed on my shelf!

Die For Me by Amy Plum is another part of that prize pack I was talking about. I've heard such good things about this one so I'm really excited to dive into it. Thanks, Elaina!

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins is the last book from the Elaina's prize pack. Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? I haven't read Hex Hall yet but I've heard nothing but praise. I actually gave it to a friend for her birthday so I may have to steal it back to read it now ;)

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain is yet another library book (I think I have 30-something out right now). I haven't heard too much about this one other than it focuses on werewolves but that enough makes me want to read it so, hopefully I like it!

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell (thank you, library) looks like some really good historical fiction. I don't read too much historical but I've generally enjoyed the ones I have read. I've also read some really positive reviews by people I trust about The Vespertine so I'm interested to see what it's about (because I really have no idea at the moment).

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson - yeah, I still haven't read this one. It was actually supposed to have been taken away from the holds shelf and shipped off to another location because I took too long to get it but for some reason or another, it was left behind. I don't mind! I can't wait to read this one. The premise sounds awesome and I already love Maureen from Twitter (WSJ, anyone?).

(Not pictured e-books)
Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa - What do I even need to say? I haven't read this yet but WHEN I DO..! I can't wait for more Puck!

Legacy by Cayla Cluver is an e-galley that I got through Net Galley. Again, this one in historical, and it looks wonderful! I haven't heard too much about it but once I read the summary, I knew it was something I would be interested in.

So, that's all the books I got this week but I did receive some swag.

Cari over at Cari's Book Blog was having a random Twitter trivia and giveaway session and I managed to score that awesome The Body Finder tote bag. All I knew when I won was that I would be getting a tote bag - when I opened the package (or rather, my little sister did, thanks very much, Anita) I'll admit that I screamed a little.

Finally, a while back, I won a bookmark based on The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter from Marissa at Novels on the Run and it is PRETTY. Thanks, Marissa!

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C'est la fin.

What'd you get in your mailbox?

Let me know because I wasn't really kidding when I said I stalk people to see what books they get each week. Don't worry though - I'm a friendly stalker! That leaves comments! Sometimes!

Need by Carrie Jones

Need by Carrie Jones

Source: Library
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 306

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

Need is a novel that started off a little predictable to me but ultimately turned out to be something that I enjoyed reading. I liked the second half of the book a lot more than the first, so I have high hopes for the sequel!

So, I'll start off with the main character, Zara. I liked her, she seems like the kind of girl I'd want to hang out with. She collects phobia names like you wouldn't believe (more on that later) and spends her free time writing out urgent action letters for Amnesty International. The only real problem I had with Zara, and other characters as well, was that I felt like there was so much more to her character that could be explored and was just left untouched.

Zara's (step)father has just died and although we're told that she is inconsolably upset about this, I couldn't feel her anguish or pain at it. It is something that is supposed to have died down, but still. I know that if it was my dad, I wouldn't be getting over it that quickly. I think that's the main issue I had with this novel. I wanted to know more about everything - the characters, the pixies, the weres - all of it.

One of the coolest things for me in this book were the phobias. Essentially, the phobias make up the chapter titles and frequently make their way into Zara's thoughts. She obsessively memorizes them and being the huge nerd I am, I found it pretty awesome to read through them all and go tell other people about them (they didn't care, but thanks for asking).

Like I said earlier, the second half of the book was a lot better for me. The pacing was quicker and I felt like it started getting really interesting. I did end up liking the book in the end, I just felt like it had the potential to be better. Hopefully the second book will do the concept justice!

Cover Comments: I don't know... when I saw it online, I thought it looked really pretty. The physical copy I had looked a little weird though. It might have just been the library copy though, which was pretty old and worn. It bugs me that it's a shot of Zara's neck! When I see necks on covers, I automatically think "vampires," not pixies and weres. I do like the sparkle though (seriously, someone should just do a plain black cover with words and sparkles and I will be pleased).

Booking Through Thursday (10)

This week's Booking Through Thursday question is...

Do you read book reviews? Whose do you trust? Do they affect your reading habits? Your buying habits?

Of course I read book reviews! I love seeing how other people feel about a book and knowing the specific details that made them love (or not love) a book. I trust... a lot of people. There are a lot of blogs that I read regularly. As for my reading and buying habits: in a way. I don't think it's ever really just one review that makes me rush out and buy a book, but if I see that a lot of people love it and post reviews that make me excited for it, I'm a lot more likely to go buy that book than one that I've heard nothing (good) about. If I see a book that someone I trust really loves though (even if they're the only one!) I'll usually put it on hold at the library.

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of the event is to spotlight the upcoming releases that readers are most looking forward to.

This week, I've chosen...

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: June 7, 2011

Can there truly be love after death?
 
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
 
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.

I haven't read a lot of ghost stories, at all. It's not because I don't like them - the opportunity has just never presented itself. Hereafter looks like a really interesting story and I've already read many positive reviews. Plus, that cover is just gorgeous. I love the combination of blue and yellow and how they made Amelia's body look.

What are you waiting on this very sunny Wednesday?

Cover Revealed: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Earlier today, Julie Kagawa revealed the cover for her upcoming novel, The Iron Knight on her blog. Just in case you missed the reveal, here is the final cover!

The Iron Knight will be released October 25th by Harlequin.

WOAH. *sigh* Wow. *sigh* This is definitely a cover that induces 'wow's and sighs - I lovelovelove it! I love the blues that were used and the fonts and the swirls... it's all so pretty. I think this is my favourite cover for Julie's books yet - and that's saying quite a bit! Kudos to the art department over at Harlequin - keep doing what you're doing!

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

Source: Library
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 366

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Oh, dystopians! I don't see myself getting tired of you for a very long time. Matched turned out to be just the read I was hoping for with likeable characters, interesting relationships between them and that crucial focus on how a person chooses to live their life.

Cassia is a character that I easily connected with and although I didn't agree with all of her decisions, I still respected what she tried to accomplish. I really liked the fresh dynamic between the two love interests, Xander and Ky. There is an ocean of love triangles out there right now, but I liked that Xander and Ky weren't friends, per se, but kind of challenged each other in a way that makes you wonder what exactly they are.

Something that stands out for me, especially towards the end, was how much I liked Cassia's family. It's no secret that I like families that stick together and protect each other. Cassia's family does exactly this. They all do what they think is the best for the family and I found it interesting how different that sometimes was.

Ally Condie has a beautiful writing style. It was easy for me to lose myself in the story and just go where it took me. It's not a very action-packed story at all, which is something that may be a problem for other readers. Personally, I didn't mind at all. The story was interesting enough to me even when it wasn't full of high tension, edge-of-your-seat goodness.

To sum it all up, Matched was a story that I really enjoyed. The wait for Crossed is on!

Cover Comments: I really love it. It's simple and pretty, and the symbolism of Cassia trapped in a bubble is glaringly obvious.