Review: A Monk Swimming

A Monk Swimming by Malachy McCourt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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The Story of Woke Won't Rest

 The story of the recent pulling of the book Woke by Mahogany L. Browne from the shelves of Martin Elementary School in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Apparently, this was done after a single parent complained about the book in the spring of 2023. It was only reported public just a few weeks ago. 

What also infuriated many was the secrecy. It was pulled with only a recommendation of a still unnamed committee without anything said to the public. It was reportedly in an attempt to keep others from trying to ban other books. It was only after a report in the Boston Globe by Christopher Huffaker that it was made public. The public uproar was quick and did have results. A short time later the book was returned to the school by Superintendent John Antonucci acknowledging the error. 

There have been calls myself and others about how this happened in the first place. 

The book has also inspired a run on the book at local libraries and stores. I noticed this too when trying to locate a copy. I finally did find one outside the local library network on Cape Cod. It inspired North Attleboro attorney Stephen Clapp to give out free copies of the book after he also had problems locating a book. I applaud his efforts. 

Thanks to all who made the effort and speak out against this politically inspired attempt to ban this book. We must be vigilant against these attempts. It didn't work here but unfortunately in other places, it has worked where librarians and school officials have been harassed and stressed by what is usually a very vocal minority. Attempts to ban should not be left uncontested nor done in secret. As always support your local libraries. 

Book Review: Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice - Mahogany L. Browne/ Elizabeth Acevedo/Olivia Gatwood

 

Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a being a target of book banners at a local school library, which thankfully was reversed, I thought I'd check it out. When trying to find it at a local library they it was already checked out and so were all the others in their network. I had to go outside the local network, about 40 miles away, so much for trying to denying others to see it.

The book itself has vibrant colors and is beautifully illustrated. The poetry is touching, enlightening and inspiring. Even as an older adult I found the book compelling. It seems in the current political environment some find talking about race, minority, LGTBQ and handicapped are offended or made to feel uncomfortable, sometimes that's the point. The poetry here is meant to be joyful, educational and inspiring.

I highly recommend this book for everyone of all ages, even those that are uncomfortable.

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Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon

 

Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's hard to describe this book. It's one that I wanted to like very much because it's John Lennon. It had a strong start with a brief autobiographical story of John and Yoko's beginning in the late 60s. I'd take volumes of that. He could write clearly, concisely, and with his trademark wit. I couldn't say that for most of the book though. It seemed that the words were English but the sentences were scrambled. It was difficult to decipher storylines or plots if there were any. His wordplay was sometimes humorous and perhaps to some had a point. Drawings were simplistic and crude. I'm sure some would find a point to the stories but I couldn't for the most of the time. I had to push my way through this. John was a legendary songwriter but I don't feel book writing was anywhere close to it. The only other part that seemed to clear was the afterward by Yoko Ono which was touching and done out of love. I'd only recommend this to diehard Beatles and John Lennon fans.

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