Once banned: Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

Post by Lindsay Kelly

Although “Banned Books Week” already passed, occurring from September 30^th to October 6^th, I still think it is a week that deserves due attention, particularly during an election season when we hear so much about the importance of free speech. It was started in the early 1980s in response to increasing attempts to monitor what books were being read in schools and made available in libraries.[1]

This list of books includes works that challenged the limits of what free speech entails, and for various reasons, were deemed too dangerous, too risqué, or too inciting to be read by the public. And perhaps surprisingly (or not!) some of these books are also some of the most influential books in the U.S. (as deemed by the Library of Congress):[2]

1) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

2) The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

3) Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

4) The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

5) Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

6) Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

7) Native Son by Richard Wright

8) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

9) The Color Purple by Alice Walker

10) The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

11) Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

12) Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Please share your thoughts about this list! Were you surprised by some of the works on here, or not??

Lindsay Kelly is a PhD candidate in English literature at the University of Maryland. She studies Caribbean literature and literature of the black diaspora, and some of her favorite authors include Amitav Ghosh, Edwidge Danticat, Michelle Cliff, Pauline Melville, and Gabriel García Márquez.

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Let me start this post by saying that no one loves the printed book more than myself.  But as I’ve said before, what really matters is the writing, regardless of the format on which it is presented.

I’ve been reading Dracula, the original by Bram Stoker, over the last couple of weeks on my Kindle.  I’ve enjoyed it so much that it occurred to me that I need to read more of the classics, and for some reason Charles Dickens popped into my head.

Over the course of the next minute and a half I visited the Kindle store, searched for Dickens, read a quick review of David Copperfield, and downloaded it for free.  All of that in just 90 seconds, and for no cost.

Now I certainly could have bought David Copperfield in any format.  I didn’t need it right away, and I could easily afford to pay full price for the latest edition by whatever publisher.

But think about the less fortunate reader, possibly someone living in a remote area, with limited means.  Whatever upheaval the digital revolution is causing for publishers and others in developed society, it can have a radical effect on the impoverished reader.

Instant access to the classics, all of them, free of charge, for everyone in the world, at any time or place.  That’s pretty powerful stuff.  Chalk one up for eBooks.

As always, please share your comments below…

Happy Reading!

I thought you might get a kick out of this widget that tests how fast you can read as compared to the national average (USA).  I’m not going to tell you how embarrassingly slow it graded my own reading speed, but it was a fun little exercise.

Interestingly, it also tells you how long it would take you to read various classic books, based on your speed test.

Anyhow, I hope you have some great reading planned for this week!

Please comment below, or contact us with your feedback.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO TAKE YOUR TEST!

Source: Staples eReader Department

I’m an old school book person, one of the oft-heard “I just love the feel of a book in my hands” kind of readers.  I do love the feel of a printed book in my hands, and I always will.

But I have to admit I asked my wife for a Kindle for Christmas, and she rose to the challenge.  I’ve been using my Kindle for over a month now, and I have to confess, I absolutely love it.

I know that plenty of you are thinking about a Kindle for yourselves.  And so, as a service to our readers, I offer the following:

5 Question to ask Yourself Before Buying a Kindle

1 – What do I read?

If you read mostly bestsellers, don’t expect a big price break on the cost of ebooks.  There is a misperception among book lovers that ebooks always cost less than the print version; this simply isn’t always the case, especially for new releases and bestsellers.  As an example, currently the new biography Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is $14.99 for the ebook and $17.49 for the hardcover (both on Amazon).

If, however, you read mostly classics or anything published before 1923, you’re going to love your Kindle.  You’ll find multitudes of free and ultra-cheap book downloads.  I’m a history nut, and was able to buy the 3,300 page History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire for $.95.  All of Jane Austen’s works – and pretty much all of the classics – are available for free.

Needless to say, if you read mostly magazines, children’s books, or rely on big color photos, you’re going to want the Kindle Fire.  Otherwise, save the money and opt for a lesser model.

2 – Do I need 3G?

The answer to this question depends on where you are physically located when you download your books, magazines or newspapers, and do you have regular access to free WiFi.

If you travel a lot and need your daily newspaper on time, then pay the premium for 3G model(s).  If you’re like me, you have a WiFi connection at home and only download content every once in a while, save your money and skip the 3G.

3 – Do I need any accessories?

The two big accessories to think about are a cover and/or a book light.  While a cover seems like a natural, especially for the frequent traveler, I suggest you use your new Kindle for a while before buying one.  After a few days with my new Kindle, I realized that I greatly prefer to hold it sideways while reading.  This could be really awkward – perhaps impossible – with a case.

And with all of the hoopla about the Kindle’s screen, which truly is magical outdoors in the sunlight, I always assumed the screen was backlit.  It’s not.  It needs an external lightsource.  If you read a lot on the go, or with questionable lighting, pick up a book light for your Kindle.

Note: The screen on the Kindle Fire works exactly the opposite of the other Kindle models: It’s great in the dark, but not in the sunlight.

4 – Do I really need the keyboard?

It takes up more space, and it costs more, so does it really make sense for you?  Do you really envision a lot of typing on your Kindle?  We all type a lot on our computers and phones, but for most users who simply want to read, the keyboard us superfluous.  For the little typing required, simply press one button to bring up a keyboard on-screen.  Most users can skip the keyboard.

5 – Do I really need it now?

The explosion in the digital book market means everyone – Amazon, Nook, Apple and countless others – are working on incredible new devices.  If you really need one, now is a great time.  If you’ve got tons of unread books waiting for you at home, then maybe you can wait.  As the holiday season approaches in 2012, and the next generation of eReaders unveil, you’ll be glad you waited.

Happy reading!

I’m thankful for quite a lot.  A wonderful wife, family, friends and our collective health.  Another awe-inspiring Thanksgiving day meal, turkey-shaped butter and all. I’m a lucky man.  But for the purpose of this blog, I’ll limit my thanks to the topic of reading.

A ran across this photo (left) a while back, taken some five years ago in my study at home.  My wife knows this scene well, and it reminds me of just how lucky I am as a reader.  With that as my backdrop, allow me to share my thanks…

I’m Thankful For…

• A bright reading light, that never tires of waking at 5am to illuminate my books.
• The perfect reading chair.  It’s not only great for reading, it’s equally effective for napping.
• A great reading blanket to keep me warm, especially during the above-mentioned naps.
• A hot cup of coffee to stimulate my brain for reading in the wee hours.
• A tired dog, always ready to nap at my feet – sometimes in my lap – while I read.  The photo above shows our beloved Astro, may he RIP, but there have been many over the years.  I’m equally thankful for Ginger, Stormy, Jake, Smokey, Murphy, Tobey, Jasper and Bandit for their tireless dedication to napping.  And even though Stormy (pictured below) was technically a cat, she really seemed more like a dog.
• A wife who also loves to read, puts up with my reading habits, and knows exactly when to turn the volume down on the TV without my asking.
• An amazing selection of my own books, in a room dedicated to nothing but my love of reading.  My biggest problem is narrowing down all of the choices to figure out which book to read next.
• Teachers who taught me to read at an early age, and the school librarians who supplied me with books.
• My parents, who share a love of the written word, encouraged my reading as a kid, and surrounded me with books.
• My local library and our public library system across the U.S.
• Great organizations like READ Global and Ethiopia Reads, which work assiduously to spread the joy of reading around the world.
• The growing legions of fans, customers, bloggers and partners who are making GoneReading such a success.  We’re just getting started, but thanks to you all we’re going to do a lot of good in the coming years.

Thanks for allowing me to share my gratitude.  I hope you’re fortunate enough, like me, to enjoy some wonderful reading this holiday weekend.

Be safe, and happy reading!

A little rant about books by GoneReading founder Brad Wirz

I find myself having the same conversations over and over these days. As a book lover, it’s frustrating that many people out there — at least those who don’t do a lot of reading — can’t predict the demise of books fast enough.

History is filled with famous book lovers, pontificating on their love of the printed word. But are books and book lovers still relevant in the 21st century?

Absolutely.

If you love to read more than the average fool, join me in educating everyone you know about these three misconceptions:

One: Books Are Going Away

This one’s a given, right? Nothing could be further from the truth. Books are evolving, for sure, and over time more books will be read on a digital screen than on paper. The definition of a book has changed: It’s not a pile of bound paper. It’s a long-form composition or literary work, regardless of the medium on which it is presented. A book on a Kindle is every bit as much of a book in hardcover format, just as Terminator is a movie whether you see it in the theater or on a DVD.

Two: Libraries Are Becoming Irrelevant

Anyone who claims this simply hasn’t been to a library recently. Libraries are busier than ever, as I was recently reminded by comments on this blog. Ask any librarian and they will tell you the digital revolution has spurred new interest and activity at the local library. Many libraries offer free Internet access, job training, free digital downloads, and overnight Kindle loaners, in addition to printed books, magazines and other valuable material. The vastness of written content has only increased our reliance on libraries and librarians to help find what we need.

Three: The Internet Replaces the Need For Books

It’s true that the Internet provides us with access to more information (and more misinformation, but that’s another article altogether) than ever before. But books offer much more than just information.

In this age of distraction, books teach us the dying art of focus.

Book lovers, in stark contrast to those who denigrate books, are long-term thinkers with the patience to work our way through lengthy works, difficult subjects, complicated plots, and hidden sub-text. We’re not distracted by the noise of the digital age, get rich quick schemes, or the need for instant gratification.

If you think about it, the world is mostly run by book lovers. Politicians and candidates, business leaders, teachers and parents continue to hone their skills with books.

Take Bill Gates, for example, perhaps the world’s best known proliferator of the Internet. Surely he’s moved on from books by now, right?

To the contrary, Gates is reputed to take twice-annual reading retreats, where he does nothing but read books for a solid week. Bill Gates, book lover, is living proof that even the Internet cannot replace the need for books.

So that’s my little rant on the most common misconceptions about books and book lovers. Tell your friends, and keep on reading!

Happy reading!

Thomas Jefferson: Book lover, bibliophile, and 3rd President of the United States

Several times each week we post a quote about reading from a famous book lover on the GoneReading Facebook Page.  What started as a nice little tidbit “on reading” for our fans has grown into an on-going, informal poll, earning “likes” from countless readers and bibliophiles around the world.

Our daily quotes have become so popular that we’re compiling the “likes” and “comments” from Facebook into a list of the Top 10 Quotes “On Reading” From Famous Book Lovers.

Beyond that, we’re actually using the quotes as part of our product development plans for the future.  Thanks to everyone’s participation in our poll, you might just see your favorite quotes printed on GoneReading merchandise in the future!

Our current leader is “I cannot live without books” by Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson, an avid book lover and collector, amassed a huge collection of books that he eventually sold to the federal government of the United States.  Even today you can view his book collection in person at the Library of Congress.

Do you have a favorite quote that we need to know about?  Please comment below, post it on our Facebook Page, or email it to us at quotes@gonereading.com!

Click Here to view our current Top 10 Quotes “On Reading”

Could a well-done soundtrack add to the reading experience?

One of the “selling points” for E-readers is their supposed ability to improve the reading experience by making it more interactive.  They could give readers the chance to access dictionary definitions to unfamiliar words, link to the author’s source material, or, yikes, show scenes from the book’s movie release.

Call me an old fool, but the book lover in me would find that distracting.  I don’t yet own an E-reader, so I don’t want to get too opinionated, but a Kindle sounds much more attractive to me for reading than an iPad.  The apps on an iPad could distract me to the detriment of my reading.

But I recently stumbled across this article in Salon.com that has intrigued this old fool.  A soundtrack, if done right, might just add richness to the reading experience.  After all, music does have an amazing ability to set a tone or mood.

Of course, doing it right would include the option to “mute” the soundtrack.  Quite often I read with some quiet music in the background, but sometimes I just need silence.

I suppose it’s only a matter of time before E-readers offer a soundtrack option for major book releases, and E-books will be sold with the respective rights to the music selected by each author.

What say you?  Is that something that might add to the reading experience, or would it distract you needlessly?  As always, share your thoughts by commenting below.

Happy reading!

Could we benefit from knowing what our candidates have actually read (or not)?

I was flattered when the website BlogCritics recently asked me to write for their “books” section. Although I’m not sure of my qualifications, I never turn down the opportunity to promote this blog or our philanthropic business at GoneReading.  What follows is my first article for BlogCritics, entitled “Hey Candidates, Whatcha Reading”.

You can read the original story below, or on their site here.  As always, let me know what you think by commenting below!

Original text from BlogCritics:

“Politicians are often known for the books they’ve written in the years prior to their candidacy.  Whether constructed as part of a campaign strategy or not, a successful book can launch a political candidate into new levels of the stratosphere.

But candidates who write for political purposes aren’t necessarily book lovers themselves.  All politics aside, I want a book lover in the White House.  I want bibliophiles in Congress.  Let’s put that tunnel between the U.S. Capital and the Library of Congress to work.

A recent article in The Daily Beast, which reportedly lists all of the books that President Obama has read since the last campaign, got me thinking about politicians and their reading habits.  A look into the reading history of candidates could offer a rich understanding of their persona, motivations, and world-view, without the filter of a speech writer’s spin.

So here’s my proposal to all politicians, the 2012 candidates in particular:  Show us your cards.  Let’s see what you’ve been reading.  Not just since the last election, but everything you’ve read as an adult.

I understand you won’t remember every book you’ve read; I certainly don’t. There won’t be any quizzes.  But just knowing the press might ask you some questions will keep you honest in the books you list for us.

One delicious aspect of my proposal is that I’m guessing some of these politicians have written more books than they’ve read.  They remind me of the airline passenger seated next to you who won’t stop talking.  All output, no input.  We know what politicians have to say, but a glimpse into their reading history will show us how they can listen (or not).

Years ago I set out to read the biographies of each American president, in chronological order.  I admit that so far I’ve only made it to Andrew Jackson, who served as President from 1829-1837.  I got sidetracked in the process because the biographers repeatedly mentioned the ancient writers who had influenced our presidents.

Over and over I read the names of Cicero, Pliny, Marcus Aurelius, Aeschylus, Plutarch, to whose writings I turned.  These ancients influenced the likes of Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison.  My presidential reading project sent me back 2,000 years, to the sources of the presidents’ greatness, giving me a more robust comprehension of our founding fathers.

Returning to the present, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the PR advisors to the current candidates aren’t going to like my plan.  But I say that’s hogwash.  If your candidate is worth his or her salt, a glimpse into their reading history is only going to bring that to light, and with new resolve and legitimacy.

You are what you read.  If the candidates want my vote, now they know how to earn it.”

Bradley S. Wirz, Founder & CEO

The rap on Hurricane Irene is that she didn’t quite live up to her billing. Hurricane coverage is on the wane, but the real story for millions on the East Coast is the multi-day power outages of up to a week (yikes!) in some cases.

There’s not a lot of fun with modern-day life in a world suddenly medieval. Fitful sleep to the cacophony of neighbors’ generators is just one of the many “perks” of living through a suburban blackout.

But I must admit, nearly the first thing I thought when the power went out was “Well, maybe I can get some extra reading in.”

Apparently others were thinking the same thing. On Sunday a friend without electricity texted an urgent plea for book recommendations: “We’ve got all day outside and the sun is shining; we’re just going to sit out on the back porch and read.” When was the last time you heard that?

GoneReading’s Facebook page echoed the sentiment: “Losing power is a great way to catch up on reading books!” one fan posted, while another chimed in “I had my book and book light at the ready”.

Parents are winning-out too. “Our power was out most of the day, giving us plenty of daylight time to read. Huge, as my high-schooler has one week to finish summer reading!”

Without power or Internet access, book lovers and bibliophiles are delighting in the new simplicity of reading-centered entertainment. The peace and quiet, lack of distraction, and singularity of focus afforded by a blackout can intoxicate the reader.

Case in point, I’m not sure I’ve ever been able to read as much as I have the last few days. I’m breezing through the final volume of Edward Gibbon’s History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, and my magazine pile has completely disappeared. My wife is re-reading Charlaine Harris’ entire series of Sookie Stackhouse books.

Can life get any better?

Our hearts go out to those who lost life or property from Hurricane Irene. But maybe a little hurricane-induced power outage every now and then isn’t such a bad thing. It gets us back to the things that really matter: Conversation, simple living, and some completely self-indulgent, limitless time for reading.

I’m enjoying it while it lasts, and secretly dreading the moment our power returns and we’re catapulted back to the 21st century.

Happy reading!

Have a hurricane related story for the book lovers, bibliophiles and readers among us? Please share by commenting below!

Bradley S. Wirz, Founder & CEO