The Book Stacks

The buzz around the internet today is about Harry Potter. Rather, about Dumbledore from the Harry Potter books. As writer for The Book Stacks, I feel I should weigh in on this.

At a reading of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows at Carnegie Hall in New York, with one thousand grand prize winners (of Scholastic’s Open Book Tour Sweepstakes) who had “plus one” written on their invitations eagerly listening, J.K. opened the floor for a question and answer session.

One of the questions asked was this: Did Dumbledore, who believed in the prevailing power of love, ever fall in love himself?

In a move that gave one more reason for anti-Harry Potter people to hate the books, J.K. announced that she had always thought of Dumbledore as a gay man.

Gasp, horror, shock? No. Wild applause, according to reports of the event.

First off, good on the people who applauded for showing not everyone hates gays and lesbians.

Secondly, I, like Dave, wish J.K. would have put something more solid in the books. At this point, revealing that information could just be shoved off as one more thing to gain Harry Potter some press before the whole phenomena dies down too much. (That was my first conclusion when I heard the news.) What better way to stir up a fuss than by declaring a much loved character gay?

Like Aurora, I would like to ask, ‘Who cares?’ Yet, I think about it, and I do. You read about the incident of my book being burned, yes? Well, if I had any Harry Potter books, I could kiss them goodbye as well after this announcement. That’s why I care and why I’m glad Rowling was open and relaxed enough to reveal this information. I think how people take this information – even if they liked Harry Potter before this – will reveal a lot about their character. So thanks to you, J.K., for - if nothing else - using your influence to stand up for being open-minded.

Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Dumbledore, coming out, gay, homosexuality, news, books, New York, Carnegie Hall

Well, folks, this is it. Among other things, you have until midnight (Pacific Time) tonight for your last chance to make me write the poem that is the forfeit for A Book By Any Other Name. Last call for everything, really.

I started this blog a year ago, back when 451 Press was just starting out. It seems to me that there were about 20 of us in the beginning. I applied for a music blogging position, and casually mentioned that they obviously needed book bloggers. Surprise! Look what they offered me. I wasn’t too sure that I could do it, but I was glad to prove myself wrong. Now, one year later, I find that I am a professional blogger who is soon to be blogging for my day job, too. I have really enjoyed our conversations here. A special thank you goes out to Keith, who was my very first commenter. Comments are the life blood of blogs. They help you know that you’re not talking to a vacuum. So, thanks to all of you who have commented. You’ve made me feel welcome here. And that’s just cool.

I don’t know what else to say, really. I’ve enjoyed the Favorite Books and Reading Spots, the links and the book suggestions. Be sure to give JM a warm welcome when she starts next week. She was one of the other folks that started when I did, so I’ve had a year to read her blogs. She will do a fabulous job. (When she publishes a book, I’ll be glad to write a guest review so that she doesn’t have to write it and review it.) Be sure to stop by and check out my other blogs: Watching Doctor Who, Silliness.org, and the blog for the Fremont Main Library once it appears in a month or so (Library Time.)

As one of my best friends always says: Peace, Love and Other Indoor Sports (like Table Tennis) to you.
-Elisa

Did you know:

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China (1931) for portraying animals and humans on the same level.

Four members of the Alabama State Textbook Committee (1983) called for the rejection of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl because it is a “real downer.”

Gulliver’s Travels was denounced as wicked and obscene in Ireland (1726).

James and the Giant Peach has been challenged at the Pederson Elementary School in Altoona, Wis. (1991) and at the Morton Elementary School library in Brooksville, Fla. (1992) because the book contains the word “ass” and “promotes” the use of drugs (tobacco, snuff) and whiskey.

Le Morte D’Arthur was challenged as required reading at the Pulaski County High School in Somerset, Ky. (1997) because it is “junk.”

The Lorax was challenged in the Laytonville, Calif. Unified School District (1989) because it “criminalizes the foresting industry.”

Where the Sidewalk Ends was challenged at the West Allis-West Milwaukee, Wis. school libraries (1986) because the book “suggests drug use, the occult, suicide, death, violence, disrespect for truth, disrespect for legitimate authority, rebellion against parents.”

Where’s Waldo? was removed from the Springs Public School library in East Hampton, N.Y. (1993) because there is a tiny drawing of a woman lying on the beach wearing a bikini bottom but no top.

Harry Potter tops the list of the most challenged books of the 21st century.

Celebrate your freedom, and remember to join me tomorrow to talk about your favorite banned books.

Information sources: The Forbidden Library & ALA

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Gulliver’s Travels, James and the Giant Peach, Le Morte D’Arthur, The Lorax, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where’s Waldo?, Harry Potter

These days we think of book burning as something that happened in some unenlightened time that was certainly before now. JM over at Fiction Scribe has encountered book burning first hand. The people who have her books could have given the book they found offensive to someone else (even though it wasn’t theirs), but they chose to burn it instead. Read her story and get outraged on her behalf.

Fiction Scribe

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday List. Before I begin, I would like to let you know that another famous author has left us. Robert Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., has passed on at the age of 58. The author of the Wheel of Time series was taken from us by a rare blood disease. Mr. Jordan, you will be missed.

Reminders: I am still accepting submissions for “Favorite Reading Spots,” with or without photos, at this time. So why not send me yours?

The Monday Game (a.k.a. A Book By Any Other Name) has begun anew. The goal is currently 53, and the forfeit is now a poem. Stop by and check it out!

Have you been reading anything interesting lately? Please comment and let me know. And now, my current list:

Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott - I’m reading along at Fiction Scribe. Sadly, I’ve fallen behind. I will catch up, never fear.

Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern - All this time I’ve been thinking that I’m skipping a generation and turning into my Nana. Nope. The mere fact that I have checked out this book from the library proves that I am, in fact, turning into my Mum.

Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley - Anything to make my place a bit cleaner. This mess is making me mental.

Doctor Who: Creatures and Demons by Justin Richards - I’m on page 58. I need more time to read.

Mental_Floss (Sept./Oct. ‘07) - I love this magazine. Almost done!

Oh, hey! I would like to remind you all that The Book Stacks is up for a Blogger’s Choice Award, so if you would be so kind as to pop along and vote for me, I’d be much obliged.

Tuesday List, Robert Jordan, Wheel of Time, Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott, Organizing from the Inside Out, Julie Morgenstern, Sink Reflections, Marla Cilley, Doctor Who: Creatures and Demons, Justin Richards, The Book Stacks, Blogger’s Choice Award

Near the end of last month in the Qingpu District of Shanghai, east China, an 8,000-square meter library on the water opened its doors. It was built on the Xiayang Lake and it has many amenities, including the view. Check out the article for more pictures of this interesting new library.

To begin with, I would like to point out that according to AmyD over at Watching Gilmore Girls they are going to begin filming a sequel to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie this summer. I wonder if they are doing a film version of The Second Summer of the Sisterhood or just a film sequel. Well, unless Ann Brashares happens to pop by with the info (or anyone with the info, really) I guess that we’ll just do the usual wait and see.

And, The Book Chronicle has finally announced the winner of the Litty for Best Kidlit Litblogger. And the winner is: Christian Children’s Book Review! Congrats folks! The next award is scheduled to be: Best Litblogger and they are quick to point out, “no, this is not the Best Litblog ultimate nomination – we’ll just determine the best persona behind all of those marvelous blogs.” This is the first one for which I might actually be in the running. I hope that they have a “Best Random Litblog” category, though. I might actually give some folks a run for their money on that one.

Watching Gilmore Girls, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Ann Brashares, The Book Chronicle, Litty, Best Kidlit Litblogger, Christian Children’s Book Review, Best Litblogger

Hello all. I got a few interesting links and bits of information for you today. To begin with, Saturday is the last day of National Library Week. Have you celebrated yet? Get out to your local library and check something out (no, checking out the Librarian doesn’t count.) You may be surprised by the wealth of events and variety of items available. (Okay, I’ll get off of my Librarian soapbox now. Moving on.)

Lyndsey over at Lez Keep it Real posted an interesting article about books for the gay and lesbian community yesterday. She offers some great suggestions for books to curl up with during this randomly chilly spring. So, stop by and check out what she has to say.

I am happy to announce that Writers Unbound finally has a new author by the name of Jason (although I am told he is sometimes called the Professor.) Please stop by and welcome him to 451Press. That way, you will have a chance to read what he has to say about Fight Club, Pulp Fiction, and his newest published work.

And finally, please remember to vote for this blog in the Blogger’s Choice awards. Thanks!

National Library Week, Lez Keep it Real, Writers Unbound

Guess what? J.R.R. Tolkien has a new book coming out on 17 April 2007! The Children Of Húrin takes place six thousand years before the destruction of the one ring, in a time when Middle-earth is under the shadow of the Dark Lord, Morgoth. This book is the result of the tireless efforts of Mr. Tolkien’s son Christopher, who has spent the last thirty years working through all of his father’s unpublished drafts and background notes. (Christopher Tolkien has previously presented parts of his Father’s vast quantity of unpublished work in a series called The Histories of Middle-Earth.) The Children of Húrin was compiled with a minimum of editing from several drafts. Alan Lee has also contributed some new art to this book. May I just say…I am *so* there! I loved The Lord of the Rings, and I have a few of The Histories of Middle-Earth. I must own this book.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Children Of Húrin, The Histories of Middle-Earth

Well, of all the strange and cool things to happen. The Book Stacks has been nominated in the first annual Litty Awards from Book Chronicle. There are 35 different Litbloggers that have been nominated for 12 different awards. So, if you get a chance, you might want to pop by and check out the other nominees. I’ve got a lot of stiff competition. So far, my favorite blog name on the list is: Chicken Spaghetti.

The Book Stacks, Litty Awards, Book Chronicle, Litbloggers, Chicken Spaghetti

In case you have somehow managed to avoid the information deluge today (I swear that I received at least 3 emails on the subject), the release date for the final Harry Potter book has been revealed. July 21, 2007 is the day. You should have no trouble pre-ordering a copy, if such is your desire. I bought the last book at midnight in a grocery store, myself. I got the book before that at one of those bookstore parties. So, are you planning to pre-order, wait ’til the last minute, borrow it from a friend, or don’t care? I haven’t decided what I’m going to do this time around. I am quite excited, though. (If you would like continuing coverage of all things Harry Potter-related, I recommend Hogwarts Herald on this blog network.)

Harry Potter, Hogwarts Herald

Sidney Sheldon, author of many best-sellers and a few screenplays, died Tuesday of complications from pneumonia. Some of his better known screen plays are: “The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer” (for which he won an Academy Award), “Easter Parade,” and “The Patty Duke Show.” Apparently, he still holds the record for “the world’s most translated author,” as his 18 novels have been translated into 71 languages. His books often featured strong women as characters. Perhaps this is why they remain so popular? His legions of fans will miss him.

Source: Yahoo News

Sidney Sheldon

Congratulations to the winners of the 2007 Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Awards! At ALA’s recent Midwinter Meeting in Seattle the following books were honored:

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature:

Winner: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

2007 Newbery Honor Books: Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm, Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, and Rules by Cynthia Lord.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:

Winner: Flotsam by David Wiesner

2007 Caldecott Honor Books: Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford and Kadir Nelson.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

Winner: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

2007 Printz Honor Books: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; v. 1: The Pox Party by M. T. Anderson, An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Surrender by Sonya Hartnett, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Not enough awards for you? There are a bunch more listed on the ALA’s Award Press Release. Enjoy!

Source: ALA Award Press Release

John Newbery Medal, The Higher Power of Lucky, Susan Patron, Newbery Honor, Penny from Heaven, Jennifer L. Holm, Hattie Big Sky, Kirby Larson, Rules, Cynthia Lord, Randolph Caldecott Medal, Flotsam, David Wiesner, Caldecott Honor, Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet, David McLimans, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Carole Boston Weatherford, Kadir Nelson, Michael L. Printz Award, American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang, Printz Honor, The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; v. 1: The Pox Party, M. T. Anderson, An Abundance of Katherines, John Green, Surrender, Sonya Hartnett, The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

The IMDB has a listing for a film version of The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The fabulous Freddie Highmore is listed as playing the twins, Jared and Simon Grace. This film is due in US theaters 15 February 2008. As usual, this leaves me wondering how close to the books the movie will be. In this case, I would like to know specifically how many of the books this movie will cover. There are currently 5 books in the series, plus a Field Guide, Notebook, and The Care and Feeding of Sprites. Here’s hoping that the film reflects some of the art style of the book’s illustrations. Oh! I just noticed that Andrew McCarthy is listed as being in the film, but no word as to which character he plays. (I used to have such a crush on him.) Well, I haven’t read this series yet, but it looks like I’ll be adding them to my list. I’ve got a year. I can do it.

The Official Spiderwick Chronicles Website: http://www.spiderwick.com/

The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black, Freddie Highmore

Richard Carlson, author of several books about stress-free living, died Wednesday on a flight to New York. Cause of death appears to be cardiac arrest. His newest book Don’t Get Scrooged: How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant and Downright Mean-Spirited People came out last month, and he was travelling to promote it. Mr. Carlson was 45.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

Richard Carlson, Don’t Get Scrooged