When a Memoir is Suspect: International Literary Movement

I was raised by anglophiles. I was raised by bibliophiles.

There was a suspect passion for books by Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie. This is not something I brag about, but gives me hope for everyone who reads racist literature during childhood. We can outgrow the stuff.

The English have provided inspiration for a literary movement in the U.S. which I learned about thanks to facebook, but which is receiving plenty of attention in "conventional" communities, print media, et cetera.

They did this to Tony Blair's book and I think we should do the same here.

People are moving the new book by (sic) George W. Bush to the True Crime section of bookstores and other sections which are not "Memoir".


It's a very small gesture in the grand scheme of things. Is it an unkindness to bookstore workers ? Is it censorship ( as one high school friend of mine suggested )?

There are photos that people have taken of the book in its new settings. I find the photos pleasing to the eye. I am heartened by the awareness of kindred spirits all over the world.

I have no idea what Marsha Z. West or Grace Paley would think about this.

I think Harold Rogovin would have had a good laugh.

Rhett Jones could have gone back and forth. He had great sympathy for popular struggles, for civil disobedience and for creativity.

Thank you, Creative Literary Movers !

Friends of Rochambeau sponsor Writing Contest for Kids, ages 10 to 17

It's the METAMORPHOSIS Writing Contest based on Franz Kafka's story of that name. Here is the link.:

http://www.provlib.org/happening/news/pressreleases/pr060208.html

"All entries will be judged by author Ryder Windham".

I'm encouraging my son and his schoolmates to participate, and as far as I can tell there's no residency requirements. If informed otherwise, I'll certainly clarify that.

There may be a website for the Friends of Rochambeau. Rochambeau is one of the larger branches of the PPL. It is less endangered than many as it experienced a costly renovation not many years ago. They hold some major book sales and other wonderful events. Please visit the link below for the Library Reform Group.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Today both the Newbery and Caldecott Medals were announced, and no, my Mom won neither ( she writes children's books, for those of my readers who are not relatives!).

The winner of the Caldecott Medal is Brian Selznick's historical novel which with large illustrations of great detail and depth. I adore this book.

Here's the link for the American Library Association / Caldecott Medal page.

http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal.htm

Thank you for your patience with my inability to post even a small photo or image. I am making progress. Once I was a confirmed luddite.