Frequently Asked Questions
How did you pick books to review?
I found books to review by looking at required readings lists from public and private schools in our area and nationwide. Then, I started with the books I was interested in. I plan to add more as time permits. I do not plan to review what most of us should agree are classics. Although they are filled with profanity, sexuality, violence, and substance abuse (Oedipus the King, anyone?), I’m assuming that most people have either read them themselves at the behest of a long-ago English teacher somewhere, or aren’t interested in them in any event. Instead, I plan to focus on contemporary literature.
Will you recommend books?
No. I am not going to review books in the traditional sense. As stated, I am not going to offer opinions about whether the book is good or whether it is appropriate for certain-aged kids. One reason I am avoiding that is that there are many other excellent sites already doing that. The other reason is that this year’s book controversy made it clear that parents' ideas about what is appropriate vary wildly.
What is your mindset?
I want to give interested parents the information they need to decide whether to delve further and read the books themselves. I believe parents should be informed about their kids’ education and make decisions about what is appropriate for their own children.
What method do you use to review books?
Because parents seem to be concerned mostly about (in varying degrees) sexual content, language, drug and alcohol use, and violence, that is my focus. I will also do a brief description of other items people might want to know about, like reincarnation, witchcraft, and so forth. Each review will provide a breakdown of whether and to what extent each element is present. I will try to be as comprehensive as possible (I actually keep a tally sheet by me when I am reading), but I am human, and I will certainly miss things. Also, you might be worried about things that I don’t even think to notice. Again, there is no substitute for parental review. Also, let’s be honest, some books are so filled with graphic language, sex, violence, or all of the above, that after a bit, there is no point in keeping track. After all, many of these books are intended for upper high school and college classes. They are, by definition, mature books. If that is the case, I will quit keeping my tally after a reasonable number of occurrences and just label it “Graphic.”
Can I give input on the books reviewed?
Of course! Please do. The more people who provide comments, the better this site will be. I ask, however, that you be respectful of others both in terms of your submissions and your reactions to the submissions of others. This is intended to be a place for reasonable, respectful interactions and I will do my best to keep it that way.
Didn't see your question here?
Feel free to ask.
I found books to review by looking at required readings lists from public and private schools in our area and nationwide. Then, I started with the books I was interested in. I plan to add more as time permits. I do not plan to review what most of us should agree are classics. Although they are filled with profanity, sexuality, violence, and substance abuse (Oedipus the King, anyone?), I’m assuming that most people have either read them themselves at the behest of a long-ago English teacher somewhere, or aren’t interested in them in any event. Instead, I plan to focus on contemporary literature.
Will you recommend books?
No. I am not going to review books in the traditional sense. As stated, I am not going to offer opinions about whether the book is good or whether it is appropriate for certain-aged kids. One reason I am avoiding that is that there are many other excellent sites already doing that. The other reason is that this year’s book controversy made it clear that parents' ideas about what is appropriate vary wildly.
What is your mindset?
I want to give interested parents the information they need to decide whether to delve further and read the books themselves. I believe parents should be informed about their kids’ education and make decisions about what is appropriate for their own children.
What method do you use to review books?
Because parents seem to be concerned mostly about (in varying degrees) sexual content, language, drug and alcohol use, and violence, that is my focus. I will also do a brief description of other items people might want to know about, like reincarnation, witchcraft, and so forth. Each review will provide a breakdown of whether and to what extent each element is present. I will try to be as comprehensive as possible (I actually keep a tally sheet by me when I am reading), but I am human, and I will certainly miss things. Also, you might be worried about things that I don’t even think to notice. Again, there is no substitute for parental review. Also, let’s be honest, some books are so filled with graphic language, sex, violence, or all of the above, that after a bit, there is no point in keeping track. After all, many of these books are intended for upper high school and college classes. They are, by definition, mature books. If that is the case, I will quit keeping my tally after a reasonable number of occurrences and just label it “Graphic.”
Can I give input on the books reviewed?
Of course! Please do. The more people who provide comments, the better this site will be. I ask, however, that you be respectful of others both in terms of your submissions and your reactions to the submissions of others. This is intended to be a place for reasonable, respectful interactions and I will do my best to keep it that way.
Didn't see your question here?
Feel free to ask.